Aragon Guide

Alhama de Aragon is an important health resort. The town has been known for over two thousand years, primarily because of the hot springs of the area. In the Roman era it became known as Aquae Bilbilitanorum, a reference to the waters of Augusta Bilbilis (Latin name for Calatayud). The modern name Calatayud derives from the Arabic Al-Hammam, meaning "the baths".

An Arab fortress was captured by El Cid in 1070 but then reverted to Moorish control until re-captured by king Alfonso I of Aragon in 1122. In the nineteenth century, the hot springs were exploited and several balnearios were built, four remaining in operation and popular with visitors today.

A unique thermal lake of nearly two hectares is open throughout the year in the grounds of Balneario Termas Pallarés. The water is a constant temperature of 34°C. The famous Cistercian abbey of Monasterio de Piedra with its water gardens lies approximately 25 kilometres to the south-west. The city of Calatayud  which has famous mudéjar church towers is about 35 kilometres to the north east. Other examples of mudéjar art can be found in neighbouring villages.

Alhama de Aragon is served by railway services to Arcos de Jalon and Calatayud, where there is a connection to the high speed AVE trains between Madrid, Zaragoza and Barcelona.

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