Morella

There are countless reasons to visit Morella, a town defined by a wealth of historic and cultural heritage that the different civilisations that lived there have left behind. Come and soak it all up.

The Iberians, Celts, Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians and Arabs all chose Morella, the capital of Els Ports county, as a place to settle. And it’s not hard to see why. Clinging onto a rocky hill, the town is one of the most beautiful in the whole of Spain. Nowadays you will see Medieval vestiges whichever way you look, from the wall embracing the town to everything else within. Come and explore this extraordinary destination’s history, art and culture. 

What to do in Morella

The hill defining the silhouette of the town is home to one of its most important historic monuments. ​​​​​​​Castillo de Morella is an excellent place to start your exploration of the town. Affording wide-ranging views over the surrounding mountainscape, this fortress was an impenetrable point for anyone seeking to move from the inland to the coast. The butte is also the site of Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age remains. 

The castle is a must-visit during your time in the town. Your sense of sight will be overwhelmed by the extraordinary panoramic vistas that extend for as far as the eye can see. The next point of interest on your to-visit list is Palacio del Gobernador, which is built inside a cave. As you wander around, you will be whisked straight back to the most prolific of Neolithic times. 

Morella continues to showcase its majestosity in an impressive place of worship. Santa María la Mayor archpriest basilica will envelop you with artistry both inside and out. This treasure of religious Gothic art was built between the 13th and 14th centuries and is famed for its two doors, that of the Disciples and that of the Virgins. As soon as you step inside, you will be taken aback by the sight of the impressive carved wood staircase leading to the choir, the depiction of the Last Judgment and the monumental organ that has over 3,000 pipes. There is also a museum for you to explore. 

We will continue our Gothic exploration of Morella at San Francisco convent. Dating back to the 14th century, the building is home to one of the most historic examples of macabre Spanish art, La Danza de la Muerte (15th century), which is on display in Sala Capitular. The convent and its outhouses have been transformed into Parador Nacional de Turismo de Morella, an incredibly special place to stay. 

Beyond its monuments, Morella also has the most enchanting streets. The walled part of the town beckons you to come and take a walk through the historic centre. Before too long you will come across Blasco de Alagón street, where the town hall is located, and the Jewish Quarter. You will soon realise that the town is surrounded by watchtowers that afford spectacular views. There are a total of 16 of these types of structures with the most famous being Torres de San Miguel, the traditional entrance to the town. 

The culture, art and history of Morella know no bounds. The time has come to explore the local museums to discover all sorts of fascinating things. We recommend visiting Museo de los Dinosaurios (the dinosaur museum), Prisión de Morella (Morella prison) and Museo de Sis en Sis, which tells the story of the town’s event of national tourist interest, Sexenni. What’s more, just six kilometres from the centre of the town, you can find Morella la Vella, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its cave art. 

To conclude your visit to one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, why not sample some of the local gastronomy? Don’t miss flaons, cecina and the many tasty different varieties of cheese. The wonders of Morella are hard to describe in words so make your way to the town to explore its extraordinary charms.