STAGE 6
LA ARQUEOLOGÍA
LA TODOLELLA - FORCALL
Els Ports is a land full of history, with archaeological remains from different eras, such as the Moleta dels Frares in Forcall, considered the most important archaeological site in the province of Castellón. Of Iberian-Roman origin, this site was the location of the city of Lesera, connecting the Via Augusta with the significant city of Caesaraugusta. Later on, the Municipal Natural Area of the Mola de la Vila contains a wide variety of flora and fauna.
LA TODOLELLA
FORCALL
SEAL POINTS:
- 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
Mas de la Sebastiana
Architectural / historical / natural heritage
The mas is the traditional home in this land. It is generally a farm comprising a country house with various buildings, pasture, arable land and forests. A mas is designed as a place for living and working, where most agricultural and manufacturing activities took place.
This home features a curious juxtaposition of buildings: home, pen and barn. It is a fortified mas and note, from an architectural perspective, its masonry and rammed earth construction as well as the composition of the main façade, the atrium at the entrance, furnace and wine press.
It was documented in 1693 as Mas de D. Blai Ferrer de Monroig dels Llops. From 1962 to 1974, Enrique Porcar Badal and Pilar Roig Monterde were the last masovers (inhabitants) of this home.
Roman City of Lesera
Architectural/historical/natural heritage
Set in the heart of Els Ports region, in the municipal district of Forcall, was the northernmost Iberian- Roman city. Lesera is the only known Roman city in Castelló. It is a relevant archaeological site not only because of its size, but above all, because 2000 years ago it was a highly organised urban settlement and was even given the status of municipality: Res publica leserensis.
It stood in a walled enclosure of around 6 hectares, was inhabited until the 3rd century AD and was well-connected with the Vía Augusta Roman road by a path that largely covered the same route as the N-232 road today. Lesera was an important communications hub between the Mediterranean coast and the land of Aragón.
The Roman City of Lesera has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.
Necropolis Sant Joaquim Menadella
Architectural/historical/natural heritage
This was the first tumular community excavated and studied in Els Ports. The necropolis of Sant Joaquim Menadella dates back to the Iron Age and is a funerary space known for its well-preserved circular and quadrangular structures.
The items found at the site include ceramic and metal grave goods with remains of the deceased.
This necropolis was used to honour the deceased and as a meeting point for the different family groups living in the area.
Sant Joaquim Menadella necropolis has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.
Bassa de la Mola
Architectural/historical/natural heritage
This pool would collect water used for irrigation and to supply water to the local masos. All these country houses had an orchard for their own consumption, and livestock needed large quantities of water.
The Mola de la Vila was declared a Municipal Natural Landscape in 2005. Found in the municipal district of Forcall, it covers 129.71 hectares and an average elevation of 920 m. Its altitude and strategic location over the confluence of the Bergantes, Calders and Cantavieja rivers make this a privileged viewpoint over the lands of Els Ports.
In addition to the value of this landscape in itself, other highlights include the rocky cliffs, and masses of bushes and trees that are the perfect home to diverse wildlife species.
Piló of Sant Marc
Architectural/historical/natural heritage
Rogation days are held in April and May and are a deeply-rooted tradition in the region: in addition to their religious nature they are also recreational- festive events. Rogation days date back to the middle ages when the people would ask for rain and a good harvest. There is a mass, blessing of the district and holy rotllos, a typical bakery product, are also handed out. Forcall currently hosts three Rogation processions: to Piló de Sant Marc, to Sant Cristòfol de la Sarayana and to Sant Joaquim de la Menadella.
The Piló or Peiró de Sant Marc stands at almost 1,000 metres above sea level on Mola de la Vila peak. It is a square cross with altarpieces and a tented roof covered in tiles with a small cross son top. It was restored in 1991.
This cross is the destination for a Rogation day procession on the weekend closest to 25 April. Saint Mark is very important in the Els Ports region and Rogation days are held in his honour in Morella, Portell, Sorita, Olocau del Rey, Cinctorres, La Mata and Forcall.
Peiró of Santa Caterina
Architectural/natural heritage
Peirons or monumental crosses stand at the entrance to towns, at crossroads and/or other relevant locations. This type of construction was used to delimit the administrative boundary of a region, or they were dedicated to a religious figure.
This is a small masonry monolith topped by engraved stones, some of which came from the previous peiró. It contains a 9-piece mosaic dedicated to Saint Catherine.
It was a tradition in Todolella for schoolchildren to visit the cross on 25 November, Saint Catherine’s Day. Today’s cross is typical of post-civil war reconstructions.
Hermitage of La Magdalena
Architectural/natural heritage
The religious architecture of Olocau del Rey is represented by the church of Nuestra Señora del Pópulo (13th-14th centuries) and five chapels. The oldest of the latter is the chapel of La Magdalena. It is a perfect example of chapels built in the Reconquista style (Reconquest) and it dates back to the 14th century although it was greatly modified in the 18th century. It stood on the edge of an old road, of which you can still spot traces of its cobblestones and bordering walls.
Standing outside the town limits, on the road to Bordón, the chapel is a small, rectangular, elongated construction with a gable roof. It was built with masonry. One peculiar feature is its main door, which stands at the side and under a short awning. The wooden plank door stands under a semi-circular arch and it is the only opening in the walls except for a narrow arrow slit under the eaves. Inside, an image of Mary Magdalene presides over the altar.
