Discover Almonacid de la Cuba

Discover Almonacid de la Cuba, set on the steep slope of a gorge carved by the Aguasvivas on its way through the Sierra de Belchite. The Roman dam, historic buildings and trails through the surrounding area give the town a distinct character. Along the river, irrigated orchards and fruit trees provide a green contrast to the otherwise dry landscape. The different themes can help you plan your stay: the history of the monuments, the townscape and walks each offer a different focus.

The Roman dam and its history

The Presa Romana de Almonacid de la Cuba is a well-preserved monument and is designated a Bien de Interés Cultural. It is 34 metres high. The first Roman dam at this site is dated to the 1st century, during the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius. This places the structure’s history in the early Roman Empire.

Visitors can explore the dam via walkways open to the public. A restored section with 103 steps leads to its base. Anyone wishing to take the guided “Visita guiada Presa Romana – Pasarelas” tour must book in advance and purchase a ticket. The tour starts at the tourist information point at the dam. The restored Molino Bajo building currently houses the Almonacid de la Cuba tourist information office; the mill itself has preserved its millstones.

Churches, lanes and local history

The Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor was built in the second half of the 16th century, around 1570. Its architecture combines Gothic and Baroque elements; the Baroque features date from a renovation in the 17th century. The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores has a different architectural character: this Baroque building is distinguished by its pronounced verticality.

The Ermita de Ntra. Sra. de las Nieves is in the upper part of the town. It was built on the site of the former Arab castle, which was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. The narrow, winding, steeply sloping lanes also offer a glimpse of Almonacid de la Cuba’s Muslim past. The Ruta Patrimonio also takes visitors to the Barrio Verde, or Jewish quarter.

On a rise immediately beside the town, next to the Ermita de Ntra. Sra. de las Nieves, stand the remains of the Torre de Almonacid de la Cuba. The square tower is built of irregular stones and is heavily deteriorated. Its location and condition make it a different historic sight from the dam or the churches: here, the ruin itself is part of the town’s history.

Walks and activities

Several routes offer different highlights. The Lécera–Belchite stage of the Camino de Santiago from Castellón to Bajo Aragón passes the viewpoint at the Roman dam and the Área recreativa La Cuba recreational area before entering Almonacid de la Cuba. The “Ruta Belchite - Almonacid de la Cuba - Mojón del Lobo - Belchite” hiking route also passes through the dam. This brings a long-distance pilgrimage stage and a named hiking route together at this monument.

For a self-guided walk, the “Ruta Belchite – Pozo de los Chorros” runs from Almonacid de la Cuba to the Pozo de los Chorros. A variant that goes only as far as this destination covers 3 kilometres from Almonacid de la Cuba. Those interested in climbing will find 18 routes of varying difficulty in the town: they are in two areas, at Peña del Águila and along the streets within the town centre. The “Rutas del Aguasvivas y sus afluentes” network comprises a total of 16 walking and cycling routes through several municipalities, including Almonacid de la Cuba.

Landscape around the Aguasvivas

The surrounding area combines the river course with drier slopes. Irrigation channels supply the orchards and fruit trees near the river; together they form a green oasis in the otherwise dry landscape. Groups of ibex are often spotted in the limestone hills along the Aguasvivas around Almonacid de la Cuba. The circular “Ruta Almonacid de la Cuba - Letux - Almonacid de la Cuba” passes through cultivated areas with olive, almond and fruit trees.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Torres De Berrellén, San Juan De Mozarrifar, Nuez de Ebro, Juslibol, Encinacorba, Daroca, Paracuellos De Jiloca, Caspe.

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