Discover Barracas: Vía Verde and Historic Sites

Barracas offers several clearly distinct themes to consider when planning a trip: the Vía Verde de Ojos Negros, the architectural history of its churches and historic houses, and events held at certain times of year. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Barracas, these highlights can help you tailor your trip to your interests. The different ways to use the Vía Verde and the architectural features of local buildings are especially concrete examples.

The Vía Verde and Choosing a Route

A particularly well-adapted section of the Vía Verde de Ojos Negros runs through Barracas. The route can be used on foot, by bicycle, or in a wheelchair, with the exception of individual ramps outside the original railway alignment. As route conditions and information about permitted uses may change with maintenance, check these details before setting out.

At the start of the Vía Verde, at Estación del Palancar, there is a recreation area with a forest hut, a playground, barbecue facilities, and public toilets. As the facilities may change, check before visiting to see which amenities are currently available.

Another route through Barracas is the Ruta del Santo Grial de Valencia. It runs from the Monasterio de San Juan de la Peña in Aragón to Valencia, passing through Barracas. Its focus differs from that of the Vía Verde: here, the route between Aragón and Valencia is the main feature, whereas the Vía Verde is described in terms of several ways to use it.

Churches, Houses, and Local History

The Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol is a Gothic masonry church dating from the 16th century. Its single-nave layout has three bays, and the choir has a square end. In church architecture, a bay is a section of the nave, so the three-part layout is a specific feature of the church interior.

The Ermita de San Roque was built as a replacement after the original chapel was demolished to make way for the Valencia–Calatayud railway line. Its masonry nave has three bays, with buttresses on the outside and a gabled roof above; the choir end faces west. A procession takes place at the Ermita on August 15.

The historic houses on Calle Teruel include buildings from the 17th century; number 15 is one of the oldest buildings in Barracas. An inscription on the Fuente de San Pedro bears the date 1576. Also visible there are remains of a stone coat of arms and the keys of Saint Peter. Calle Teruel and the Fuente offer different points of connection to local history: historic residences on the one hand, and a dated inscription and stone heraldry on the other.

Events by Month

There are also specific points to consider when choosing a month to travel. The Carrera de Montaña 15k has been held in November since 2018; dates and format may vary. The Feria Agrícola, Ganadera, de Caza y Tiempo Libre de Barracas takes place in June and has been held there since 2005; its program may vary. November is therefore associated with the mountain race, and June with the Feria. If you would like to plan your stay around one of these events, check the current dates and program.

Balsa Grande

Balsa Grande is next to a recreation area and is fed in the middle by a natural spring. Native species found there include moorhens. This adds a specific connection with water and local wildlife to Barracas’ route and architecture themes.

Discover more destinations: Benasal, Figueroles, Argelita, Borriol, Benicassim, Sant Joan de Moró, Sant Jordi, Arañuel.

For the wider travel overview: Castellon.