The "lonja" and washhouses of Peñarroya de Tastavins

The 16th century marked an era of growth and prosperity for Peñarroya and the Matarraña. After periods of epidemics and conflict, peace and wealth drove urban expansion, leading the wealthiest families to build new homes in the lower parts of the village and to construct key infrastructure such as the town hall and the lonja itself.

The lonja was not merely an architectural space; it was the heart of the social and economic life of the town. It served as a market, a meeting point for residents, and housed the butcher's shop, which held the exclusive right to sell meat and slaughter animals, reflecting its central importance to the local economy.

Curiously, the wall of the lonja also served as a trinquet for the pelota game, a sport with deep roots in the comarca. This traditional game, played by two or more competitors, consists of throwing a ball against a vertical surface (such as a frontón) so that the opponent returns it after the bounce, using the hand, a racket or a basket. A vivid example of how architecture was integrated into daily life and popular traditions.

The lonja of Peñarroya de Tastavins features a remarkable architectural characteristic: its two entrance arches are different. One is a round arch, while the other is a pointed arch, offering an interesting visual contrast. Between these two arches, a noble coat of arms can be seen, adding a touch of history and distinction to the building.

The present washhouses, still in use and highly valued by residents, were built in the 1960s. Before they were constructed in the town centre, the village women, who were responsible for this task, had to walk to more distant locations. The usual places included the washhouses of the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Fuente or those at the «font dels Avellaners», the latter recently restored, thus preserving part of the historical memory of Peñarroya.