Convent of Sant Francesc

Gothic convent with a beautiful cloister and a legend connecting it to the infant Pope Benedict XIII

The Convent of Sant Francesc was founded in the late 13th century and is the largest medieval complex in Morella after the castle. The Gothic cloister — with its elegant arches and carved capitals — is the highlight, and functions as an event space and exhibition venue. The church is used for concerts during the Sexenni festival.

The convent is less visited than the basilica and the castle, which makes it more pleasurable. The cloister garden in summer, shaded by the Gothic arches, is one of the most peaceful spots in the town.

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A story
Pope Benedict XIII — the Avignon antipope who refused to resign during the Western Schism — was allegedly born in Morella in 1328, and legend says his baptism was in the church that became the Convent of Sant Francesc. Local tradition maintains he was born in a house still standing on the main street. The dispute over his legitimacy as pope was never resolved; he died in 1422 still claiming the papacy.

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