Casetas: Church Art, Industrial History and Wetlands

The Iglesia de San Miguel, the Harinera del Ebro and the Balsa del Ojo del Cura showcase different sides of Casetas: church art, industrial history and wetlands. The Ruta de Las Dolinas adds a hiking trail. When planning your trip, you can consider cultural history, architecture and nature as distinct areas of interest.

Church architecture and late Gothic panels

The Iglesia de San Miguel was originally a chapel belonging to the House of the Dukes of Solferino. Built towards the end of the 18th century, the Neoclassical church originally consisted of two naves and a flat-ended chancel. These details give an impression of the building’s style and original layout.

The church also houses two Gothic panels dating from the late 15th century. One depicts Saint Clare, and the other a Calvary; both are attributed to Miguel Ximénez. The panels come from a much earlier period than the Neoclassical church. Those interested in church art will therefore find works from several periods of art history in one place.

The industrial history of the Harinera del Ebro

The Harinera del Ebro adds an example of industrial architecture to Casetas’ architectural history. Amancio Ercilla designed the building in 1917 as a rectangular structure with three floors and load-bearing iron columns. The factory ceased operations in 2006. As a building of architectural interest, the Harinera is listed in Category A. Its design, form and closure provide a specific timeframe for its industrial history.

Wetlands and the Ruta de Las Dolinas

The Balsa del Ojo del Cura is a wetland in Casetas shaped by natural inflows of salt water. It belongs to a group of ponds and wetlands on the river terraces along the Ebro’s right bank. The wetlands around the Balsa provide a habitat for various amphibians, birds and insects, as well as reeds and cattails. Water, waterside vegetation and wildlife are therefore defining features of the area’s natural environment.

The Ruta de Las Dolinas is 11.5 kilometres long and passes through the distinctive wetlands of Casetas and Garrapinillos. These wetlands are protected under Decree 204/2010 of the Government of Aragón. The route connects the GR99 “Camino Natural del Ebro” with the Canal Imperial de Aragón. If you are planning the hike, check current trail conditions in advance.

Festival dates and the connection to Zaragoza

Casetas celebrates the Fiestas in honour of the Virgen de la Rosa on the first Sunday in May. The San Miguel festival is celebrated on 29 September. The programme may vary. If you would like to plan your trip around one of the festivals, check the specific dates and current programme.

The El Casetero public bus service connects Casetas with Zaragoza. If you plan to use the bus for your trip, check the timetable in advance, as transport arrangements may change.

When choosing a destination, you can weigh the different areas of interest: the Iglesia and the Harinera represent church and industrial history, while the Balsa and the Ruta offer wetlands and hiking. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Casetas, this distinction can help you plan your trip around the topics that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Garrapinillos

For the main travel overview: Zaragoza.