''The restoration of Eccehomo de Borja''
But none of the circumstances surrounding the Ecce Homo can be classified as normal. To start the world map that at the entrance of the Sanctuary remember all who have come to visit it. There are no more pins, which go from the next town to Australia. The Ecce Homo is one of the most viewed paintings in the world , and the flow of travelers intrigued by its aura does not diminish. They have placed the little Borgia town in the map.
It's clear. Fame moves mountains and the attraction of this painting, today protected by a thick sheet of methacrylate, is undeniable. they have something those black eyes that stare into your darkest thoughts , that impossible frizzy hair, that doll nose and that mailbox mouth that seems to want to scream at any moment. It's irresistible.
A SPONTANEOUS VIRAL PHENOMENON
The fault lay with the networks. Jose Maria Aznar that is the name of the santero who has spent years taking care of the Sanctuary He takes a deep breath and remembers. “ La Ceci –Cecilia Giménez - called my wife very overwhelmed in the morning. She told him that she had taken the brushes to fix the Christ of the Church and that was not done with the ”.
The woman called her husband, her husband called the Councilor for Culture, the Councilor for Culture posted it on his blog , the blog went to Facebook, the followers of Facebook they aired it on Twitter and when she was already trending topic , the Herald of Aragon took the cover photo. The rest is history.
The original author, Elijah Garcia , it took two hours to paint the Ecce Homo on the whitewash of a blue column like a summer afternoon in 1930. Cecilia one and a half in turning it into a viral phenomenon . No one knows what he would think if he raised his head and saw what his painting had become, but assuming a spark of humor, we are sure that to compensate for the vision and complete the trip, he would take a walk through an unknown and fascinating area. where there are no shortage of reasons to star in an unforgettable tour.
Crowd of people taking photos of the ''restoration''
1. FUENDOALL. IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GOYA
It is curious that a few kilometers from the Borja's eczehomo is the birthplace of one of the first photojournalists in the world, and without a doubt, one of the most brilliant painters in history, Francisco de Goya y Lucientes . Thanks to the enthusiasm of its mayor, Joaquin Gimeno , the house is maintained as the painter knew it, and very close, you can enjoy a magnificent collection of original prints . The mayor now looks longingly at the concrete structure that announces that at some point, when I passed the crisis, sourceall will have the first museum entirely dedicated to the artist . Until then, this charming town of stone houses, where there is no lack of a complete Nature Interpretation Center It is well worth a visit.
First Museum entirely dedicated to Francisco de Goya
two. BELCHITE. THE RUINS OF MEMORY
Few places in Spain give away a chill as deep as the ruins of the old town of Belchite , where it seems that the bombs of the Civil war They fell yesterday. A special atmosphere that will accompany you throughout the visit, from the church to school , passing through houses, streets and avenues. Get lost for a while alone and let the silence give you a history lesson.
3. VERUELA MONASTERY. THE JEWEL OF THE CISTER
It was the twelfth century, when the demanding monks of the Cistercian found in the lush forests of the Somontano del Moncayo the recollection necessary to build this spectacular abbey. Mix of styles, from the austere Romanesque of its main body to the stylized and mysterious Gothic of its Cloister packed with symbology. A pleasure for the eyes and a therapeutic pause for the senses. If you like anecdotes remember that Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer wrote here his famous work letters from my cell .
Belchite, the ruins of Memory
Four. BURETA PALACE. THE KINGDOM OF THE EXCENTRIC
Mariano de los Dolores Francia López Fernández de Heredia Izquierdo, Marian for friends, it's the XIII Count of Bureta , according to him, the only Count who is going to serve you a coffee in Spain . In his cafeteria of course. But don't stay there, you can also try the best meats and vegetables in the area in his restaurant. don't miss the Artichokes with ham . The visit to your House Palace , which he directs himself, is a time travel and a paradise for collectors of eccentricities . Among others, being able to observe original documents and letters that belong to his relatives immortalized in a very long family tree dating back to the fifteenth century. If the occasion allows it, do not miss the precious parchment in which the Kingdom of Aragon Explain your financial contribution to the Conquest of America . A jewel.
5. THE WINES OF THE AREA. THE EMPIRE OF GARNACHA
From Borja there are three more than recommended wine tourism routes, especially if you are one of those who like to be ahead when it comes to trends. So take note: the Grenache, bright and juicy, is in fashion . But the Empire of this varietal is also an active laboratory where cook some of the most surprising wines of the moment.
Borgia field
in the shadow of Moncayo , among windmills, sleeping almond trees and century-old vines, the best wineries in the area emerge like beacons. Don't forget to visit the Borsao , one of the most awarded , and of course the emblematic ** Bodegas Aragonesas **, mother of the acclaimed Fagus, from Coto de Hayas, a silky red -Grenache has few tannins and a lot of glycerin- and velvety that will leave you wanting more.
Carignan Field
is the route closest to Ecce Homo and also the newest . Everything remains to be discovered, including its wines, which, like the prophet, triumph above all abroad. Don't miss a tour of the Solar de Urbezo Wineries definitely appetizing. Especially the delicious Chardonnay if you like white and Urbezo Grenache 2012 , if you want to caress your palate. To complete the route you can end the afternoon on the terrace of the chill out of Cellars Care , enjoying their avant-garde and light wines , while the sun says goodbye between the vines.
SOMONTANO
The Somontano route, a pioneer in making Aragon wines known, deserves a relaxed visit, with all our senses open. The air becomes colder, the landscape approaches the Pyrenees and the villages surprise with their beauty. It is essential to visit the town medieval of Alquezar , pair the wines of the area with their best products in the Vero Winery of Barbastro and spend a night in the fantastically renovated Hotel San Ramon , also from Barbastro. As for the Bodegas, which are many, you have two options. Go to shot made or let yourself be surprised by the appetite, stopping according to your whims. You will not be short of temptations but we propose two essential ones
The winery of the Hotel San Ramón
Enate Wineries
Undoubtedly the most famous name in the DO , Enate is the first winery in the area designed to be seen and lived . And although its wines are addictive and its vat room wonderful, what will leave you speechless is the exhibition dedicated to your labels , signed by names as illustrious as that of Carlos Saura , first to design a label, or Tapies. The great initiative is today the most important private art collection in Aragon . Before you go, grab a bottle of 2012 pink , a Cabernet Sauvignon that will change your concept of this wine.
Blecua. Vero Vineyards
just seeing the flirtatious chateaux cream yellow surrounded by vineyards you will begin to understand that you are going to try a special wine, one of those that are not forgotten . The cellar, exquisite to the point of neatness, has an unexpected treasure, the main cellar , undoubtedly a movie set, located in an old Arab warehouse and surrounded by books, because yes, the Cava has an interesting library dedicated to gastronomy . By the time you try the Blecua you will be given over to its charms and you will not want to go home without a couple of bottles.