Few town They can boast that a queen has walked through its streets to deliver an award in person. But that is exactly what happened in Mirambel, a small municipality of the Teacher Turolense who managed to captivate Europe – and Doña Sofía – for the intact beauty of its historic center.
This is Mirambel, the first town in Spain that received the European Medal Nostra
What to do and what to do in Mirambel
Palacios and stately houses of Mirambel
What to see in Mirambel and surroundings
It was 1982 when the queen, impressed by the conservation and recovery of the old town of this walled town, traveled there to deliver the gold medal of Europe Nostra, the most prestigious prize of the continent in cultural heritage. This award rewards the exemplary efforts of restoration, conservation and sustainable management of the historical legacy in cities, towns and singular enclaves of Europe and only a few Spanish municipalities have received this distinction. In fact, Mirambel was the first town in Spain to obtain this medal, so it is a reference in the protection of heritage.
The old town of Mirambel is one of the most beautiful in Aragon
This is Mirambel, the first town in Spain that received the European Medal Nostra
That real visit marked a before and after for Mirambel, which shared recognition with international projects of Venice or England, but from a simplicity that amazes those who cross their portals. And it is that Mirambel not only keeps history between centennial stones, but it transmits it in every corner: in the lattices of the nun portal, in the solar houses that challenge time, in the echo of the Convent of the Agustinas and in the calm that surrounds its streets as if the clock had stopped centuries ago.
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Encased within a walled enclosure that belonged to the Military Order of San Juan the Portal of the Nuns, with its unmistakable plaster lattices, it is the most iconic image of the municipality.
Buildings such as the Agustinas Convent, the Church of Santa Margarita, La Lonja or the City Council of Renaissance style. You can also travel signposted routes to the neighbors La Cuba or Tronchón, visiting the interpretation center or simply walking without a hurry for a town that has made calm and silence a differential value.
Mirambel Historic Center
As soon as the walls cross, the visitor enters the Mirambel Historic Center, considered one of the most valuable architectural sets in Aragon and one of the best examples of medieval urbanism preserved in Spain. His exceptional state of conservation earned him in 1980 the declaration of cultural interest, thanks to the integrity of the walled enclosure and the authenticity of their buildings, which keep the essence of the medieval villa intact.
This town is one of the best examples of medieval urbanism
Two years later, in 1982, Mirambel became the first Spanish town to receive the Gold Medal of Europe Nostra, the most prestigious recognition of Europe in the field of restoration and cultural heritage. The award was delivered in person by Queen Sofía, who was appointed adopted daughter of Mirambel during her visit.
That same year, the Turolense people shared recognition with international renown projects, such as the restoration of the Bollani Palace of Venice or the revitalization of the Chesterfield historic center, in England. An award that placed Mirambel on the European map of patrimonial conservation.
What to do and what to do in Mirambel
The nun portal
The nun portal is undoubtedly the most emblematic corner of Mirambel. It is an old walled enclosure entrance that connects directly to the convent of the Augustinian Hermit. This access stands out for its wooden lattices that cover the windows of the passage, allowing the nuns to observe the street without being seen, in an absolute closing exercise.
These, perfectly preserved, are a unique example of religious architecture integrated in the urban space, and have contributed to consolidate the most recognizable image of the municipality. The set has become a photographic icon and symbol of the heritage wealth of the Turolense teacher.
In addition to its architectural value, the nun portal represents a connection between the recollection of the convent and the daily life of the people, with an almost mystical aura. The adjoining convent was founded in the 16th century and remained active until 1980. Today, although it has no religious life, the building is still in and part of Mirambel’s monumental route.
It is not visitable inside, but its exterior and the accompanying portal can be contemplated freely during the walk through the historic center. This point is an essential stop to understand the uniqueness of the urban layout of the town and its fusion between spirituality and medieval tradition.
Agustinas Convent
Another important places to see in Mirambel is the Agustinas convent, raised in 1564 by Felipeii and was occupied by nuns from Valencia, is a sober masonry building attached to the medieval walls of Mirambel. Today it hosts the Tourism Office and the Master’s Architectural Heritage Interpretation Center, offering the visitor an immersion in history, architecture and convent life.
During the visit you can enjoy recreations of the nineteenth -century school, created after the cholera epidemic with the support of Queen Elizabethii. Of a wide collection of religious textiles, books, crafts and memories donated by the community, with pieces between the seventeenth and twentieth centuries.
It is also possible to visit the superior cell, the widest room of the convent, which connects with the viewpoint on the nun portal, the most photographed corner of Mirambel.
In addition, interesting details such as the sacristy at the Base of the Torreón, layers of history exhibited (including the excommunication of demolishing a hermitage in 1413), and a Renaissance organ in the Church are preserved.
Guided visits to this historical set are organized twice a day, the first at 11.30 am and the second at 4:30 p.m., and also include tours of the medieval helmet that make Mirambel an outdoor museum.
San Roque hermitage
The hermitage of Sanroque rises right outside the walled enclosure of Mirambel, next to the Sanroque portal, and was built in the century -XVIII as a symbol of gratitude after the plague of 1648. The inhabitants promised to lift it if the town managed to save themselves from the epidemic.
This simple masonry and masonry stone temple follows a rectangular plant with a front atrium formed by three semicircular arches, and wears a baroque sword topped with a party front, pinnacles and remains of its old floron.
Inside, the ship is divided into two sections by means
Master Museum. Although the temple is modest, its open atrium offers one of the most picturesque views of Mirambel, with the wall, the roofs and the landscape of the teacher as a backdrop.
Palacios and stately houses of Mirambel
Despite its Mirambel size, it keeps a good number of stately houses and palace to visit. In the Plaza Nicolás Ferrer, two of the best examples are raised: the Aliaga house and the Castellot house, with sandstone facades, elegant wooden eaves and galleries with semicircular arches.
The Pastor house, the Barceló house, the coastal house or the house of the Julianes, all with doerated covers, forged rejejías and unique architectural details that reinforce the heritage value of the set. Walking through these streets is to discover the most noble civil architecture of Aragon.
What to see in Mirambel and surroundings
Mirambel is a small town but full of charm, ideal to travel calmly in one or two hours. That is why if you have more time, it is worth discovering some of the towns near Mirambel, which are part of the same historical and landscape essence:
Cantavieja: Only 10 minutes by car, this impressive historical set is part of the most beautiful peoples network in Spain. Its portico square, the fortified church and the views from the viewpoint are forced visits.
Vilafamés: located in the province of Castellón, this picturesque town stands out for its cobbled streets of pink tones, its castle on top and its lovely old town.
Morella: A little over half an hour by car, this majestic walled villa is one of the great treasures of the interior of Castellón. Its castle, its steep alleys and its traditional gastronomy make it an essential getaway from Mirambel.
How to get to Mirambel
From Zaragoza
To get from Zaragoza to Mirambel the best option is by car since the route is approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes.
From Huesca
The route to Mirambel from Huesca is 3 hours by car for the N-232, it is also the most recommended since by train the route exceeds 10 hours.
From Teruel
It is preferable to go by car since the route is 1 hour and 34 minutes through the A-226.
