CATI…..A village full of surprises; its medicinal waters and its rich heritage are its main attractions.

04/08/2021
Posted in Noticias
04/08/2021

Cati is an interesting town that has managed to both conserve and to share its rich heritage, which ranges from spectacular gothic buildings, to its renowned waters, its excellent gastronomy and its ancient traditions.

Legend has it that , in 1540, a blind woman with leprosy was travelling to Salvasona to the reverence of Saint Lucia to ask for relief from her visual problems…..as she passed by a hazel tree she had an encounter with the virgin who instructed her to wet herself with water from the nearby spring. She did this and was immediately miraculously cured. Full of the fervour generated by this tale, the people of Cati built a hermitage with an inn which was replaced by the current one two centuries afterwards. Later came more inns and private chalets which, together with the Agua de l’ Avella bottling plant, today make up the landscape of the spa which is now a perfectly equipped tourist destination.

As well as its natural treasures ( stunning scenery and water proven to be beneficial to the kidneys and for skin infections) Cati is the home of outstanding wall paintings on the hermitage walls; almost every millimetre was painted by Pascual Mespletera, a prestigious baroque author between 1737 and 1740. No eye is capable of adequately admiring the beauty of the paintings which have recently been restored by Castellon County Council.

The sanctuary and spa of L’Avella can be reached via a road with a tunnel which begins in Cati. The town of Cati was founded after the conquest of Jaime 1 and is situated within the geographical jurisdiction of Morella. The wool trade brought it prosperity which today translates into the existence of interesting civil buildings in the gothic style, such as the town hall with its beautiful fish market, the Casa Miralles, Casa dels Montserrat, Casa Espigol, Casa Marti and Casa Roca. They are joined by the church with its sturdy bell tower, church square and the altarpiece of San Lorenzo and San Pedro of Verona, a work by Jacomat which is located in the Espigol Chapel.

Some parts of Catis heritage can be tasted, such as the artisan nougat made  in the town or the famous Cati cheese producers who are renowned for the preparation of fresh cheese. Nor should the rich traditions be forgotten, one of the most important being the prayers of the Maestrazgo which takes place from Cati to St Pere del Castellfort on the first Sunday in May and the pilgrimage to the Hermitage of L’ Avella on September 8 th.

 

        

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