La Fresneda
Elevation: 585 m
Area: 34,49 km²
Population: 470
IGLESIA PARROQUIAL SANTA MARÍA LA MAYOR
Although there is evidence that it may have been built over an old mosque, this church was constructed in the early 13th century. However, it was later extended, which is how it acquired its Baroque appearance. It is currently reserved for special celebrations.
ERMITA DE SANTA BÁRBARA
This hermitage was built in the 17th century and was used as defensive bastion during the Carlist Wars because of its strategic location, but as a result was practically entirely destroyed. A collection of holes was found here that, according to A. Rebullida, could once have been a solar-lunar observatory.
LA CRUZ
This is a replica of an 18th century Baroque cross, of which only the wrought iron cross is preserved. It was restored by copying old photographs.
CONVENT VIRGEN DE GRACIA
The harsh weather conditions forced the friars to move from their first site at the ‘Santuario de la Virgen de Gracia’ to this 16th century Renaissance convent. The ruins have been restored as a hotel complex.
CAPILLA DEL PILAR
The construction of this chapel in the late 17th century was part of the Baroque boom in La Fresneda, from when several religious buildings were restored or extended. The building features one of the brightest examples of archetypical altarpieces in Aragón.
PLAZA MAYOR
This triangular shaped square is surrounded by the town hall, arcaded streets, the ‘portal de Xifré’ and stately homes dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, all of which were built of stone.
CALLE MAYOR
This street of major cultural and artistic interest is flanked with porches as far as the square. Some narrow streets lead off perpendicularly from this one, forming a network that could once have been a Jewish quarter.
AYUNTAMIENTO
This late 16th century construction preserves Gothic and Renaissance elements on its three differentiated façades. ‘La Lonja’ (porches) is located on the ground floor and the prison and Local Heritage Interpretation Centre can be visited inside the building.
CASA DE LA ENCOMIENDA
This house was owned by the commander when La Fresneda belonged to the Calatrava Order. It was restored in the 16th century. The winepresses, where some of the crops were stored, are still preserved indoors.
CRUZ DEL CODOLAR
This cross is a road sign of Christian origin that can be seen upon leaving La Fresneda on the path leading to La Portellada. Only the base is part of the original, while the rest is a replica.
ARCO DE LA VILLA O PORTAL DE XIFRÉ
Located in the northern vertex, it was the gateway to the city. Its base is constituted by the town hall.
EL CASTILLO
Of Arab origin, the remains of the tower and wall are preserved from this castle-fortress. The shield of the Order of Calatrava is also preserved on the façade.