Parque Cultural del Río Martín

THE MUELA

THE PEÑAS ROYAS

CANTALOBOS

THE MILL AND THE ACEBO'S RAVINE

THE CABRA RIVER DESCENT

CHORNAS AND EL CERRAO

THE MARTÍN RIVER CANYONS

THE MEDIEVAL TOWER

TÍA CHULA AND THE RESERVOIR DAM OF CUEVA FORADADA

IBERIAN

THE MORTERO RAVINE

THE PONDS

THE ARCOS MOUNTAIN RANGE

THE STRAITS

SAINT JOSEPH'S PLATES'

from Alcaine

THE MEDIEVAL TOWER ROUTE AND THE CAÑADA DE MARCO ROUTE

ROUTES

RUTA DE LAS TORRES MEDIEVALES Y CAÑADA DE MARCO

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MEDIEVAL TOWERS ROUTE

During the constant upheaval of the Middle Ages, Alcaine was converted into a strong fortress with the construction of 11 towers. Although their construction is attributed to the Muslims - who were in that area around the sixteenth century - the towers ended up in the hands of the Christians during the Reconquest. The names of both the village, Alcaine, and some of the geographic features (e.g. the Benicozar hill) are also of Arabic origin.

Nowadays the towers are damaged and two of them have been converted into pigeon houses. The only remains of the Muslim fortress are parts of its towers and floor. Yet, the route clearly shows the key defense role of the buildings and offers spectacular views over the surrounding area. The path goes from the church square to the old washhouses. At the mid point of the route you will find an information board regarding the defensive fortress and the orography of the place. A short path splits off from the main trail, leading to the "cueva de los Esquiladores" (the cave of the shearers), used to store goods during wartime and for stockbreeding activities

CAÑADA DE MARCO ROUTE

We leave Alcaine in direction of the spring area known under many different names: Las Fuentes (the fountains), Fuente Hermosa (the beautiful fountain), Caño del Gaspar or the place where the Martín river returns to the surface. The path follows the left bank of the river to the foot of the Benicozar mountain ( 848 m ), where colonies of griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures and golden eagles live. Here we also find the path to the Cañada de Marco. The route then continues and passes on the canyons of the Martín river, till it crosses the river at the opening of the Gabache ravine, in the direction of La Coquinera shelter - which is situated in Obón. Proceeding uphill, we arrive at the end of the Regallo ravine, a charming area with little waterfalls and puddles, very much appreciated by those who are fond of ravines. The trail continues uphill to Obón, traversing more of the Martín river canyons.



Any marked path in the Park will allow visitors to access places of great ecological and environmental value and to see a number of rock paintings - World Heritage sites protected by law. Please remember that everyone has not only the right to enjoy nature but also the obligation to preserve it.

	The shelters with rock paintings and archeological sites feature a protection fence. Authorized guides are required for visits. Contact phone numbers can be found in the town halls, tourist offices or interpretation centers of the villages which constitute the Cultural Park.

	Please contribute to the preservation of rock paintings. Don't touch or throw water on them and respect the protection fences. Please remember, they are part of the unique but frail heritage of the past; we have to protect them if we want to continue to enjoy them in the same environment in which they were created thousands of years ago.

	Archeological and/or palaeontologic prospecting and excavation without the necessary permits is strictly prohibited, according to law 3/1999 of the Aragonese Cultural Heritage. Please contribute to the preservation of the historical, cultural and ethnographic heritage of the Park

	Please keep the place clean. Do not discard any garbage or waste material.

	Please remember that lighting fires, throwing away cigarette butts and glass or any other objects that can cause fire is prohibited

	Please respect the environment. Do not uproot plants, do not dirty the water, and do not bother or attempt to capture any of the birds and animals. Many of them nest here.

	If you intend to follow one of the routes, please remember to wear comfortable footwear (trainers or hiking boots). Although the trails are quite accessible, appropriate footwear will allow you to walk more confidently, avoiding falls and sprains.

	Please bear in mind you are in a natural park and, although the routes have been adapted for visitors, do not forget to take precautions. Do not leave the marked path and pay attention when crossing areas with rocks or water, especially if traveling with children.

PARQUE CULTURAL RÍO MARTÍN.- C/ Tiro del Bolo, s/n 44547 ARIÑO (Teruel)