Los Fayos: Nature, Castle and Trails

Los Fayos lies on the banks of the Queiles in the Somontano of Moncayo, at the foot of one of the rocky cliffs or mallos typical of the region. The course of the Val River and its reservoir are recognised as a Refugio de Fauna Silvestre, that is, a wildlife protection area. The Sierra del Moncayo-Los Fayos-Sierra de Armas is designated as a Zona de Especial Protección para las Aves (ZEPA), that is, a special protection area for birds. More than 80 bird species classified as particularly worthy of protection have been recorded in this area; birds of prey that nest on cliffs are especially numerous.

History and Architectural Heritage

The Cueva del Caco was part of the medieval castle of Los Fayos, dating from the 12th century. The cave contained a grain silo and a cistern intended to make it possible to hold out in the event of a siege. The Ermita de San Benito, carved into the rock, belonged to a former Benedictine monastery complex and houses an altarpiece from Veruela Monastery, which was dissolved during the confiscation of church property.

A square defensive tower and a round watchtower remain from the castle. The circular base of the castle tower has a diameter of nine metres and was built in the 14th century. The round castle tower can be reached via approximately 333 steps; from it, there is a spectacular view of the village and the slopes of Moncayo. Los Fayos Castle was designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural in 2014.

The Church of Santa María Magdalena was built between 1570 and 1575. Its Baroque high altar dates from the 17th century and includes a painting of Santa María Magdalena by Vicente Berdusán. The Palace of the Dukes of Villahermosa is a three-storey brick building from the 17th century in the style of Aragonese Renaissance and Baroque houses. The Roman aqueduct began in Los Fayos and follows the course of the present-day Acequia Magallón, which is also called Río Alto.

Routes and Trails

The fifth stage of the Camino Natural del Agua Soriano is 18 kilometres long. It begins in Vozmediano, passes through Los Fayos and Torrellas, and ends in monumental Tarazona. On the left bank of the Queiles, the trail leaves Los Fayos in the direction of Torrellas.

The Pequeño Recorrido Z1 Tarazona–Tarazona route was restored for hiking and cycling after more than 20 years of deterioration. It passes through Los Fayos, Santa Cruz de Moncayo, Tarazona and Torrellas. As Route 15, it forms a circular route from and back to Los Fayos via the rocky area of Roquedo del Alto de la Dehesa, El Cerro and the Embalse de El Val. The return to Los Fayos follows a path along the shore of the Embalse de El Val. The route is considered suitable for families and a route with little elevation gain.

The Camino Jacobeo Castellano Aragonés pilgrimage route also passes through Los Fayos; it extends for almost 300 kilometres from Gallur to Burgos and is divided into 14 pilgrimage stages.

The “Huella mudéjar del Moncayo” route passes through Los Fayos between Torrellas and Lituénigo. On this route, visitors can see the Church of Santa María Magdalena and its bell tower in Los Fayos.

Falconry, Festivals and Local Life

The Museo de la Cetrería is housed in the former prison of Los Fayos and presents the techniques and animals used in falconry. The Cetreralia falconry fair takes place on a Saturday in the second week of September. The Fiestas de la Matacía recreate a very old tradition of Aragonese villages and include culinary and educational activities as well as performances.

In Los Fayos, San Benito is celebrated on 21 March and 11 July. The main festivities in honour of Santa Bárbara take place on the third Wednesday in August.

Practical Information

The Los Fayos motorhome parking area has eight spaces and is open all year round. Guided tours of the village are offered at 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

More Destinations

Other destinations in this selection are Caspe, Mesones De Isuela, Codo, Brea De Aragón, Villalengua, Tarazona, Zaragoza and Daroca.

For the higher-level travel overview: Zaragoza.