[EN] The destination of Teruel with castle, caves and one of the most beautiful Baroque facades in Aragon

Alcañiz boasts an imposing medieval castle, underground passages that recall the weight it had during the Middle Ages and a heritage that invites you to walk through it without haste. Capital of Bajo Aragón, it is a must-see in the province of Teruel for those who enjoy history. It is not for nothing that it is known as the «city of Concord», since in 1412 it hosted the parliament of Concord, created to elect the successor to the Crown of Aragon in Caspe after the death of Martin I «the Humane».

The former collegiate church of Santa María, in baroque style with its monumental façade, the cave paintings of Val del Charco del Agua Amarga or its sixteenth-century town hall are some of the things to see in Alcañiz, the second most important and populated city in Teruel, bathed by the Guadalope River.

ALCAÑIZ, THE CITY OF TERUEL WITH UNDERGROUND PASSAGES AND CASTLE

The Castillo de los Calatravos is, without a doubt, the emblem of Alcañiz and a place not to be missed. Located on top of a hill, this impressive monument combines military and religious architecture and belonged to the Order of Calatrava, which played an important role in the reconquest in the town of 1157.

Today, it houses a Parador Nacional, but you can walk through its walls, its Gothic frescoes, dating from the fourteenth century, and its towers with spectacular views of the city and the Aragonese landscape. After a period of ruin, in 1925 it was declared a National Monument and is one of the emblems of Alcañiz. Inside, the Tower of Homage and the Chapel stand out, both dating from the end of the twelfth century and the beginning of the thirteenth century.

The castle is the most visible heritage of Alcañiz but precisely another of its great attractions is what you cannot see. The Teruel town is full of underground passages that date back to the Middle Ages, being one of the great secrets of the town. Currently there are guided tours to enter these passages where a guide will take visitors to see the winery and the seventeenth-century refrigerator that is located there. These guided tours can be booked on turismoalcañiz.es.

WHAT TO SEE IN ALCAÑIZ

In addition to the spectacular castle and underground passageways, there are many more things to see in Alcañiz. Its historic centre is, without a doubt, one of its great attractions. There you will find the Plaza de España, the heart of the city, surrounded by emblematic buildings such as the Gothic Lonja and the Renaissance City Hall.

A walk through its streets will take you to discover corners full of charm, such as the church of Santa María la Mayor, a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, and the curious Portal de Herrerías, which preserves the spirit of the medieval town. For archaeology lovers, in the surroundings of Alcañiz there are three Iberian sites: El Cascarujo, El Palao and El Taratrato. In addition, the town itself is home to the Centre of the Iberians of Lower Aragon.

To experience the Easter with intensity, you can’t miss a visit to Alcañiz. And it is that theirs is declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest and is lived with special fervour and devotion. Alcañiz is one of the towns integrated in the Drum and Bass Drum Route and during Holy Week it becomes a visual and sound spectacle. In addition, for speed lovers, the town of Teruel is also home to MotorLand Aragón, where international awards are held.

WHERE TO EAT IN ALCAÑIZ?

After a day of intense sightseeing, it is necessary to regain strength. Olive oil from Bajo Aragón and quality meats are the main elements in Alcañiz’s restaurants. There are for all tastes and budgets.

One of the star options is the Concordia restaurant, in the Parador de Alcañiz. In addition to luxurious rooms and impressive views, the restaurant offers typical products of high quality such as Ternasco de Aragón confit with rosemary, potatoes and mushrooms, Aragonese crumbs, cheeses Denomination of Origin of Bajo Aragón or Serrano ham D.O.

HOW TO GET TO ALCAÑIZ

Alcañiz is a well-connected town and can be reached from the Aragonese capitals by private vehicle or bus.

Desde Zaragoza

• By car: The most comfortable and fastest way to get to Alcañiz is by car. The distance between Zaragoza and Alcañiz is approximately 105 kilometers, and the journey takes between 1 hour and 15 minutes and 1 hour and 30 minutes. Take the A-68 towards Castellón. Then take the N-232 road that leads directly to Alcañiz.
• By bus: From Delicias Station you can take a bus to Alcañiz, from the HIFE company. The journey takes between 1 hour and 45 minutes and 2 hours.

Desde Huesca

• By car: The fastest and most comfortable way to get to Alcañiz from Huesca is by car. The journey takes between 2 hours and 15 minutes and 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and the route chosen. You have to take the A-23 to Zaragoza and then take the N-232 in the direction of Alcañiz.
• By bus: There is no direct connection from Huesca to Alcañiz by bus. You have to go to Zaragoza from Huesca and from there take the Zaragoza-Alcañiz bus.

From Teruel

• By car: The distance between Alcañiz and Teruel is between 1 hour and 45 minutes- 2 hours depending on the route. You can follow the N-420 and N-211 or the A-23 and N-211.
• By bus: You can take a bus from Hife in Teruel to get to Alcañiz. It lasts just over two hours.

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