logo2019 300

The height of the village, 493 metres above sea level, makes Lagunarotta a magnificent viewpoint looking out over the pre-Pyrenean mountains and the plains of Los Monegros. From here it is possible to make out neighbouring regions that border Somontano, those of Ribagorza, La Litera, Cinca Medio, Monegros, Hoya de Huesca and even Catalunya. To the north eyes are drawn to the mighty Pyrenean peaks before resting on the gentler pre-Pyrenean mountain ranges and finally roaming over the immense plains of the south-east.

In general the relief of the south is tabular; the strata lay horizontally as this area did not suffer tectonic movements of any great significance after the sedimentation of materials. There are many raised tablelands, rocky and dry, that are known locally as sasos; the name is derived from the Roman word saxum meaning stone. Many of these plateaus are covered in boulders making agriculture difficult: their removal every year is added work and their presence wears down many crops.

Fields of almond trees, olive trees and cereal, bordered by kermes oak and holm oak, offer a chance to take in birdlife that includes the Griffon Vulture, Northern Goshawk and partridges. The majority of the area is covered by crops and as a consequence there are great seasonal differences in the landscape. Spring offers a green pasture dotted with white splashes of almond blossom. After the cereal harvest, small patches of forest are visible, hot and dry in summer, but offering much needed shade and the unmistakable smell of resin and aromatic plants. It is not uncommon to come across groups of partridge in the surrounding area.

The octagonal layout of the streets of Lagunarotta affords it an ordered aspect that is very different to other villages in Somontano. The streets form compact blocks made up of small houses of a similar height, constructed from brick, tile, packed earth and masonry. Calle Mayor and Calle Yedra (streets) converge in a space that is relatively wide and open, known locally as the placeta, meaning small square. To the north-west of the village two other streets (Iglesia and del Horno) form a square that is home to the church of San Gil Abad and that also boasts magnificent views.

The origins of the parish church are Romanesque and it dates back to the 12th century as can be seen on the outside of the semicircular apse. It was drastically renovated in the 16th century to include the semi-circular doorway and the two lower sections of the tower. The ruinous state of the church motivated the most recent renovations, which took place between 1964 and 1966.

 

  • Lagunarrota 1
  • Lagunarrota 2
  • Lagunarrota 3
  • Lagunarrota 4
  • Lagunarrota 5
  • Lagunarrota 6

 

The town council of Torres de Alcanadre encompasses the small village of Lacuadrada. The surrounding area is dotted with pools and corrals associated with the old livestock track that crosses Somontano that was used to move animals between Mequinenza in the Ebro valley and the Pyrenean valley of Broto.

 

  • Lacuadrada 1
  • Lacuadrada 2
  • Lacuadrada 3
  • Lacuadrada 4
  • Lacuadrada 5

 

The municipal area of El Grado-Lo Grau incorporates four villages, those of Artasona, El Grado, Coscojuela de Fantova and Enate. This exceptional location boasts a variety of attractions and activities. It is the perfect place for getting into contact with nature and is also a place to learn about local heritage, culture and popular traditions, not forgetting the pleasure of enjoying local specialities and the excellent wine of Somontano.

The old village of El Grado is made up of a number of narrow streets and is thought to date back to Roman times. After a period of Muslim rule the village was re-conquered by King Sancho Ramirez in 1083 and later passed into the hands of the Baron of Antillon, whose dominion was eventually sold to the city of Zaragoza.The medieval splendour of the village is reflected in the narrow urban landscape. The main street of El Grado runs between areas of varying topography and the smaller side streets rise steeply to meet it. The street layout is reminiscent of a distant medieval era, in particular Calle Mayor, which is finished off with two pointed arches.

The parish church of San Salvador (16th - 17th centuries) reflects the Aragonese Gothic style and is one of the largest churches in the municipality.

Life in the village was peaceful until the construction of the huge dam and reservoir in the 20th century, which changed both the development and landscape of the area considerably.

The magnificence of the reservoir offers an alternative way to appreciate and enjoy nature and water is a fundamental aspect of local daily life. The waters of the River Cinca snake across dramatic, rocky landscapes and pour into the reservoir. This creates the perfect environment for trout, black bass, perch, carp and barbel and as a consequence, fishing is a popular pastime.

El Grado celebrates it major fiestas on the 8th September in honour of the Virgen del Viñero. A medieval act known as “La Morisma” takes place on the 9th September, which sees the villagers re-enact the fight between Moors and Christians concluding with the apparition of the Virgin Mary. The start of the grape harvest is also celebrated the same day with the traditional and symbolic treading of the grapes.

On 11th November, locals take part in a pilgrimage to the San Martín chapel. The village is also one of the venues of a classical musical festival known as “Clásicos en la frontera” which offers a programme of cultured recitals in places of special patrimonial interest.

The World Parchis Championships (a game similar to Ludo) are held in El Grado every two years and attract over 500 participants of all ages. The board and dice of this traditional game are the protagonists of village life during the weekend of the competition.Another headline grabbing sport in the village is that of motor racing, as the well-known Alto de San Roque trials take place here. Many drivers from all over Spain take part and points are recognised for the Aragonese Championships.

The Route of Unique Trees provides the perfect excuse to discover the attractions of the four villages of the municipality from a botanical viewpoint.

El Grado offers excellent gastronomy that combines traditional Aragonese cooking with innovative cuisine based on fresh, local products such as trout, wild mushrooms, lamb and the exceptional wines of the D.O. Somontano. 
 

  • El Grado 1
  • El Grado 2
  • El Grado 3
  • El Grado 4
  • El Grado 5
  • El Grado 6
  • El Grado 7

Ilche is the principal town of a district that includes the villages of Fornillos, Monesma, Morilla, Permisán and Odina. They are spread across a great agricultural plain, traditionally used for the production of various grains and recently transformed by the introduction of irrigation systems.  

The church of San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist) was built in the 18th century. Tired of seeing the church in a ruinous state, the local residents recently joined forces and succeeded in covering the nave with a new flat roof.

In the same vicinity lie the remains of the medievalGramapán Castle. The height of the hill where it sits accentuated its vertical position and thus increased the effectiveness of its defences. The remains of a tower can still be made out, and include grand ashlars and two battlements.

Ilche celebrates the fiestas of San Cosme and San Damián on the 26th of September. 

 

  • Ilche y Fornillos. Introduccion 2
  • Ilche y Fornillos. Introduccion 3
  • Ilche y Fornillos. Introduccion 4
  • Ilche y Fornillos. Introduccion 5
  • Ilche y Fornillos. Introduccion 6
  • Ilche y Fornillos. Introduccion 7
  • Ilche y Fornillos. Introduccion 8
  • Ilche y Fornillos. Introduccion 9