The Valencian Community offers a tapestry of residential areas that connect nature, history, and culture across its broad landscape. As one moves through corners and natural spaces tied to municipalities, it becomes easy to be transported to bygone eras. Alicante, Valencia, and the inland footprints leave a lasting mark of history. Walls, castles, and fortresses stand as reminders. This piece highlights five places where visitors can pause, breathe, and feel the medieval heartbeat of the region.
Culla
Located in Castellón, Culla sits among the most captivating corners of the Valencian Community. The municipality is home to around 500 residents. Its surroundings reward visitors with pristine natural scenery and a tranquil atmosphere that invites exploration of the past as one walks the medieval streets. Cobblestone houses, remnants of an Arab fortress, a commander’s stable, a wave parish church, and other historic elements transport travelers back to the Middle Ages.
The nearby landscape offers a wide range of activities and clean air. Visitors can embark on excursions to scenic spots or simply stroll through the town. A recommended stop is Parc Miner del Maestrat. Local flavors tempt travelers too, including the classic l’Alt Maestrat dish known as the master’s pot and the celestial coca.
Xàtiva
Xàtiva stands out as a city where every corner seems steeped in history. Its monuments trace the passage of eras, revealing a history of episcopal prominence during Visigothic times and a flowering of culture during Muslim rule. Xàtiva is also notable as the birthplace of painter José Ribera and as the origin of two popes from the Borja dynasty, known as El Españoleto.
Prominent hideaways and the grandeur of the castle illuminate the past. The old town, declared a Historical-Artistic Site in 1982, remains a captivating link to those epochs.
Chulilla
Chulilla offers a dramatic setting in the Valencian Community, celebrated for its striking position in the Turia river basin. The area’s abundant water shapes a network of trails, including segments of the Waterway route. Visitors can explore endless tracks, such as Calderones and the Blue Puddle, while wandering shaded streets that reveal the medieval layout of the town.
Guadalest
Guadalest in Alicante province is where sea and mountain meet in a dramatic way. Situated atop a rock 595 meters above sea level, Guadalest Castle stands as a sentinel over a valley that seems carved into the landscape. The town’s houses cling to the rock, offering views that stretch across a lush valley. Its beauty and charm earned it a recognition as a Historical-Artistic Site in 1974.
The surrounding area hosts a cultural tapestry that includes the Orduna House, a 17th-century noble residence known as the Big House. Museums such as the Nativity Scenes and Dolls’ Houses Museum, the Micro Miniature Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, and the Historical Vehicle Collection Museums provide a window into local history and craft.
Morella
Morella, in Castellón, is a remarkable destination perched at altitude atop the Maestrazgo region. The town is dominated by its imposing castle and the surrounding walls that define the historic core. Its cistern and medieval towers endure as symbols of endurance and defense, making Morella one of the region’s treasured medieval sites.
Regardless of the season, Morella preserves a vivid medieval atmosphere. With a population around 2,500, the town invites visitors to explore its time-honored streets and significant landmarks such as the Church of the Archbishop of Santa María La Mayor, a Gothic jewel that reflects centuries of power.