This sleepy little tourist town lies 3,878 feet above sea level, and is unspoilt by modernization. Its medieval architecture and narrow streets have been proposed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. There is much to cherish in a visit to such a long-storied place, but first, a little history.
Albarracín became an important military fort because of its strategic location, and after the final collapse of the Umayyad Caliphate of Córdoba in 1031, it remained independent as an Islamic kingdom (Taifa).
The former capital of a Moorish kingdom (Taifa), Albarracín, has preserved all its Islamic and medieval flavour. Its old quarter has the Property of Cultural Interest designation. What we see today corresponds to three different periods of construction. The Alcázar Fortress and the Andador Tower are from the 10th century. In the 11th century, the kings of Albarracín constructed the walls around the poor area of Engarrada.
The main thing that surprises visitors who arrives at the town of Albarracín is its imposing fortified enclosure, whose perimeter is far larger than the area of the urban centre.The rock paintings in the cliff-foot caves of the Albarracin Cultural Park (some of the most important evidences of the Levantine prehistoric art of Spain) and the "Picaportes" (door knobs) are something to marvel at!
The steep streets stand out, among which the Plaza Mayor square is found. The Town Hall is located there, providing an amazing lookout point over the Guadalaviar River. The current El Salvador Cathedral, adjoined to the old Episcopal Palace, was built in the 16th century. The Diocese Museum, inside the palace, exhibits a valuable collection of flamenco tapestries.
Built in the 16th century during a thriving period of Albarracín history, this beautiful cathedral de El Salvador was designed in the typical Aragón Románico-Mudéjar style and built on the remains of an ancient Romanesque temple from the 12th century.
For nature lovers Albarracín has even more to offer. The surrounding mountain range has a great diversity of ecosystems, with abundant flora and fauna. Fountains, springs, and waterfalls grace the wooded mountains.
Photo source: wikipedia.org
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