The singular Plaza Mayor of Ráfales
Discover the unique Plaza Mayor of Ráfales, an L-shaped space that unites history and tradition. It houses the most monumental buildings in the village and serves as the setting for important events such as the Feria de Recursos Naturales y Medio Ambiente. A meeting point where the past and present life of Ráfales intertwine.
The singular layout of the Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor of Ráfales stands out for its beautiful and unique L-shaped layout, which houses the most emblematic buildings in the town. This design is divided into two main areas:
The first space, rectangular in plan, is situated opposite the imposing parish church and sits slightly higher than the rest of the square.
The second zone, more elongated, culminates in the majestic Casa Consistorial and features porticoes on both sides, inviting visitors to stroll and contemplate.
A walk through history
The current structure of the square is the result of an evolution that consolidated between the 16th and 17th centuries. It was during this period that the fortification of the 14th and 15th centuries was expanded, giving shape to this central space. Interestingly, remains of the old town wall have been discovered in the wall of the arcade next to the church, a tangible testament to the rich defensive history of Ráfales.
Architectural curiosities of the Plaza Mayor
The 18th-century fountain, built in ashlar masonry with a round arch, symbolises the prosperity of Ráfales. Do not miss the sundial, the coat of arms and the detailed sculptural decoration on the facades, a balcony with a curved wooden lattice, and the trabeated pillars of the porticoes, some of which still bear carvings marking their construction date.
The Plaza Mayor as a cultural and natural hub
Today, the Plaza Mayor is not merely a historical relic but also a vibrant centre of activity. Every second weekend of November, the square hosts the Feria de Recursos Naturales y Medio Ambiente of Ráfales. This annual event is an unmissable occasion for environmental awareness, offering talks, exhibitions, reading promotion activities and theatre, and promoting sustainability among locals and visitors alike.
Since 2004, the fair has also served as the venue for the presentation of the prestigious prizes of the Photographic Competition «Entorno, Paisaje y Medio Ambiente», organised by the Matarraña County. This competition celebrates the natural beauty of the region and the skill required to capture it through the lens, conveying powerful environmental messages.
The 18th-century fountain: witness to splendour
A central and unifying element between the two spaces of the square is its fountain, which dates from the 18th century. Built in imposing ashlar masonry and adorned with a round arch, this fountain is a clear indicator of the economic prosperity the town enjoyed at that time, and it continues to be a landmark and meeting point.
Other points of interest
In addition to the fountain, the Plaza Mayor contains other details worthy of closer inspection: an old sundial, the municipal coat of arms and the detailed sculptural decoration on some of the facades, a distinctive balcony with a curved wooden lattice on one of the houses, and the trabeated pillars supporting the porticoes, some of which still preserve carvings bearing their original construction date.
Matarraña · Tourism
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