Zorita del Maestrazgo between Rock Sanctuary and Bergantes

A striking building in Zorita del Maestrazgo is the Santuario de la Mare de Déu de la Balma. It is built into a natural rock overhang. Inside the sanctuary is a room called the Sala de las Danzas. The Iglesia Parroquial also gives the town a distinct architectural profile: construction began in 1772 and was completed in 1800, and it has three naves, a transept and a domed vault. Together, the two religious buildings show different aspects of the townscape: the Santuario is directly connected to the rock, while the parish church is defined by its clearly named architectural elements and its construction history.

Culture

The September celebrations in honour of the Virgen de la Balma include various processions and dances depicting a battle between a demon and an angel. Outside the Santuario de la Balma is the Cruz Cubierta; its dome houses frescoes by Cruella. San Antonio is associated with Coquetes filled with candied pumpkin. Thus, the cultural details bring religious celebration, pictorial decoration and a local speciality together side by side.

Landscape

The Buenos Mozos area is known for its huge pine trees. Along the Bergantes, an interesting river route runs through the river gorge. The Bergantes also has several pools where swimming is possible. The Fonts Calentes are thermal and medicinal springs on the Bergantes that maintain a constant temperature all year round.

The Estrecho del Barranco del Pardo is a deep gorge; access is via hiking trails. The Ermita de Sant Marc is a 16th-century hermitage on the mountain of the same name at an altitude of more than 1,000 metres. For planning purposes, water features, springs, the gorge and the elevation can be considered as different landscape themes. The range therefore extends from the waters of the Bergantes and wooded areas to a historic destination at a high altitude.

Trails and activities

In Zorita del Maestrazgo, mountain biking activities can be planned as part of BTT Els Ports. The Els Ports - Zorita del Maestrazgo route is an 11.39-kilometre circular route that starts and ends at the church. It is designated for hiking, cycle touring and mountain biking (BTT). Route length and mode of transport can be considered separately when planning your own excursion. The route therefore combines a fixed starting and ending point with three designated modes of transport.

Townscape and access

An alternative approach to the Santuario de la Balma from Zorita del Maestrazgo leads via the CV-14, across the bridge and then onwards to the sanctuary. In the town centre, there are irregular, steep streets as well as substantial stone houses with wooden roof eaves and balconies. These architectural features make the difference between the approach to the sanctuary and the compact town centre visible, without equating the two areas.

A holiday apartment in Zorita del Maestrazgo places your stay in a town where religious architecture, the Bergantes landscape, gorges and designated routes stand side by side. When making your choice, travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions can be taken into account alongside the question of whether cultural sites, waterscapes or trails should be the focus of your stay.

More local pages

More local pages: Gaibiel, Coll D'ares, Burriana, Almazora, Sant Jordi, Anroig, Traiguera and Vistabella Del Maestrazgo.

To the higher-level travel overview: Castellon.