Morella

Morella is a town and municipality in the province of Castellón, within the Valencian Community, Spain. Located in the comarca of Els Ports, it sits atop a hill overlooking the surrounding landscape. The town is known for its well-preserved medieval fortifications, including walls and a hilltop castle, which dominate the skyline and influence its historic character. The historic center features narrow streets and several religious and civil buildings, including the Church of Santa María la Mayor.

History: Morella's history spans Iberian, Roman, and Moorish periods, and the town played a strategic role at the frontier between Christian and Muslim territories during the Middle Ages. It was incorporated into the Crown of Aragon in the 13th century after the Reconquista, which left a legacy of fortifications and a strongly walled town.

Today: Morella is a popular destination for cultural tourism, offering a medieval atmosphere, preserved architecture, and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. It hosts cultural events and maintains traditional life in the surrounding area. The municipality maintains population in the low thousands and serves as a local center for the surrounding rural communities.

In literature: Morella is also the title of a short story by Edgar Allan Poe, first published in 1835 in the Southern Literary Messenger, noted for its Gothic themes and exploration of memory and possession.