Morella Castle

Ruined 13th-century fortress on a near-vertical crag — the defining image of Morella

Morella's castle sits on a rocky pinnacle 1,000 metres above sea level, the highest point of an already elevated old town. It was built by Christian forces in the 13th century following the Reconquista and served as a formidable fortress for centuries. The ruins are substantial and the views from the battlements extend for 50km or more on clear days — south to the coastal plain, north into Aragon, and west into the high plateaux.

The access path from the old town is steep and takes about 20 minutes. Inside, various towers and walls are explorable; the aqueduct that supplied water to the castle from a spring below the town is still visible. Entry is cheap. Allow an hour to explore properly.

things to do sight
A story
In 1838, during the First Carlist War, Carlist general Ramón Cabrera held Morella against liberal besieging forces for so long that his garrison was reduced to eating cats and rats. When the castle finally fell, Cabrera escaped by night over the walls and fled to France. He returned three years later and took Morella back, holding it as his capital for another two years.