The nearby picturesque village of Miravet is renowned for its magnificent castle, which sits high above the town and dominates the landscape. The walled grounds were built by the Moors in the 11th century, and the residential grounds, built in the 12th century, are considered to be the finest work by the Templars in Catalunya. At the start of the 14th century, when the order of the Knights Templar was dissolved, it was one of the most important Templar resistance centres and heroically defended against a siege lasting more than one year, between 1307 and 1308. There is a reenactment of the siege in the castle every August.
After the dissolution, the castle passed into the hands of the Knights Hospitaler and its strategic situation meant that it was still to play an important role in the Reapers' War (1640), the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1715) and the wars of the 19th century. 1938
Opening times
Tuesday to Sunday, including public holidays.
- From 1 October to 31 May: 10 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
- From 1 June to 30 September: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Closed Monday unless a public holiday, 25 December and 1 January.
The ticket office closes 20 minutes before closing time.
Admission charges
Adults - €3 Under 21 - €2
Under 7 and over 65 free.
Tuesdays and local holidays free
A memorable part of visiting Miravet should be taking the ferry across the river. It is the last of its kind, two llaguts (catboats) with a wooden platform joining them, using just pullies, rudders and the power of the river current to cross.
In the village itself, a stroll through the streets of the old quarter will uncover the exquisitely restored stone houses and the medieval mill. The church of Baroque Nativitat de la Mare de Déu, was deconsecrated after the Civil War and today is a cultural monument, while the new church, La Immaculada, is a modern building, respectful of the local style.
There are many architectural treasures to be found in Miravet, and in the Raval area you can still find the traditional pottery workshops where pieces continue to be made by hand using the potters wheel.
Spectacular views of the village and the surrounding countryside are visible from places such as the town wharf, pas de barca, the terraces in the castle, the Sanaqueta viewpoint, the Riago coast and the route les Blores. The latter is a route following medieval paths through archaeological remains to the watermill.
Be sure to have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine in the village square, plaza L'Arenal, to soak up the sights and the atmosphere. You may even find Amanda, the Benifallet artist, who spends her time between the two villages capturing the scenes on canvas, so stop for a chat. And if you are visiting in June, the second Sunday of the month is the Cherry Festival, one of the many village fiestas (see Local Fiestas).
