A Mudéjar church built in the first third of the 16th century, an early Gothic hermitage and surviving castle towers bring Encinacorba’s architectural history to life. There is also a traditional dance play and the Sierra de Algairén, with opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife observation. If you are looking for a holiday rental, this mix can help you decide: do you want your stay to focus mainly on architecture and history, or would you also like to set aside time for activities in the Sierra?

A history of architecture in many forms

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Mar is a Mudéjar church whose construction dates to the first third of the 16th century. It is classified as a Bien Catalogado of Aragonese cultural heritage. The Ermita de Santa Quiteria stands on a hill beside Encinacorba and is one of the few examples of early Gothic architecture in Zaragoza province. Its interior features include a wooden pitched-roof structure with Gothic tracery and a raised choir.

Another architectural feature is the group of Aragonese-style Renaissance buildings. Built of brick, they have three storeys. Their entrances are set beneath semicircular arches with voussoirs; balconies are on the main floor, and arcaded galleries run beneath the eaves. Heraldic decoration adds to their design. The fountain also offers a specific historical detail: it dates from the 16th century, is made of carefully worked ashlar and bears an inscription with the year 1610.

On the hill above the town are the ruins of the 14th- and 15th-century Castillo de Sinascueva and a Mudéjar church. The castle is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC). Two square towers still remain. The larger measures seven metres on each side and still has a pointed barrel vault. The town’s architectural history is thus visible not only in its religious buildings, but also in the surviving parts of the castle complex.

Cultural history and time in nature

A traditional dance play theatrically depicts the arrival of the Virgen del Mar. The Piarist Dionisio Fierro Gasca wrote it in 1885; it comprises six dances. Performance dates vary. If you would like to plan your trip around a performance, check the programme for the relevant year.

In recent years, La bajadica has become a regular part of the feast day of the Virgen del Mar, the town’s patron saint. The specific festivities programme may change; if you are planning your trip around it, check the dates for the relevant year.

For outdoor activities, the Sierra de Algairén offers opportunities for walking, cycling and mountaineering, as well as geological, botanical and ornithological observation. The PR-Z 44 walking trail starts beside the Peirón de San Roque in Encinacorba and heads towards the Sierra de Algairén. Check the trail conditions and signage before setting out.

Seasonal wildlife you may be able to observe in the Sierra includes golden eagles, griffon vultures, numerous butterfly species and wild goats; mushrooms and other fungi are also found there. Sightings are not guaranteed. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between two different focuses: Encinacorba’s buildings and traditions, or activities and nature in the Sierra.

Discover more destinations: Daroca, Nuez de Ebro, Valareña, Ateca, Calatorao, Sádaba, Cariñena, Nuévalos.

For the broader travel guide: Zaragoza.