What to see in Sant Mateu
San Mateo, about 120 km from Valencia in the Bajo Maestrazgo, was the historic capital of the Maestrazgo under Montesa. With 2,021 residents, it keeps the Montesa town core among walls, churches and the Dominican belfry.
The archpriestal church, Valencian Gothic with Romanesque roots, raises its 15th-century bell tower and keeps the Pope Luna chalice in its parish museum. The church of San Pedro, Romanesque from the Reconquest, is considered the oldest. The 1737 Dominican belfry remains from the convent founded in 1360, and the Montesa-period walls ring the historic enclosure. The Montesa town keeps the air of the Maestrazgo capital: fairs, markets and noble houses within walls. The walk joins the archpriestal church with San Pedro, the belfry and the wall stretches, all on foot and within a few streets. The parish museum, with the Pope Luna chalice, centres the indoor visit. It is a half-day destination, at ease.
What to see in Sant Mateu
- Iglesia arciprestal de San MateoChurch~100 m from the Town Hall
Valencian Gothic church with Romanesque roots and a 15th-century bell tower.
- Campanario del convento de los DominicosMonument~150 m from the Town Hall
1737 belfry, remains of the Dominican convent founded in 1360.
- Murallas de Sant MateuMonument~50 m from the Town Hall
Medieval walls of the former Maestrazgo capital, from the Montesa period.
- Iglesia de San Pedro (San Mateo)Church~200 m from the Town Hall
Romanesque church from the Reconquest, the oldest in the village.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to see in San Mateo?
The Gothic archpriestal church with the Pope Luna chalice, Romanesque San Pedro, the belfry and the walls.
Why was it a capital?
It was the historic capital of the Maestrazgo under the Order of Montesa.
How far is it from Valencia?
About 120 km from Valencia, in the Bajo Maestrazgo.
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