History

The Moslems called it Al-Qasr. In fact, no record of any settlement exists prior to this period. From the 12th century until its eventual conquest halfway through the 15th century, it was a border town, frequently changing hands between the Christians and Moslems. The walls of the mediaeval fort bear witness to its past, which is also evident in its name: Castellar, meaning "place where there is a castle" and Frontera (border).

Today it is made up of two parts: Castellar Viejo ('Old Castellar') and Castellar Nuevo ('New Castellar'). The old centre of Castellar Viejo lies within the walls of the Nazari castle, declared a Monument of Historical and Artistic Importance in 1963. Castellar Nuevo was created in 1971 on the orders of the National Colonisation Institute.