Travel through time

El Portalico is one of the oldest and most emblematic secondary accesses to Puertomingalvo. Through its semicircular arch, the essence of past times can still be perceived today. Although its Muslim origin probably dates back to the tenth century, it has withstood the passing of the centuries and the Christian conquest, maintaining its structure and function. This access was part of the defensive wall and, crossing it, you can imagine the daily bustle of the medieval town. It is a living example of the historical legacy that defines Puertomingalvo.

In the center of Puertomingalvo stands its imposing Town Hall, built in the fourteenth century and one of the best examples of Aragonese civil Gothic. Its ashlar stone walls and twin windows stand out. It was the administrative headquarters, jail and courtroom. Today it maintains its institutional function, housing the Interpretation Center of Castles of Maestrazgo and a space dedicated to art and culture. This building is a symbol of the prestige of Puertomingalvo and an essential part of its living history.

In the 18th century, Puertomingalvo lived a prosperous period thanks to the exportation of wool. In this context, the church of the Purification and San Blas was built, in baroque style and hall plant, with more than 1,600 m². Decorated with neoclassical paintings, its central dome stands out, where Jesus imparts the word surrounded by the four evangelists. Its Gothic altarpiece, sold in the Civil War, is in the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas. It is a symbol of faith, art and the collective effort of the people.

The High Gateway, also called the Gateway of San Antonio because of the image that presided over it, is the main gateway to the historic center of Puertomingalvo. Of Muslim origin, it was part of the defensive wall since the tenth century. In the 14th century a Gothic image of the saint was installed, destroyed in the Civil War and today replaced by a reproduction. Former border point between Aragon and Valencia, since 1323 tolls were charged to merchants who crossed it. Today, it remains an emblem of the town's medieval past.

Although its exact date of origin is unknown, the castle is mentioned as early as the 12th century. It is believed that in the tenth century the village was inhabited and fortified. The pentagonal, three-story keep is the core of the fortress. Inside the enclosure there was a cistern, granary and common room. The Torre Maestra controlled the access. It was witness of combats and defense. After the Reconquest it was a border fortress. Although abandoned, its historical value and beauty have made it a tourist symbol and heritage of all Aragonese.

The Christians arrived in Puertomingalvo in the 12th century and found a solid wall, of Muslim origin, possibly from the 10th century. Its presence evidences the strategic relevance of the enclave. The structure, built in stone, witnessed numerous sieges and battles. During the Carlist Wars it was reinforced to protect the Maestrazgo region. Today, the western section is well preserved and offers a very popular viewpoint from which to contemplate the landscape that surrounds this emblematic town in Teruel.