La Mata de Morella town hall

La Mata de Morella town hall is the seat of local government for a small municipality in the province of Castellón, in the Valencian Community. The building sits on Calle Iglesia, right in the centre of a village that today counts fewer than 200 residents, in the Els Ports (Los Puertos de Morella) region — a hilly, sparsely populated stretch of land on the border between Aragon and Valencia, known for its stone villages and quiet landscapes.

Where is La Mata de Morella?

The village lies on the banks of the Cantavieja river, in the western part of the Els Ports district, a short drive from the famous walled town of Morella, from which La Mata takes its name. Despite the shared name, La Mata de Morella is its own municipality, with its own council, budget and town hall — not a suburb or hamlet administered from Morella.

How do you get there?

A car is by far the easiest option. The Els Ports region has no rail connections, and bus services are infrequent, running mainly toward Morella or Vinaròs. The local road from Morella to La Mata de Morella winds through the hills and doubles as a scenic drive in its own right. Build in extra time: the route can be narrow, and winter conditions occasionally make it slippery given the region's elevation.

What is the village's history?

The area was recovered from Muslim rule by Blasco de Alagón, and in 1234 Bernat Montçó settled the land with new inhabitants. For centuries the village sat within Morella's administrative orbit before becoming a fully independent municipality. That history shows in the architecture: stone houses, narrow lanes and the town hall itself share the plain, mountain building style typical of villages around Morella.

What can you see around the town hall?

Standing on Calle Iglesia, the town hall works as the village's natural landmark, with the main lanes branching out toward the parish church and the rest of the settlement. La Mata de Morella keeps the feel of a small, unpolished mountain village: stone façades, a modest central square, and views over the Cantavieja valley and the surrounding Els Ports hills. It suits travellers looking for quiet and an authentic, low-key side of the Maestrazgo–Els Ports countryside rather than crowds.

When should you visit?

The region sits at a Mediterranean mountain elevation, so summers are warm but noticeably milder than on the coast, while winters can bring snow and low temperatures. Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the best windows, with green surroundings and comfortable conditions for hiking the nearby hills. July and August can get hot at midday, though evenings stay cool thanks to the altitude.

Frequently asked questions

Is La Mata de Morella part of the town of Morella? No. It is an independent municipality with its own town hall and administration, though it is closely tied to Morella historically and geographically, and takes its name from it.

How many people live in La Mata de Morella? According to 2025 figures, the village has around 196 residents, making it one of the smaller municipalities in the Els Ports region.

Can you reach it by public transport? Bus connections are very limited. Driving is by far the more practical option, and the surrounding roads are an attraction in their own right.

What else is worth seeing nearby? Combine a visit with a trip to Morella, a short drive away, and with hikes through the hills of the Cantavieja valley, typical of the wider Els Ports region.