Frías de Albarracín: Karst Landscapes, Culture and Trails

Frías de Albarracín is located in the Serranía de Albarracín. The Muela de Frías de Albarracín is a synclinal structure made up of Jurassic rocks with karst formations, particularly sinkholes. The Polje de Frías de Albarracín extends 7.5 km from east to west and is 1–2 km wide. Pine forests, including Scots pine, predominate in the Serranía de Albarracín, along with significant undergrowth consisting of juniper, service trees, various hawthorn species and rose plants.

More local pages: Mora De Rubielos, Urrea De Gaén, Alcorisa, Lledó, Andorra, Monterde de Albarracín, Monroyo and Albarracín.

Nature

The geological route “Polje y dolinas de Frías de Albarracín” leads to sinkholes, a polje and the Sima de Frías, which is one of the largest karst shafts in Aragon. The “Polje y dolinas de Frías de Albarracín” route is an easy route that is travelled by vehicle along an unpaved track. The Sima de Frías is a large karst shaft surrounded by pine forests, which can be explored on a simple circular path along its edge. Before travelling along the track, current route conditions should be checked.

Trails

The SL-TE 40 Barranco de La Hoz hiking trail connects Calomarde and Frías de Albarracín and passes through a gorge carved by the Fuente del Berro River. The linear PR-TE 2 hiking trail leads from Albarracín through Royuela and Calomarde to Frías de Albarracín, ending at the source area of the Tagus. When hiking, it is advisable to check the current trail conditions before setting out.

Culture

The Cueva de la Peña de la Morería cave contains Levantine rock paintings. The El Castellar archaeological site was inhabited during the Early Iron Age and the Iberian period. The Poblado del Castillo is a Bronze Age settlement dating to 1,520 BC. The Iglesia de la Asunción is one of the most monumental Neoclassical buildings in the province.

The Mirador Fuente del Majano viewpoint offers wide-ranging views over valleys and mountains. The Fuente del Majano is a beehive-type spring made from reused pine trunks; it consists of five troughs arranged lengthwise and made from hollowed-out pine trunks. Current opening hours for the church and the cave can be checked before visiting.

Traditions

The patron saint festivities of Frías de Albarracín take place in mid-August in honour of the Assumption of Mary and Saint Roch. On 16 August, the feast day of Saint Roch, residents hold a procession and a Mass at the Ermita de San Roque. In July, on the day of the Virgen del Carmen, a pilgrimage to this chapel takes place from throughout the Sierra. The specific event date should be checked before travelling.

For the higher-level travel overview: Teruel.