Luna: Churches, Castles and Monlora

For a trip to Luna, its churches, castles and Monlora offer different themes to explore. When looking for a hotel, considering the focus of your trip can help with planning: you might be interested in Romanesque and medieval architectural history, a panoramic view, a pilgrimage or outdoor activities. These themes differ in their history, architectural form and relationship to the landscape.

Churches: Romanesque architecture and the Way of St James

The Ermita de San Gil de Mediavilla is a Romanesque church whose foundation dates back to the first third of the 13th century. This time frame indicates a period of foundation, not a single year. Inside, the capitals depict scenes from the lives of Christ and Saint Gil; these images add specific religious themes to the architectural context. The church is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. This designation was granted by a Royal Decree dated 30 May 1921.

The Iglesia de Santiago in Luna dates from the 12th century and is designated a Bien de Interés Cultural. It stands on a rock; its Jacobean decoration is typical of the Way of St James. The two churches offer different points of interest: the Ermita is notable for its capitals and the period in which it was founded, while the Iglesia de Santiago is distinguished by its rocky setting and Jacobean design.

Castles and their architectural forms

Castillo de Villaverde was built in 1092 and later served to monitor the route between Luna and Biel. The complex consists of a square stone tower and an enclosed area surrounded by a wall. Two of the tower’s three storeys survive. Castillo de Villaverde is included on the list of castles designated as Bienes de Interés Cultural.

Castillo de Obano in Luna is also included on this list. Its remains include a rectangular stone tower and remnants of the surrounding fortified area. The basic shapes of the towers offer a clear point of comparison: the tower at Villaverde is square, while the one at Obano is rectangular. Both complexes include a fortified outer area; in the case of Obano, the description specifically refers to surviving remains.

Monlora: panoramic views and monastery complex

The Monasterio de la Virgen de Monlora is located on 650-metre-high Mount Monlora, also known as Atalaya de las Cinco Villas. The mountain offers panoramic views over the plains of the Comarca. To the north, you can see the Mallos de Riglos, Peña Oroel and peaks of the Pyrenees; to the east, the Sierra de Guara; and to the south, the Moncayo. The cardinal directions give the landscape views a clear sense of orientation.

The monastery complex comprises a monastery building with a convent, church, hostel and restaurant. If you plan to use the hostel or restaurant, check before your trip which services are currently available. This distinguishes information about the components of the complex from questions about specific services.

Planning a pilgrimage and activities

Monlora is a pilgrimage centre with opportunities for walking, hang-gliding and paragliding. The pilgrimage to the Monasterio de Monlora is firmly rooted throughout the Comarca. If the date is important to your trip, check the current programme in advance. This will help you coordinate your dates with your interests, without treating the pilgrimage date as the same thing as the other activities.

Walking, hang-gliding and paragliding offer different kinds of experiences. Before taking part, check local conditions and information from providers. This gives you several clearly distinct themes to choose from when planning your trip: architectural history at the churches and castles, views across the landscape, and pilgrimage or outdoor activities.

Discover more destinations: Fuencalderas, Torres De Berrellén, Bijuesca, Casas de Esper, Farasdués, Codo, Añón De Moncayo, Zaragoza

Go to the main travel overview: Zaragoza.