Los Fayos: Castle, Rock Landscape and Trails

Los Fayos lies on the banks of the Queiles in the Somontano del Moncayo, at the foot of a rock face typical of the region, known as a mallo. The river and rocks shape the landscape of the village. There is also a medieval castle, a hermitage carved into the rock, and several trails that pass through Los Fayos. The course of the River Val and its reservoir are recognised as a Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, a protected area for wild animals.

Rock Landscape, Nature and Castle

The Sierra del Moncayo-Los Fayos-Sierra de Armas is designated as a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA). More than 80 bird species classified as being of special conservation concern have been recorded there, with cliff-nesting birds of prey particularly abundant. This gives the area, in addition to its striking rock landscape, a clearly defined importance for bird conservation.

The Cueva del Caco was part of the 12th-century medieval castle of Los Fayos. Its facilities included a grain silo and a cistern intended to enable the occupants to hold out in the event of a siege. A square defensive tower and a round watchtower remain at the castle. The round tower was built in the 14th century, and its base has a diameter of nine metres. It can be reached by climbing about 333 steps. From there, visitors can enjoy views of the village and the slopes of the Moncayo. The boundaries of the castle of Los Fayos were defined as a Bien de Interés Cultural in 2014.

Church, Hermitage and Architecture

The Ermita de San Benito is carved into the rock and forms part of a former Benedictine monastic complex. It houses an altarpiece from the monastery of Veruela, which was dissolved during the confiscation of church property. Those interested in religious architecture will find another chapter in the village’s history at the church of Santa María Magdalena, built between 1570 and 1575. Its Baroque main altarpiece dates from the 17th century and includes a painting of Santa María Magdalena by Vicente Berdusán.

The Palace of the Dukes of Villahermosa also adds a distinctive architectural note. This three-storey brick building dates from the 17th century and is designed in the style of Aragonese Renaissance and Baroque houses. At one location, visitors can therefore explore different architectural forms and periods, from the medieval castle to later religious and secular buildings.

Trails Around Los Fayos

The Camino Natural del Agua Soriano offers a stage with clearly defined waypoints: the fifth stage is 18 kilometres long, starts in Vozmediano, passes through Los Fayos and Torrellas, and ends in monumental Tarazona. In Los Fayos, the route leaves the village along the left bank of the Queiles towards Torrellas. Route 15, by contrast, is a circular route starting and ending in Los Fayos. It crosses the rocky area of Roquedo del Alto de la Dehesa, El Cerro and the Embalse de El Val; the return leg follows a path along the reservoir shore.

The Pequeño Recorrido Z1 Tarazona–Tarazona route was restored for hiking and cycling after more than 20 years of decline. It passes through Los Fayos, Santa Cruz de Moncayo, Tarazona and Torrellas and is considered suitable for families; its elevation gain is low. Another option is the “Huella mudéjar del Moncayo” route between Torrellas and Lituénigo, which passes through Los Fayos. There, visitors can visit the church of Santa María Magdalena and its bell tower as part of the route. The Camino Jacobeo Castellano Aragonés also passes through Los Fayos. The pilgrimage route runs for almost 300 kilometres from Gallur to Burgos and is divided into 14 stages.

Falconry and Local Events

The Museo de la Cetrería is housed in the former prison of Los Fayos. It introduces visitors to falconry techniques and the animals used in the practice. The Cetreralia falconry fair takes place on a Saturday in the second week of September. The Fiestas de la Matacía recreate a very old tradition of Aragonese villages and include culinary and educational activities as well as performances; the programme may vary from one edition to another.

San Benito is celebrated in Los Fayos on 21 March and 11 July. The main festivities in honour of Santa Bárbara take place on the third Wednesday in August. Guided tours of the village are offered at 11:30 and 16:00. Check local dates and tour times before travelling, as arrangements may change.

Discover more destinations: Berrueco, Lituénigo, Ejea De Los Caballeros, Villafranca De Ebro, Añón De Moncayo, Borja, Cetina, Torres De Berrellén.

Go to the main travel overview: Zaragoza.