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| Albarracín - Teruel - Spain |
Albarracín is one of the most attractive towns in Teruel, the southern province of Aragón (North-East of Spain). It´s one of the most beautiful and historic villages in Spain and it is set on a cliff over the Guadalaviar River. Its medieval constructions have remained virtually unchanged for centuries.
The village is very valued by the Spanish Government which
declared Albarracín as National Monument
back in 1961
Not too far from the village, people can find prehistoric cave paintings which depict a variety of animals thousands of years old.
Like many places in Europe, the “ownership” of the town of Albarracín has changed hands in
several occasions. At one time the Romans had a big influence there, building
an aqueduct of around 18 km (11.2 mi.) length. By the ninth century, there was a big Muslim influence due to the Moors. It was generally a time of prosperity as people from various
nationalities and religions could live together a long period in perfect union.
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| Albarracín - Teruel - Spain |
This entire multicultural heritage brought a wide range of architectural and cultural styles and built the village as it is now; narrow, steep and unorganized streets are all around. The medieval defensive walls are much longer than the village itself and, approaching Albarracín from the town of Teruel, people discover an excellent view of such ancient construction. We must also add that the drive is a lovely one through a great natural scenery.
Albarracín is also a bunch of hanging houses and more cramped ones that seem to be playing hide and seek among themselves.
When wandering through the lanes look out for some well preserved and
attractive houses such as Casa del Chorro, Casa de la Julianeta and Casa de la
Calle Azagra. These three houses stand out in the middle of the village, all
surrounded by civil architecture of ochre, wood and wrought iron masonry.
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| Albarracín - Teruel - Spain |
- The Cathedral of El Salvador is medieval in origins but has been altered in the 16th and 18th centuries.
- The Main Square (Plaza Mayor) is very attractive because of its medieval market essence. One of the wings of the town’s hall, which is places there, has an excellent view of the River Guadalaviar down the hill.
- The castle is closed to the public but is an impressive sight nevertheless.
- The Walker´s tower (Torre del Andador) at the north end of the town offers some good chances to overview the whole town.
- There are also curious corners and ancestral homes worth seeing anywhere you look.
If you are a fisher, you would like to know that the Guadalaviar River is reputed to be one of the best trout rivers in Spain. Let´s go fishing! If not, you can also simple sit and relax listening to the sound of the water while the sun illuminates the amazing view.
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| Albarracín - Teruel - Spain |
Albarracín also offers the opportunity to visit some museums; the Bishops Palace has a Diocesan Museum attached to it with a good collection of Flemish tapestries. Other museums that you should not miss are the museum of Albarracín, the Museum of the ironworks and there is even a Toy Museum, all of them are places of great interest.
If after touring the whole day you still have strength enough to walk around a little more, we encourage you to go to any of the bars or restaurants in Albarracín and enjoy with a piece of the best cheese of the region; Cheese from Albarracín (Queso de la Sierra de Albarracín) accompanied with a revitalizing glass of wine. It will be the best end of a journey that a person could ever have.
