Visiting Morella

Visit the village on the hill. the most wonderfull sights from up above.

Morella is an ancient walled city located on a hill-top in the province of Castellón, Valencian Community, Spain. The town is the capital and administrative centre of the comarca of Els Ports, in the historic Maestrat (Maestrazgo) region.

There are traces of settlement by the Iberians, succeeded by the Greeks and Romans, Visigoths and the Moors. From the early 17th century to the Spanish Civil War, the town was often fought over, due to its strategic situation between the Ebro and the coastal plain of Valencia. Morella is part of the Taula del Sénia free association of municipalities.

Every six years the citizens celebrate the Sexenni, a commemoration of the town’s recovery from the plague in the seventeenth century. Tourism now plays an important part in the local economy, along with agriculture. In the 20th century the town and surrounding area became depopulated, a trend that has only been reversed in the early 21st century. The population of Morella at the start of 2019 was 2,430, having declined from a figure of 7,335 in 1900.

One of the typical gastronomic products of Morella is sweets known as flaons. Local bakeries are also renowned for a number of other traditional pastries and sweets, like mantecadas, prepared in the ancient way.

The history of Morella.

Prehistoric remains in the area include cave paintings in Galeria del Roure, in Morella la Vella, famous for the oldest known depiction of archerycombat. These paintings date from 7,200 to 7,400 years ago.

The ancient Greeks established a treasury at Morella, but then the area became the scene of conflict between the Carthaginians and the Roman Empire during the Punic Wars. Eventually the town was Romanized and became part of the province of Tarragona. The Visigoths populated the city in two different epochs, there are ruins of a Visigoth village in the site of Mas Sabater-Cantera de la Parreta de Morella. There are the remains of a building from the 7th century A.D., which according to the archaeologists could have been twelve meters high and maybe it was a noble building or maybe of religious use according to Ramiro Pérez, one of the directors of the excavation.

The geography of Morella.

Morella occupies a strategic position between the plains of the river Ebro to the north west and the coastal plains of Valencia and Castellon. Access from the north west lies through the passes of Torre Miró 1,259 metres (4,131 ft) and Querol 1,020 metres (3,350 ft). The old town is completely enclosed by 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi) of ancient stone walls, pierced at seven points by gates or portals. The river Bergantes skirts the southern boundaries of the town as it descends towards the Guadalope which ultimately joins the Ebro.

Places to see in Morella.

Morella Castle

The castle of Morella presides over the town from above and is an essential stop to see in Morella. This magnificent castle is considered one of the most important fortresses in the Mediterranean. It has great historical and cultural wealth. As well as standing out for its imposing figure that stands out and embellishes the city. This castle has been built on natural stone and has Islamic architecture. Its unique and privileged position is unquestionable. It offers a unique panoramic view of the city, but historically its attraction is even greater. On the natural stone on which it stands, remains from the Neolithic period have been found, but also traces of the passage of the Iberians, Visigoths, Arabs, and of course Christians.

In addition, this castle has also witnessed the passing of important and famous people in history. Such as Abderraman III, El Cid, Jaume I, King Ferdinand of Antequera, Pope Luna, San Vicente Ferrer, the Prince of Viana and General Cabrera.

Convent of San Francisco

The convent of San Francisco is another of the important sights to see in this medieval city. It is also the monument that leads to the castle. This convent has several rooms that stand out for the beauty and simplicity of the original Gothic style. We can find the convent’s church, which dates from the 14th century, as well as the remains of the cloister. This former Franciscan convent has been converted into an interesting museum, which contains pieces and paintings from the 15th century. The Chapter House houses one of the oldest examples of Spanish macabre art, La Danza de la Muerte (The Dance of Death).

The towers of Morella

Admiring the city from one of its viewpoints and towers is a worthwhile experience and one of the things you have to see in Morella, Spain. In addition to the views from the castle, this town in Castellón has 16 towers scattered throughout the town center. Of particular note are the Towers of San Miguel, which welcome visitors to the town.

Places you must see when you go to Morella.

• Castell de Morella
  • Carrer del Castell, 12300 Morella, Castelló
  • https://goo.gl/maps/LJn9WC3zBrJebMZX6
• Església de Santa Maria la Major,
  • Pcta. de l’Església, 1, 12300 Morella, Castellón
  • https://goo.gl/maps/ZiwHGYRU3avKMzcx9
• Porta de Sant Miquel
  • Travessia de Sant Miquel, s/n, 12300 Morella, Castelló
  • https://g.page/portal-de-sant-miquel?share
• Acueducto de Santa Lucia Morella,
  • 12300 Morella, Castellón
  • https://goo.gl/maps/S1vKp4f4TAN4rrBS6
• Torre de Pardala
  • 12300 Morella, Castellón
  • https://goo.gl/maps/h9Am1AdtnjPxWvms8