Discover Calatayud: Mudéjar Culture, Nature and Holiday Apartments

Calatayud’s Islamic fortified complex is documented as dating from 862 AD, consists of five castles connected by long walls with towers, and is considered the oldest surviving medieval fortification system on the Iberian Peninsula. If you want to assess the main features of a holiday apartment in Calatayud, culture, trails, nature and wine can be considered separately.

Culture

The Museo de la Colegiata de Santa María is designed as a permanent exhibition of important movable cultural assets belonging to the collegiate church and occupies the four wings of the cloister as well as the old and new chapter-house buildings. The Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor preserves a Mudéjar cloister and the lower parts of its apse and tower; these elements were declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 2001.

The history of the Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor began in 1120, when Alfonso I the Battler conquered Calatayud and consecrated the former mosque as a Christian temple. The Iglesia de San Andrés is an exceptional example of Aragonese Mudéjar art. Its 35-metre-high tower has an octagonal floor plan and is richly decorated with prominent brickwork.

In Calatayud’s historic centre stands the Iglesia de San Pedro de los Francos, which is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. It was built in the 14th century and preserves a Mudéjar structure with three naves, tall pillars, ribbed vaults and a triple apse. The Santuario de la Virgen de la Peña was built over the remains of the Castillo de la Peña and preserves Mudéjar elements from the original construction as well as Baroque elements from later restorations.

Calatayud’s official tourism service offers guided tours of the historic complex, including Santa María, Plaza de España, San Pedro de los Francos and San Juan el Real with its Jesuit complex. For groups of more than 20 people, Bilbilis and the Archaeological Museum can also be included in the tour. Access to the Bilbilis archaeological site is free; scheduled visits are arranged through the Calatayud tourist information office.

Views and Trails

The Mirador de la Torre Mocha features an inner path through the walled site, two viewpoints overlooking Calatayud’s Islamic fortified complex and a small interpretation centre dedicated to it. The Santuario de la Virgen de la Peña stands on one of the higher points of Calatayud and offers panoramic views of the city, the Jalón Valley and the surrounding sierras.

A hiking trail runs from Parque de Margarita on the banks of the Jalón through fertile huertas known as “Anchada” and reaches the vicinity of the municipal cemetery. Another hiking trail leads from the exhibition grounds on the banks of the Jalón through orchards, passing fruit trees and poplar groves. The different starting points and landscape features help you compare the two trails according to your preferred focus.

Nature

The Hoces del Jalón are home to protected colonies of griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures, peregrine falcons, eagle owls and various species of eagle.

Food and Wine

The wineries along the Ruta del Vino Calatayud offer cellar tours, wine tastings and vineyard visits; there are also activities such as the opportunity to work as an oenologist for a day. The regional cuisine of the Ebro Valley includes borage and sweet onions; roasted lamb may be served with breadcrumbs cooked in grape juice.

More destinations

Villanueva De Gállego, Las Cuerlas, Novallas, Grisel, Los Fayos, Luna, Munébrega, Osera De Ebro

To the overarching travel overview: Zaragoza.