Iberian settlement of San Antonio de Calaceite
Bathed by the river that gives it its name, Matarraña is a relatively small region -the town with the largest census counts 2,319 inhabitants- but it brings together in its territory a rich cultural heritage and a unique geography that has led it to earn the nickname of the Spanish Tuscany .
Its position, in the extreme northeast of the province of Teruel, and in where the mountains of the Iberian System meet the mountain ranges of the Catalan coast , give it an eminently mountainous character, reaching heights of 1,400 meters in the Ports of Beceite.
Its landscape, studded with pines, oaks, hazelnuts or holm oaks -in its most mountainous part- alternates with the vines and ancient olive trees of the riverside areas. Its hills are dotted with towns whose streets usually hide the odd architectural treasure . Not in vain, its first inhabitants date back to the prehistoric period and thus, its different inhabitants have shaped this land of surprising nature according to its culture and time. For all this, The Matarraña region becomes the perfect getaway for anyone looking to travel back in time with a spectacular landscape as a setting.
Parrizal de Beceite
FROM CAVE PAINTINGS TO MUDEJAR ARCHITECTURE
History buffs will find in the Matarraña region a kind of Terrenal.paradise because in a very manageable area you can move from the final phase of the Bronze Age, passing through the Iberian settlements until reaching medieval, Gothic and Mudejar constructions in a matter of a few hours.
If this trip began chronologically, the recommendation would then be to visit the Rock of the Moors of Crete, in Calaceite . Among its abrupt orography, in 1903, the historian Juan Cabre discovered a set of cave paintings belonging to the Levantine school . Although these paintings are currently in the Archaeological Museum of Barcelona , it is well worth the excursion to the area, not only for its landscapes but also because you can still appreciate a Levantine archer, a quadruped and part of the rest of the pictorial painting as well as remains of settlements from the final phase of the Bronze Age. This is the oldest evidence of civilization in the Matarraña region.
Continuing with our journey through time, we would arrive at San Antonio de Calaceite, San Cristóbal de Mazaleón or the Crema de Valdeltormo Tower . Only some of the remains of Iberian settlements that we can find in this area. From the 1st century B.C. There is evidence of the existence of settlements in the Matarraña region.
Pilar Chapel in Calaceite
A walk through the intricate streets of most of the towns in the region gives the visitor an idea of how complex the medieval villages and in which -still today- life revolved around its square . Their most relevant monuments are found there and they are an essential objective for a weekend of cultural tourism.
Of all of them, Calaceite is one of the best preserved towns in the region. Essential are the walk through the Maella street -the most populated with stately homes of interest-, the Plaza de España and monuments such as the Portal de Orta . This is one of the two portals of the old wall that are still preserved. On it, it was built in the eighteenth century the chapel of San Antonio . This combination of styles, taking advantage of a previous construction, is one of the distinctive features of the architectural style of the region.
Maella street in Calaceite
Another obligatory visit that will impress the visitor is the Valderrobles castle . Built around natural rock and whose figure crowns the town of the same name, the origin of this building is uncertain. There are theories that point to the 12th century as a possible date and it probably served as a defensive element for Christians in medieval times.
The Mudejar roof of the hermitage of Virgen de la Fountain in Peñarroya de Tastavins , declared a World Heritage Site, is yet another journey back in time that can -and should- be done in this region.
And so, up to 18 towns of high cultural interest that will make the return to Matarraña almost obligatory to see everything that the region offers.
Castle of Valderrobles
LANDSCAPES AND ROUTES FOR ALL TASTES
Another reason for a weekend in Matarraña is the possibility of enjoying one of the most special landscapes in Spain . With a great wealth of vegetation that varies depending on the altitude and an important orographic variety - from higher altitudes to riverside areas - the routes through the Matarraña region are the definitive experience to put the finishing touch to a getaway like this .
One of the most emblematic excursions in the area is the Parrizal . It is perfect for both initiates and beginners, since it is of a special beauty and, at the same time, a route of low difficulty and that can be done all year round -except when the river rises or because of the rains-. Over two and a half hours, the course of the Matarraña River goes up to its headwaters. For the most expert, the excursion not to be missed is the one to the Masmoth Rocks . A limestone mass -characteristic of this region- that gradually gains height. Little more than two hours of ascent that contrast with the way back, full of old farmhouses, rich vegetation and unforgettable corners.
Masmoth Rocks
GASTRONOMY OF THE AREA AND ACCOMMODATION
The trip to Matarraña does not leave aside gastronomy and typical products. Since both walking and cultural visits usually whet the appetite, nothing like DO ham from Teruel, lamb, marinades and traditional pasta to regain strength . As a gourmet souvenir, a good oil from the Bajo Aragón Oil Denomination of Origin and -if it's the season- a few Calanda peaches.
For sleeping : the impressive Hotel Consolación . A design hotel located in Monroyo with a taste for detail and that is the counterpoint perfect for a getaway of culture, history and nature.
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Consolation Hotel
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