Paracuellos de Jiloca offers a range of attractions: the castle and churches showcase its architectural and artistic heritage, while the Parque Termal at the Balneario de Paracuellos offers a thermal focus. If you’re looking for a holiday rental, you can first consider which of these aspects you’d like to include in your stay. The details can help you weigh up the different themes without prescribing a fixed daily itinerary.
Architectural and Artistic Heritage
The Castillo de Paracuellos de Jiloca is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) and classified as an archaeological site within a cultural heritage complex. Some historians identify it with the Castillo de Xiloca mentioned in the Cantar de Mio Cid. These are two distinct claims: the protected status is an official classification, while the connection to the epic poem remains an interpretation attributed to some historians.
The Iglesia de San Miguel is located in the upper part of the town, on a mid-level rocky ledge along the ravine bordering the valley. It is built in the late Mudéjar style. Its main altarpiece comprises around twenty panels and impressive canvas doors, and is the work of the Italian master Pietro Morone. The church offers an opportunity to consider its architecture and altarpiece as distinct aspects of art history.
The parish church of San Miguel Arcángel has an Aragonese Renaissance pipe organ by Guillaume de Lupe, dating from 1565–1566. It was subsequently modified between the 18th and 20th centuries. The dates and later alterations offer two points of reference: its creation during the Renaissance and the changes made in the centuries that followed.
The Iglesia de Santa María is a medieval building that was remodelled at the end of the 17th century. A Gothic portal made of shaped bricks has been preserved. Inside is an interesting altarpiece attributed to Pietro Morone. The Italian master is therefore associated with two different works: as the artist behind the main altarpiece at San Miguel and as the attributed artist of the altarpiece at Santa María.
Thermal Park and Directions
By car, you can reach the Balneario de Paracuellos via exit 233 on the A-2, then take the N-234 towards Daroca-Teruel; it is 3 km away. Check current signs and road conditions before setting out.
The Parque Termal at the Balneario de Paracuellos covers an area of 100,000 m² and has two natural lakes. One of them is open for swimming during the summer months. If swimming is important to your plans, check whether it is open for the season before travelling. The park also has more than 2 km of walking paths and 40,000 m² of gardens. The paths, green spaces, and lakes offer different ways to spend time in the park.
The Balneario also has a large thermal pool, additional facilities, and various thermal treatments for relaxation, rest, and recreation. Together with the park, these make for a clear thermal focus, while the churches and their artworks offer a different perspective on the town.
Discover more destinations: Lumpiaque, Cabañas De Ebro, Cerveruela, Zaragoza, Munébrega, Villafeliche, Ibdes, Bordalba
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