ROUTE OF THE CHURCHES AND HERMITAGES
RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS
Els Ports is a destination with a rich religious heritage, where visitors can explore interesting examples of artistic styles from different periods. With the Christian conquest, we find the origins of churches such as the one in Vallibona, with a bell tower influenced by Aragonese Mudéjar architecture, or small architectural and sculptural gems of Romanesque-Gothic in the churches of Olocau del Rey or Todolella. The golden age of artistic production of altarpieces and goldsmith pieces developed with the guild system in the Gothic period, between the 13th and 16th centuries. It was during this time that impressive religious buildings flourished, such as the Archpriest Basilica of Santa María La Mayor in Morella and other buildings that would later be expanded or reconstructed. Among them, and in Renaissance style, the church of Vilafranca del Cid was built on the previous one, and following the parameters of the Baroque style, the church of Cinctorres. In later centuries, others were built, such as the late 19th-century reconstruction of the church of Forcall in neoclassical style, following its burning in the First Carlist War.
In addition to its churches, Els Ports is full of interesting hermitages, sanctuaries, and other religious artistic elements such as boundary crosses or ceramic chapels that constitute the intriguing religious artistic legacy preserved to this day.
MORELLA
In this Valencian Gothic-style building, you can feel the authenticity of medieval architecture in our region.
Inside, the impressive main altar stands out, in Churrigueresque Baroque style, as well as the important Baroque organ, the star of the international Baroque music festival held every year. Access to it is through an impressive spiral staircase, unique in the world, adorned with stone reliefs representing different scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
Inside the Basilica, there is a museum with excellent goldsmith pieces, altarpieces, and interesting examples of religious art produced in the Morella workshops from the 13th to the 18th centuries.
In the extensive municipal area of Morella, you will also find numerous hermitages, boundary crosses, and the Sanctuary of Vallivana, where the Virgin of Vallivana, the patron saint of the town, is located.
MORELLA
Currently open to visitors, please check opening hours. Address: Plaza Escole Pies, 1, 12300 Morella, Castellón Phone: 964 16 03 79
CHURCH OF SANTA MARÍA MAGDALENA AND CONJURAR TOWER
VILAFRANCA
Magnificent 16th-century temple in Plateresque style, which harmoniously combines Gothic and Renaissance elements. At the rear, there is a crenellated tower that forms a single body with the rest of the building, giving it the distinctive appearance of a fortress. Inside is the Parish Museum, where you can admire an interesting collection of works of art.
2 km from the town, there is an interesting architectural complex formed by the hermitage of Losar, the attached inn, the porch, houses, and corrals. A sanctuary built on the spot where tradition says the Virgin of Losar, the patron saint of the town, was found.
VILAFRANCA
Currently open to visitors, please check opening hours.
Address: Plaza De La Iglesia, 1,
Phone: 964 44 14 32
VALLIBONA
Magnificent 16th-century temple in Plateresque style, seamlessly blending Gothic and Renaissance elements in perfect harmony. At the rear, there is a crenellated tower that forms a single structure with the rest of the building, giving it the distinctive appearance of a fortress. Inside, you'll find the Parish Museum, showcasing an intriguing collection of artworks.
2 kilometers from the town, there is an interesting architectural ensemble comprising the hermitage of Losar, an attached guesthouse, a porch, residences, and livestock enclosures. This sanctuary was constructed at the site where tradition holds that the Virgin of Losar, the patron saint of the locality, was discovered.
VALLIBONA
Currently open to visitors, please check the schedule.
Address: Plaza De La Iglesia, 1,
Phone: 964 44 14 32
MONASTERY OF THE VIRGIN OF LA BALMA
ZORITA
This is an impressive sanctuary built into the rock. It dates back to the 14th century and has been an important centre of pilgrimage, especially linked to the veneration of the Virgin of La Balma, to whom healing powers are attributed. This enclave, of great historical and cultural value, offers its visitors a unique experience, combining the spectacular natural environment of the Maestrazgo.
Situated in an impressive landscape, the sanctuary is literally nestled in the side of a mountain. In addition to its religious importance, the Monastery of La Balma is an architectural jewel that combines Gothic and Renaissance styles, surrounded by a landscape of pine forests and panoramic views of the Bergants river. Ideal for those who are looking for a place of history and nature.
ZORITA
Currently open to visitors, please check opening hours.
Address: Zorita, in the La Balma area, just outside the town
Phone: 964 17 50 01
CINCTORRES
A neoclassical building from the late 18th century, it consists of three naves and a transept. Its exterior is notable for its facade, which, along with two twin bell towers and other elements in the same style, is considered the epitome of maturity and splendor of the Baroque in Els Ports.
Both within the urban center and throughout the municipal area of Cinctorres, you can find the hermitages of Sant Lluís, the Virgin of Gràcia, Sant Marc, and Sant Pere.
CINCTORRES
Currently: open to visitors, please check schedules.
Address: Plaza Nueva, 12310, Cinctorres
Phone: 964 17 20 20