Discover Villafeliche: Castle, Ceramics and the Jiloca

The Castillo de Villafeliche is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) and classified as a military monument. Its history dates back to the Muslim period; in 1121, it was conquered by Alfonso I. Villafeliche has a pottery tradition dating back to the 15th century and was the comarca's most important supplier of pots.

Culture

The Mudéjar Tower of San Miguel has a mixed construction consisting of a square lower section and an octagonal upper section. It is decorated with raised brick patterns in the tradition of the Calatayud school and with a white-and-green ceramic frieze. The Iglesia de San Miguel is a Baroque church from the late 17th century, built of brick and rammed earth.

The mosque of Villafeliche served as a place of worship for the significant Morisco population until its expulsion in the 17th century. Villafeliche preserves an open Morería with narrow, winding streets, numerous alleyways and adarves; the townscape is predominantly white. Places open to visitors include the ceramic workshop and exhibition of Manuel Gil. The Ermita de San Antón houses a permanent ceramics exhibition.

History

The former gunpowder mills are located beside the acequia Molinar in a narrow section of the Jiloca enclosed by mountains. The gunpowder mills and the Real Fábrica de Pólvora de Villafeliche existed for over 400 years and were among the most important economic sectors of the province of Zaragoza and Aragon. One of the former gunpowder mills houses a small interpretation centre explaining the importance of this industry and the gunpowder manufacturing process.

Visiting on Site

The Castillo de Villafeliche is accessible from only one side, where the entrance is located. The approach to the castle via Calle del Calvario passes a Stations of the Cross, each station featuring a chapel or a small pantheon. The Mudéjar Tower of San Miguel can be freely viewed from the outside; for an interior visit, the schedule of religious services should be consulted.

Holiday Apartment in Villafeliche

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Villafeliche, compare the travel period, accommodation category and cancellation conditions on the listings pages. These three details help you classify offers according to your personal timeframe and booking conditions before examining individual accommodation details.

Other Places

Other places: Embid De La Ribera, Orés, Cerveruela, Sástago, Ainzón, Alborge, Saragossa, Nuez de Ebro

Routes and Landscape

Villafeliche lies along the Las Tres Taifas routes of the Camino del Cid for cycling and motor travel. On the 153.86 km Calatayud/Ateca–Daroca stage of the Las Tres Taifas route, Villafeliche is 0.86 km after Montón and 9.90 km before Murero. The different route lengths and modes of travel offer you different ways of viewing the route.

From Calle Corredera, the cultivated areas of the Vega of the Jiloca, especially the fruit trees, can be seen. The ascent to the castle via Calle del Calvario offers views across the valley.

To the main travel overview: Saragossa.