The Village of Albarracín, a Return to the Middle Ages

On the way to Albarracín there is an obligatory stop at the Roman aqueduct, one of the most impressive in Spain. It is 25 kilometres long and was carved out of the rock and carried water to the ancient city of Cella.
It is possible to visit different sections, one of the most spectacular of which is the Barranco de los Burros. Here the aqueduct runs through tunnels excavated in the mountain and then follows an open-air channel.
From the main road, turn off at the signpost and park your car after about 200 metres. From the car park, it is a fifteen-minute walk to the aqueduct.

The last stop on the route is perhaps the best. The village of Albarracín is a paradise in the mountains and is perfectly preserved.
You have to park your car and spend a whole day getting to know it.

The first thing you come across on your way from the parking and after climbing the stairs is the main square, which seems to be hidden among the reddish-coloured houses.
The main building in the square is the Town Hall, with its arcades. From one of the arches of the Town Hall there are views of the church, the castle and the city wall, sites that will be visited later.

The walls are an emblem of Albarracín, and a good stretch of them is still preserved, going up the mountain from the city.
Although it is not possible to walk on the walls, it is worth climbing up to the tower of the Andador and contemplate the views of Albarracín from above. From the tower, you will realize why Albarracín is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.

One of the symbols of Albarracín's architecture and where you will see many people trying to take the perfect picture for Instagram.
Its peculiarity is that it seems to lean sideways due to its irregular architecture, resting on a small base to extend on the first floor. Built in plaster and wood, it is today an artists' studio.
If you want to take good photographs of the place, it is best to do so from the Molina gateway.

Getting lost in the historical centre is one of the things you have to do in Albarracín, to contemplate every corner and take pictures of it.
The so-called Rincón del Abanico (Fan Corner) sums up the colour and architecture of the village: the reddish colour of the houses due to the type of plaster and stone used, with the architecture, finer on the lower floors and extending into the space on the upper floors.

It's time to take a break from touring the village and sit down for lunch. This tavern located in the main square is the ideal place to have lunch. Its dining room is in keeping with the architecture of the village, built in stone and with wooden ceilings.
The food is homemade and plentiful with a variety of regional products. Don't miss their cheesecake, an explosion of flavour!
Open Hours: Every day: 10:00 - 18:00.

There are many viewpoints that give a different perspective of Albarracín. From here you can perfectly appreciate the low buildings of the historical centre and in the background the walls with their towers climbing up the mountain.
If you have time, it is worth stopping both during the day and at night, as at sunset the walls are illuminated, giving them a special charm.

Albarracín is so beautiful that it even has a cathedral built on top of an earlier one. Although it is small, its interior has charming places such as the altarpiece and the dome. To visit it, you have to do it with a guide.
The timetable for guided tours is as follows: Monday to Friday: 10:30, 12:00, 16:30. Saturday: 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30. Sunday: 11:00, 12:00, 13:00.
It is also possible to combine the guided tour of the city and the cathedral. Consult the website of the Santa Maria de Albarracín Foundation, which is in charge of organizing them.

Located on a large rock at a slightly higher altitude than the historic centre, the castle was the first settlement of the city, of Arab origin.
Walking around, you can see what used to be the Arab houses and the cistern that supplied water to the fortress.
Don't miss the views of Albarracín from the castle!
The castle can be visited with a guide who tells the history of the fortress from its beginnings and its evolution.
The times of the guided tour are: Monday to Friday: 13:00, 17:30. Saturday: 13:00, 18:30. Sunday: 13:00.

At the end of the ravine, the tower is another vestige of what was once the defensive wall of Albarracín. It can be reached by a flight of stairs and provides a view of the artistic-historical complex of the village on one side and the course of the river Guadalaviar on the other.
Next to the tower is the cemetery and the hermitage of Santa María.

Return the same way as it is time for dinner at one of the most modern and elegant restaurants in the city.
The wine list offers a wide variety of wines, including a sweet variety. You can start by sharing a cheese platter and then order the chops or cod confit as a main course.
For dessert, order the crispy citrus tart.
Open Hours: Thursday to Tuesday: 13:00 - 15:30, 20:00 - 23:00.