Sediles: Nature and Culture in the Sierra Vicor

Sediles lies on the foothills of the Sierra Vicor, one of the major mountain ranges of the Iberian System in the province of Zaragoza. The town combines its own history with a landscape that extends far beyond the town centre. If you are looking for a destination for nature, regional culture, and historic buildings, Sediles offers several starting points for planning your trip.

Landscape and Getting Your Bearings

The Sierra Vicor also extends across Sediles, covers a total of 10,409 hectares, and is included in the Natura 2000 network as a Site of Community Importance. The landscape includes forests of holm oaks, kermes oaks, and junipers, as well as planted pine forests where numerous species of mushroom grow. This mixture of different types of woodland and its protected-area status shape the landscape around the town.

The main and best access route to the Casilla de Tejas area starts in Sediles and climbs steadily along Calle Sierra Vicor into the foothills of the Sierra Vicor. Check the route conditions locally before planning your visit. A prominent natural landmark is the Pino de los Seis Brazos: this black pine has a trunk diameter of 2.70 metres and a crown just under 15 metres high. Its exceptional size is linked to a small aquifer that emerges from the rock.

The night sky is also a regional feature. The Sierra Vicor includes the municipalities of Sediles, Codos, Orera, and Belmonte de Gracián. Its altitude, clear skies, and unusually dark nights for inland Spain have led to the Sierra Vicor being certified as a Starlight Tourist Destination. If you are specifically planning an astronomy trip, check the current certification status.

Church, Art, and Pilgrimage

The Iglesia Parroquial de la Exaltación de la Santa Cruz is a Baroque church dating from the early 17th century and is a distinctive feature of the town. Inside is an older work of art: a gilded, polychrome Renaissance altarpiece from 1532. Damián Forment created it with Juan de Moreto for the Church of San Juan de Vallupié in Calatayud. After that church was demolished, the altarpiece was brought to Sediles around 1769. The parish church thus brings together Baroque architecture and an altarpiece several decades older.

The Ermita de la Virgen del Villar is surrounded by centuries-old olive trees growing on dry-stone terraces. The combination of the chapel, trees, and terraces makes for a distinctive cultural landscape. The Romería de la Virgen del Villar takes place on 30 April: in the afternoon, worshippers walk from the village church to the chapel, praying the rosary along the way. A novena in honour of the patron saint is traditionally prayed from 21 to 29 April. If you would like to plan your trip around these dates, check the arrangements for the current year.

Museums and Local Themes

The Museo del Aceite de Sediles is housed in a former oil mill. The museum displays various elements used to produce Sediles’ well-known AOVE. Guided tours with oil tastings are available; arrange your visit in advance. The Museo del Vino is located beneath the municipal albergue, in a well-preserved old bodega with a lagar. On display are an old beam press, barrels, clay jars, and other equipment used to make and store wine. Check the current opening status before visiting.

Another facet of the town’s history is represented by the Calera del Tio Julio, a historic lime kiln with a circular shaft about four metres deep. It was operated by D. Julio Ceamanos and his son Facundo. Sediles also holds the Mercado Tradicional Aragonés every year. If you are planning a trip around the market, check the calendar for the current year. The church art, olive oil and wine museums, and lime kiln offer different ways to explore Sediles’ history and local themes. When choosing your stay, you can take into account which of these aspects of the town matters most to your trip.

Discover more destinations: Bardena Del Caudillo, Ainzón, Daroca, Cerveruela, Lobera de Onsella, Utebo, Valareña, Nuévalos.

For the broader travel overview: Zaragoza.