Gátova
The municipality of Gátova, which covers an area of 30.4 square kilometres, is situated on the western edge of the Sierra Calderona range, which descends towards the Mediterranean Sea, to the east of the Cuevasanta and Alcublas mountains and within the anticline initiated by the Sierra de Javalambre range and which continues through the Sierra de Andilla range, together constituting the foothills of the Iberian System. Its entire territory lies within the Sierra Calderona Natural Park. Situated between the provinces of Castellon and Valencia and the administrative regions of Alto Palancia and Camp de Turia, it lies 43 km from Valencia, with access via the Olocau-Gátova-Altura road.
Gastronomy:
Notable dishes include paella, cabbage stew, and traditional dishes made with extra virgin olive oil produced locally from “serrana” olives. Cured sausages, sweets and pastries, honey, etc., are also produced. In addition to the typical dishes, other dishes include “tortas a la “calda” de sardina” and, above all “olla de col” (cabbage stew). Typical sweets include “mona de pascua”, which is prepared at Easter, sweet potato cakes and pumpkin shred.
Places of interest:
Gátova is located in the heart of the newly-declared Sierra Calderona Natural Park, and as such its natural resources are the most important heritage it possesses. Excursions through landscapes full of charm and beauty, a large number of natural springs (“Alameda”, “Rebollo”, “El Tormo”, “Vallejo”, “Iranzo”, etc.), with mineral-medicinal properties, peaks and viewpoints (“Gorgo”, “Águila”, “Piezarroya”, etc.), combined with visits to historic sites such as mills (“Ceja” and “Cachumbito”) and the Piñel aqueduct. The 18th-century parish church consists of two buildings made with masonry work and lime mortar, with lateral chapels between each buttress. The central nave has a barrel vault, whilst the side chapels have vaulted ceilings. The sacristy is notable for its flat structure.
CRAFTS
Of the scant traditional craftwork still carried out in the municipality, mention may be made of chairs made from esparto. Local traditions are perhaps best represented in the local cuisine.
Festivities:
The festival of Saint Anthony is held on the weekend closest to the 17th January. Events include a dance in the square, the blessing of animals and distribution of snacks, wine and “rolls”. There are bull-running festivities during the third and fourth weeks of July. The first weekend of August sees the celebration of the Immaculate Conception, with festivities in honour of unmarried women, whilst during the third weekend of the month celebrations are held for Saint Raphael, in honour of unmarried men. Both festivities include processions, fireworks and dances. The festivities in honour of Benisanò’s patron saint, Our Lady of Mercy, are held on 23rd, 24th and 25th September.
