Discover Cella: fountains, castle and trails
Accommodation in Cella
Visitors who choose Cella as a destination can shape their stay around several themes: the Fuente de Cella, the architectural history of the church and castle, and trails for walking or cycling. There are also protected natural areas and an annual festival held in September. If you are looking for a hotel in Cella, you can first decide whether cultural history, nature, outdoor activities or a particular date will shape your stay.
The Fuente de Cella and its dimensions
The Fuente de Cella is an artesian fountain built in the 12th century. Between 1729 and 1731, Domingo Ferrari, captain of the Corps of Engineers, redesigned the site on behalf of the Audiencia de AragĂłn. Its elliptical shape can be understood from its measurements: the larger diameter is 34.83 metres, the smaller 24.84 metres, and the circumference measures 130 metres. The fountain is 9 metres deep at the edge and 11.5 metres at the centre. Its average flow is about 3,500 litres per second. The water exits on one side through a covered passage dedicated to the Ermita de San Clemente.
Church, castle and the town’s earlier history
The original Iglesia parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada was built by the Templars in the final third of the 12th century. The ashlar tower at the foot of the church, on the Epistle side, dates instead from 1609. The difference between the early church structure and the dated tower shows how the architecture here spans different periods.
Only a section of irregular-stone wall and the remains of a rectangular tower on the hillside beside the parish church of the Inmaculada survive from the Castillo de Cella, a Muslim and Christian fortress mentioned in the Cantar de Mio Cid. The castle is included on the list of castles in Aragón designated as Bienes de Interés Cultural. The town’s Roman past is also part of its history: excavations in the centre of Cella revealed a significant Late Republican Roman settlement.
Natural areas and picnic sites
The Sabinar de San Blas (ES2420134) is designated as a Lugar de Importancia Comunitaria and includes land within the municipality of Cella. The Observatorio de aves del Raudal is located in the El Raudal recreation area.
The El Raudal municipal picnic site has two large covered shelters with fireplaces, as well as tables and benches. One of the shelters also has separate toilets for men and women. The Pozo Mosén Diego municipal picnic site has an enclosed grill and five masonry tables with matching benches in the outdoor area. Check the condition of the facilities before visiting.
Walking and cycling routes
The Sendero del Acueducto Romano connects Cella with Gea de AlbarracĂn. The route is 9.5 kilometres long, with an estimated walking time of two and a half hours. On some sections, you can walk alongside old excavated galleries. This is possible only on certain sections; check the local signage before setting out.
The stages of the Camino de Santiago between Teruel, Cella, Santa Eulalia del Campo and Monreal del Campo follow easy routes with no major technical difficulties and are suitable for hikers and cyclists. The Camino del Cid stage between Teruel and Cella follows rural tracks and well-maintained paths; it can be completed on foot or by bicycle. The Sendero description gives the distance and estimated walking time, while the descriptions of the two Camino routes highlight the terrain and ways of travelling.
The Castro El Cerrito is nearby. To get there, take the road between Cella and Santa Eulalia, then follow a farm track that passes through the site. The Laguna del Cañizar lies between Cella and Villarquemado.
Plan your visit and journey
The Feria de la Patata has been held in Cella every year since 2000, on the second or third weekend of September. The exact weekend varies from year to year. If the festival is important to your trip, check the specific event dates before planning.
Cella is 21 kilometres from Teruel. The route is via the A-23 and N-234, followed by a 17-kilometre turn-off along a local road. When planning your days, the routes offer different distances, while the Feria takes place on a date that varies each year. This lets you plan your search for a hotel in Cella around the themes and dates that matter to you.
Discover more destinations: ObĂłn, Noguera De AlbarracĂn, Alba, Concud, Bello, Valjunquera, Cubla, La Fresneda.
For the broader travel overview: Teruel.
