VALLIBONA
vallivana
STAGE 12
LOS CARBONEROS
VALLIBONA - VALLIVANA
Vallibona boasts significant heritage, a result of the close relationship between man and nature. Its municipal area encompasses significant wooded areas of holm oaks and oaks that, from the Middle Ages until a few decades ago, were used for charcoal production.
POINTS DE SCELLEMENT :
- Vilafranca: Tourist office and Town Hall.
- Cinctorres: Tourist office and Town Hall.
- Forcall: Tourist office and Town Hall.
- La Mata: Town Hall.
- Todolella: Town Hall.
- Olocau del Rey: Tourist information point.
- Villores: Town Hall.
- Morella: Tourist office.
- Vallibona: Tourist information point.
- Portell: Town Hall.
- Herbés: Town Hall.
For more information, please contact any registration point or the Els Ports Regional Commonwealth:
Tlf. 964440306 / 964441266
E-mail: info@mancomunitatelsports.es
Gatellera Gully /Toll de la Cova
Cultural / natural / historical heritage. Traditional crafts
The Gatellera ravine collects some of the water that runs down from the Benifassà mountains, north of Vallibona. It is around 6.5km long and part lies within the protected area of the Tinença de Benifassà Natural Park. The Gatellera ravine is one of the main contributors of water to the Cervol river.
The municipal district of Vallibona is rich in water. Along the Cervol river and in the Gatellera ravine the water often forms puddles, even in summer.
Toll de la Cova is a spot in the Gatellera ravine where water naturally accumulates to form a pond (toll). During periods of the year when the river is practically dry, it is still possible to find water in this pond.
Gatellera ravine / Toll de la CovaToll de la Codina / Riu Cervol
Cultural / natural / historical heritage. Traditional crafts
The Cervol, or Corces, is an irregular river; its source lies in the municipal district of Morella and it runs into the Mediterranean Sea in Vinaròs. It is 56 km long and receives water from various springs and ravines.
The river flow is continuous yet scarce up to Vallibona and the calcareous land causes continuous filtrations; in Rossell the river no longer carries any water. It is one of the few rivers in the Region of Valencia not regulated with reservoirs or dams, and its ecosystem has a high level of biodiversity.
There are numerous natural ponds in the municipal district of Vallibona, including the Toll de la Codina. There are spots along the river where the erosive action of the water has created a deeper area where water accumulates almost permanently.
Font Mill / Font Vella
Cultural / natural / historical heritage. Traditional crafts
Throughout history, the Cervol river has led to great wealth as the locals, with their inventiveness and work, channelled the water to build flour mills used to grind the grain. For a long time, these mills were of great economic and social significance.
The Diccionario Geográfico by Pascual Madoz, published between 1846 and 1850, includes the following data on the industry of Vallibona: “INDUSTRY agricultural, 5 flour mills, an iron factory, several of soft soap, some canvas and wool looms, and lots of oak charcoal.”
In the municipal district of Vallibona you can find natural springs that have supplied the inhabitants of this land with water for centuries. The Font Vella spring is just a few metres from the town and is now surrounded by a picnic area.
Fonteta of Grillos
Cultural / natural / historical heritage. Traditional crafts
A few metres from the Cervol river, between the Mitger and Llosa ravines, this natural spring is active all year round. Curiously, the water sprouts at ground level, from under a tile.
The area surrounding the spring is beautiful thanks to its lush vegetation. Nearby, next to the Cervol river, you can find the Molí del Cup, an old flour mill that used the river flow to grind the grain.
In 1860, the following mills could be found in Vallibona: Molinet, Molí de la Torre, Molí del Pont, and the above mentioned Molí del Cup.
Bosquet
Cultural / natural / historical heritage. Traditional crafts
Bosquet is an area dotted with holm oaks, trees that were highly appreciated in this region in the past as they were a source of income for many families in Vallibona. Many people worked to produce charcoal from this wood.
The process for obtaining charcoal was as follows: the wood was cut into chunks and placed on a surface that had been previously flattened, known as seti. When it was full, it was covered with branches and a thick layer of soil, leaving an opening to let the air in. Charcoal was obtained by slow combustion so the charcoal-making mound had to be controlled to prevent flames and losing all the charcoal.
Annual charcoal production in Vallibona reached 454,500 kg.