Mesones de Isuela is especially interesting for travelers who want to explore its medieval townscape and Mudéjar architecture together. Castillo de Los Luna stands on a rocky outcrop; the historic town center follows a medieval layout along its steep slopes. The town’s history is therefore encountered not only at the castle, but also in the church, chapels and streets.

Castillo de Los Luna: Construction History and Roof Structure

Castillo de Los Luna is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. Its present-day structure dates from 1370 to 1382. The complex covers more than 3,000 square meters and has six cylindrical towers. These details give a concrete impression of the castle’s size and form without reducing its history to a single architectural feature.

Inside the Castillo is the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles. Its roof structure is considered one of the outstanding examples of Aragonese Mudéjar roof structures. The castle and chapel thus offer two different perspectives on the history of the architecture: the fortified complex with its towers and a remarkable structure inside the chapel.

Church and Chapels in the Townscape

The parish church, Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, has Mudéjar origins; its original building dates from the 16th century. Its tower combines a square floor plan with an octagonal upper section and diamond-pattern decoration. The Mudéjar tower was designated a Bien Catalogado del Patrimonio Cultural Aragonés in 2002. The church’s historical classification and the protection status of its tower are two separate aspects.

The two Ermitas also offer their own chronological and artistic highlights. The Ermita de San Roque was built at the end of the 17th century. It preserves geometric decorations in the Mudéjar tradition as well as a Baroque altarpiece. The Ermita de San Vicente Ferrer is in the town center and dates from the 17th century. Together with the church and castle, these buildings show how different periods and forms of the Mudéjar tradition meet in Mesones de Isuela.

Town Layout and Walking Routes

The historic town center follows a medieval layout on the steep slopes of the rocky outcrop on which the walled Castillo stands. A walk through Mesones de Isuela begins at the castle and takes in the landscape and town layout as you make your way through the streets. Those interested in the relationship between buildings and terrain will find this a different way to explore the town than by focusing on individual historic monuments.

Two descriptions of the PR-Z 16 are relevant for hiking. The route from Mesones de Isuela to Cueva del Moreno begins at the climb to the castle and follows paths and tracks toward Barranco de Andacón before following the stream. Another description covers the route from Brea de Aragón to Mesones de Isuela: it reaches the town after descending through orchards and crossing the GR 90. The descriptions differ in their routes and starting points; they do not give a walking time. As trail conditions can change, check the route before setting out.

Festivals, Cultural Route and Visits

The Fiesta del Mondongo is held in Mesones de Isuela every year on December 8, organized by the Mesolunaque cultural association. On August 16, residents make a pilgrimage to the Ermita and carry the image of San Roque in a procession. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these dates, check the current event information.

Mesones de Isuela is also part of Route 3, “Los Mudéjares Mestizo y Fronterizo,” on the regional Territorio-Mudéjar route, together with Saviñán, La Almunia de Doña Godina and Alpartir. The tourist information office is on C. Castillo; guided visits are also available. Check the latest information about visits in advance. This lets you choose what to focus on during your stay, from architecture, local history and the cultural route to the hiking trails described here.

Discover more destinations: Nuez de Ebro, Fayón, Valareña, Alera, Épila, Alagón, Sobradiel, Caspe

For the main travel overview: Zaragoza.