Discover Grisel: Castle, Church and Pozo de los Aines

Grisel at the foot of the Diezma

Grisel lies in the northern Somontano of Moncayo, at the foot of the eastern side of the Diezma, at an altitude of 625 metres. The town brings together cultural and historical themes with a distinctive geological formation and a hiking route to Alto de la Diezma. For planning your trip, it is useful to consider these different highlights separately: the castle and church represent architectural history, while Pozo de los Aines and the surrounding area offer other specific points of interest.

If you are considering Grisel as a destination for a hotel stay, you can use these features as a guide without trying to fit all your interests into a single itinerary. Grisel combines medieval architectural history at the Castillo with the San Jorge tradition on 23 April and the GR hiking trail to Alto de la Diezma.

Castillo de Grisel and the church

The Castillo de Grisel is documented as early as 1106. It is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural, in the Monument category and the Military protection category. The main façade retains a crenellated parapet with narrow arrow slits and an entrance with a pointed arch. A machicolation with three openings protects the door. Together, these features give a clear impression of the façade’s defensive design.

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción can also be understood through its architectural features. It was built of brick between 1549 and 1552. Its nave is single-aisled and has chapels; above it is a star-shaped ribbed vault. Plaster busts in the church depict apostles and saints. Thus, the church’s building material and construction period sit alongside the features of its interior—two different aspects that connect a visit with a look at architectural history.

Pozo de los Aines: sinkhole and moisture-loving plants

Pozo de los Aines is a sinkhole formed by underground watercourses. It measures 22 metres in diameter and 23 metres in depth, with a height difference of up to 32 metres. The moisture allows numerous moisture-loving plants to grow, covering the walls and floor. The geological feature can therefore be described not only by its measurements: the vegetation is also part of its distinctive character.

The Pozo site was restored in 2013. It includes benches with tables and a fence. A stone staircase with railings leads to a viewpoint with panoramic views. The details about the sinkhole, plants and site cover different aspects of the same place: how it formed, its humid habitat and the structures around the viewpoint.

Samangos and the San Jorge tradition

The abandoned settlement of Samangos lies within the municipality of Grisel; a chapel is all that remains of it. This chapel is also part of the San Jorge tradition, which includes a pilgrimage there on 23 April. There is also a return procession and the ceremonial greeting known as “cortesías” between the two processions. If you would like to plan your trip around this date, check the latest information on whether the event is taking place.

Another named tradition is the Dance de Grisel. It belongs to the “pastorada” type and includes a Mayoral, a Rabadán, an angel, a devil, a Cipotegato and eight dancers known as Paloteadores. The roles and number of dancers give a clear idea of the dance’s composition, without conflating it with the procession or pilgrimage.

Domes and hiking trail

The roofs of the Casillas de Pico de Grisel have the characteristics of true domes. This distinguishes them from similar Mediterranean structures with false domes made from overlapping layers. The comparison is especially concrete for architecture enthusiasts: it concerns not only the external form, but also whether the structure is classified as a true or false dome.

As a hiking option, a GR trail climbs from Plaza de Grisel to Alto de la Diezma. It passes just a few metres from Mirador de la Diezma. Thus, alongside the buildings and traditions, a route with a named destination and a viewpoint offer separate themes to consider when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: La Almunia De Doña Godina, Embid De La Ribera, Luesia, Luna, Aniñón, Brea De Aragón, Villafeliche, Los Fayos.

For the broader travel overview: Zaragoza.