At the confluence of the Alcanadre and Cinca rivers, Ballobar brings together a distinctive landscape and traces of different cultural and historical periods. Las Ripas, medieval defensive structures and a long-standing pilgrimage tradition give you specific themes to consider when planning your trip. There is also a historic bridge, a viewpoint and options for cyclists.
Las Ripas and Views of Two River Basins
Ballobar lies beside Las Ripas, a clay cliff with striking geological formations. The river has carved a vertical cleft into it, and the landscape is of great natural-scientific importance. Las Ripas is therefore not just a place name, but a defining geological feature.
Another perspective opens up at the viewpoint near the Ermita de San Juan Bautista. From there, the view extends over Las Ripas: the Alcanadre basin lies in the foreground, with the Cinca basin beyond it. To reach the viewpoint, take the HU-V-8601 from the A-131 in Ballobar, then continue along an agricultural track towards the chapel. Check road conditions locally.
Defensive Structures and a Bridge with Layers of History
The Castillo de Ballobar, also known as Castillazo, is a watchtower built in the 12th or 13th century. It served to protect settlers near the river. Of the ruins of the Castillazo de Ballobar, a rectangular tower measuring 12 × 4 metres remains; the castle is among the sites designated as Bienes de Interés Cultural.
The Torre de la Forza is a medieval Christian defensive tower, of which only ruins remain. It is protected under the general declaration pursuant to the decree of 22 April 1949 and Law 16/1985 on Spanish Historical Heritage. At the Castillo de Ballobar and the Torre de la Forza, you can encounter two different defensive structures whose ruins reflect the town’s historic character.
El Puente Viejo over the Alcanadre also links different periods: around the year 1300, the bridge was rebuilt using stones from an earlier Roman bridge. It forms part of the GR-261, which crosses the Comarca Bajo/Baix Cinca. The bridge is thus both a structure incorporating reused older materials and part of a route that continues beyond Ballobar through the comarca.
Pilgrimage Traditions, Customs and Remembrance
The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción was a pilgrimage church on a secondary route of the Camino de Santiago. This route ran from Lleida via Fraga and Ballobar towards Huesca. The church points to the town’s historic role along this pilgrimage route; this description refers to its former function.
Another religious tradition is the long-standing pilgrimage to the Ermita de San Roque, held every Easter Monday. On the day, 1,500 loaves of bread, 1,800 eggs and sardines for grilling are distributed beside the chapel. Since the date of Easter changes every year, the date of Easter Monday also varies. If you would like to plan your trip around the pilgrimage, check the date for the year in question.
In local tradition, the Barranco de las Hechiceras is associated with witches, fortune-tellers and healers. Visible megalithic burial monuments can be found in the barranco. Another form of remembrance can be found on Calle del Torno: a graffiti by Alberto Soez commemorates the women of Ballobar who once washed their families’ clothes in the Alcanadre.
Viewpoints, a Cycling Route and a Circuit
For cyclists, the BTT Route Ballobar–Ripa del Pilar No. 12 is a named option, offering spectacular views from the summit of Ripa del Pilar. Parque La Sierra has a circuit through the entire park, as well as various facilities for gymnastic exercises. The options differ in specific ways: a BTT route with views, a circuit in the park and facilities for gymnastic exercises. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus more on the landscape, historic sites, pilgrimage traditions or exercise.
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Go to the main travel overview: Huesca.
