Aragon Tourist Guide 2016

/ ZARAGOZA Uncastillo and Sos del Rey Católico Two jewels of the Romanesque in Las Cinco Villas In the northernmost part of the province of Zaragoza, very close to the border with Navarre, these two localities have enormous seductive power. Uncastillo is considered the best collection of 12th-century Romanesque buildings in Spain. The village preserves the medieval flavour of its six magnificent churches as well as the remains of its curtain wall with its outstanding keep. Its steep streets, palatial houses and old Jewish quarter cre- ate a sense of suspended time. The Church of Santa María has a spectacular display of sculpture at its south entrance. The Church of San Martín is now an Interpretation Centre of Romanesque Art. The austere Church of San Juan has remarkable Romanesque murals. Palatial mansions, such as the Renaissance town hall, the Gothic Palace of Martín el Humano and the marketplace complete the roll-call of the town’s historic monuments. A fewkilometres fromUncastillo, themedieval village of Sos is comprised of handsome stone houses, wooden eaves, fa- cades with dressed white stone and coats-of-arms, Gothic and Renaissance windows and cobbled streets. This is a real journey into the past where you can discover charming spots. The Palace of Sada was the birthplace of Ferdinand El Católico in 1452. Outstanding examples of its

Romanesque heritage are the churches of San Martín de Tours and San Esteban, which contains Gothic murals. The alleyways of the Jewish quarter, its walls, gateways and towers, including the keep of its castle, leave an indelible im- age in your memory Daroca and Gallocanta A wealth of history and an ornithological paradise Crossing through Daroca’s gateways takes us back into by- gone ages. The Portal de Valencia, Puerta Baja and Puerta del Arrabal gateways, which guard the entrances through the city wall, offer a majestic welcome. Within the old town are the old Jewish quarter and the Church of Santa Maria, where the Sagrados Corporales relic is preserved. You can also visit the Romanesque Church of San Miguel, with extraordinary and highly colourful Gothic murals. The churches of San Juan de la Cuesta and Santo Domingo de Silos are two beautiful examples of 12th-century Ro- manesque buildings. And don’t miss Daroca’s mansions, such as the Paladio de los Luna, with remarkable projecting eaves. Near Daroca, Gallocanta is a unique wetland in Spain be- cause of its biological diversity. Its strategic location means that every year various species of aquatic bird use it as an overwintering site or as a migration stop. It is particularly famous for its large concentrations of cranes, travelling to warmer climes for the winter.

Uncastillo.

Sos del Rey Católico.

Daroca.