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
OLOCAU DEL REY
Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, the Church of Santa María del Pópulo is characterized by its elegant Romanesque portal on the exterior. The interior features a Gothic structure with side chapels and a transept with a dome. Inside, rich Baroque decorations in plasterwork and sgraffito from the 18th century adorn the space. One of its chapels houses the intriguing Romanesque-Gothic sculpture from the 13th century, the Virgin of the Orange, a genuine treasure of the town.
OLOCAU DEL REY
Currently open to visitors, please check schedules.
Address: Calle Plaza, 1, 12312
Phone: 964 17 84 17
TODOLELLA
Hermitage located at 1,100 meters above sea level on the summit of Muela de Roc, along the municipal boundary dividing Todolella and Forcall. It occupies an unparalleled setting, standing out as one of the most emblematic and cherished hermitages in the region, offering spectacular panoramic views towards Cinctorres, La Mata, Forcall, and Todolella itself. Along the ascent to this location, just a few kilometers away, is the village of Saranyana.
TODOLELLA
Address: Between Forcall and Todolella, take the left-hand track leading to the village of Sarañana. Following the track for 8 kilometers will lead you to the hermitage.
LA POBLA DE BENIFASSÀ
The Royal Convent of Santa Maria de Benifassà is a monastery founded by Jaume I on November 22, 1233, and is currently inhabited by Carthusian nuns. The monastery is located alongside the road between Fredes and La Sénia, northwest of the Ulldecona reservoir. It was the first Christian monastery established in the Valencian lands following the conquest of Tinença by Catalonia in 1230. Built in Gothic-Cistercian style, it has been designated a National Monument since 1931.
LA POBLA DE BENIFASSÀ
Address: After passing La Pobla de Benifassà heading towards La Sénia, a left turn appears that leads to the Convent. Visiting hours are Thursdays from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
HERBERS
Palatial building with roots in the 14th century, cradle of great families that owned this historic lordship. It features interesting rooms from different periods and styles, allowing visitors to trace its history. Highlights include a massive medieval icebox, the tithing hall, an impressive cellar, 16th-century Renaissance rooms, gloomy dungeons, and the majestic noble hall.
It was owned by Don Rafael Ram de Viu, a key figure in the Carlist uprising in Morella in 1833 at the beginning of the First Carlist War. He was subsequently executed by liberals.
HERBERS
Address: The church is located in the town, and the hermitage is two kilometers away from the population.
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION
FORCALL
The origin of the primitive Gothic church is from the 16th century. XIII. It was destroyed by a fire caused during the Carlist War in August 1835 and only elements such as the apse, windows, gargoyles and a magnificent rose window on the outside remain, and inside, a presbytery with the original temple and false ambulatory behind . The current church is from the 17th century. XIX, with a Renaissance nave and austere façade. Inside there are interesting fresco paintings by Juan Francisco Cruella from Morella. Different ornaments also stand out: chasuble from the 16th century. XVII, Valencian embroidery cape from the 16th century and a wood carving from the 17th century. XVI. The space dedicated to the chapel of San Víctor Mártir, where his relics rest, deserves a special mention. Of the exterior sobriety, the most significant element is the baroque style bell tower, dating from 1760 and which at 55m is the highest in the region. Built by José Ayora, it is a tower distributed in three sections and a very high top. It is crowned by five bells, each with its name and that produce characteristic sounds for different celebrations or activities.
FORCALL
Address: L'Església is nearby.
