Allepuz lies between the Sierra de GĂşdar and Maestrazgo, in the eastern part of the Iberian System. For visitors, historic trails, religious architecture and distinctive landscapes are all found here. The valley in the eastern part of the municipality is named after the Sollavientos River. Allepuz can therefore be explored through a range of places and themes, from the old trade route to the buildings in the village.
Landscape along the Sollavientos
La Avellanera is a dense forest of wild hazel shrubs on the slope of a rock face. Preserved fairy chimneys, about two metres high, can be seen in the Barranco Jaime. These landscape features provide contrasting highlights: La Avellanera represents the vegetation on the rocky slope, while the Barranco Jaime is known for its distinctive geological formations. There is a picnic area by the Fuente de los Berros spring. If you plan to stop there, check the condition of the facilities before your visit, as they may change.
Historic trails and how they differ
The Camino de los Pilones is a medieval trade route between Villarroya de los Pinares and Allepuz. It is almost six kilometres long. It has been protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the “Historic Ensemble” category since 2008. The Camino consists of 113 stone pillars dating from the 17th century and stretches for around six kilometres. Two different periods of history therefore come together along the same route: the medieval trade route and the stone waymarkers added later.
The GR 199 also offers a distinct way to explore the municipality. It leads to the course of the Sollavientos and then follows a route shaded by pollarded poplars to the bridge on the A-228 road. AragĂłn catalogs and inventories it as a tourist hiking trail. The Valle de Sollavientos mountain-bike route starts elsewhere: it begins in the built-up area of Allepuz and follows a path that connects with the Camino de los Pilones. The main points of reference for comparing the routes are therefore the features described for each: the river, poplars and bridge on the GR 199, and the built-up area and connection to the historic trail on the mountain-bike route. Check the condition and maintenance of the GR 199 before setting out.
Churches and architectural history
The Iglesia de La Purificación is a Baroque church with three naves, apparently built in 1771. The Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Loreto stands at the entrance to the village and dates from the 17th century. It is built of rubble stone and ashlar; its single-nave interior is covered by a dome dating from 1692. The two buildings offer different architectural points of reference: the church is distinguished by its Baroque style and cautiously stated construction date, while the building materials, dome and exact date are notable features of the Ermita.
Casa Grande and planning an overnight stay
Casa Grande was restored and converted into a hospederĂa. Its architectural details include an upper-floor loggia with four round arches resting on cylindrical columns, a large vestibule with a pebble floor and a Renaissance staircase inside. The Renaissance staircase is a single architectural detail; it does not describe the style of the entire building. If you are considering Casa Grande as an accommodation option, check its current availability before your trip.
July patron saint festivities
The festivities in honour of Santa MarĂa Magdalena take place on 22 July. When possible, they are held on the preceding or following weekend. The programme includes bullfighting events and musical performances; the specific programme may vary. If you would like to plan your trip around the festivities, check the dates and programme in advance.
Discover more destinations: Saldón, Valacloche, Molinos, Cuevas De Cañart, Fuentes De Rubielos, La Virgen De La Vega, Celadas, Libros
For the wider travel guide: Teruel.
