Morella

A stunning medieval hilltop town encircled by ancient walls and crowned by a spectacular castle. Its cobblestone streets, arcaded shops, and dramatic mountain setting make it one of inland Spain's most beautiful towns.

Things to do

• Explore Morella Castle — Climb to this imposing hilltop fortress for panoramic views over the Maestrazgo mountains and the town's rooftops.
• Walk the medieval walls — Follow the well-preserved ramparts and six gates that still encircle the old town.
• Visit the Basílica de Santa María la Mayor — Admire this Gothic church's ornate portals and unusual spiral staircase leading to the choir loft.
• Stroll under Els Porxes — Wander the arcaded shops along Calle Blasco de Alagón, where stone columns shelter traditional storefronts.
• Tour the Convento de San Francisco — See the Gothic cloister and the eerie 'Dance of Death' fresco in this 13th-century monastery below the castle.
• Cross the old railway viaduct — Walk the Ossos de Sant Julià viaduct, a striking stone arched bridge from the historic Val de Zafán railway line.
• Visit Museo del Tiempo de Morella — Learn about the town's history and clockmaking heritage in this small municipal museum.
• See dinosaur footprints nearby — Take a short excursion to view fossilized dinosaur tracks preserved in the surrounding limestone terrain.

Food to try

• Olla Morellana — A hearty mountain stew of meats, chickpeas, and vegetables traditionally simmered for hours.
• Queso de Morella — Rich sheep's or goat's milk cheese, often aged and served with local honey or quince paste.
• Trufa negra de Morella — Prized black truffles from the surrounding oak forests, harvested in winter and used in local dishes and markets.
• Cuixot and embutidos — Cured pork sausages and hams typical of the Maestrazgo region, often served as tapas.
• Flequisos and rollos dulces — Traditional local pastries and sweet rolls found in Morella's bakeries, perfect with coffee.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress for mountain weather — Morella sits at high altitude and can be much cooler than the coast, even in summer.
• Time your visit around the Sexenni festival — This grand religious and cultural celebration takes place only once every six years, drawing huge crowds.
• Expect midday closures — Many shops and some sights close for a few hours in early afternoon following traditional Spanish siesta hours.
• Wear sturdy shoes — The steep cobblestone streets and staircases within the walled town can be slippery and challenging.