In the heart of Matarraña, surrounded by nature, cobbled streets and medieval constructions that have resisted over time, there is a town where heritage and legends live together for centuries. They say that under their homes there are still remains of a secret tunnel that linked the castle with the river, used by nobles to escape betrayals, hide treasures or disappear without a trace. Some neighbors say that their grandparents talked about blocked tickets in old wineries and inexplicable air currents in the historical center.
In a hill and bathed by a river: the most beautiful Teruel town according to travel magazine
That place is Valderrobres, a jewel in the province of Teruel declared of cultural interest and considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Its monumental silhouette stands between mountains, with a Gothic castle on top, a medieval bridge over the river and such a unique civil building – the 16th century town hall – that was replicated stone by stone in the international exhibition of Barcelona in 1929, as a symbol of Aragonese architecture.
Valderrobres, the town of Matarraña with a town hall that was replicated in Barcelona
What to do and what to do in Valderrobres
The Church of Santa María la Mayor
Plaza de España de Valderrobres
Valderrobres, the town of Matarraña with a town hall that was replicated in Barcelona
One of the most unique buildings in the Historic Center is the Town Hall, raised in the 16th century in an elegant mannerist style of the Bajo Aragon Turolense, known as Tierrabajino Mannerism. Its stone facade, the porticored wood with half -point arches and the Renaissance decorative elements made it an architectural symbol of the area.
One of the most unique buildings in the Historic Center is the Town Hall, raised in the 16th century. Photo: Valderrobres City Council
Such was its relevance that in 1929 an exact replica was built to represent Aragon in the International Exhibition of Barcelona, within the famous “Poble Espanyol”, where it can still be admired as an ambassador of the Aragonese civil art.
What to do and what to do in Valderrobres
Valderrobres, such as the capital of region, is the perfect starting point to visit other charming villages of Matarraña, enjoy nature and savor local gastronomy. However, here we leave you some points that you cannot miss in your visit to this Turolense town.
Valderrobres Castle
In the upper part of the Historic Center, Valderrobres Castle stands, one of the most emblematic monuments of the town and mandatory stop on any route through the Matarraña. Next to the church of Santa María la Mayor, forms a unique architectural set that brings together history, art and spectacular views of the environment.
Built in the fourteenth century on a large natural rock by the archbishops of Saragossa, this castle was conceived more as a residential palace than as a military strength. His elegant stays and his careful Gothic architecture attest to their stately character, more linked to ecclesiastical power than to defense.
In the upper part of the historic center, Valderrobres Castle stands. Photo: Aragon Tourism
During the visit, which usually lasts more than an hour and also includes access to the church, you can travel spaces such as the stables, the chapter room, the dungeons, the kitchen, the Chimney’s Hall, the Lions Room, the Golden Chamber and the curious well of the hairy hand. Joint entries for the castle and the church can be acquired online or in the Valderrobres Museum, located just in front of the main access.
The Church of Santa María la Mayor
Visiting the church of Santa María la Mayor is another of the best things to do in Valderrobres. Connected directly with the castle, this church of the fourteenth century was promoted by Archbishop Pedro Lope de Luna and is declared a cultural interest, being one of the top exponents of the Levantine Gothic in Aragon.
Visiting the church of Santa María la Mayor is another of the best things to do in Valderrobres. Photo: Valderrobres City Council
His imposing porch with eleven archivol and a spectacular rosette of six meters in diameter already anticipates the greatness that you will find inside. The unique ship, of clear influence of northern Europe, culminates in a heptagonal apse covered by a vault of eight nerves, which gives it a sober and monumental beauty in equal parts.
To enjoy its history, its architectural details and its connection with the castle of Valderrobres, we recommend you reserve a guided tour, perfect to understand the historical relevance of this unique patrimonial set in the Matarraña region.
