The distinctive table mountains of Racó del Frare and the architectural history of the historic complex show two different sides of Sant Mateu. When planning your stay, you can consider whether hiking trails, architecture or both should be the main focus. Nature and cultural experiences offer different highlights: the trails pass through ravines and by traces of the past, while the town’s churches and buildings from several centuries take centre stage.

Landscape and Trails Around Sant Mateu

The Racó del Frare Municipal Natural Area covers part of the municipality of Sant Mateu. Its table-shaped geological structure is characterised by distinctive, horizontally arranged table mountains. The area’s animal and plant life also contributes to its high ecological value. The nature-focused side of a stay therefore centres on a landscape shaped as much by its geological formations as by its wildlife.

Public hiking is possible on the PRV-214 and its variants. The trails pass through the Ratlla, La Rambleta and Barranc del Salt ravines. Check trail conditions before setting out. The PR-CV 201 circular route offers a different historical perspective: it begins on the old road to La Jana, whose course followed the Via Augusta in Roman times, and passes the ruins of the medieval Moli Vell watermill site. The trails also differ in what they bring into focus: ravines and landforms on the one hand, an old route and a former mill site on the other. Check the accessibility of the ruins in advance as well.

Gothic, Renaissance and Local History

Sant Mateu’s historic complex includes churches and civic buildings dating from the 13th to the 16th centuries. Its architectural heritage also includes a medieval oven, wells and stone façades with Gothic and Renaissance windows. The different architectural styles provide several points of reference for a walk through the town’s history, without limiting your interest to a single building.

One striking building is the Iglesia Arciprestal de Sant Mateu, an important monument of Valencian Gothic architecture. In 1931, it was declared a national heritage site. The Palacio del Marqués de Villores adds a different architectural history to this focus: in the Middle Ages, it was the manor house of the Comí family; in the 16th century, its façade and entrance area were remodelled in keeping with Renaissance principles. The façade and ground floor can be visited. Check access arrangements with the tourist office before your visit; the tour does not automatically include other parts of the building.

Fossils from the Maestrat

The Colección Museográfica de Paleontología Juan Cano Forner offers a distinct perspective on natural history. A large proportion of the fossils on display are representative of the Maestrat; the ammonite collection is particularly impressive. The exhibits also include specimens from every geological era and most stratigraphic units. This makes the collection interesting for visitors who want to explore geological time periods as well as the landscape and architectural history. Check opening arrangements before your visit.

When choosing a hotel in Sant Mateu, you can use your own interests as a guide: do you want local history to shape your stay, are you more interested in hiking, or would you like to include both? The different access information can help you plan your visits accordingly.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Castellfort, Oropesa Del Mar, Les Coves De Vinromà, Xert, Cabanes, Villafranca Del Cid, Herbeset, Borriol.

Go to the main travel overview: Castellon.