In Albalat Dels Taronchers, hiking trails with specific information on distance and elevation gain sit alongside archaeological and architectural remains from several periods. When planning a stay, you can therefore start by choosing your focus: would you like to center your visit on a day of hiking, or explore archaeological sites and architecture? Part of the municipality extends into the Serra Calderona Natural Park, and part lies along the Palancia River and its valley; the landscape also offers its own way to experience the area.
Hiking trails with different focuses
The PR-CV 318 hiking trail starts and ends in Albalat Dels Taronchers. Its total length is 13,618 meters, and the estimated duration is four hours and 47 minutes. The net elevation gain is also given as 335 meters, with a cumulative elevation gain of 780 meters. The duration and both elevation figures offer different ways to assess the timing and elevation profile of your hiking day.
The officially approved SL-CV 85 circular trail includes the archaeological sites of Les Raboses and La Murta-El Palmeral. The two routes therefore also differ in their planning focus: the PR-CV 318 provides specific time and elevation figures, while the two archaeological sites are a defining feature of the SL-CV 85. Which of these details matters more to you depends on whether you want to base your choice first on the time available or on the archaeological stops.
Archaeology and architectural history
Les Raboses is a Bronze Age site, dated to between 1600 and 100 BC. The rock paintings at Cova de l’Aigua Amarga date from the Chalcolithic period and are dated to 2000 BC. The different dates offer two clearly distinct historical reference points. Castellet de Comediana is also part of the area’s archaeological heritage: the medieval site is dated to between the 12th and 15th centuries.
At Castillo del PilĂł, its condition as a ruin is part of the description: sections of what were probably once defensive towers, several collapsed sections of wall and other remains have survived. El Palau offers a different architectural focus. It was built in the 14th or 15th century and retains features of a noble residence, including fortified towers with battlements.
El Palau includes a semi-basement with numerous pointed and rounded arches, as well as three floors containing the rooms of a noble residence. These include stables, an olive mill, a ballroom and living quarters. The areas mentioned illustrate the building’s different functions: alongside living quarters, there are rooms for work and representation. This makes it possible to understand the architecture not only through its towers and arches, but also through the variety of its rooms.
The present-day L’església was built between 1796 and 1803. The Neoclassical building has a dome with four pendentives decorated with biblical motifs. Its façade features a stained-glass window depicting the Immaculate Conception by Joaquim Michavila, as well as a bell tower. In 1988, repairs to the foundations beneath the church also uncovered a burial crypt containing bone remains and a large quantity of pottery. Here, architectural design and an archaeological find sit side by side.
Landscape and festival traditions
Part of the municipality extends into the Serra Calderona Natural Park, and part lies along the Palancia River and its valley. TurĂł del Cavall, also known as Cavall Pelut, is a flora micro-reserve within the municipality. These landscape features complement the hiking and cultural themes without combining them into a single excursion.
The festival of Sant Antoni is celebrated. On Saint Anthony’s Day, the animals and the municipality are blessed. A large fire is lit in the village square, where people traditionally eat roasted sausages together. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the program for the relevant year in advance.
Discover more destinations: Cullera, Jarafuel, Buñol, Simat de la Valldigna, Campo Olivar, Benagéber, Llanera de Ranes, Pedralba
For the broader travel overview: Valencia.
