The best road cycling routes around Titaguas

Recreational area, fountain and barbecues. We have to wait for the trees to grow, there is still a lot of sun

In the heart of Aras, the Fuente Vieja (Old Fountain) was for centuries the main source of drinking water for the neighborhood. With a simple spout but a generous soul, this fountain continues to gush fresh and pure water, a legacy of the village's relationship with the land. Its importance as an element of identity is undeniable, as rest, work, and tradition mingled here. Visiting these fountains and washhouses is to immerse oneself in the living history of Aras de los Olmos, where water is not just a resource, but also a symbol of life, community, and memory. One more reason to let yourself be carried away by the rural charm of this village in the Alto Turia.

Building from the 16th century built on top of an earlier building, which is why it presents parts belonging to different styles. It is a single-nave church, built with Gothic masonry and with chapels attached between the buttresses. On the exterior, the building has two portals, one in the Renaissance style, with Ionic semicolumns and a tripartite temple-shaped finish, and a Romanesque one, belonging to the oldest part of the building, with a more sober decoration. Furthermore, the bell tower, approximately 30 meters high, stands out. It is formed by two sections, one of masonry work and another of ashlar stone in the upper part, which houses eight semicircular openings containing the bells that call to prayer, tell the time, and formerly also served to give warning in case of fire or war. Inside, the church features rich decoration of sgraffito in grey and white tones distributed across the vaults and walls of the church. These sgraffitos display vegetal decorations, cherubs, fantastic animals, musician angels, and also symbolic elements that refer to popular religious traditions or elements of local culture, such as the two Elm trees that are painted in the choir of the church, which show how the tradition of having an elm tree in the center of the village square existed centuries ago. In the church, we can also find images of various Saints, such as the paintings located on the sides of the altar depicting Saint Barbara and Saint Catherine, sculptures of Saints such as Our Lady of the Angels or the Reclining Christ, and also an interesting silvered Gothic cross from the 10th century.

This temple of simple forms presides over the village of Losilla, forming the religious nucleus of the population. It is located in the village square. Its style is difficult to determine, as Gothic-Mudejar is spoken of in its original structure and construction, while its exterior appearance is neoclassical. In the center of the lintel of the entrance, an inscription with the year 1851 can be read, although the origin of the building is certainly much older, albeit not with the appearance it presents today. The floor plan of the building is rectangular, approximately 170 square meters. On the sides, forming a Latin cross, there are two chapels resolved in a groin vault. At the beginning of the 20th century, in 1924, the square bell tower was finished, in which the bells ordered the time with the prayer tolls and the Angelus and alerted the population in case of fire. Next to the church, in the garden, was the old cemetery, which was moved to the outskirts of the town after an epidemic that took place at the beginning of the 20th century.

17th-century parish church completed in 1,622 according to the Renaissance model, it was burned down in 1,840 as a result of the Carlist wars. Its reconstruction lasted until 1,852. To the left of the facade, embedded, robust masonry bell tower with ashlar corners; of two bodies separated by a torus molding. In the first, a loophole and clock; in the second, a semicircular opening for the bells. It is topped by a terrace with a balustrade with small balls. The Abbey House, annexed to it, also stands out.

Aras de los Olmos is a mountain village surrounded by mountains and ravines, perfect for those seeking hiking and biking trails surrounded by nature. It is known for its clear skies, recognized with the Starlight Destination certification, making it one of the best places in Europe for astronomical observation. Its heritage includes the parish church, hermitages, a Muslim tower, and a medieval oven that can be visited, as well as paleontological finds such as the Losillasaurus dinosaur. The local cuisine, with dishes such as gachas (porridge), ajoarriero (a garlic stew), and artisanal honey, completes the visit.

Arcos de las Salinas is a small village in the Javalambre Mountains, ideal for hiking and nature lovers. Surrounded by mountains and crossed by the Arcos and Torrijano rivers, it is part of a protected area designated as a Site of Community Interest. Its scattered villages and farmhouses give it a very authentic rural feel, perfect for unwinding. Thanks to its altitude, the climate is cool, and snow is not uncommon in winter, making it a good starting point for excursions at any time of year.

La Yesa is a small village in the Los Serranos region, surrounded by mountains covered with holm oaks and pine forests, ideal for leisurely hikes with beautiful views of the mountains and even the sea on clear days. Its attractions include the Church of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, several chapels, and monumental trees such as the Carrasca Tumbada and the Pino Sombrero. The surrounding area offers trails through natural sites such as El Carrascal and El Castellar, with archaeological remains. To replenish your energy, there's nothing better than trying "Olla de pueblo" (village pot), a hearty rice dish with beans and turnips, typical of the area.