Zorita del Maestrazgo: Sanctuary, Bergantes and Gorge Landscape
Accommodation in Zorita Del Maestrazgo
Zorita del Maestrazgo can be experienced through its distinctive religious buildings, the Bergantes River and a landscape of gorges, springs and pine forests. This opens up different perspectives on the town for you: architectural history, religious traditions, hiking, cycling and experiences on the water can all be weighed up when planning your trip.
File:"Creu Cuberta" del Santuario de la Virgen de la Balma en Zorita del Maestrazgo (Castellón).jpg
Photo: Juan Emilio Prades Bel via Source, CC BY-SA 4.0
Sanctuary and architectural history
The Santuario de la Mare de Déu de la Balma is built into a natural rock overhang. It contains a room called the Sala de las Danzas. The celebrations in honour of the Virgen de la Balma in September include various processions and dances featuring a fight between a demon and an angel. The Iglesia Parroquial provides a different architectural accent: construction began in 1772 and was completed in 1800, and it has three naves, a transept and a domed vault. Outside the Santuario de la Balma is the Cruz Cubierta; its dome houses frescoes by Cruella. The Ermita de Sant Marc is a 16th-century hermitage on the mountain of the same name at an altitude of more than 1,000 metres.
Bergantes, gorge and springs
The Bergantes has several pools where swimming is possible. An interesting river route also runs along the Bergantes through the river gorge. The Estrecho del Barranco del Pardo is a deep gorge; access is via hiking trails. The Fonts Calentes are also located on the Bergantes. These thermal and medicinal springs maintain a constant temperature all year round.
Hiking and cycling routes
The Els Ports – Zorita del Maestrazgo route is an 11.39-kilometre circular route. It starts and ends at the church and is associated with hiking, cycle touring and mountain biking (BTT). In Zorita del Maestrazgo, mountain biking activities can be planned as part of BTT Els Ports. For another impression of the landscape, there is the Buenos Mozos area, known for its enormous pine trees. The length of the circular route provides a specific framework for planning your own time, while the fixed reference point at the church remains in place.
Townscape and access
In the centre of Zorita del Maestrazgo, there are irregular, steep streets as well as substantial stone houses with wooden eaves and balconies. An alternative approach to the Santuario de la Balma from Zorita del Maestrazgo leads via the CV-14, across the bridge and then onwards to the sanctuary. For orientation on site, the bridge follows the CV-14, followed by the onward journey to the Santuario.
A regional flavour
San Antonio is associated with Coquetes filled with candied pumpkin.
Other destinations in the region
Montanejos, Les Coves De Vinromà, La Llosa, Fredes, Segorbe, Portell De Morella, Les Alqueries and Ares Del Maestre
To the higher-level travel overview: Castellon.
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