El Arrabal – Castillo de Moya, Septenario and Moya Trail

El Arrabal is the pedanía closest to the town of Moya. In the surrounding area, the ruins of the old medieval town of Moya cover approximately 140,000 m²; the site is divided into five fortified sections.

Culture and history

In the vicinity of El Arrabal, Castillo de Moya formed part of an extensive defence system that protected a frontier town between Christian and Muslim kingdoms. The defensive structures of Castillo de Moya visible today date predominantly from the Christian Middle Ages, particularly from the 13th to the 15th century.

In the vicinity of El Arrabal, the Coracha de Moya is a walled structure designed to protect the water supply. In the vicinity of El Arrabal, the Torre del Agua protects the spring. Together, these two sites offer different perspectives on the historical importance of water and fortification.

The Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mayor is the oldest church in Moya in the vicinity of El Arrabal and the only one open for worship. It was altered in the 14th century; its belfry is designed in the Herrerian style.

The approximate area and the division into five fortified sections can be understood as two different points of reference: one indicates the scale of the site, while the other shows its internal division. Those exploring the historical context can also distinguish between military defence, water supply and ecclesiastical architectural history.

Culture

The Septenario is currently celebrated every seven years from 16 to 25 September. The Septenario procession includes dancers who perform medieval dances with castanets while wearing traditional clothing.

For your itinerary planning, you can consider the seven-year cycle and the fixed period separately. The procession combines a traditional festival with a clearly defined time span and its own route.

Hiking

The Moya Trail is a circular hike starting from El Arrabal. Following the Septenario route, the procession passes through El Arrabal after 16.6 km and then continues into the walled town of Moya.

For planning purposes, the two route references can be distinguished by route type and distance. This places a circular hike and a processional route with a specific kilometre distance side by side as different forms of route orientation.

Geographical location

El Arrabal is one of Moya's outlying districts; each of these has its own church, washing places, a fountain or its own local traditions.

For planning your visit, you can read the information about outlying districts, churches, washing places, fountains and local traditions as different clues to the structure of Moya.

If you are considering a holiday apartment in El Arrabal, compare the travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the respective listing page. This information relates to the specific accommodation decision; you can consider the historic sites, the Septenario and the route references separately as key elements of your trip planning.

Other places

Las Majadas, Los Hinojosos, Carrascosa Del Campo, Villar Del Humo, Arcas, Jábaga, Casasimarro, Fuentes

For the overarching travel overview: Cuenca.