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Jiloca Valley
The history of the Jiloca Valley reflects the influence of its geographical features, which facilitates communication with the Ebro valley and Mediterranean sea. The area was an important network of communications connecting Roman Cesaraugusta with Saguntum and the ancient Bílbilis. Invaded by the Muslims it wasconquested by the Christians under the leadership of Alfonso el Batallador, however, following his death, the area was besieged by the Castilian Troops.
During this time many defensive constructions were built, one of the best preserved is the castle on the slopes of Sierra Menera, in the town of Peracense with it's monumental bell towers made of stone. During the course of the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries the Mudejar Towers of Olalla, Navarrete, Báguena, etc. were built. The Arabs were responsible for introducing the growing of saffron in these lands, and as a result the area is known as the "Land of Saffron". In Monreal del Campo there is an interesting museum dedicated to collecting and conserving the tools used for cultivating this plant.
One of the most attractive spots in the area is situated on the boundary with the province of Zaragoza, The Laguna de Gallocanta, declared a Wildlife Sanctuary and Specially Protected Bird life Area (ZEPA), an ornithological paradise, where, at the start of autumn, one can see the cranes returning, set against impressive sunsets. Other features of interest are the abandoned iron mines and the Ojos Negros Windmill, the great many feudal houses or the Wine Museum in San Martín del Río. The Ojos Negros Via Verde runs over the tracks of the formers Sierra Menera mining railway.
In addition, there are the many remains of castles and forts, most of them semi-demolished, in the towns of Bádenas, Monforte de Moyuela, Villafranca, Lanzuela, Ferreruela, Laguerula, Torrecilla del Rebollar, Singra, Ojos Negros, Pozuel, Fuentes Claras, Blancas, Torralba de los Sisones, Bello, Tornos, Burbáguena and Calamocha. For different reasons, several of these are of special importance, for instance, the one in Bueña (a legendary castle from the wars of the Two Pedros in the 14th century) and in particular, that of Peracense, a border castle on the boundary with Castile, which has been restored and is now one of the most picturesque and beautiful in all Aragón.
Many towns sprang up around these forts, each with their own character, and which still feature their original feudal houses, such as at Bea, Bádenas, Torrecilla del Rebollar, Villafranca, Monreal del Campo, Blancas, Odón, Bello, Tornos, Burbáguena, Báguena or Calamocha, and Town Halls such as those of Villafranca, Villar del Salz, Bello, Báguena or Calamocha. In some towns certain traditional dances and processions are still practiced in honour of the various patron saints. The dance of San Roque, in Calamocha, is a particularly fine example. These are public celebrations that bring together both local people and visitors to the towns.
Peracense Castle - Overlooking the village of the same name, set on impressive cliffs is Peracense castle. It is referred to as Pietra Solez in documents dating from 1284, and one of the most magnificent military structures of all the medieval castles in Teruel and Spain. It is practically intact and can be ...