The town of Teruel that fascinates National Geographic: “it is the surprise of Aragón”

In the heart of Aragon, specifically in the province of Teruel,  is Alcañiz, a town that has captured the attention of National Geographic for its impressive heritage and monumental beauty.

Described as “Aragon’s surprise”, this hidden gem offers a historical journey from its majestic Alcañiz castle  to its main square.

Alcañiz not only stands out for its rich history and exceptional architecture, but also for its commitment to conservation and its unique culture, making it a fascinating destination.

What has caught the most attention to National Geographic

What has caught National Geographic ‘s attention the most about Alcañiz is the rich concentration of historical and architectural monuments in a surprisingly short stretch of just 650 meters.

This short distance, stretching from the castle to the Plaza de España , encapsulates an impressive heritage diversity, including an imposing castle, a majestic collegiate church and a Mannerist-style town hall.

This walk through Alcañiz not only reveals the architectural beauty of the town, but also preludes the many cultural and historical surprises that this place has to offer, highlighting its ability to preserve and display its legacy in a small space, which is particularly fascinating. and worthy of international recognition.

Calatravos Castle

The Calatravos Castle, located at the top of the Pui Pinos hill in Alcañiz, is a construction of great historical and architectural relevance. Originally built in the Islamic era as a defensive fortress, this castle has had multiple functions over the centuries, including palace, prison, barracks, cemetery and residence.

Today, the building functions as a National Parador , after having undergone numerous renovations and extensions that have given rise to a complex architecture where the medieval and baroque palace coexist around a large 14th century cloister.

One of the oldest and most notable parts of the castle is the Keep and the Chapel , both dating from the late 12th century and early 13th century. In addition, the castle houses a set of Gothic paintings from the 14th century , considered among the most significant in Aragon.

After a period of decline, the castle was declared a National Monument in 1925 and has undergone important renovations in recent decades to consolidate its structure and adapt it as accommodation, thus preserving its legacy and history.

Spain Square

The Plaza de España in Alcañiz is an architectural and cultural epicenter, where some of the most emblematic buildings of the city converge. Among them, the Town Hall stands out , a magnificent example of the Aragonese Renaissance built in the 16th century. This building forms a complex with the 15th century Gothic market, both recognized as a Site of Historical-Artistic Interest in 1931, standing out for its beauty and historical relevance.

Additionally, in this square is the Collegiate Church, a Baroque-style National Monument erected in the 18th century on the foundations of an old Gothic temple from the 13th and 14th centuries. This impressive building still retains its original bell tower, providing a distinctive and majestic touch to the architectural profile of the square. Together, these buildings not only beautify the plaza, but also tell the rich history of Alcañiz through its stones and artifacts.

His passage from the Renaissance to Modernism

Alcañiz exhibits a rich architectural evolution from the Renaissance to Modernism , reflecting the different phases of development and styles over the centuries. During the Renaissance, significant buildings such as the church of Santo Domingo and mansions such as Casa Maynar and Casa Ardid were erected and renovated , the latter today housing the library and municipal archive.

The Baroque era also left its mark on the city with structures such as the church of Santa María la Mayor and the hermitage of the Virgen de Pueyos , as well as important temples and sanctuaries that underline its cultural and religious relevance.

The 18th century was a period of urban and economic expansion, marked by the construction of essential infrastructure and the emblematic 72-spout fountain in Glorieta Park.

At the end of the 19th century, Modernism brought with it a transformation in the urban landscape, with the construction of elegant residences on Paseo Andrade and public buildings such as the Theater and the Municipal Market, symbolizing a new era of prosperity and modernity for Alcañiz.

The underground passages

The passageways of Alcañiz  form a fascinating network that has stood the test of time thanks to the predominant geological composition of sandstone in the city’s subsoil, interspersed with layers of clay and marl. This network of passageways, which historically connected key buildings such as the old church of the Santo Domingo convent , has become a prominent tourist attraction.

To explore these mysterious passages, visitors can access them from the Tourist Office , descending a narrow staircase carved directly into the rock. The first point of interest on the descent is a rectangular warehouse with a barrel vault, formerly used as a food warehouse. Today, the winery houses an exhibition that includes capitals and pieces from the Calatravo castle, as well as ceramics from the province.

From the winery there are two passageways that lead to other interesting points, such as a medieval refrigerator located under the Plaza de España . This refrigerator, which measures 20 meters in length and 4 meters in height and width , was used to store snow and ice for food preservation or therapeutic purposes throughout the year.

Visiting the underground passageways allows visitors to delve into the depths of Alcañiz’s history.

Rock paintings Val del Charco del Agua Amarga

The rock paintings of Val del Charco del Agua Amarga  are crucial testimonies of Levantine art and represent the oldest human remains in the region. Discovered in 1913 and part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1998 , these paintings are one of the four most important sites in Aragon . With more than 150 figures that were very deteriorated before their restoration, the site is considered an ancient “sanctuary” where religious or social ceremonies were held.

These paintings show scenes that suggest hunting activities and rituals related to fertility, giving them significant cultural value. In 2000, emergency interventions were carried out to preserve this legacy, including cleaning the environment, restoring the paintings, and installing interpretive panels to educate visitors about the importance of the site.