A magical tour in the Albarracín mountain range

The walled enclosure of Albarracín, the result of successive extensions, completely surrounds the historic center. Emerging as a pre-Islamic village around the church of Santa María, its strategic location determined its defensive character. In the Muslim period (10th century) the first enclosure was built, with the fortress, towers and walls. In the 11th century it was extended to become the Taifa capital. Later, under Christian rule, it was reinforced. Portals, towers and sections of the walls still remain, revealing the historical importance of this fortified complex.

This charming corner owes its name to the play of volumes between the houses, which seem to unfold like an open fan, as described by Andrés Moreno in 1976. The highlight is the Casa de la Comunidad de Albarracín, former headquarters of the mountain institution from 1351 to 1856. Its ashlar door, eaves and wrought iron railings, decorated with stylized storks, stand out. In its restoration a mural painting of the XVI century was found, presided over by the Crowned Virgin, and the cabinet-archon of the three keys is conserved.

The Town Hall of Albarracín, documented since the 14th century, stands out for its magnitude and history. In the 17th century, the hall of King Don Jaime, still in existence, was established where the Council used to meet. It occupies three wings on porticoes: round arches on the left, architraves in the center and a replica of the 1940s on the right. Its façade has a balcony with a wrought iron railing and the city's coat of arms. Inside it houses the Municipal Historical Archive, with valuable documents such as the 1230 charter and the old gold-embroidered banner, a symbol of local pride.

The Cathedral of Albarracín was built in the 13th century over the old mosque, after the creation of the diocese in 1172. The present building, begun in 1532 by Bishop Gaspar Jofre de Borja, houses noble chapels and a baroque organ. The altarpiece of St. Peter, in unpolychromed wood, and the baroque chapel of the Virgin of Pilar with reliefs on the life of saints stand out. Also outstanding is the funerary monument of Bishop Gabriel de Sora and Roman remains embedded in the base of the tower, which was completed in 1598.