Camino del Cid

Arcos de Jalón to Santa María de Huerta

Senderos Borderlands

Thursday 25 May 2023

Distance: 12.6 km Time: 3:20 Ascent: 80m Descent: 130m – Wikiloc

An easy 12 km day through the villages of Aguilar de Montuenga (pop 20), Montuenga de Soria (pop 82) which were both part of the medieval Jalón River frontier defenses. To finish at Santa María de Huerta (pop 250) with its still active 12th century Cistercian Monastery.

Leaving Arcos, we’ll follow the Jalón River all the way to Calatayud
Gypsum and white limestone cliffs opposite Arcos in contrast to the red rock on this side of the valley, gypsum quarries now abandoned
Aguilar de Montuenga’s village oven house
Remains of an ancient Islamic watchtower at Aguilar de Montuenga
From here, the Castles of Arcos and Montuenga are clearly visible
Path leading to the Castle of Montuenga de Soria
Medieval Montuenga de Soria castle on top of a hill that controls the Jalón valley
This was a border area, in the 11th century between Castilla and the Islamic Zaragoza, and later between the kingdoms of Castilla and Aragón
The castle was adapted to the shape of the terrain
Next in the line of Jalón Valley castles, ruinous remains of Belimbre
Entrance to the 12th century Monasterio de Santa María de Huerta
One of El Cid’s great-granddaughters, Doña Sancha, is buried In the monastery
Part of the walls surrounding the Monastery
Large Rose Window provides light inside the Monastery
Seal of the Safe Conduct Pass