CASTLES, FORTRESSES AND TOWERS

About 1000 years ago the Christians had to defend themselves vigorously against the Moors. As a result, many castles and defensive towers were built. Nowadays you still see the traces of this period. If you drive around, you will regularly discover a tower or broken castle wall that rises above the mountains.

The old defensive tower 'El Mon'

is from 1016, more than a thousand years old. If you visit us in PerarrĂșa, you should stop by here as well. From the tower you have a great view over PerarrĂșa and the valley of Rio Ésera. In the 16th century they built the church 'San Clemente' next to the tower.

The moors occupied almost all of Spain and many villages fell, but the village of PerarrĂșa did not. The defensive tower has done an excellent job! After the battle with the Moors, the Ribagorza entered into a calmer period between the 11th and 13th centuries. So many chapels, bridges (access bridge to PerarrĂșa), churches and other Romanesque structures were built. 

From El Mon one could communicate with the sister tower near the village of Puebla de Fantova (10km further away). This sister tower of 'Castillo de Fantova' has been beautifully restored. You can enter the tower and at the very top is an observatory.

The castle of Benabarre

is one of the most beautiful castles in the area. The origins of this castle date back to the end of the 10th century when the moors ruled Benabarre. In the 11th century, Ramiro I of Aragon recaptured the area on the moors in heavy fighting, making it Christian again. Ramiro I then built an important castle on this sensitive battle spot.

The castle has recently been restored. A visit is very worthwhile and can be combined with a visit to the famous chocolate factory 'Bresco' and the goat cheese farm.

The templar castle of Monzon

is a national monument. This important templar fortress is originally a moorish fortress from the 10th century, but in 1089 the Christians took over. In 1143 the castle was occupied by the Order of the Knights Templar. They further expanded the castle with defensive walls, towers, stables and dormitories.

Are you visiting the fort? Then this can be combined with a visit to the city of Barbastro, the capital of the Somontano region. Or go to one of the nearby wineries. For example, Bodega Sers, where our delicious house wines come from.

The pilgrimage site of Torreciudad

Tastes differ, but this place is certainly impressive. Torreciudad was built in 1975 by order of Opus Dei founder San JosemarĂ­a EscrivĂĄ. It is located at a beautiful reservoir, close to the largest dam in Spain.

This holy place attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year (which increased even more after the publication of the Da Vinci Code).

On the way to the salt baths of Naval you'll pass by Torreciudad. Also you are close to the Somontano wine region. If you want to go inside, make sure your shoulders and legs are covered.

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