Attractions and Places To See around Mas De Las Matas - Top 10

The region is rich in history. You can visit the impressive Castellote Village and Castle, featuring a castle and an 1847 aqueduct with spectacular views. The Desert Convent of Calanda, an 18th-century Baroque-style ruin, also offers a unique historical experience. Within Mas de las Matas itself, explore the 18th-century Church of La Degollación de San Juan Bautista, the 17th-century Town Hall, and the historic Casa Zárate and Casa Feliú.

Yes, the area boasts several natural highlights. The View of the Calanda Reservoir is particularly striking, where white limestone creates a turquoise blue in the dam. You can also visit the Chapel of Santa Flora, which offers magnificent panoramic views from its vantage point. Further afield, about 6 kilometers from town, lies El Bosque Pétreo (Petrified Forest), the only visitable fossilized tree trunk site in Aragon.

Mas de las Matas offers several cultural insights. The Mas de las Matas Museum, located in Casa Feliú, is a branch of Dinópolis and houses archaeological and fine arts collections, including paleontological exhibits. The museum complex also features the Alfarda building, serving as a tourist office and interpretation center for water and industrial archaeology, and a musealized hydraulic flour mill. Additionally, the Centro de Interpretación del Urbanismo provides insights into the area's urban development.

The region is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can explore the hiking trails, such as the Ruta del Agua (Water Route) which highlights landscapes shaped by the Guadalope and Bergantes rivers. Cycling is also popular, with routes like the 'View of the Calanda Reservoir – Mas de las Matas loop' for road cycling or the 'Castellote and Calanda Reservoir Loop' for touring bicycle adventures.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The town of Calanda itself is considered family-friendly, as is the View of the Calanda Reservoir, which often has picnic areas nearby. The Mas de las Matas Museum, with its paleontological exhibition featuring fossils, and El Bosque Pétreo (Petrified Forest) are also engaging for children and adults alike.

Water plays a crucial role in the history and landscape of Mas de las Matas. The town is situated on the banks of the River Guadalope and features historical hydraulic engineering, including an irrigation system built by the Moors in the 8th century that is still in use. The 18th-century Acequia Mayor, an important water channel, fed various wash houses. The Ruta del Agua (Water Route) allows visitors to explore these landscapes shaped by the rivers and intricate irrigation networks.

Yes, the area around Mas de las Matas offers a variety of hiking trails. For example, the 'Castellote Village and Castle – Castellote loop' is an easy route of about 2.8 km. More moderate options include 'Return to Atalaya and Castillo de Castellote (PR-TE 53)' at around 7.7 km, and the 'View of Matas loop from Mas de las Matas' which is about 12.6 km long.

While specific seasonal data isn't provided, the region's climate generally makes spring and autumn ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, offering pleasant temperatures. Summer can be warm, but activities around the Calanda Reservoir or the Ruta del Agua might be refreshing. Holy Week is a significant cultural event in nearby Calanda, attracting many visitors.

The Calanda Reservoir is notable for its striking turquoise blue waters, a result of the white limestone in the dam. It's surrounded by the pine forests of the Sierra de Ginebrosa and offers picturesque views, especially from the road connecting Calanda with Mas de las Matas. Originally built in the 1970s for the Andorra Thermal Power Plant, it now serves agricultural purposes and is a starting point for various hiking trails.

Yes, the municipality of Mas de las Matas is home to numerous archaeological sites. These sites provide a clear timeline of the different settlers who inhabited the area, with findings dating from the Palaeolithic Period through to the Middle Ages, offering a deep dive into the region's ancient past.

The 'El Regreso del Comendador Weekend' is an annual cultural activity held in Mas de las Matas. It features recitals of period music and songs, along with a commemorative mass, celebrating the town's historical and cultural heritage.

Yes, the Centro de Interpretación del Urbanismo in Mas de las Matas offers insights into the urban development and planning of the area, providing context on how the town has evolved over time.