Ruta de los cátaros: discover the history of the Cathars in the Region of Valencia

The Cathar Route in the Region of Valencia is a cultural route that will take you to places steeped in history. Monuments, charming villages and much more await on this journey back through time. Discover everything you need to know and start planning your getaway.

The Cathar Route: destinations and history

In the 14th century, the last of the European Cathars arrived in what is now our Region, fleeing from the French Inquisition which branded them heretics. The Cathars were a branch of Christianity that radically broke away from the ecclesiastical hierarchy, a move for which they were persecuted.

The movement’s beliefs differed drastically from the doctrines of Catholicism, stating discontent with the clergy and aspiring for a purer way of life that was more in line with the gospel. Over time, the Cathars managed to set up communities in the Pyrenees, France and Italy.

On the Cathar Route, you will learn that the Cathars – known as “bons homes” or “good men” - crossed the Pyrenees to find land where Christians, Muslims and Jews lived together. The northern part of the province of Castellón received this exiled community, which also reached Xàtiva and València.

The Cathar Route is a tourist itinerary and Cultural Route of the Council of Europe that you won’t want to miss. The route will take you to beautiful destinations like Morella, Sant Mateu, Cinctorres, Forcall, La Pobla de Benifassà, Peñíscola, Cervera del Maestre, Càlig, Atzeneta del Maestrat, Xàtiva and València.

In the places that they settled, you will find inscriptions in the stone and other traces of their time here. The Cathar Route will take you on an exploration of fascinating villages, towns and cities.

Make the most of this cultural route to visit incredible castles at places like Morella, Peñíscola and Xàtiva. You will also find yourselves in historic mountain villages like Cervera del Maestre and standing in front of dinosaur fossils in Cinctorres.

Xàtiva will keep you busy for a whole day on the Cathar Route as its historic centre is full of monumental buildings. While you’re here, make sure you try arroz al horno, oven-baked rice. 

In Atzeneta del Maestrat, head in the direction of the ancient petroglyphs and take hundreds of photos of its traditional streets. Back in Morella, go to San Francisco Convent to see the “Danza de la Muerte” frescoes. And in La Pobla de Benifassà, you can go and visit the incredible rock art.

Forcall’s medieval feel will blow you away and vibrant València has got plenty of things to see and do. Follow the Cathar Route in the Region of Valencia and discover how this community - which has plenty of stories to tell - used to live.