MoO₃–TiO₂ samples have been prepared from aqueous solutions of ammonium heptamolybdate and titania (by conventional impregnation and equilibrium adsorption) and by mechanically mixing both oxides (with and without further hydrothermal treatment). The samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, specific surface area assessment, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet–visible diffuse refectance (UV–VIS DR) spectroscopies and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). Surface properties have been studied following the adsorption of probe molecules by FTIR spectroscopy. Dispersed phases are formed preferentially in samples prepared by equilibrium adsorption and in physical mixtures submitted to hydrothermal treatment; in all other cases crystalline MoO₃ is mainly formed. Dispersed phases are more easily reduced. They have been identified as surface molybdenyl species bonded to Ti cations through bridging oxygens, and their overall coordination depends on the degree of surface hydration. These species predominate quantitatively on the catalyst surfaces and have been found to be strong Lewis and Brønsted acids. They are also more easily reduced than bulk MoO₃ under TRP conditions, and very active as oxidizing agents for methanol.