History of Villarreal in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 15, 2025

Villarreal is a city and municipality located in the province of Castellón, within the Valencian Community in eastern Spain. It is a notable urban center in the region.

1909: Death of Francisco Tárrega

In 1909, Francisco de Asís Tárrega y Eixea, the Spanish composer and classical guitarist, passed away. He was born in Vila-real.

1923: Villarreal CF Founded

In 1923, Villarreal CF, the town's football club, was founded.

1936: Start of Spanish Civil War

In 1936, the Spanish Civil War started, which later impacted Villarreal's economy and industrial development.

1939: Post-Civil War Industry

After the Spanish Civil War which ended in 1939, earnings from the orange trade enabled entrepreneurs to establish ceramic tile factories, diversifying the industries in Villarreal.

1939: City Renamed

In 1939, after the Spanish Civil War, the city was renamed Villarreal de los Infantes to avoid confusion with other similarly named localities.

1956: Villarreal CF Reaches National Divisions

In 1956, Villarreal CF reached the national divisions in Spanish football.

1998: Villarreal CF Reaches Top-Tier

In 1998, Villarreal CF reached the top-tier of Spanish football, La Liga.

2004: Villarreal CF Europa League Semi-Finals

In 2004, Villarreal CF were semi-finalists in the UEFA Cup, later known as the Europa League.

February 2006: Valencian Name Voted Official

In February 2006, the municipal corporation voted for the Valencian name to become the exclusive official name for the municipality.

2006: Villarreal CF Champions League Semi-Finals

In 2006, Villarreal CF reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

January 2007: Official Name Change Published

In January 2007, the agreement to make the Valencian name the exclusive official name for the municipality was published in the Boletín Oficial del Estado, removing the dual official name Villarreal/Vila-real.