By Jessica Jenkins and Olga Querol, ATG Route Manager
Straddling the border between the Spanish regions of Aragon and Valencia, the Maestrazgo is one of the most remarkably well-preserved and least-visited parts of Spain. For the walker, this remote area in the province of Teruel with ancient paths, clean air and dramatic landscapes provides an increasingly rare escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The Maestrazgo owes its name to the military orders of the Knights Templar and, later, the Order of Montesa, who ruled this region during the Middle Ages, leaving behind a remarkable architectural legacy of castles, towers and fortresses that still dominate the landscape. Walking between the towns of Iglesuela del Cid and Morella you’ll travel through a landscape that has changed little in five centuries.
Setting out from Iglesuela del Cid, a beautiful stone village perched on a promontory at over 1,200 metres above sea level with its Templar tower, the Torre de los Nublos, and the elegant arcaded Plaza Mayor, ancient tracks lead south-west through open limestone country to Cantavieja, the region’s capital. Its main square, with its porticoed character, is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Aragon, and the views from the town over the surrounding valleys are extraordinary.
Following a ridge walk through wild country, you descend to picturesque Mirambel. The Portal de las Monjas is the old entrance to the town wall, notable for its beautiful latticework and the route through the town is dotted with impressive mansions, hermitages and stone houses.
From Mirambel, the path descends through fragrant scrubland and river valleys to Forcall, a village with a rich cultural heritage including an 18th-century parish church and the 16th-century Osset-Miró palace.
The end point of our walk is Morella, situated on a hill at around 1,000 metres with views of the surrounding Maestrazgo mountain range, the town is encircled by 14th century medieval walls and crowned by its impressive castle.
