Altura: Heritage, Trails and Landscapes

Discover Altura from several perspectives: the Cartuja de Valldecrist tells the story of the area, while cycling and hiking trails open up the landscapes of the municipality. There are also historic museums, a church used for a range of cultural events, and recurring festivals. You can take these themes into account when planning and decide which ones will shape your trip.

Cycling, hiking and landscapes

The Vía Verde de Ojos Negros passes through Altura on its stretch through the Comunitat Valenciana. It can be used on foot, by bicycle or in a wheelchair, except for some ramps outside the original route. Accessibility may vary along the route, so it is a good idea to check conditions for your planned section in advance.

Other cycling options cover a range of interests. Altura has mountain biking, gravel and road cycling routes that start in or pass through the town. The Centre BTT Alto Palancia includes nine mountain bike routes through varied landscapes, linking natural, cultural and heritage attractions. As the route options may change, check the current selection before planning a specific ride.

Two hiking trails classified as short regional routes cross large parts of the municipality, passing through natural landscapes and by springs. A long-distance trail also passes through Altura, from the border with Gátova to the Parque Natural Municipal La Torrecilla – Puntal de Navarrete. The Senda de los Cartujos is another trail associated with the Cartuja de Valldecrist. It was restored as part of the Caminos de Valldecrist project, which began in 2009.

The landscape gives these trails a distinctive geographical setting: the Palancia Valley borders Altura to the northeast, while the first foothills of the Sierra Calderona rise within the municipality to the southwest. The natural area of Barranco de la Mena also features natural karst pools. Alongside the designated trails, these striking landforms are another consideration when planning a trip.

The Cartuja, churches and local history

The Cartuja de Valldecrist was founded in the late 14th century on land within the municipality of Altura. In 2007, it was designated a Bien de Interés Cultural. The Colección Museográfica Cartuja de Valldecrist displays information panels featuring historical paintings, plans and photographs, as well as architectural elements and fragments from the former monastery. The building remains and the history on display are presented side by side, without being reduced to the same exhibition format.

The Iglesia Primitiva also tells the story of different eras: the church was built in the Valencian Gothic style over a former Muslim mosque. Today, it is used as a venue for exhibitions, concerts, theatre and other events. A 18th-century neoclassical building houses altarpieces from the Iglesia Mayor de Valldecrist, dating from the 17th century.

Local history can also be explored through evidence of technology and economic activity. El Batán de Valldecrist was built in the late 15th century to make economic use of wool from the Carthusian herds. The Museo del Aceite houses historic olive oil production equipment, including a stone mill, a mixing machine, a hydraulic press, ceramic jugs and various oil containers. Wool processing and olive oil offer two different ways to explore the region’s working history.

Planning visits and events

Visits to the Cartuja de Valldecrist can be booked through the Altura Tourist Office. Guided visits to the Museo del Aceite can also be booked there. Visitor arrangements may change, so it is advisable to confirm what is available before your visit.

Recurring events include the Romería de Altura to the Santuario de la Cueva Santa on the last Sunday in April. It is recognized as a Fiesta de Interés Turístico Provincial; dates and programs may change. The patron saint festivities take place on the last weekend of September in honor of San Miguel and the Virgen de Gracia. Here, too, it is worth checking the latest program details before your trip.

Altura is directly accessible via the A-23, also known as the Autovía Mudéjar. The CV-25 also runs from Llíria to Segorbe. If you are planning your stay around a particular route, visit or festival, plan these separately: cycling and hiking options vary in type and route, while museums and historic sites have their own visiting arrangements.

Discover more destinations: Calig, Anroig, Vinaròs, Benafer, Borriol, La Pobla De Benifassà, Villahermosa Del Río, Lucena Del Cid.

For the broader travel overview: Castellon.