On the Ebro, Alforque brings together Gothic church architecture, historic water technology and a diverse river landscape. From the viewpoint at a former landing place, you can see meanders, orchards and river islands. The hydraulic complex and the former Paso de la Barca also tell of the river’s different uses. Local inscriptions and traditions add to the picture of the town’s history.
Water Engineering and Orientation
The hydraulic complex of Alforque includes a weir, the shaft of a waterwheel used to irrigate the municipality’s 110-hectare area, and a grain mill powered by a regolfo system. The complex thus combines two uses: supplying water for irrigation and milling grain. The waterwheel’s function was replaced some time ago by a motor-driven pump installed by residents of Alforque. Both the historic structure and this technical change are part of the complex’s history.
The complex is about 300 metres from Alforque. The route there follows the river upstream, below the church and town hall. These directions provide a specific reference point for locating the waterworks in relation to the town.
Former River Crossing and Riverside Paths
The surviving components of the Paso de la Barca include the ferryman’s house on the left bank of the Ebro, a post for the cable system on the right bank, and a shelter for travellers. The elements are therefore spread across both sides of the river. On the left bank, the former Paso de la Barca can be reached via the path to the river, which branches off from the path below the church; on the right bank, the Cinco Olivas–La Zaida road leads there. The house, post and shelter bring the riverside infrastructure of this historic crossing to life.
River Landscape and Natural Environment
Alforque’s viewpoint is at a former landing place and offers views of the Ebro’s winding meanders, orchards and river islands. These different landscape features offer more than a single perspective on the river: its winding course, the islands and the neighbouring orchards all form part of the scene.
A hundred-year-old pine of impressive size also stands on the banks of the Ebro near Alforque. Part of the municipality is designated as a protected Natura 2000 site because of its diverse river habitats. The designation reflects its proximity to Los Monegros, La Retuerta and the Saladas de Sástago, as well as the meanders of the Ebro.
Church, Olive Oil and Local Traditions
The Iglesia de San Pedro in Alforque is Gothic in style. Inscriptions on the front faces of the voussoirs of the Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol record three occasions when the Ebro froze over, in 1658, 1694 and 1891. These dates link the church’s architecture to specific events in the river’s history.
Casa de Gros, also known as Casa Tomé, is another part of the local history of olive oil production. It was founded in 1886 by a wealthy family that produced olive oil. Porcelain-tiled basins used in the past to produce pure olive oil have been preserved in the house. The family history, production and surviving basins reveal different aspects of this local industrial history.
The Hoguera de San Fabián y San Sebastián takes place on 20 January. During times of drought, a procession with prayers of supplication is associated with the Pilón de Santa Bárbara. Both traditions are part of Alforque’s religious and community customs.
More Ways to Explore the Ebro
Fishing is possible on the Ebro near Alforque. Stage 14 of the Ebro Route in the Province of Zaragoza runs from Velilla to Cinco Olivas via Alforque, where it highlights the Parque de la Barca. This offers two distinct ways to connect with the area: an activity on the river and Alforque’s place on a regional route.
Discover more destinations: Encinacorba, Bujaraloz, Gallocanta, Carenas, La Almolda, Granja de San Pedro, Herrera De Los Navarros, Mequinenza.
For the main travel overview: Zaragoza.