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Stone bridge
One of the best ways to start your visit to Valderrobres is to park the car in one of the public parkings located next to the Matarraña River (you can see its location on the map below). From there, we recommend you cross the emblematic stone bridge, a medieval jewel that will lead you directly to the historic center of the municipality, one of the most beautiful and best preserved areas of the Matarraña region.
This three -eyed stone bridge, finished at the beginning of the 15th century, connects the new part with the old one, allowing the course of the Matarraña River to save. Its structure, in addition to functional, offers spectacular views of the houses hung on the shore, a typical and very photographed image of Valderrobres. Being an old town with very narrow streets and restricted traffic, it is one of the best things to do in Valderrobres to start the tour with charm and history.
San Roque Portal
After crossing the stone bridge, the first thing you will see is the San Roque portal, one of the seven original portals that are preserved from the old wall and another of the great essentials to see in Valderrobres. This imposing entrance to the historic center stands out both for its historical value and for its architectural beauty.
Built in stalls between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, the San Roque portal is flanked by two stone lions from the castle and crowned by a niche with the image of the saint. Its structure served as customs and defensive bastion, which is why it has a crenellated tower on the upper floor, testimony of the strategic importance that this access had during the Middle Ages.
If you want to know in depth the history of the San Roque portal and other key corners of the town, you can reserve a guided tour or hire a private tour of Valderrobres, ideal for groups and heritage lovers.
Plaza de Spain of Valderrobres
After crossing the San Roque portal, you will arrive at the Plaza de España de Valderrobres, one of the most emblematic corners of the old town. This open space, surrounded by stately stone houses, is chaired by the Valderrobres City Council, one of the most important buildings to see in the town.
The Plaza de España is an open space presided over by the town hall. Photo: Valderrobres City Council
The City Council stands out for its imposing Renaissance style facade and its fish market on the ground floor, where an old dungeon is still preserved. In front of him is another building with history: La Plaza fonda, one of the oldest hosts in Spain, built in the fourteenth century and continues to work today as a hotel and restaurant.
The square is also an ideal place to make a stop, take something in one of its terraces and observe the animated atmosphere of tourists and neighbors. In addition, you will find small stores where to buy memories or typical products of Matarraña, such as sausages, honey or local crafts, perfect to take a piece of Valderrobres home.
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Excursions from Valderrobres
These are four excursions from Valderrobres that you cannot miss:
Beceite
Just 10 minutes from Valderrobres, Beceite is perfect for nature lovers. Its main attraction is the spectacular route of the Parrizal, a path equipped with wooden catwalks that crosses a Turkish water canyon of the Matarraña River. To this is added a picturesque old town with medieval air.
The Fresneda
Only 10 minutes from Valderrobres is Fresneda, declared a historical-artistic set and considered one of the most beautiful peoples in Teruel. Its Renaissance City Council, the Fortaleza Church and its viewpoints to the Matarraña landscape make it a perfect getaway for all audiences.
Calaceite
Only 20 minutes by car, Calaceite falls in love with its medieval historic center articulated around the Plaza de España. Its cobbled streets, solar houses and quiet atmosphere make it a mandatory stop.
Cretas
Located 30 minutes by road, the Cretas town surprises with its medieval and Renaissance architecture, in addition to its archaeological heritage. Here you can visit the Iberian town of Els Castellans and walk through an urban core full of charm.
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How to get to Valderrobres
From Zaragoza
From Zaragoza, the car journey lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. You must take the A-68 in the direction of Alcañiz and continue through the N-232 to cross Valdealgorfa. From there, it is linked to the A-231, which leads directly to Valderrobres.
From Teruel
The road route lasts about 2 hours and 10 minutes. The most direct route is for the N-420 to Alcañiz, and then connect with the A-231 in the Valderrobres direction. You can also go for the A-23 to Monreal del Campo and deviate towards Calanda and Alcañiz.
From Huesca
From Huesca, the most advisable way to get to Valderrobres is by car, since there is no direct connection by train or buses with frequent routes. The road route lasts approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.
