The Castillo de los Calatravos preserves an important collection of Gothic murals. A large part depicts secular rather than religious subjects; the murals were created in the first half of the 14th century. Their regional or local character is attributed to the Franco-Gothic or Linear Gothic style. Together with churches, landscapes and local traditions, they offer different ways to shape a stay in Alcañiz.

The Castle and Gothic Traces

The castle stands on the Pui Pinos hill and can be reached via a steep circular path and through a massive entrance arch. The arch is set at right angles to the wall and follows the pattern of Islamic fortifications. Thus, the same building combines its hilltop location with a striking feature of fortification architecture. If you are planning a visit, it is best to confirm visiting arrangements in advance.

The Torre gótica is the only surviving remnant of Alcañiz’s former Gothic temple. Construction began in the 14th century, was interrupted by the plague of 1348 and was not completed until the course of the 15th century. The Oficina de Turismo organizes guided tours; visiting hours change depending on the season and are arranged by telephone. From the rooftop terrace, you can see across Alcañiz and its surroundings.

Churches, Walks and Archaeological Finds

The former collegiate church of Santa María la Mayor has three naves of equal height, side chapels, a flush transept and a central dome. The sacristy also houses Gothic and Renaissance panels from the 15th and 16th centuries; access to the sacristy may vary. The Santuario de la Virgen de los Pueyos offers a different architectural accent: the Baroque building dates from the 17th century, has a single nave and features domes above the transept and the main chapel.

The underground passages can be accessed from the Oficina de Turismo. The route includes a 15th-century wine cellar and an ice cellar from the late 17th century. Visiting arrangements may change, so check in advance. The air-raid shelter is also part of the historic old-town route: the Oficina de Turismo visits it and explains its history as part of the route.

The CIBA, the Centro de lo Íberos del Bajo Aragón, is located on the ground floor of the Molino harinero mayor building. It displays original Iberian and Roman finds from numerous archaeological sites in Alcañiz. The offices of the regulatory councils for Calanda peaches and extra virgin olive oil from Bajo Aragón are on the upper floor. The CIBA visit and the offices are therefore different uses within the same building.

Landscape, Trails and Activities

Las Saladas is a group of around 30 enclosed salt ponds. Evaporation concentrates salts in them; between the ponds are dry-farming fields and hills covered with scrub vegetation. The combination of salt ponds, cultivated land and scrub-covered hills makes this landscape different from the riverside trails and activities at the reservoir.

At La Estanca reservoir, environmentally friendly water sports such as canoeing, sailing and windsurfing are possible, as are cycling, hiking, horse riding and fishing. The activities on offer may vary by season, so it is worth checking whether your preferred activity is available on your visit date. A riverside park with trails and walking routes is being developed along the Guadalope, where the river flows through Alcañiz. Improvement work may affect individual sections.

For a longer route, consider the Vuelta a las trincheras, a trail of around 17 kilometres through the surroundings of Alcañiz. It combines nature experiences with some trenches from the Spanish Civil War. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out. The Val del Charco del Agua Amarga rock shelter is one of the caves and rock shelters with paintings that are recognized as Bienes de Interés Cultural. Trails leading to the paintings start in Alcañiz or Valdealgorfa.

Traditions Throughout the Year

Holy Week in Alcañiz is marked by blue tunics and percussion played exclusively on drums, with no bass drum. This local tradition dates back to the initiative of Fray Mateo Pestel; the procession of the Pregón was held for the first time in 1678. Another recurring event is the medieval market, which takes place on the weekend before or after the feast of San Jorge. The specific annual programme may change, so plan your visit around the dates for that year.

When choosing the focus of your stay, the options are easy to distinguish: architecture and historic walks, archaeological finds, landscapes and trails, and seasonal activities on the water. This can help you decide which themes to prioritize on your trip to Alcañiz.

Discover more destinations: Celadas, Nogueruelas, Teruel, Aldehuela, Ejulve, Gea De Albarracín, La Mata De Los Olmos, Andorra

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