Artana between the mining route, old town and Sierra de Espadán

Artana combines nature, hiking trails, local history and regional cuisine. The municipality is one of the municipalities within the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park. Among the area's distinctive landscape features are Les Penyes Aragoneses, also locally known as Penyes Altes: large Ródeno formations in the heart of the Sierra Espadán, five kilometres from the municipality of Artana. More than fifteen routes with varying levels of difficulty cater both to mountain hikers and families.

Hiking routes with different focuses

The Les Mines de la Font de Ferro route is 9.22 kilometres long in total and includes the three main openings of the iron mines. Iron was mined in these mines more than fifty years ago. Rebó y La Solana offers a shorter option: this approximately seven-kilometre out-and-back route runs from the entrance to Artana to the Ermita Santa Cristina and passes by the La Solana spring. Thus, the 9.22-kilometre mining route contrasts with an approximately seven-kilometre out-and-back route. La Cova del Tronc offers views over La Plana; beyond the first accessible gallery, rope protection is required.

Landscape around Artana

The Ermita Santa Cristina also combines a specific destination with a characteristic setting. It is located two kilometres from Artana in a valley beside the Rambla, characterised by cypress trees, pine trees and olive trees. The location of the Ermita and the Ródeno formations of Les Penyes Aragoneses show two different landscapes within the immediate surroundings of Artana: a vegetation-covered valley and striking rock formations in the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park.

Old town and religious buildings

Artana's old town is considered the oldest part of the settlement. Narrow streets of Muslim origin, numerous tiled religious panels, as well as modernist and vernacular façades shape its appearance. From the Pardinal district, the oldest part of the town, a Via Crucis with its Stations of the Cross leads to the Ermita del Cristo del Calvario. The ruins of Castillo de Artana are considered an Islamic fortress with Roman origins and medieval alterations. The Ermita Santa Cristina was built in the 18th century in the Doric style and is dedicated to Santa Cristina, the patron saint of Artana.

Traces of local history

Artana's parish church was built at the end of the 19th century on the site of an earlier temple; the original medieval mosque was very probably located there. The parish museum contains a Muslim gravestone bearing the inscription: “This stone was erected by the brave Alí Zobei. God is Allah and Mohammed is his prophet.” The church also houses “Degollación de San Juan Bautista” from 1862, one of the outstanding paintings by the painter Bernardo Mondina Milallave, who came from Castellón.

Typical cuisine from Artana

The region's identity is also reflected in its dishes. Cassoleta is a typical dish from Artana made with potatoes, lamb, red peppers and pine nuts. Les orelletes are typical fried pastries made with eggs, anise, extra virgin olive oil and wheat flour; they are often served with honey. L’Olla de dijuni is a fasting dish made with garden vegetables, including chard, as well as chickpeas.

Discover more destinations

More places for planning your trip: Castell De Cabres, Eslida, Torre la Sal, Sueras, Tírig, Montán, Navajas, La Pobla De Benifassà

To the higher-level travel overview: Castellon.