Fontellas brings together architectural history and a landscape shaped by the Ebro. At El Bocal Real, the focus is on buildings that reveal different aspects of water engineering and its history. Walks among riverside forests and local festival traditions complement the cultural attractions. When choosing a destination, you can therefore consider whether you are particularly interested in historic buildings, river landscapes, outdoor activities or a stay centered around the festivals.

El Bocal Real and its architectural history

The Palacio de Carlos V is located in El Bocal Real, within the municipality of Fontellas. The 16th-century building was originally the Casa de Compuertas of the Acequia Imperial and served as the canal governor’s residence. Its history is therefore connected both with the administration of the canal and with its former function as a residence.

The Palacio features Aragonese architecture, two square towers and decorative Mudéjar motifs. It is surrounded by a cypress maze covering more than 1,700 m² and ponds with 19th-century statues. The Capilla San Carlos Borromeo was added to the complex in the 19th century and is Neoclassical in style. The Palacio thus brings together a 16th-century building and a chapel added later.

Casa de las Compuertas

The Casa de las Compuertas is located in El Bocal Real, beside the Canal Imperial de Aragón. It dates from around 1770 and was originally built as the canal governor’s residence. Together with the Palacio, it offers another point of reference for the architectural history of El Bocal.

The Ebro and the Canal Imperial de Aragón

The Canal Imperial de Aragón begins at the Ebro in Fontellas; El Bocal Real is its starting point. As a major water-engineering project, the canal made it possible to irrigate large areas of farmland. The canal’s origins at El Bocal are also connected with an irrigation project on the Ebro proposed by Carlos V in 1528. This makes the connection between the river, the canal and agriculture an important theme in the town’s history.

Fontellas’s river landscape is also shaped by the Ebro and two major water-engineering infrastructures. Those interested in the region can therefore consider the structures not only as individual historic sites, but also reflect on their importance for irrigation and the landscape.

Walks and cycling routes

Visitors can take walks among the riverside forests in Fontellas. Another way to explore the area on foot or by bike is the Corredor Verde del Ebro, a cycling and walking route in the Ribera de Navarra. Directional and information signs about local flora and fauna are adapted for walkers and cyclists. If you choose this route, check the latest route information before setting out.

The EL BOCAL mountain biking route is 17.49 kilometers long. A route description dated January 30, 2026, rates it as very easy and gives an approximate duration of 1 hour and 50 minutes. As route conditions and duration can change, it is best to check this information before setting out. The distance and approximate duration provide a concrete guide for planning your time; the difficulty rating is a separate point of reference when choosing a tour.

Festivals and when to visit

Fontellas’s patron saint festivals begin each year on the first Thursday in September and continue until Sunday. The program includes communal meals; individual programs may vary. The Fiestas de Otoño begin with singing by Los Auroros de Fontellas, who make their way through the town’s streets. These autumn festivals also include a gathering featuring cooking pots. If you would like to plan your stay around a festival, check the dates and events for your preferred period.

The patron saint festivals, which begin in September, provide a specific annual calendar date. The Fiestas de Otoño, by contrast, are defined by their autumn character and opening with the Auroros. These different points of reference can help you choose when to travel, depending on whether you would like to experience the patron saint festivals or the autumn traditions.

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Back to the regional travel overview: Navarra.