Alforque on the Ebro: River Landscape, History and Holiday Apartments

At Alforque’s former landing stage, there is a viewpoint overlooking the winding meanders, orchards and river islands along the Ebro.

River Landscape

On the banks of the Ebro near Alforque stands a century-old pine tree of impressive size. Fishing is also possible on the Ebro near Alforque.

Part of the municipality of Alforque has been designated as a protected area within the Natura 2000 network because of its diverse river habitats; this is due in part to its proximity to Los Monegros, La Retuerta and the Saladas de Sástago, as well as the meanders of the Ebro.

For planning your day, the river scenery, protected landscape, traces of culture and local traditions can be considered as separate areas of focus.

Water and Trails

The hydraulic complex of Alforque comprises a weir, the shaft of a waterwheel used to irrigate the municipality’s 110-hectare agricultural land, and a grain mill powered by a regolfo system. It is located around 300 metres from the village of Alforque and can be reached upstream via the path below the church and town hall.

The waterwheel’s function was replaced some time ago by a motor-driven pump installed by the residents of Alforque.

The surviving components of the Paso de la Barca include the ferryman’s house on the left bank of the Ebro, a post for the cable structure on the right bank and a shelter for travellers. The former Paso de la Barca can be reached on the left bank via the path to the river, which branches off from the path below the church; on the right bank, the Cinco Olivas–La Zaida road leads there.

History and Culture

The Iglesia de San Pedro in Alforque is Gothic in style. The end faces of the voussoirs of the Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol bear inscriptions concerning three times when the Ebro froze over, in 1658, 1694 and 1891.

Casa de Gros, also known as Casa Tomé, was established in 1886 by a wealthy family that produced olive oil. Casa de Gros still contains porcelain-tiled basins that were formerly used to produce pure olive oil.

Local Traditions

The Hoguera de San Fabián y San Sebastián takes place on 20 January. The Pilón de Santa Bárbara is associated with a procession and a prayer of supplication during times of drought.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Alforque, travel dates, apartment size and cancellation conditions can be compared with your own travel plans. The accommodation decision stands alongside the different attractions of the village: the Ebro landscape and hydraulic engineering, historic buildings, religious traditions and natural areas, as well as the route along the river, form separate areas of focus for further planning and can be considered independently of one another.

Trails

Other places in the same selection include Sobradiel, Cetina, Luceni, Ejea De Los Caballeros, Cariñena, Pinseque, Daroca and Malón.

Stage 14 of the Ebro Route in the province of Zaragoza, from Velilla to Cinco Olivas, passes through Alforque and highlights the Parque de la Barca there.

For the higher-level travel overview: Saragossa.