Leciñena: Architecture, Customs and the Sierra de Alcubierre

When planning a stay in Leciñena, you can weigh up different priorities: sacred architecture, links to the landscape of the Sierra de Alcubierre, local food production and the Dance of Leciñena. Each theme offers a different perspective for planning your trip. The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción can be understood through its architectural form, stylistic elements and tower; at the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Magallón, the focus is on its rocky platform, views and Stations of the Cross. Ecomonegros 03 adds the production of organic baked goods to these perspectives. March 15 is also relevant when planning your dates, as this is when the Dance is performed.

Sacred architecture in Leciñena

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción was built in the 16th century according to the model of a hall church. Its structure combines Gothic and Renaissance elements. Several architectural features therefore come together: the hall-church model describes the building’s form, while the two styles shape its structure. If you are interested in sacred architecture, you can consider these details as two distinct points of reference: the building’s basic form and its combined design elements.

The tower also has its own architectural structure. It was built entirely of brick and consists of three sections dating from different construction phases. Its material and structure create a different emphasis from the form and stylistic elements of the church building. This allows you to distinguish three aspects when considering its architecture: the church’s design, its Gothic and Renaissance elements, and the tower’s structure of three sections.

The Santuario and the Dance of Leciñena

The Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Magallón stands on a rocky platform in the Sierra de Alcubierre and offers wide-ranging views. In contrast to the Iglesia, the focus here is on its setting and panorama rather than the structure of a church building. Three peirones, or wayside shrines, along the climb to the sanctuary have been preserved as part of the Stations of the Cross. Thus, both its location in the landscape and the religious connection of the Stations of the Cross are defining features of the Santuario.

The Dance of Leciñena is performed on March 15 in honour of the Virgen de Magallón. A procession to the sanctuary takes place in the morning; in the afternoon, the Pastorada and the Mudanzas are performed. The feast day thus combines a morning procession with afternoon performances. If you would like to include this custom in your travel plans, use March 15 as your guide and check the event date before your trip.

Routes and local production

Leciñena’s proximity to the Sierra de Alcubierre makes it a starting point for attractive walking and cycling routes. When planning your trip, you can choose between these two ways of getting around. You can also visit the Cota San Simón hill.

Ecomonegros 03 is an organic bakery, pastry shop and mill in Leciñena. The business grows organic wheat, then stores, cleans and mills it. This wheat is used to make entirely organic breads and fine pastries, which are sold and distributed. The production chain therefore runs from cultivation through several processing stages to the finished baked goods. Ecomonegros 03 offers a different focus for your travel plans from the architectural and landscape features: here, the emphasis is on the connection between wheat cultivation and food production.

Discover more destinations: Grisel, Casas de Esper, Pedrola, Nuévalos, Talamantes, Belchite, Bujaraloz, Cosuenda.

For the broader travel overview: Zaragoza.