Discover Nuévalos

Nuévalos lies on the Piedra River, at the end of the La Tranquera Reservoir. If you are looking for hotels in Nuévalos, you can shape your stay around the themes that define the destination: river landscapes, nature watching, monastic heritage and water activities. The places and attractions each have a different focus, so consider what matters most for your trip.

River landscapes and nature watching

In the historic garden park of the Monasterio de Piedra, paths and trails pass waterfalls, streams, lakes and caves. Centuries-old trees are also part of the landscape. The park is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest in the “Historic Garden” category. This brings together natural features and a designated historic status in a single place to visit.

The Cascada del Vado–Salto de la Requijada is also on the Piedra River in the municipality of Nuévalos and is a notable river attraction. Visitors interested in birds will find good opportunities to observe birds of prey and cliff-dwelling birds among the limestone cliffs and riverside vegetation. The species present vary by season, so the timing of your stay may matter for nature watching.

The Monasterio de Piedra and its architectural history

The Monasterio de Piedra is a Cistercian monastery dating from the 13th century. Its history goes back to its consecration in 1218. A tour of the monumental complex includes the former cloister and monastic rooms. There, you will encounter architectural elements ranging from Gothic and Baroque to Mudéjar and Renaissance—a variety that takes you beyond a single architectural period.

The former cloister and the other rooms offer different architectural points of interest along the tour. The garden and the monumental complex provide distinct experiences: outside, the focus is on water, rocks, caves and trees; inside the monastery, on its history and architectural features. This distinction can help you plan your time around the aspect that interests you most.

The history of wine and chocolate

The Monasterio de Piedra houses the Museo del Vino D.O. Calatayud, which is part of the Ruta del Vino de Calatayud. This adds a distinct connection to wine to the monastery’s history. For travellers interested in both cultural heritage and wine, the museum adds another dimension to a visit to the Monasterio de Piedra.

The “Historia del Chocolate en Piedra” exhibition is located in the monastery kitchen. It explores the history of chocolate, which the monks of the Monasterio de Piedra prepared and consumed from the 16th century onwards. The wine route and the chocolate exhibition therefore cover different subjects: one is connected with the Ruta del Vino de Calatayud, while the other focuses on the historical preparation of chocolate at the monastery.

Activities at the reservoir

The La Tranquera Reservoir is used for water sports and offers good fishing opportunities. Local rules may apply to water sports, while fishing may be subject to seasons and permit requirements. Check the conditions in force before making plans. This keeps the two activities distinct without assuming that the same rules apply to both.

Castle ruins and historic buildings

Only one tower remains of the former Castillo de Nuévalos; the castle was built in the 14th century. Nearby stands the Iglesia de San Julián y Santa Basilisa, a Gothic church dating from the 16th century. The two buildings represent different periods: the castle dates from the 14th century and the church from the 16th.

The Ermita de los Diegos offers another historic connection to the river: the chapel is in ruins and lies on the left bank of the Piedra River. Nuévalos’s historic character is therefore reflected not only in its monastery, castle and church; its riverside setting is also part of the townscape and can be taken into account when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: La Almolda, Pedrola, Malón, Almonacid de la Sierra, Épila, Biel, Pozuelo de Aragón, Luceni.

For the main travel overview: Zaragoza.