R06 - Sant Mateu - Cicloturismo Castellón

Description of the route

It is a route of moderate difficulty, ideal if you already have some training. You will travel almost 80 kilometers through the Baix and Alt Maestrat, with quite a lot of accumulated slope. We leave Sant Mateu towards Xert on the CV-132. Although it does not have very steep slopes, the slope is enough to make you work. From Xert, we take the N-232 to the junction with the CV-138 towards Catí, in a stretch without descents or breaks. Leaving Catí, a challenging climb of 2 kilometers awaits you. Once overcome, you can enjoy a more comfortable ride with descents towards Albocàsser.

Along the CV-129, practically all downhill, you will connect with the CV-10 and from there you will return to Sant Mateu. The entrance to the village includes a final climb of 1 kilometer at 9%, perfect for the last effort of the day.

Points of interest along the route

Xert (Km 6): Town of less than 1000 inhabitants with an ecclesiastical gate of the thirteenth century in the chapel of Sant Marc de la Barcella. Catí (Km 23): Village at more than 1000 meters above sea level, with a Gothic architecture of the fifteenth century as the Church of San Pedro de Verona, or the Casa de la Vila. Albocàsser (Km 46): Area of almond trees, Gothic churches of the fifteenth century and grilled meats. It can be a good option for lunch if you make your departure coincide with this time: the Mesón Mele or the Restaurant el Molí will surely help you regain strength to return to Sant Mateu.

Sant Mateu is a charming historic village, known since Roman times as a resting point on the Via Augusta and, later, seat of the Templar Order. Today, it is a tourist destination full of ancient architecture: the Church of San Pedro (13th century), the medieval wall on Juheus Street, the Angel Fountain and the Villores Palace stand out. In addition, its gastronomy is varied, with typical dishes such as “olleta de capellá” and rabbit with local wine. To eat, you can visit restaurants in the Plaça Major and surroundings. Sant Mateu offers accommodation for all tastes, from rural houses to hotels, ideal to enjoy a historic and quiet weekend.

Church of San Pedro: from the 13th century and Romanesque architecture; the section of the old wall preserved in Juheus Street Palace of the Marquis of Villores: Popularly known as “El Sindicat”. Its structure is a Gothic palace from the 14th century. Borrull Palace: It belonged to the noble Borrull family. Since 1883 the Court of Criminal Matters of the Judicial District of San Mateo was installed in it. It dates from the 15th century.

Turimaestrat (Historiador Betí, 39): a very cozy rural hotel in the town center of San Mateu.

Casa Rural Font de Morella (Tápias, 11): pleasant rural house located in the village.

Casa Rural Les Caixes (calle Bonaire, 16): restored rural house from the medieval period in the historic center.