Discover Paracuellos De Jiloca

Paracuellos De Jiloca offers two distinct themes to explore during a stay: the Balneario facilities and the town’s architectural and artistic history. If you are looking for a hotel, these themes can help guide your choice of what to experience during your trip. The thermal park brings together paths, gardens and water; the churches and the castle represent different architectural and artistic works. A closer look at their distinctive features can help you plan your stay around your interests.

Thermal Park, Paths and Water

The Parque Termal at the Balneario de Paracuellos covers an area of 100,000 m². It includes two natural lakes, one of which is open for swimming during the summer months. More than 2 km of walking paths and 40,000 m² of gardens complement the water facilities with a focus on walks. The park therefore offers different options side by side: seasonal swimming and an area with paths and gardens. Before your trip, check whether swimming in the lake is available at the time of your visit.

The Balneario also includes a large thermal pool, additional facilities and various thermal treatments for relaxation, recuperation and entertainment. The thermal pool and seasonal swimming in the lake are two distinct aspects of what is on offer. When planning, you can therefore choose between a stay focused on thermal treatments and a visit where summer lake swimming is important.

Churches and Art History

The Iglesia de San Miguel de Paracuellos de Jiloca is located in the upper part of the town, on a mid-height rocky ledge of the valley gorge that flanks the valley. It is built in an advanced Mudéjar style. Its interior also contains notable works of art: the main altarpiece comprises around twenty panels and impressive canvas doors, and is the work of the Italian master Pietro Morone. The approximate number of panels and the elaborate craftsmanship give the altarpiece significance alongside the church’s architecture.

The organ of the parish church of San Miguel Arcángel in Paracuellos de Jiloca is an Aragonese Renaissance pipe organ by Guillaume de Lupe, dating from 1565–1566. It was later modified between the 18th and 20th centuries. Alongside the church’s advanced Mudéjar style, the altarpiece and organ thus offer different points of interest for considering its architecture and furnishings.

The Iglesia de Santa María is a medieval building that was remodeled at the end of the 17th century. A Gothic portal made of molded bricks has been preserved. Inside is an altarpiece attributed to the Italian master Pietro Morone. While the main altar at San Miguel is considered to be Morone’s work, the retable at Santa María is attributed to the same master. This distinction between explicit authorship and attribution also makes the two works of art interesting to compare.

The Castle and Historical Interpretation

The Castillo de Paracuellos de Jiloca is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) and classified as an archaeological zone within a cultural heritage ensemble. In addition, some historians identify the castle with the Castillo de Xiloca mentioned in the Cantar de Mio Cid. This is a historical interpretation, not a definitive identification. Those interested in the town’s past can distinguish between the castle’s formal protected status and the cautiously worded literary-historical association.

Getting to the Balneario

You can reach the Balneario de Paracuellos by car via exit 233 of the A-2 motorway. From there, the N-234 towards Daroca-Teruel leads to the destination for 3 km. As road conditions and signage may change, it is advisable to check the route before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Talamantes, Tobed, Sobradiel, Gallur, Almonacid de la Sierra, Terrer, Mequinenza, Osera De Ebro

For the overview of destinations in the wider region: Saragossa.