Fonz: Renaissance, Palaces and Local History

If you’re looking for a hotel in Fonz, the town’s history can provide a theme for your trip: Renaissance architecture, art from the late 15th century and landmarks from different eras are among the listed attractions. The town’s buildings and local history offer a way to understand Fonz.

Renaissance Church and Plaza Mayor

The Iglesia Parroquial de Fonz was built between 1606 and 1617 in the Renaissance style. The church contains a Gothic winged altarpiece dedicated to Saint Anne. It was created in the late 15th century in the workshop of Pedro García de Banabarre. The church building and altarpiece thus bring together two different periods in art history: the Renaissance building and the older Gothic work.

At Plaza Mayor, you’ll find other notable buildings and features of the town. The Casa-Ayuntamiento de Fonz and its surroundings on the square were declared a national historic-artistic monument in 1976. The fortified palace of the Gómez de Alba family is also on Plaza Mayor and is attached to the Bogen de la Forza. The Fuente de los Seis Caños is also on the square; the stone fountain dates from the 16th century. Together, these buildings offer different points of reference for exploring Fonz’s architecture and historic townscape.

Exploring the Town and Its Historic Buildings

The Ruta de los Palacios leads through the streets of Fonz. Stops on the Ruta de los Palacios include the Centro de Interpretación del Renacimiento, the parish church and the Fuente de los Caños. The Fonz tourist office also offers guided tours of the town. These include the Centro de Interpretación del Renacimiento, the Renaissance church, the Fuente d'Abaix and the Palacio de los Barones de Valdeolivos. The route and guided tour are therefore two different ways to explore the listed sites; the advertised times for guided tours may change.

The Centro de Interpretación del Renacimiento is located in the former bishop’s palace. During restoration work at the Palacio de los Barones de Valdeolivos, an elevator connecting all floors, an accessible toilet and the necessary ramps were installed. These facilities are a practical consideration when planning; check visitor access separately for the latest information.

Spring, Icehouse and Historic Traces

The Ojo de la Fuente also gives Fonz a distinctive local feature: it runs beneath the shade of a centuries-old holm oak. Inside, a stone vault channels water that gushes out in large volumes. The description links the visible oak with the underground stone interior and the flow of water.

The Pozo del Chelo, a stone-built icehouse, is another type of structure. It has a diameter of four metres and is ten metres high. Ice was once stored in it throughout the year.

Fonz’s fortified line along the Cinca included defensive positions, among them a gun emplacement for an artillery battery with four cannons. This historic landmark adds a military-history perspective to the town. The sites thus tell stories not only of the Renaissance and religious art, but also of past uses and building functions.

Feria del Renacimiento

The Feria del Renacimiento takes place in Fonz on the first weekend of June. The programme includes a craft market, historical reenactments and various performances. If you’d like to plan your trip around the fair, check the dates and programme for the relevant edition: the exact dates and offerings may vary.

Discover more destinations: Cofita, Castillazuelo, Yebra De Basa, Peñalba, Castilsabás, Nueno, Centenero, Astún.

For the broader travel overview: Huesca.