In Torres de Alcanadre, a vast agricultural plain, the nearby Alcanadre River and trails through the river landscape meet a rich cultural heritage. Two circular hiking routes start in the village; historic buildings and recurring pilgrimage dates offer further ways to explore the area. You can tailor your stay to your interests: nature and hiking, or architecture and tradition.
Plain, River and Trails
Torres de Alcanadre lies on a vast agricultural plain near the banks of the river of the same name. The hermitage of San Bartolomé, beside the old cemetery on a sandstone hill, offers a distinctive view of the riverbed. The astronomical observatory is another landmark in this landscape. It is located one kilometre from Torres de Alcanadre, in the direction of the hermitage and cemetery.
Two circular routes, each with a different starting point, are available for hiking. The David Gómez Route starts at the hermitage of San Bartolomé and is intended for hiking only. The Ribera del Alcanadre circular route starts in Torres de Alcanadre. Its scenery shifts between the banks of the Alcanadre, saso terrain, cultivated fields and riverside woodland. Along the way, you can often spot birds such as blue rock thrushes, alpine choughs, jackdaws and common kestrels.
To reach the Ribera del Alcanadre hiking route, take the A-22, exit at Liesa/Torres de Montes and follow the A-1222 to Blecua (10 km). From there, continue on the A-1217 to Torres de Alcanadre (16 km). You can park in the village before setting out on the trail at the hermitage of San Bartolomé. The rocky outcrops in the river landscape provide habitat for endangered or critically endangered birds in the wider Somontano area. These include Egyptian vultures, golden eagles, eagle owls and bee-eaters.
Church, Hermitage and Local History
The parish church of Nuestra Señora was built in the 17th century in the vernacular Baroque style. Its architectural features include a single-nave interior with a lunette vault, a flat-ended apse and eight side chapels. The hermitage of San Bartolomé dates from the 13th to the 17th century. The village centre also features interesting traditional architecture. Together, these buildings offer different historical and architectural points of interest, though they do not represent the same period or style.
The village’s earlier history is also linked to a specific date: a document issued by King Alfonso II in 1179 listed Torres de Alcanadre as a possession of the Monastery of Casbas. As part of local culture, residents continue to preserve Fabla as a language. Architecture, historical records and language preservation each offer a different way to explore the village’s history.
Pilgrimages and August Dates
The festive calendar offers several recurring events. The pilgrimage to the hermitage of San Bartolomé takes place on Easter Monday and on 24 August. The celebrations in honour of Saint Bartholomew are scheduled for 24–28 August. Thus, 24 August marks both the pilgrimage and the start of the multi-day celebrations. The pilgrimage to Puymelero takes place on the first Saturday in May. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these dates, check the annual programme locally.
You can experience Torres de Alcanadre differently depending on when you visit and what interests you: the circular hiking routes pass through river and cultural landscapes, while the church, hermitage and local history offer a cultural focus. The different dates in May, at Easter and in August also provide useful points of reference for planning.
Discover more destinations: San Juan De Plan, Salillas, Campo, Sin, Peñalba, Buera, Canfranc, Aínsa
For the main travel overview: Huesca.
