The Aragonese are recognized for our rich cuisine, our millenary history and the diversity of our landscapes. But if there is something that distinguishes us especially is wine, and especially, one that has gone around the world: that of Garnacha. In a corner of the province of Saragossa One of the most prestigious and authentic is elaborated.
We talk about Borja, a Zaragoza town that combines heritage, wine tradition and a unique history that attracted the attention of the planet: that of Ecce Homo. Since 2012, thousands of visitors arrive at the Sanctuary of Mercy to contemplate this curious painting turned into a viral phenomenon.
And Borja is not just the people of ECCE Homo, they are also one of the most complete destinations in the interior of Aragon. Its imposing collegiate, its baroque convents, its 17th-century-century houses or its wine museum in Veruela are more than enough reasons to include it on any route.
Ecce Homo
What to do and what to do in Borja
Ecce Homo
The Ecce Homo de Borja is located inside the Sanctuary of Mercy, about five kilometers from the urban area of Borja (Zaragoza). The small original painting, the work of Elías García Martínez, went unnoticed for decades until in 2012, an amateur restoration made by a neighbor of the municipality made it a worldwide viral phenomenon. Since then, thousands of people have come to know in person this peculiar image, which has been Borja on the tourist map unexpectedly.
The sanctuary, nestled in a natural environment with pine trees and walking routes, is free access. There is no entrance to visit the church where the ECCE Homo is located, although it is usual to leave a voluntary donation. The place also has a store where you can buy memories and products inspired by the image, whose benefits are destined for social purposes and the conservation of the building.
The Ecce Homo de Borja is located inside the sanctuary of mercy. Photo: Aragon Tourism
As for the schedules, the Sanctuary of Mercy is usually open every day, especially in the months of greater tourist influx. In general, the usual schedule is from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the morning and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the afternoon, although it may vary depending on the season or holidays. To ensure, it is advisable to consult the website of the City of Borja or call the local tourism office before planning the visit.
What to do and what to do in Borja
In addition to this mandatory painting to see, Borja is formed a many other tourist attractions.
SANTA MARÍA COLEGIATA AND ITS MUSEUM
Built on an old Romanesque temple, the collegiate is an example of the Fortaleza Church. Its interior houses valuable artistic and architectural elements as a result of centuries of reforms. In an old solar house is the Collegiate Museum, which retains part of Borja’s religious heritage and was rehabilitated as a cultural space in 2003.
Access to the interior of the Santa María Collegiate is limited mainly to worship schedules, although sometimes specific it is possible to visit it during religious celebrations, especially on Saturday afternoon or on Sundays in the morning.
Access to the interior of the collegiate of Santa María is mainly limited to worship schedules. Photo: Aragon Tourism / Ferran Mallol
On the other hand, the Collegiate Museum, located in the former Sancti Spíritus hospital, does have a regular schedule and is very accessible to visitors. It is open from Tuesday to Friday from 9.30 to 2:00 p.m., on Saturdays from 11.00 to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 11.00 to 14.00 hours. Monday remains closed.
The general entrance has a cost of 2.50euros, while the reduced rate (seniors, students, unemployed and people with disabilities) is 1.50euros. In the case of group visits (+15 people), it is recommended to contact the Tourism Office to consult special conditions.
Convent of Conception
The convent of La Concepción, founded in the seventeenth century by Mrs. Inés Ruiz with the support of the mystical Sister María de Jesús de Ágreda, is considered the purest expression of the Baroque in Borja. Under the direction of the architect Felipe de Busiñac y Borbón, who also worked at the Pilar de Zaragoza, the convent and the Church ended in 1686, both declared well of cultural interest.
Although the cloister and convent dependencies remain closed to the public, since they are still occupied by the community of contemplative religious, the Church can be visible freely. Built in the Latin cross plant with dome, it is profusely decorated with frescoes to the temper attributed to Luzán, which represent scenes such as the assumption of Mary and the coming of the Pilar to Zaragoza. The main altarpiece, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, is an outstanding work of golden wood of the baroque period.
Regarding the visit, no official schedules or public rates are available. Since there is no official information about tourist days or hours, the most advisable thing is to contact the Borja Local Tourism Office to confirm availability.
Marketplace
The market square has been the epicenter of Borja’s urban life for centuries. It was popularly known as the “Plaza de las Vegetanos” due to farmers who sold their outdoor horticultural products. He was also called “Plaza de inside”, as it was the widest within the walled enclosure of the medieval city.
The market square has been the epicenter of Borja’s urban life for centuries. Photo: Borja Campo / Pablo Ibáñez
Adinteled arcs with arches define one of the most emblematic sides of the square, where two buildings of great heritage value stand out. The Palacio de los Angulo, now the headquarters of the House of Culture, stands out for its famous baroque cover carved in stone, while the one known as Torreón de los Borja houses modern art exhibitions through the A -71 association.
THE HOUSE-PALACIO DE LOS ANGULO
One of Borja’s great patrimonial attractions is the House of the Angulo, located in the heart of the Plaza del Mercado. This old seventeenth palace surprises visitors with an imposing cover of Alabaster, considered one of the most beautiful in the province of Zaragoza. Its slightly lowered half -point arch, flanked by three stripes in the jambas and crowned by a spectacular heraldic shield with rampant lions, has even been reproduced in the Spanish town of Barcelona for its unique artistic value.
In addition to its noble history, this baroque jewel currently houses the Borja Culture House, which allows its public use. The shield that crowns the entrance belongs to the Angulo family, one of the most influential in the town, and is the same one that appears in the execution of Infanzonia granted to José de Angulo in 1699, whose copy is preserved in the Center for Borjanos Studies.
The Garnacha Empire
He Borja field is known worldwide as “the empire of the Garnacha”, And it is not for less. In this area of the northwest of the province of Zaragoza, about 60 kilometers from the capital, some of the most prestigious monovarietal red wines in the country are produced. The garnacha grape Cup.
The vineyards extend between 350 and 700 meters altitude. In the lowest areas, limestone soils give rise to warm and very aromatic wines. In the middle strip, with greater density of strains, reds are complex and fleshy. In the highest areas, stony land results as fine and elegant broths. Almost half of the 7,400 hectares of vineyard are dedicated to Garnacha, and 40% of these strains are between 30 and 50 years old, which guarantees less quantity, but more quality
Borja field wines stand out for their balance, their aromatic power and their ability to combine tradition and modernity. Next to La Garnacha, other varieties such as Tempranillo, Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah or Macabeo are authorized, among others.
The wine tourism experience is completed with the Garnacha wine route, which runs through family wineries, traditional cuisine restaurants, viewpoints with a view to Moncayo and places like the monastery of Veruela, where the Borja Campo Wine Museum is located. Located in the old cistern of the monastery, the museum includes the entire history and culture of this denomination.
How to get to Borja
From Zaragoza
Borja is located about 65 kilometers from Zaragoza. It can be reached by car in less than an hour by the N-232 and the A-1303. There are also regular buses from the Aragonese capital that connect with the town.
From Huesca
From Huesca, the journey is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. The most direct route is for the A-1212 and the A-122 to Borja.
From Teruel
The tour from Teruel Ronda the two hours. It is recommended to take the A-23 to Zaragoza and then follow the same path as from the Aragonese capital.
