The region of Alt Maestrat, in the interior of the province of Castellón, hides hundreds of secrets and mysteries. The current streets and alleys that cross the municipalities that make it up were already traversed hundreds of years ago by knights and nobles.

Its mountains, and the caves that we find in them, were thousands of years ago a place of shelter for the first men and women who inhabited the Peninsula. So much so, that one of the most internationally recognized prehistoric settlements is located precisely here, in the Cova Remigia.

Ares del Maestrat, along with Benassal and Albocàsser, is one of the greatest vestiges of prehistoric culture that has survived to the present day. The Remígia Cave, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in Ares, in the Barranco de la Gasulla, and hides within its walls nearly 750 cave paintings that are 7,000 years old. The Abric de Centelles, by Albocàsser, discovered in 1980, shows visitors more than 300 figures larger than most of those found in the Vallorta-Gasulla Cultural Park to which it belongs. On the other hand, the Racó de Nando, in Benassal, shows visitors more than twenty Palaeolithic engravings. Human figures, represented by the archetypal archer, animals and hunting scenes of different kinds make up the bulk of the artistic-prehistoric treasure of Alt Maestrat, which can also be seen in other parts of the region such as Culla.

But without a doubt, if there is one thing that represents this last town, it is its importance in medieval Spain. Culla was a Muslim settlement until the Reconquest, when it became part of the Crown of Aragon and, subsequently, of the Order of the Templar to whom it was sold. The presence of the Knights Templar in the municipality is full of legends and mysteries and, on them, many of the buildings that we can currently visit are based, such as the hermitage of Sant Cristòfol or Carrer de la Font.

However, the most representative element of Culla and that surrounds several municipalities in the region is its castle. The spectacular Arab fortress was known for its strategic importance in the territory and, therefore, for centuries it was the centre of the Setena de Culla, a group of towns that encompassed the current Culla, Benassal, Atzeneta, Vistabella, Vilar de Canes, La Torre d'En Besora and Benafigos.

The medieval constructions, belonging to the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, have a great weight in the architectural ensemble of the Maestrat of Castellón. Taken care of and restored for your visit and enjoyment, there are different buildings in Benassal, Ares, Culla, Albocàsser and Catí. Walking through its streets is synonymous with walking through our history, as it is difficult to find a corner where there is not some medieval remains.

A trip to Benassal without visiting the Castle of La Mola, which currently houses the Archaeological Museum of Alt Maestrat, or the Forn de Dalt would be an incomplete trip. In Culla we must visit the Molí de l'Orde to learn how our ancestors lived, but we must not lose sight of the tiles of the streets, since walls and floors hide phrases of yesteryear. In Ares you have to go into La Mola. This cave that crosses, from one side to the other, the mountain of the same name is now home to a museum in which pieces and moments of the history of the municipality are collected, from prehistoric times to the Carlist Wars. Before reaching Albocàsser we find the hermitage and the inn of Sant Pau, where the grisailles show us a past linked to the Cathar world and legends; Once you enter the historic centre, the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, the hermitage of Sant Joans or the washhouses are a must-see. And we have Catí. Every step you take you do just like the ancient settlers did. The houses and streets keep intact the medieval layout of the municipality, making every moment a unique experience.

While these municipalities hide pieces of culture in their urban centres and historic centres, their forests enclose some of the last corners of the most beautiful and best preserved Mediterranean flora in the Valencian Community. The Barranc dels Horts in Ares, belonging to the Caixa Castelló Foundation, preserves intact the splendour of the holm oak and holm oak forests. Benassal delights us with the Rivet Forest, 16 hectares of Mediterranean oak that have survived the passage of time and deforestation. A large tree welcomes us to Culla. The thousand-year-old holm oak leaves us perplexed by its great size and, it is said, that under its leafy canopy a platoon of soldiers took refuge during the Carlist Wars. Nor can we talk about Sant Pau de Albocàsser without remembering the image of the centuries-old ivy that covers part of its access arches. And what would Catí be without l'Avellà. This beautiful place, dedicated to the Mare de Déu de l'Avellà who is said to restore sight and health to an old woman with the waters of the spring, envelops the traveller in calm and tranquillity. A peace that will be increased if you decide to enter the Bathhouse and enjoy the healing properties of the spring water that popular history speaks of.

An unparalleled relaxation that can also be enjoyed in Benassal. Its waters, which are marketed for use, are said to be unbeatable for people with kidney ailments. In the spring of Benassal, the Font d'En Segures, we also find a well-kept spa, a perfect place to get lost and enjoy a different day.

But we would not have visited Alt Maestrat without having tasted some of the typical products of this region. In the starters we should not miss the opportunity to ask about the Catí Cheese, which is still made today in the traditional way. The tombet, a lamb meat stew, as the main course and the black truffle in some of the preparations are typical of this area. In addition, in the dessert you can't miss some nuts... both sweet and salty almonds or hazelnut almonds, for example, are exquisite.