Ojos Negros brings together a medieval castle, traces of mining, a reconstructed windmill and religious traditions. Your stay can focus on different things: architectural and industrial history alongside an annual pilgrimage and outdoor destinations.

Cultural Heritage and Architectural History

Stone sculptures attributed to a local shepherd known as “Kpis” are scattered along the streets of Ojos Negros. The Iglesia Parroquial de Ntra. Sra. del Pilar dates from the 18th century. The Castillo de Ojos Negros dates back to the 14th century and retains three rectangular towers. It is also included in the list of castles that are considered Bienes de Interés Cultural under Additional Provision Two of Law 3/1999 of March 10 on Aragonese Cultural Heritage. The sculptures, parish church and castle offer distinct points of interest: local attribution, ecclesiastical architectural history and medieval architecture.

Mining Through the Ages

The Salinas de Ojos Negros have been documented since the 13th century; their exploitation continued until the mid-20th century. The Sierra Menera mining railway tells a different story: it began operating on July 27, 1907, transporting iron from the rich ore veins of the Ojos Negros mines (Teruel) to the port of Sagunto. These two examples illustrate different aspects of local industrial history: salt production and iron transport.

The “Tolvas del cargadero de mineral” and the “Nave de clasificación y cribado” are also mining heritage sites. Both were declared Monumento de Interés Local on May 11, 2001. For another perspective, route PR-TE 52 leads into the former mining area. Historical dates and protected structures thus sit alongside a route that leads into this former mining area.

Windmill and Outdoor Destinations

The reconstructed windmill of Ojos Negros is a Mediterranean mill of the C de Krüger type. Its cylindrical tower has a conical roof. The two floors have different functions: the first was used for storage, while the second houses the machinery. The windmill is 1 km from the town, on the road to the mines. If you plan to visit, check local visiting arrangements in advance.

Another destination is the small spring “El Ojo de Mierla.” From Ojos Negros, a path leads to it on the right-hand side in the direction of the N-211.

Pilgrimage and Visit Planning

The pilgrimage to the Santo Cristo de Herrera takes place every year on the first Saturday in May. It begins with the blessing of the fields from the windmill. If you would like to travel for this occasion, you can plan around the date given for the annual event. In front of the Ermita del Santo Cristo de Herrera is a large area set up as a picnic spot, as well as a spring with iron-rich water. This brings together a fixed date, a religious custom and a place to take a break.

When looking for a hotel in Ojos Negros, your choice of theme can help shape your stay: the castle and mining sites offer historical heritage, while the windmill, spring and pilgrimage provide other specific reasons to visit. Consider which of these perspectives you would like to make the focus of your time in town.

Discover more destinations: La Mata De Los Olmos, Urrea De Gaén, San Agustín, Valdealgorfa, Castellote, Alcorisa, La Cuba, Camañas.

View the regional travel overview: Teruel.