Palanques: Rock Art, Festivals and the Bergantes
Accommodation in Palanques
When looking for a hotel in Palanques, culture, festival dates and scenery may each offer a different reason to choose your stay. The historic sites tell stories of different eras, while recurring festivals mark the course of the year. Nature and views take centre stage along the Bergantes. Which of these aspects interests you most can guide your travel plans.
Church, Rock Art and Archaeological Traces
The “Parish Church of the Assumption” is a Baroque church dating from the 18th century. It also preserves the remains of the small Gothic portal of the former parish church, which dates from the 14th century. Thus, two eras meet in one building: the Baroque church and the older portal.
The Cingle de Palanques comprises two rock shelters with naturalistic rock paintings and hunting scenes. The images date from the Neolithic period and are more than 5,000 years old. Access to the rock shelters starts in the town centre and is described as an easy walk. Check the access regulations before your visit.
A rectangular watchtower stood on the upper Cingle and was used to monitor the area and its routes. Another archaeological landmark is Roca TallĂ , in the western part of the municipality of Palanques. The site is a historical testament to the ancient Roman route that connected AragĂłn and Valencia in both directions.
Festivals Throughout the Year
Sant Antoni is celebrated every year in January. The festivities include building a Barraca and burning it at night, accompanied by the Diablera. “Les coquetes”, the traditional festival pastries for this celebration, are also prepared. The August patron saint festivals centre on Sant Cosme and Sant Damià , to whom the celebrations are dedicated.
Palanques’ spring pilgrimages include a pilgrimage to the Sant Bernabé hermitage on the Saturday after 11 June. In October, the Bureo and Ball del Rotlle bring residents and visitors together for a traditional dance from Palanques. The music is provided by the participating Rondallas. If you would like to plan your trip around a festival, check the exact dates in advance.
The Bergantes, Views and Recreation Areas
The banks of the Bergantes in Palanques are home to great biodiversity; the river also supports the largest otter population in the Valencian region. From the Mirador del Riu Bergantes, you can see part of the river valley. The viewpoint and the biodiversity along the riverbank offer different perspectives on the landscape.
An outdoor recreation area includes two springs, washhouses and a picnic area. Nearby, a stone spring with a round arch, dating from 1627, provides fresh water all year round. Ruta 99 can be experienced with the family, by motorbike, by bicycle or on foot.
Routes and Getting Your Bearings
Palanques is the reference municipality for the PR-CV 245 Roca TallĂ hiking trail. Signage and maintenance may change following a quality inspection, so check the latest information before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Alfondeguilla, Les Coves De Vinromà , Cabanes, Almazora, Burriana, La Serra D'en Galceran, Assuévar, Todolella.
For the broader travel overview: Castellon.
