Villarroya de los Pinares can be explored through three specific themes: its medieval townscape, historic routes, and buildings with a history of their own. The town centre follows a medieval layout and stretches across three hills on both banks of the Guadalope. The river rises within the municipality. In this way, the settlement pattern and the river are distinct aspects of the same place, while the routes create connections of their own. When planning a stay, you can consider these themes separately: the layout of the town centre, the historic context of the routes, and the architectural history of individual buildings.
Routes and Travel
The PR-TE 85 hiking trail starts next to the Ermita del Loreto in Villarroya and continues to Fortanete. The Camino de los Pilones has a different historical connection: it is a section of an old Camino Real between Teruel and the towns of the Levante region. The surviving section connects Villarroya de los Pinares with Allepuz and is almost six kilometres long. In 2008, the Camino de los Pilones was designated a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest) in the Historic Ensemble category. Its significance therefore extends beyond connecting the two towns: the route is also part of a historically recognised transport route.
The R13 Centro BTT: Alto Guadalope Enduro cycling route runs between Miravete and Villarroya de los Pinares along the Guadalope River on the PR-TE 64 hiking trail. From Villarroya, it continues towards Nacimiento del Guadalope. If you are comparing activities, the type of route is a clear distinction: PR-TE 85 is designated as a hiking trail, while the R13 is a cycling route. Both routes also have their own designations and named itineraries.
Towers and Architectural History
The bell tower of the Iglesia parroquial de la Asunción stands separately and incorporates an old defensive tower. The latter probably dates from the 16th century, has four floors, and is topped with battlements. The bell tower thus combines its religious function with the form of an older defensive structure. Casa Peña was built for Francisco Peña between 1610 and 1612. In contrast to the tower, its construction period is specified within a narrower timeframe; the defensive tower’s date remains uncertain and is given as probably being from the 16th century. The two buildings therefore offer different chronological reference points for exploring the town’s architecture.
Religious History and the Order of St John
The Ermita de la PurĂsima stands on a rise above Villarroya de los Pinares and overlooks the town. It is best known as an Esconjuradero. It is likely that, when storms, plague, or epidemics threatened, the priest would climb up with a relic to ward off danger with prayers and exorcisms. This possible former protective practice adds a distinct historical context to the description of its location.
The Interpretation Centre of the Order of St John presents the Order and its three bailiwicks: Cantavieja, Castellote, and Aliaga. It is housed in a 16th-century prison building. Both the three named bailiwicks and the building’s historical context are important to understanding the site: the centre’s subject is the organisation of the Order of St John, while the building itself dates from the 16th century. Together with the hermitage and the buildings in the town centre, it provides an approach to local history that distinguishes between religious practice, institutional history, and architecture.
Discover more destinations: Mora De Rubielos, Alba, Formiche Alto, Villel, La Ginebrosa, Aliaga, Bezas, Torrijo del Campo
Return to the regional travel overview: Teruel.
