Montalbán: Encomienda Castle, trails and observatory

Montalbán combines architectural and military-order history with hiking and cycling routes, as well as astronomical activities. Historic sites include the Iglesia de Santiago, the remains of Encomienda Castle and the Torreón de la Cárcel. The hamlet of Peñarroyas belongs to the municipality of Montalbán; there, a river-related site of interest and rock paintings on the route to the observation point form a focus in their own right.

Church, castle and historic gate

The gallery above the side chapels of the Iglesia de Santiago served military purposes. The church originally belonged to the Order of Santiago; this affiliation explains the gallery's military purpose.

Jaime I stayed at Encomienda Castle for a time to prepare for the conquest of Valencia. Sections of the walls and remains of three towers have survived: part of a tower in the upper area, and two lower towers with square floor plans. Encomienda Castle is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC).

The Torreón de la Cárcel, also known as the Portal de Daroca, is Montalbán's most important gate and includes a gate tower. The restored Torreón is currently used as an exhibition hall. If you plan to visit the hall, check current visiting arrangements in advance.

Peñarroyas and trails through the landscape

The Paraje de Peñarroyas del Río Martín is a river-related site of interest in the hamlet of Peñarroyas, in the municipality of Montalbán. In Peñarroyas, leave your car at the entrance to the village; continue on foot along a trail marked as part of the Parque Cultural del Río Martín. Rock paintings can be found on the route between Peñarroyas and the observation point.

The Centro de Interpretación de la Geología y Espeleología in Montalbán is also part of the Parque Cultural del Río Martín. The centre's name indicates its subjects: geology and speleology. This means travel plans can include both historic architecture and nature and cultural attractions within the municipality.

The PR-TE 99 A, Ruta de la Muela de Montalbán, climbs to the summit of the Muela at 1,294 metres and passes several viewpoints.

The PR-TE 99 B, Ruta del río Ancho, is a 10.8-kilometre circular hike with a stated duration of 3 hours and 10 minutes. The figures include 230 metres of ascent and 235 metres of descent. The GR 262, Stage 03 from Montalbán to Peñarroyas, is instead a 7.8-kilometre point-to-point route. Its stated duration is 2 hours and 10 minutes, with 135 metres of ascent and 200 metres of descent. This makes the GR stage the shorter route with the shorter stated duration; the PR-TE 99 B offers a circular hike. Trail conditions may change, so check them before setting out.

Stargazing and cycling routes

The Observatorio de Montalbán offers observations of the night sky and the Sun. It also features a digital planetarium where films and photographs on astronomical subjects are projected. The programme includes talks, courses, workshops, astronomy days and exhibitions. If you are interested in a particular event, check its current date; programme details may change.

The Montalbán Loop (Anillo de Montalbán) is described as a road cycling route. Following in El Cid's footsteps, it passes through Huesa and Montalbán; Montalbán accounts for half of the loop. The possible focuses of a stay therefore vary considerably: from the history of its buildings to walking and hiking trails, astronomical activities and a road cycling route.

Discover more destinations: La Puebla De Valverde, Mas de las Matas, Fuentespalda, Frías De Albarracín, Peñarroya De Tastavíns, La Cerollera, El Vallecillo, La Cuba.

For the broader travel overview: Teruel.