The 8,000 ceramic tiles on the tower of the Iglesia de Santa María reflect the light; the Camino Natural de Utebo focuses, among other things, on the dynamics of the Río Ebro. In Utebo, architectural history and nature therefore stand side by side as distinct highlights.
Church and architectural history
The Iglesia de Santa María is protected as a Site of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural, BIC). Its tower is known as the Torre de los Espejos: the name refers to the light reflected by the ceramic tiles covering the tower. The church itself also features architectural details: its three-bay nave lies beneath a ribbed vault, with late Gothic chapels between the buttresses.
A ceramic inscription on the Torre de la iglesia de Santa María names Alonso de Leznes as the tower’s builder and records its completion in 1544. Utebo also has buildings from the late 16th and early 17th centuries whose traditionally used, plaster-coated bricks and Western artistic styles combine to create a distinctive Aragonese Renaissance architecture. An Islamic interpretation of the material tradition is possible. Notable palatial houses include large buildings on Callejuela and Calle del Hospital dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Museum and milling history
The Centro Cultural Mariano Mesonada – Museo Orús is on Plaza de España in the heart of the old town. Since 2003, it has housed a permanent collection of paintings by the Aragonese artist José Orús. The collection adds a distinct focus on painting to the church and architectural history.
The Centro Cultural El Molino stands on the remains of Utebo’s old mill. It was initially used to produce flour; in the 20th century, hydroelectric power generation was added via the nearby Acequia de La Almozara. The mill remains are incorporated into a public square used for outdoor cultural activities. Here, local history, the mill’s former use and later power generation can be considered together in one place.
The Camino Natural de Utebo
The Camino Natural is 6.5 kilometres long, flat and easy to walk. The paths are paved or unpaved; a short detour to a Soto is optional. You can use the route on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or by another environmentally friendly means of transport.
Stops along the way include information about the dynamics of the Río Ebro, access to a Soto, a landing stage and a viewpoint with information about the river’s fauna. The route thus offers different perspectives: it covers both the river’s dynamics and its wildlife. If you skip the detour, you can stick to the main path; the Soto is an additional option, not an essential part of the route.
Festivals and dates
The Feria Mudéjar transforms Utebo’s old town into a Renaissance fair inspired by the year 1544. Since 2016, the festival has been recognised in Aragón as an event of tourist interest. The programme includes live music, puppet theatre, parades, street performances, theatre, sword-fighting demonstrations and Renaissance dances. Historic market stalls showcase 16th-century crafts and customs. The specific festival programme may vary.
Local festivals also have their own distinct character. San Lamberto is celebrated every year on 19 June. The main Santa Ana festival takes place every year on 26 July and includes competitions for floats and groups. San Juan celebrations take place in the Malpica district on 24 June. They include the distribution of sangría and rosquillas, a tortilla de patata competition and popular ranchos. These dates and festival traditions offer different opportunities to get to know Utebo, without implying that they share the same programme.
Getting there from Zaragoza
Utebo is 12 kilometres from Zaragoza via the N-232, A-68 or AP-68. Check road conditions separately for your travel date.
Discover more destinations: Undués-Pintano, Tobed, Fuencalderas, Zaragoza, Embid De La Ribera, Alforque, Cerveruela, Tauste.
Return to the main travel overview: Zaragoza.
