Places to Visit in Valencia
MORELLA (CASTELLON)
What to See:
Approaching Morella by road it is easy to see why the Maestrago built their capital here. The medieval town, enclosed within 2.5 km of defensive walls, towers above the surrounding countryside atop a rocky hillside with the semi-ruined Castle at its peak.
Unlike the castle the fortified walls stand totally in tact around the perimeter of the medieval town. Access to Morella is via the arched gateway of San Miguel, one of 14 towers which protect the town. Once inside, the main street then continues to spiral uphill between old stone houses and small palaces including the Casa dels Estudis and Casa Piquer to the beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria and the Gothic Convent of San Fransisco.
The climb then continues up to the Castle from where there are spectacular views of the town,the nearby 15th Century aqueduct and the surrounding area. Once every 6 years Morella stages the Sexenni Fair honouring the Virgin of Vallivana.
Tourist Information: 0034 964173032
How to get there:
- By Bus: There are two buses per day weekdays from both Castellon and Vinaros and one bus on Saturday from Castellon
- By Train: Nearest train stations are Castellon and Vinaros.
- By Road: Morella is on the N232 between Zaragoza and Vinaros (on the main coast road AP7-E15)
PEÑISCOLA (CASTELLON)
What to See:
Peñiscola stands dramatically atop a rocky headland jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea. The town was originally fortified by the Carthaginians and it was here that Hannibal declared his hatred of the Romans.
The town later came under Moorish control before being reconquered by the Spanish under James I. The king then presented the town to the Knights Templar who built the 14th century Castle and Chapel. The current fortified walls were built by Philip II.
The beautifully compact medieval old town remains unchanged to this day. It is because of this that Peñiscola played the role of the City of Valencia in the film El Cid , with Charlton Heston and Sophie Loren. The only thing that has really changed over the centuries is that a modern tourist resort has grown up along the beach which runs North of the old town. Although the resort is not unattractive and the sandy beach stretches as far as the eye can see, it does mean that it is best to visit out of season if you really want to appreciate the old town at its best.
Tourist Information: 0034 964480750
How to get there:
- By Bus: There are regular local buses to Peniscola from Benicarlo and Vinaros and long distance from Valencia, Barcelona etc.
- By Train: Nearest train station is nearby Benicarlo, regular local bus service.
- By Road: Peñiscola is on the main AP7-E15 coast road (approx. 1.5 hrs to either Valencia or Morella)
VALENCIA
What to See:
The city of Valencia was founded by the Romans during the 2nd Century B.C. In 714 it passed into Muslim hands and prospered as an agricultural and trading centre. El Cid famously conquered the city from the Moors in 1094 but not long after his death it was taken back by the Almoravids who kept control of the city until it was finally conquered by a combined Christian Army led by King James I of Aragon in 1238. Evidence of all three cultures can be seen today throughout the old city.
The old city lies between the dry bed of the River Turia and the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Highlights include the Cathedral, home to the Holy Grail, which was built between the 13th and 15th Centuries, the Micalet Tower which was originaly a minaret and the Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados. From here you can wander through the narrow winding streets of the Barrio del Carmen to the two gateways ( Torres del Quart and Torres del Serrano) which are all that remains of the medieval city walls.
Tourist Information: 0034 963525478
How to get there:
- By Bus: Valencia has frequent bus services to cities across Spain.
- By Train: Main Rail links from across Spain including the AVE
- By Road: The A3-E901 connects Valencia to Madrid, the AP7-E15 to Barcelona, Costa Blanca etc.
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