Luna – Churches, Castles and Mount Monlora

History, sacred art, castles and mountain panoramas give Luna several perspectives for planning your trip. Those who enjoy collecting specific details rather than interchangeable backdrops can find points of reference here in architectural styles, dates, surviving structural elements and religious traditions.

Culture

The Ermita de San Gil de Mediavilla is a Romanesque church whose foundation dates back to the first third of the 13th century. Inside, the capitals depict scenes from the life of Christ and Saint Gil. As a Bien de Interés Cultural, the hermitage is protected; the corresponding designation was granted by Royal Decree on 30 May 1921.

Another sacred monument is the Iglesia de Santiago in Luna, which dates from the 12th century and is designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural. It stands on a rock and features Jacobean decoration typical of the Camino de Santiago.

The castles also give the town’s history tangible form. Castillo de Villaverde was built in 1092 and later served to monitor the route between Luna and Biel. It consists of a square stone tower and a walled enclosure surrounding it; two of the tower’s three floors have survived. Castillo de Villaverde is included in the list of castles classified as Bienes de Interés Cultural. Castillo de Obano in Luna is also included on this list. Its remains include a rectangular stone tower and remnants of the fortified enclosure surrounding it.

Landscape

The Monasterio de la Virgen de Monlora is located on the 650-metre-high Mount Monlora and comprises a monastery complex with a convent, church, hostel and restaurant. Mount Monlora, also known as Atalaya de las Cinco Villas, offers panoramic views across the plains of the comarca.

The view extends in several directions: to the north, the Mallos de Riglos, Peña Oroel and the Pyrenean peaks are visible; to the east, the Sierra de Guara; and to the south, Moncayo. These compass points provide a clear geographical orientation of the mountain and give the landscape theme a clearly distinguishable structure.

Pilgrimage and activities

Monlora is a pilgrimage centre offering opportunities for walking as well as hang-gliding and paragliding. For your own planning, churches, castles, mountain panoramas and pilgrimage can be considered as separate areas of focus; your personal order can be guided by your interest in architecture, landscape, physical activity or religious tradition.

Additional destinations for planning the rest of your trip include Saragossa, Lituénigo, Belchite, Leciñena, Carenas, La Almolda, Bijuesca and Almonacid De La Cuba.

When comparing a holiday apartment in Luna, travel dates, the desired category and cancellation conditions can serve as separate criteria. Your personal priorities can be considered alongside churches, castles, mountain panoramas and the pilgrimage date; the accommodation details remain a separate decision-making level.

The pilgrimage to the Monasterio de la Virgen de Monlora takes place on 1 May and is deeply rooted throughout the comarca.

Back to the main travel overview: Saragossa.