The Medieval Route

Morella is the capital of the Els Ports region, a medieval town of great importance since the Middle Ages, situated at a crossroads in the heart of the former Crown of Aragon. Walking through its streets is like taking a journey back in time, enjoying unique monuments and a medieval urban layout that has been preserved to this day. From afar, its unmistakable conical silhouette welcomes us, with the town embraced by an imposing wall built in the 14th century.

The “Sant Miquel” gate is the most monumental entrance to the town, flanked by two slender octagonal twin towers built in 1360 by master builder Domingo Taravall. On either side of the gate, the Gothic coats of arms of the Royal House of Aragon and those of the town of Morella are preserved, and above it, a low-arched bridge connects the two towers.

Walking along the town’s main street brings you to the Casa del Consejo, a fine example of Gothic civil architecture. Inside, it preserves remarkable rooms such as the Justice’s Chamber and the Council Chamber. Beneath them lie the old market hall and the former medieval prison, which in past centuries was used to hold those convicted of crimes, both from Morella and from the surrounding villages.

Blasco de Alagón Street is the only one that still preserves the old arcades that once sheltered people from the cold, rain, and snow. Beneath these arcades, and thanks to a privilege granted by King James I, a weekly market was held where goods from across the region were traded.In the middle of this street stands Cardinal Ram’s Palace, a Renaissance building constructed in the 16th century that stands out for its wooden coffered ceiling and its original exterior structure.

From the Pla dels Estudis, you can enjoy an iconic view of Morella: a square surrounded by wooden balconies, over which the castle stands majestically. This virtually impregnable monument has withstood numerous wars and offers spectacular views of the town’s surroundings all the way to the horizon. HOURS:Summer: Open Monday through Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM.Winter: Open Monday through Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.PRICES:General admission: €5.Reduced: €4 (seniors over 65, children ages 6–16, students under 25 with a valid ID, Youth Card holders, people with disabilities, and large families).Groups (25 or more people): €3.50.PHONE:636 27 74 05

The basilica of Santa María la Mayor is a sublime example of Gothic architecture in the region. Built between the 14th and 16th centuries, it features two side portals: the Apostles’ Gate, on the right, and the Virgins’ Gate, on the left, both adorned with figures representing religious characters and members of medieval Morella’s society.Inside, a raised choir stands out, with a spectacular helical staircase that ascends around a central column, decorated with a narrative balustrade depicting scenes from the genealogy of Christ.The tour of the basilica allows visitors to admire the important Baroque high altar, a magnificent Churrigueresque altarpiece with paintings by artists such as Espinosa and Cruella, and sculptures by Vicente Dols. The basilica also houses the Baroque organ, built in the 18th century by Francisco Turull, which features in music festivals and performances throughout the year.WINTER HOURS   (from 1 November to Palm Sunday)   Monday: 11:00–13:30 Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00–13:30 and 16:00–18:00 Sunday: 10:00–11:15 and 12:15–15:00SUMMER HOURS   (from Easter to 31 October)   Monday: 11:00–14:00 and 16:00–18:00 (1 August–15 September until 19:00)Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00–14:00 and 15:00–18:00 (1 August–15 September until 19:00)Sunday: 10:00–11:15 and 12:15–15:00 (in August until 18:00)PRICES:   General: €3 Reduced (seniors, disabilities, groups of more than 20): €2.50 Children and young people (6–16 years): €1.50 Under 6: freeTELEPHONE:   641 82 44 15

San Miquel TowersMedieval PrisonDinosaur Museum