Discover Novales: Church, River and Historic Routes

Novales begins with an unusually multifaceted example of sacred architectural history. The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario is a late Romanesque building from the late 12th century that was remodelled and extended in the 16th and 17th centuries. It is built of ashlar blocks and has a rectangular floor plan, a single-nave layout, a distinct chancel and a semicircular apse facing east.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Novales, you can compare travel dates, accommodation categories and cancellation policies on the listing pages.

Culture and History

The Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora del Rosario includes a portal in the Gospel wall and a crypt beneath the nave. The Castillo de Novales also preserves different construction phases: at the western corner of the walls, the tower there and the adjoining section of wall to the north were built after 1451; they may have been constructed as early as the 16th century. The eastern and southern walls date from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Near the village stands the Puente de Novales on the road that connected Novales with Pertusa. The stone bridge crosses the Río Guatizalema and has four semicircular arches of different sizes, built from ashlar blocks. Outside Novales, the area known as “Nido de los Cuervos” contains archaeological sites from the Iron Age.

The Ermita de San Joaquín is a 19th-century chapel near Novales. From Novales, it can be reached via the A-131 towards Huesca-Sariñena. Local tradition also includes a pilgrimage to the Ermita de San Joaquín on 26 July.

More village pages: Alcampell, Las Almunias, Astún, Tamarite De Litera, Salinas De Hoz, Arguisal, Morillo De Monclús and Sariñena.

Water and Nature

The Río Guatizalema and its galachos are part of Novales’ natural heritage. In summer, the Río Guatizalema is used in particular as a recreational and bathing area. The galachos formed by the river serve as special oases for the animal and plant species of the surrounding area.

About two kilometres from Novales in the direction of Siétamo, a beautiful swimming pool with a waterfall and an adjacent picnic area lies at the Azud del Molino. Its approximate distance and connection to the Azud del Molino give this waterside destination its own spatial context within the landscape.

Water Engineering and Crafts

At the Azud del Molino, the canal on the left bank carries water for about 1,700 metres to the Molino de Ferrer. The Molino de Ferrer is built of ashlar blocks; the mill basin and part of an associated bread oven have been preserved. The Fuente vieja is also part of the site’s historic features. It served as a livestock watering trough and washing place; its ashlar construction with three outlets was reconstructed in 1907.

Festivals and Routes

Novales’ main festivals begin on the first Sunday in October, last four days and are held in honour of the Virgen del Rosario. There are also various signposted routes for exploring the surrounding area. The “Por el llano de la comarca” driving route passes through Novales between Corvinos and Piracés. The R 4 “Huesca-Somontano-Sierra de Guara” ornithological route also passes through Novales.

To the broader travel overview: Huesca.