Towns full of history, hiking and cycling routes, cultural tourism and nature in its purest form. the region of Matarraña in Teruel, is a hidden gem that reminds us of Tuscany and that finds in the beautiful streets of its medieval towns one more reason to visit it.
Located in the extreme northeast of the province of Teruel and made up of 18 towns, this region only has 8,805 inhabitants, mostly divided between Valderrobres and Calaceite, the two most populous municipalities (and none exceeds 2,500 inhabitants). Tranquility in its purest form and an ideal destination to disconnect, as would be La Iruela, but much closer to Madrid and Barcelona.
Five of them have been declared historical-artistic complexes: Beceite, Calaceite, La Fresneda, Ráfales and Valderrobres, and we will tell you what to see in each of them.
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The town of Beceite is located in the highest and most rugged area of the region and is where the the natural area of Parrizal de Beceite with the river Matarraña, with a 11 kilometer routeor we can do a shorter 5-kilometer route along the river called the Pesquera route and enjoy all the benefits of hiking that go beyond walking outdoors.
near we found the Masmmoth Rocksa rock formation more than 100 meters high that has a circular hiking trail and is worth a visit.
The entrance bridge to Beceite from the 12th century, the hermitage of Santa Ana from the 13th century, the Church of San Bartolomé from the 18th century or the portal of San Gregorio of Muslim origin are some of the key points of this town.
The Foda Urquizo pension from 60 euro The night is a good option to stay, although you can also do the route by car (you can rent a car from Madrid from 19 euro a day), and stay in one of the larger towns like Calaceite, for example.
Room for two people from 60 euros per night.
Mini type vehicle rental from 19 euros per day.
calaceite
One of the reasons to visit Calaceite is that On its hill there is an Iberian settlement dating between the 5th and 2nd centuries BC. and which was discovered by Juan Cabré Aguiló (1882-1947), a pioneer of modern Spanish archaeology. The town hides the Juan Cabré museum and his birthplace, but the most interesting thing is the medieval architecture of its streets, perfect for getting lost in them.
It is one of the best-preserved urban complexes in Matarraña thanks to its manor houses, chapels, hermitages and portals, such as the Renaissance façade of the Town Hall.
Our recommendation to stay is the Hotel Cresolin the center of town and located in an old 18th century mill.
Hotel Cresol with a double room from 105 euros per night.
the fresneda
This town almost seems to smell like Italian Tuscany and allows us to enjoy that rural tourism that is so popular right now. With a structure full of narrow streets scattered along the slope of a small hill, La Fresneda has the remains of a castle from which we will have one of the best views of the region.
The Plaza Mayor, the 16th century Town Hall, the arcades of Calle Mayor and the 17th century Church of Santa María la Mayor are some of the essential places in this beautiful town.
Four kilometers from this wonderful town is the Parada de Compte, a charming four-star hotel that has rooms from 167 euros the night.
Double room in Parada de Compte from 167 euros per night.
rafales
Ráfales is a small town of about 200 inhabitants, and the place where you will want to stay to live because after touring its quiet streets, returning to the city will seem crazy to you. The town hall from the 16th century, in the Renaissance style, is attached to the old wall on one of the entrance portals, but it is not the only historic building to be found.
A Levantine Gothic-style church, the castle of the Order of Calatrava or the 14th century “turret” that formed part of the medieval wall, are some of the places of interest in this beautiful town.
valderrobres
The capital of the Matarraña region is Valderrobres and its center is full of charming steep streets. In the upper area of the historic center is the Castle (with origins from the 12th century) and the Church of Santa María la Mayor.
The Plaza de España area, from the 14th century, is where we find, in addition to the town hall, several manor houses from the 14th century. Taking a photo with the facades and the Stone Bridge from the 14th century at sunset is the most instagrammable thing we’ll do in the area (it’s not considered one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, but it’s not far from it).
A bonus: Cretas
Although the five towns of which we have spoken above are those declared a historical complex, Cretes and its cave paintings they are well worth a little detour. A walk through the town and its central square is essential.
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