Castellote

The fine outline of the ancient town of Castellote rises out of the harsh region of Maestrazgo on a cliff that slopes abruptly towards the valley of the Guadalope River. Its old town has been declared Property of Cultural Interest.

With its completely mediaeval atmosphere, Castellote is today one of the most interesting tourist sites in the Maestrazgo region. The urban centre is dominated by the remains of its Templar castle. Narrow sloping streets lead us through its rich traditional architecture (roofs and balconies with decorated eaves and a fountain with Gothic sculptures). Among the most notable buildings are the Church of San Miguel (Levantino Mediterranean Gothic), with its beautiful doorway and rose window, and the Town Hall, in which there is a traditional Gothic market area with pointed arches. Other places of interest are the Romanesque shrine (12th century) of the Virgen del Agua, the tower and former prison of the Order of the Knights Templar, the access gates to the old walled city and the palatial homes of Don José, Gordiana and Planas.