Castellote can be explored through two distinct themes: the Templar castle, whose remains shape the town centre, and the Bosque Pétreo with its fossilised tree trunks. There are also routes by the castle rock and the Ermita del Llovedor. When planning your visit, you can decide whether to focus mainly on the castle’s history and finding your way around the rock, or to include the palaeontological exhibition as well. This brings together a historical connection to the town and a topic in natural history, without making them the same focus.

The Templar Castle and Castellote’s History

Castellote’s old town is designated a “Bien de Interés Cultural”. The town centre is shaped by the remains of its Templar castle. Alfonso I recaptured a fortress from the Muslims; the Templar castle was built over this fortress on the orders of Alfonso II. The reconquest and the order to build therefore belong to different rulers: Alfonso I is part of the earlier history, while Alfonso II is associated with the later construction of the Templar castle. This gives the old town a historical connection reaching back to the earlier fortress.

The castle’s design can also be described through two features: it has an irregular layout and comprises four defensive areas arranged in terraces. “Irregular” describes the overall layout, while “terraced” describes how the defensive areas are arranged. This provides a concrete description of the fortress without reducing it to its historical name.

Routes and Orientation by the Castle Rock

A footpath to the castle starts at the Church of San Miguel. The Via Ferrata Castellote starts at the Plaza: from there, the route goes past the blue house on the left, along the Cuesta de San Miguel and towards the church and castle. The Via Ferrata sign is located on the path to the castle, where you can gear up. The starting points are therefore different: the Church of San Miguel is the reference point for the footpath to the castle, while the Via Ferrata starts at the Plaza.

The Ermita del Llovedor is on the north side of the rock on which the castle stands, below a water outlet. This outlet gives the Ermita its name. Its location provides another specific reference point by the castle rock: as well as the castle, you can use the north side of the rock and the water outlet that gives the Ermita its name to orient yourself.

Fossilised Tree Trunks in the Bosque Pétreo

The Bosque Pétreo has a different focus from the castle. The palaeontological exhibition is centred on the giant fossilised tree trunks from the “El Barranquillo” site. Covering around 520 m², it provides information about the development of the Earth and plant species; it also includes a Carboniferous forest. The tree trunks provide the specific starting point, while the development of the Earth and plants broadens the theme. Those who want to explore the development of the Earth and plants as well as the history of the castle’s construction will find a distinct topic here. Castellote therefore offers a choice between the history of a fortress and the natural history explored in the exhibition as separate focuses.

Discover more destinations: Mirambel, Obón, Calanda, Alcañiz, Valderrobres, Camarena De La Sierra, Torrijo del Campo, La Mata De Los Olmos

For the broader travel overview: Teruel.