Morella (Castellón)

What you can do and see in Morella

Overlooked by its medieval castle and surrounded by two kilometres of walls, Morella, the capital of the Els Ports region, possesses numerous medieval references that make it an inescapable stop on the Way of El Cid.

The simple panorama of the town is spectacular from any of its entrances. Its towers, gates and walls embracing the town, and its impressive aqueduct, are two very representative images and an advance on the surprises to be found in the town, which is rightly designated a Historical-Artistic Centre and one of the loveliest towns in Spain.

Picturesque houses with wooden balconies face on to its stepped and steep streets. Its monumental heritage includes the Town Hall, the Convent of St Francis, and the Basilica or Archpriest Church of St Mary, one of the most striking and interesting Gothic churches in the Community of Valencia.

In addition to these attractions, Morella offers an intense cultural life, especially in summer. Among other activities, the Festival of Medieval and Renaissance Music is held in the first week of August and strongly features the organ in the Archpriest Basilica, which is dated in 1719 and was constructed by Francesc Torull.

You should not miss

• The Sexenni is a very singular festival of Spanish Tourist Interest that is held in August in honour of the Virgin of Vallivana. However, if you’d like to attend, you need to plan ahead because it only takes place once every six years!
• The craft skill of Morella blankets. The cloth is still made on hand looms. They have been made since the 12th century and are a further attraction of the town.
• We can also recommend two excursions. The first is to the prehistoric paintings of Morella Vella, a UNESCO World Heritage site, 7km from Morella along a twisting road that will allow the passengers to enjoy the impressive scenery of the Maestrazgo. The second is for ‘El Cid’ travellers. 14km to the north of Morella, Pereroles Pinewood, in the municipality of Pobla d’Alcolea, is where many scholars situate the place of the historical and literary Battle of Tévar Pinewood, in which El Cid, in the service of the Islamic Taifa kingdom of Zaragoza, defeated the Taifa of Lerida and its ally, the Count of Barcelona Berenguer Ramón II.

Rev.: JGG 21.09.21