The best road cycling routes around Parc Natural del Penyagolosa

Long climb but very beautiful

Beautiful little town in the middle of the mountains

La Iglesuela del Cid is a town brimming with character, located in the heart of the Maestrazgo region of Teruel at an altitude of over 1,200 meters. Its historic center preserves a distinct medieval atmosphere with remains of walls, gateways, and stately mansions such as the Matutano-Daudén Palace, now an inn. Also noteworthy are the Church of the Purificación and the Sanctuary of the Virgen del Cid, both linked to the tradition of El Campeador. Cycling through its cobbled streets and surrounding countryside allows you to discover the dry-stone architecture typical of the area, with old huts and walls that still mark the landscape.

Chodos (in Valencian Xodos) is a municipality in the region of Alcalatén (Castellón). In the center of the town is its castle, of which only the remains of a tower and walls remain.

Municipality of the Alt Maestrat region, in the province of Castellón (Valencian Community). It is located in the middle of the Penyagolosa massif, limiting to the north with the province of Teruel. The origin of this population is Muslim, since Vistabella belonged to the castle of Culla. Vistabella has witnessed numerous historical events, such as the battle in 1812 against General Suchet during the Spanish war of independence, or important episodes of the Carlist wars, becoming the headquarters of the newspaper printing company of the time such as "Vanguardia". or "Flyer of War". Of its heritage, its castle stands out, of which a tower remains and part of the wall and the church of the Assumption, from the 17th century, one of the most important samples of Renaissance art in the Valencian territory. Part of the wall and two of the four entrances to the nucleus, the Forn and San Roc portals, have been preserved. Another important architectural sample is the palace house of Polo, from the 18th century, the prison and palace of King Pedro the Ceremonious, from the 14th century, the hermitage of San Antonio, from the 18th century.

Municipality of the Alto Maestrazgo region, in the province of Castellón (Valencian Community). The place name comes from Arabic, and refers to the Berber tribe of the Zenatas. The abundant archaeological remains of the place explain its long history, from Iberian ceramics to the Arab castle and medieval walls. The remains of the medieval walls and the castle of Adzaneta, or the Torre de la Presó, form part of its cultural heritage. The current town hall, formerly a hospital and Palace of the Commander of the Setena Culla during the 16th century, is also a historic building.

Population of the Alcalatén region, in the province of Castellón (Valencian Community), very popular as a hiking and cycling destination, due to its proximity to the Penyagolosa National Park. The origin of Xodos is Arab, and after the Reconquest, King Jaume I granted the lordship to the Aragonese nobleman Ximén de Urrea. The cultural heritage of Xodos includes the parish church of San Pedro Mártir, from the 17th century, which has a nave with three altars and a bell tower, and the castle and walls of Xodos. It is believed that the whole municipality was surrounded by a wall, of which now only the tower of homage remains. The geographical location of Xodos, perched on a rock mass on a precipice above the Alcalatén river valley, was of great strategic importance. The fortification allowed the defense of one of the natural routes that communicated with Aragon.

Fountain in the square. Breakfast at the Porcar bar.