El Matarranya

El Matarranya is the southernmost district in the marches between Catalonia and Aragon and takes its name from the largest river in the area.
El Matarranya comprises 18 villages, each attractive in its own way and each rich in monuments and natural beauty.

El Matarranya is part of the Natural Park of Ports de Tortosa-Beseit.
This Natural Park, rich with a variety of dense vegetation, is the home of many kinds of wild animals, particularly the wild Spanish Goat. Els Ports is an ideal location for bird watching, above all for those who love raptors. Here some of the most majestic birds of prey are to be seen : the Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, the Eagle Owl.

The archaeological remains found in all the area show that El Matarranya has been inhabited since prehistoric times. There are interesting remains of Iberian settlements in Calaceite (Sant Antoni and Tossal Redó), Queretes (els Castellans), Massalió (St. Cristòfol) and La Vall del Tormo (the fort of Torre Cremada).

Some examples of the period under Moslem domination, which lasted several centuries, and the turbulent period following have also left their mark. The Mudejar roof of the Hermitage of Font de Pena-roja, the remains of the fort at la Freixneda or the Plaça Major at Calaceit all bear witness.

In addition to Calaceit, other towns, such as La Freixneda, Vall-de-roures and Ràfels have also been declared historical and artistic sites for their palaces, churches and civil buildings.