Aras De Los Olmos: Nature, Culture and History

Aras De Los Olmos is part of the Alto Turia Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO in 2019. The area’s local profile also includes an Ecomuseo with several sites, historic buildings and opportunities for solar observation. When planning your trip, it is worth keeping different time frames in mind: the ethnobotanical garden is open to visitors free of charge all year round, the observatory opens during the summer months, and the Fiestas Gordas take place every seven years.

Nature and Local History

The Jardín Etnobotánico Francisco Peláez Roldán is a living museum of native flora, created on the site of a former municipal cemetery. Here, plant life and a former use of the land come together in one place. The garden is open to visitors free of charge all year round. If you plan to visit, check the access information again before you leave.

Culture and Historic Traces

The Ecomuseo de Aras de los Olmos spans several sites and showcases local culture and traditions. As a cultural center, it includes the Sala de la Almazara de Cera and the Francisco Moreno Mesas Archaeological Collection. Its multiple sites and named components offer different points of entry if you want to explore the culture and history of the area.

The Torre del Cortijo was built during the Taifa of Banu Qasim in the early 11th century and is about 10 meters high. The Horno Medieval was built in 1351 and remained in operation until 1975. Together, a building from the early 11th century and an oven that operated until 1975 offer distinct points of reference for the area’s history.

Solar Observation and Special Events

The Centro Big History offers daytime workshops on solar observation using special filtered telescopes. The observatory opens to visitors during the summer months as part of the “Nit a Aras” program. The two offerings differ in timing: the workshops take place during the day, while access to the observatory is limited to the summer months. Before your trip, check both the availability of the workshops and the observatory’s opening as part of the program.

The Fiestas Gordas of Aras De Los Olmos take place every seven years in honor of Santa Catalina. The festivities include the performance “El Entramoro,” a depiction of Moors and Christians. If you want to plan your trip specifically around this event, check the exact festival dates in advance.

Getting There and Routes to the Sanctuary

Public transport to Aras De Los Olmos is limited; a private vehicle is recommended for greater flexibility. As services may change, check connections before your trip. The Sanctuary of Santa Catalina can be reached from Aras De Los Olmos by car, on foot or by bicycle. Check route conditions in advance when planning your journey to the sanctuary.

A Tradition from the Festival Kitchen

Local cuisine is also part of the area’s traditions: gachas from Aras De Los Olmos are made with flour, pieces of ham and sardines, and are prepared at every local festival. While gachas are associated with all the festivals, the Fiestas Gordas return every seven years. This brings together a dish prepared at every festival and a special event that follows its own cycle.

Discover more destinations: Camp de Túria, Tuéjar, Buñol, Santa María de Bonaire, La Presa, Aielo de Malferit, Bufali, La Torre D'en Besora

For the broader travel overview: Valencia.