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On 30 December 1710, Felipe V's troops besieged the walled city of Morella, the centre of the Els Ports region. From its castle, built in the 18th century on the rock of La Mola, the Austrias resisted the Bourbon's siege for the following 62 days. On 3 February 1711 (the day of San Blas, the 2nd Patron Saint of Morella), Felipe V's Bourbon troops entered the city, they closed the military campaign in the Kingdom of Valencia and they channelled their victory in the Spanish War of Succession, which gave rise to the beginning of the Kingdom of the Bourbons in Spain.
Morella is one of the most impressive municipalities in the Castellón province. It is the capital of the region of Els Ports which has its own idiosyncrasies. At 900 metres above sea level, and with its medieval walls and castle still intact, it transports us back to the War of Succession, the Carlist War and so many other historical moments which has Morella as a backdrop.
But it is not just its history which stands out. When biking around Morella and Els Ports we discover another aspect of great value: the mountainous landscape.
Together with Maestrat, Els Ports marks the southern beginning of the Iberian Mountain Range. As we move further from Morella (whether that be to face the manageable routes through Forcall and Castellfort, or the extremely hard stage to Cantavieja through Villafranca), we can enjoy Els Ports in all its glory; with mountain roads, its districts built in the mountains which are still lived in and its gorges. Morella is an absolute paradise to bike around.
The gastronomy in Morella is another one of its charms. Its great culinary attraction is its truffle, which grows in the roots of the region's kermes oaks from December through to March. The range, which was the region's powerhouse until tourism took off, also offers local meat which is extremely appreciated by any tourist. A good option to explore Morella's gastronomic offerings is the restaurant Vinatea, situated on Blasco de Alagón street, it offers some of the municipality's best dishes at an accessible price. You can also try the varied menu that is offered at Daluan (Callejón Cárcel, 4) in which the truffle is the pillar of the kitchen.
The best option when spending a weekend in Morella is to choose, in advance, one of the rural houses which have been opening up in the region over the last decade. Accommodation with mountain charm which are practically accessible on any budget, such as the Hotel Rey Don Jaime (Juan Giner, 6) which is found in the centre of the city and has mountain views. If you budget is a little more forgiving, we recommend the Hotel Cardenal Ram (Cuesta Suñer, 1) which is built in an old 16th century palace.
Points of interest in the area
- Santa María Church The Arciprestal of Santa María is a Gothic building which on its inside houses original stained glass from the 14th century Valencian school
- Santa LLúcia i Sant Llacer Chapel The brotherhood of Sant Llacer, founded in 1280, built this chapel in 1286 for lepers to attend.
- Castle of Morella: as this castle was built in a rock, together with its large history, in 1931 it was declared a History-Artistic Monument.
-Morella La Vella prehistoric caves (World Heritage Site rock paintings)
Route
Are you just getting used to your bike and you fancy heading to Els Ports? We suggest 3 towns: Morella, Forcall and Cinctorres.
You are going to cycle over some of the region of Els Ports' traditional roads on a route which, although short, is inevitably tough as it passes through one of the regions of the Iberian Mountain Range.
We start out on the CV14 towards Forcall; a comfortable track which is a favourable false-flat. Take the most of this section to enjoy Els Ports, its scenery and its fauna, because once you turn onto the CV124 towards Cinctorres you will find the paved trail to be much steeper. They are not used as mountain passes, and they will offer you some moments where you can take a rest from your efforts. From Cinctorres until you arrive back at Morella, it is advisable to regulate your efforts, especially if you are just getting used to biking.
Although there are no steep inclines, there is a 15 kilometre stretch of ups and downs until you reach the castle again, the location of which you will better understand when you cycle over the last steep section of the site.
Points of interest along the route
- Cinctorres Belltower
- Gate of the church of Morella 3
- Arches in the main square of Cinctorres. Having a coffee in the area
- Narrow streets of the municipality
Gastronomy
Vinatea (Calle Blasco de Alagón): you can try the municipality's best, most traditional dishes.
Daluan (Callejón Cárcel,4): a varied menu with tasting menus where the truffle takes centre stage.
Accommodation
Hotel Rey Don Jaime (Juan Giner, 6): located in the centre of the city with mountain views.
Hotel Cardenal Ram (Cuesta Suñer,1), built in an old, 16th century palace.
