Miravet Village and Templar Castle
Miravet
is a small picturesque village which is about a 30-45 minute drive from 
Villa Jacaranda,
situated in the heart of the Terres de l'Ebre.
There are two main roads into Miravet. One being via the historical ferry across the river Ebro (the last one of its type that has been conserved in the Terres de l'Ebre). The ferry is simply powered by the river current. As you cross you get the chance to take In the beautiful views of the Miravet skyline, a truly unique experience.
At the top of Miravet is sits The Templar Castle. Dating back to 1153 it is considered to be the largest fortified complex in Catalonia, and one of the best examples of Romanesque, religious and military, architecture of the Templar order in the whole Western world.
You can take a tour of The Templar Castle and visitor centre for free as well as climb the spiral staircase to the very top of the castle where yet more fantastic panoramic views of the river Ebro and surrounding landscape can be found.
Quaint street cafes shops and bars, on the banks of the river Ebro, at the foot of Miravet village, are the ideal place to relax and take in the atmosphere.
Arriving in Miravet on the ferry that crosses the
Riber Ebro (the last one of its type that has been conserved in the Terres
de l’Ebre) is an unique experience. Today, of course, a medieval tax is no
longer charged for the crossing, and though cars are now transported, the
ferry still uses the river current as its only driving force.Making use of a
crag, the Moors decided to found the, nowadays, Old Village, and crowning
the rock, the great castle, rebuilt by the Knights Templars and transformed
into a fortress-monastery, after the conquest of 1153. It is considered to
be the largest fortified complex in Catalonia, and one of the best examples
of Romanesque, religious and military, architecture of the Templar order in
the whole Western world. It keeps alive the memory of the end of the Knights
at the Crown of Aragon, who suffered a 12 month siege, between 1307 and
1308.
The other architectural treasures are in the Old Village, the Old Church by
the Hospital order, dating from the Renaissance and unique in its style
throughout the Terres de l’Ebre, it conserves the original stone altar
from the castle, the remains of wall paintings and somes expositions. In
contrast to this, we find the Islamic Arch for the Aljama-mosque in the
backside of the church, and the Sanaqueta balcony over the river.
The clay pottery, the most ancestral tradition that is conserved in Miravet
and in the Terres de l’Ebre, has for centuries seduced visitors who came
to this town, and can now be see in Miravet.
There are still eight workshops, which are located toghether in the
“Raval” quarter. There masters can be found making pieces by hand and
still using the potter’s wheel; with shapes and glazes introduced from the
Islamic world, such as pitchers,vats, jars, etc.
Visit :
The old village: dockyard, watermill, arcades, “Aljama” arch, Jewish street, watchtower and Sanaqueta balcony.
The Old Church (XVI-XVII c.): nowadays, a cultural monument for concerts and exhibitions, temporary and permanent. You can visit it with a local guide from the Information Point.
The Templar Castle (XII c.): a Government of Catalonia heritage site. For opening hours: 977 407 368.
Blores Route: following medieval paths through archaeological remains to the watermill.
The potters workshops and the traditional pottery, in Raval Quarter.
VISIT MIRAVET WEBSITE - HISTORY OF THE CASTLE, TEMPLARS....
Google Map route to Miravet
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