R02 – Morella
Route
Description of the route
If you consider yourself an experienced mountain biker, this is the perfect time to get away from Morella and explore new landscapes in the province. Your destination will be Castellfort, a picturesque village in the south of Els Ports, at an altitude of over 1000 meters. The route begins with a 10 kilometer climb, an excellent opportunity to challenge your limits while enjoying breathtaking views. Leaving Morella, take the CV125 towards Cinctorres, a 15-kilometer ride over uneven terrain. At Cinctorres, turn onto the CV124 towards Castellfort. After a first steep climb with ramps of up to 9%, you will continue towards one of the coldest villages in Castellón (be sure to check the weather forecast). Although the average gradient of this stretch is 4%, in the last stretch to Castellfort you will find ramps close to 10%, which could surprise you if you have pushed yourself too hard in the previous kilometers. When you reach Castellfort, descend towards Ares del Maestrat, but before arriving, take the junction to the CV12 and return to Morella, enjoying a comfortable stretch until you face the last climb that will take you back to the starting point.
Points of interest along the route
Bell tower of Castellfort.
Strolling through the streets of the municipality of Castellfort.
The square of the church of Castellfort linked to the rural environment.
Among the arches of the historic center of Morella.
Morella, located in the region of Els Ports, is one of the most impressive towns in the province of Castellón. Its medieval castle, built on the rock of La Mola in the thirteenth century, and its intact walls transport us to important historical moments, such as the War of the Spanish Succession. In December 1710, Philip V ‘s troops besieged the city, which resisted the attack for 62 days until, on February 3, 1711, the Bourbon troops managed to enter and put an end to the war in the Kingdom of Valencia. In addition to its historical legacy, Morella stands out for its impressive mountainous environment, being an ideal place to enjoy cycling routes through the Iberian Mountain Range. Morella’s gastronomy is also a great attraction, especially the Morella truffle, which grows in the area from December to March. The region’s livestock tradition also offers highly valued local meats. To enjoy these delicacies, we recommend visiting restaurants such as Vinatea or Daluan, where the truffle is the main ingredient. If you plan to spend the weekend, Morella offers several accommodation options, such as rural houses or the Hotel Rey Don Jaime, in the center of town, or the Hotel Cardenal Ram, a former 16th century palace overlooking the mountains.
The Church of Santa Maria: The Archpriestly Church of Santa Maria is a Gothic building that contains original stained glass windows of the Valencian school of the fourteenth century
Ermita de Santa Llúcia i Sant Llacer: The brotherhood of Sant Llacer, founded in 1280, built this chapel in 1286 for the assistance of leporosos.
Morella Castle: castle built on a rock, which together with its long history, was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1931.
Prehistoric cavesof Morella La Vella (cave paintings World Heritage Site).
Hotel Rey Don Jaime (Juan Giner, 6): located in the heart of the city with mountain views.
Hotel Cardenal Ram (Cuesta Suñer, 1): built in an old palace from the 16th century.
