Caspe combines striking traces of its history with activities on the water. Mar de Aragón, a reservoir built on the Ebro, lies about one kilometre from the town centre. The town’s churches, towers and other buildings tell the story of different eras; at the reservoir, activities include water sports and fishing.

The Compromiso and its historic settings

Castillo del Compromiso was chosen in 1412 as the setting for the Compromiso de Caspe, at which Fernando de Antequera was appointed King of Aragón. The Salón del Compromiso, covering 170 m², is on the castle’s uppermost level. The annual Conmemoración del Compromiso de Caspe is designated a Fiesta de Interés Turístico de Aragón. It recreates life in the early 15th century with historic clothing, weapons, armour, instruments and material culture. Individual programme items may change; check the dates for the relevant edition before travelling.

Church art and architectural heritage

The Gothic main portal of the Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor was created during an expansion of the church between 1388 and 1412. The Santo Cristo Chapel is notable for its richly decorated plaster ceiling with geometric and plant motifs; it is considered one of the finest examples of Mudéjar art in Bajo Aragón. The church also preserves the Veracruz de Caspe relic, considered one of the largest surviving fragments of the cross on which Christ was crucified, as well as the Cáliz del Compromiso.

The Torre de Salamanca is also closely linked to Caspe’s history. It was built in 1875, during the Third Carlist War, as a tower for optical telegraphy and riflemen, and was designated a Bien de Interés Cultural in 2006. The tower is also known as the Fuerte de Salamanca and Torre del Cabezo de Monteagudo.

On the north side of Plaza de España stand three low pointed arches known as the Arcos del Toril; another arch is incorporated into the façade of a later building and originally belonged to a defensive tower. The arches are considered evidence of a presumed arcaded square, where much of Caspe’s economic and social life took place from the 15th century onwards. Further architectural details can be found on the façade of the Sede del Concejo Medieval, with the coats of arms of the Order of Malta and the secular Concejo, and at Casa-Palacio Piazuelo-Barberán, a notable example of civil architecture built from ashlar stone in the Classical Baroque style.

The Ermita de Santa María de Horta is the only surviving example of Romanesque architecture in the municipality; it dates from the late 12th or early 13th century. Following severe flooding caused by the Mequinenza reservoir, it was dismantled in 1973 and rebuilt at Cabezo de Monteagudo. It is no longer used for worship and now hosts social events and, occasionally, civil wedding ceremonies. Inside the Ermita de San Indalecio, the walls are decorated with polychrome reliefs and paintings featuring plant motifs and angels. Celebrations in honour of the saint take place there every year on 15 May.

Water sports, fishing and trails

At Mar de Aragón, you can try activities including windsurfing, water skiing, wakeboarding, rowing, canoeing, kayaking and sailing. Fishing is also an important activity; preferred species include catfish and largemouth bass. As the availability of individual activities may change, check what is available in advance.

For walking, a Sendero Turístico starts behind the Colegiata and Castillo del Compromiso in Caspe, then joins the Camino Natural del Ebro. The Camino Jacobeo del Ebro also passes through Caspe. The Fabara–Caspe stage is 20 km long, and the Caspe–Escatrón stage is 29 km. These distances provide a specific comparison of the two stages; also check the current condition of the trails before setting out.

Guided tours and planning your visit

The Caspe Tourist Office offers three guided tours of the town’s heritage, each lasting about two hours. If a tour fits your plans, check the dates and booking conditions in advance. The Centro de Visitantes de Caspe is housed in a new building in the historic old town, near Plaza de España and behind the town hall. It focuses on Iberian religious and funerary culture and is part of the Ruta de los Íberos network, which spans several regions; check access arrangements before your visit.

The Museo de la Pesca is located at Mar de Aragón in the El Dique development. As the exhibition content is being reviewed, ask about visiting arrangements before you go. The Centro de Interpretación de la Historia de la Autonomía de Aragón, located in Teatro Goya, covers Caspe’s role as the venue of the 1936 Autonomist Congress and as the capital of the Consejo de Aragón during the Civil War. Check current public access here too.

The religious festival calendar includes Semana Santa, designated a Fiesta de Interés Turístico de Aragón, with eight processions depicting the life and Passion of Jesus Christ. You should also check the specific dates before travelling. Local specialities include olive-and-chocolate pralines and olive oil ice cream; some producers offer them for sale and tasting. Ask locally what is currently available.

Discover more destinations: Belchite, Nuévalos, Bijuesca, Zaragoza, Luna, San Juan De Mozarrifar, Bordalba, Calatorao.

Return to the main travel guide: Zaragoza.