In Altura, the history of the Cartuja de Valldecrist, museums and festival traditions come together with cycling and walking routes. To plan your visit, you can start by deciding what you’d like to focus on: architecture and history, routes through the landscape, or both. Visits to individual cultural sites can be arranged through the tourist office; there are several formats to choose from for the routes.

Landscape and Getting There

Altura is directly accessible via the A-23, the Autovía Mudéjar. The CV-25 also runs from Llíria to Segorbe. For your specific journey, it’s a good idea to check the current road layout. The Palancia Valley frames Altura to the northeast, while the foothills of the Sierra Calderona rise within the municipal area to the southwest. The Barranco de la Mena has natural karst pools in an unspoilt area.

Charterhouse, Churches and Museums

The Cartuja de Valldecrist was founded in the late 14th century on land within the municipality of Altura. In 2007, it was designated a Bien de Interés Cultural. Visits can be reserved through the Altura tourist office; if you’re planning a visit, check the current arrangements with them in advance. The Colección Museográfica Cartuja de Valldecrist displays information panels alongside historical paintings, plans and photographs, as well as architectural elements and fragments from the former monastery.

Another part of local history is El Batán de Valldecrist. The facility was built in the late 15th century to make economic use of the wool from the Carthusians’ flocks. The Iglesia Primitiva, in turn, is a Valencian Gothic-style church built over a former Muslim mosque. It is currently used as a venue for exhibitions, concerts, theatre and other events. As this use may change, check the latest information for specific dates.

Historical equipment at the Museo del Aceite offers insight into olive oil production. It includes a stone mill, a mixing machine and a hydraulic press, as well as ceramic jugs and various oil containers. Guided visits can be reserved through the Altura tourist office. An 18th-century building in the Neoclassical style also preserves inside altarpieces from the Iglesia Mayor de Valldecrist, dating from the 17th century.

Cycling and Walking Routes

The Vía Verde de Ojos Negros passes through Altura on its section through the Comunitat Valenciana. It can be used on foot, by bicycle or in a wheelchair, except for some ramps outside the original track. Accessibility details may vary along the route. If they are important for your plans, check the latest information before your visit.

Altura has cycling routes that start in or pass through the town, including mountain biking, gravel and road cycling routes. The Centre BTT Alto Palancia has nine mountain bike routes through a varied landscape where natural, cultural and heritage attractions come together. These should be distinguished from cycling routes that specifically start in or pass through Altura; the number of Centre BTT routes may be updated, so it’s worth checking the current options before setting out.

Walking routes also differ in their classifications: two routes classified as short regional trails cross large parts of the municipality, passing through natural landscapes and by springs. A long-distance trail also passes through Altura, from the border area with Gátova to the Parque Natural Municipal La Torrecilla – Puntal de Navarrete. The Senda de los Cartujos is another route associated with the Cartuja de Valldecrist. It was restored as part of the Caminos de Valldecrist project, which began in 2009. Route alignment, condition and signposting may change; check the latest information before setting out on a hike.

Festivals Throughout the Year

The Romería de Altura to the Santuario de la Cueva Santa takes place on the last Sunday in April and is recognised as a Fiesta de Interés Turístico Provincial. The patron saint festivals are held on the last weekend in September in honour of San Miguel and the Virgen de Gracia. If you’d like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the dates and programme in advance.

Discover more destinations: Vistabella Del Maestrazgo, La Llosa, Borriol, Cervera Del Maestre, La Pobla Tornesa, Cirat, Geldo, Bell-lloc.

For the main travel overview: Castellon.