The town in Valencia that best conserves its mediaeval layout and design is Morella. This town, which existed as far back as the Muslim era, later came to be the expression of the Christian mediaeval order. The castle dominates the entire town, which spreads out over the most favourable side of the slope in terms of both orientation and incline. At the highest part of the town, yet still below the castle, is the archpriestly church of Santa María, and next to it the San Francisco and San Agustín convents. Lower down and interspersed throughout the town are the San Miguel and San Juan parish churches. The streets adapt to the terrain and are laid out concentrically. The physical impossibility of opening up a large square in the middle of town led the market to be situated on the main street (today called Blasco de Alagón). This street follows a level curve, and the porches that protected and still house the market are conserved along the length of it. On this street, too, are the assay house, the hall and the prison. Tellingly, it is still referred to as “the square” despite the fact that it is a long, narrow street. The city was protected by a thick wall which still exists and was built over pre-existing walls in the mid-14^th century, and later renovated.¹

 

Of all the interesting sights to see in Morella, the architecture most worth visiting includes the archpriestly church of Santa María, the San Francisco convent, the council house and the aqueduct of the Vinachos fountain. Due to their size, the castle and walls merit a separate tour and description.