Ballobar: River Landscape, Castles and Trails

Ballobar lies at the confluence of the Alcanadre and Cinca rivers. Beside this meeting point of the rivers is the clay cliff known as Las Ripas. Las Ripas are spectacular geological formations with a vertical incision carved out by the river, of great natural-scientific importance.

When making this comparison, consider whether culture, the river landscape, pilgrimage or trails are the main focus you want for your stay.

Further destinations: La Puebla De Castro, Banastón, Laspuña, Sariñena, Aragüés Del Puerto, Laluenga, Santoréns and Liri.

Nature and River Landscape

The viewpoint near the Ermita de San Juan Bautista offers views over Las Ripas: the Alcanadre basin lies in the foreground, with the Cinca basin beyond it. The viewpoint can be reached from the A-131 in Ballobar via the HU-V-8601 and then along an agricultural track towards the chapel.

Culture and History

The ruins of Castillazo de Ballobar belong to the castles classified as Bienes de Interés Cultural; the remains of a rectangular tower measuring 12 × 4 metres have survived. Castillo de Ballobar, also known as Castillazo, is a watchtower built in the 12th or 13th century to protect settlers near the river.

The Torre de la Forza is a medieval Christian defensive tower, of which only ruins remain. It is protected under the general declaration pursuant to the Decree of 22 April 1949 and Law 16/1985 on Spanish historical heritage.

El Puente Viejo was rebuilt around the year 1300 using stones from an earlier Roman bridge. The bridge over the Alcanadre forms part of the GR-261, which crosses the Bajo/Baix Cinca comarca.

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción was a pilgrim church on a secondary route of the Way of St. James, which led from Lleida via Fraga and Ballobar towards Huesca.

Visible megalithic funerary monuments can be found in the Barranco de las Hechiceras. At the same time, the ravine is associated in local tradition with witches, fortune-tellers and healers.

A graffiti artwork by Alberto Soez in Calle del Torno commemorates the women of Ballobar who once washed their families’ clothes in the Alcanadre.

Trails and Tradition

Every Easter Monday, Ballobar has long held a pilgrimage to the Ermita de San Roque. Next to the chapel, 1,500 loaves of bread, 1,800 eggs and sardines for grilling are distributed.

The Ballobar–Ripa del Pilar BTT Route No. 12 offers spectacular views from the summit of Ripa del Pilar.

Parque La Sierra has a circuit around the entire park, as well as various facilities for gymnastic exercises.

The focal points differ considerably: Las Ripas and the two river basins shape the landscape views, the GR-261 and the BTT route represent named trails, while Castillazo, Torre de la Forza, El Puente Viejo and the pilgrim church preserve historical connections. The pilgrimage and Parque La Sierra add tradition and physical activity to these views of the area.

For the overarching travel overview: Huesca.