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The Monastery of Piedra: An Oasis of Natural Beauty and Historical Heritage in Zaragoza, Spain

Place Description

The Monastery of Piedra, located in the province of Zaragoza, is a place of great tourist interest that combines historical and cultural richness with natural beauty. This ancient Cistercian monastery, founded in 1194, is located in a beautiful natural park, with waterfalls, caves and lakes that form a dreamlike landscape.

The Monastery

The monastery itself is a testament to Cistercian architecture, with its Romanesque church transitioning to Gothic style, its Gothic cloister and its various dependencies, such as the refectory, the chapter house and the granary. The monastery also houses a museum that displays the history of the place and monastic life in the Middle Ages.

The Natural Park

The natural park of the Monastery of Piedra is a true paradise for nature lovers. The Piedra River has created a landscape of great beauty, with waterfalls like the Horse Tail, which falls from a height of 50 meters, caves like the Iris Cave, which surprises with its rock formations, and lakes like the Mirror Lake, which reflects the surrounding vegetation like a mirror. The park also has a wide variety of flora and fauna, with species such as the water blackbird, the otter or the crayfish.

Tourist Activities

In addition to visiting the monastery and the natural park, the Monastery of Piedra offers other tourist activities. You can enjoy a birds of prey show, with hawks, eagles and owls, or participate in a guided tour of the old chocolate factory, which shows the chocolate tradition of the area. You can also go hiking in the natural park, which allows you to discover its most beautiful and unknown corners.

Surroundings

The surroundings of the Monastery of Piedra also have a lot to offer. You can visit the town of Nuévalos, with its castle and its church of San Miguel, or the city of Calatayud, with its Mudejar heritage and its famous collegiate church of Santa María. You can also taste the wines of the Calatayud denomination of origin, recognized for their quality.

Gastronomic Products from the Monastery of Piedra

• Honey from the Sierra de Albarracín

  The honey from the Sierra de Albarracín is a high-quality product produced in the region. This honey is known for its sweet taste and smooth texture. It is used in a variety of dishes, from desserts to sauces and dressings.

• Calatayud Wine

  The Monastery of Piedra is located in the Calatayud Denomination of Origin, known for its high-quality wines. The wines from this region are known for their intense taste and fruity aroma. They can be tasted in the monastery's winery or in local restaurants.

• Black Truffle from Aragón

  The black truffle from Aragón is a highly valued product in local gastronomy. It is used in a variety of dishes, from starters to desserts. Its intense flavor and unique aroma make it a very special ingredient in Aragonese cuisine.

• Goat Cheese from the Sierra de Albarracín

  This cheese is produced in the Sierra de Albarracín, a mountainous region near the Monastery of Piedra. It is a firm-textured goat cheese with an intense flavor, ideal to pair with a good wine from the region.

Sports Activities at Stone Monastery

Hiking

The Monastery of Piedra offers hiking routes that will allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. You can explore the Natural Park of the Monastery of Piedra, a space of great scenic beauty with waterfalls, caves and lakes.

Cycling

If you prefer cycling, you can rent a bicycle and explore the surroundings of the Piedra Monastery. There are routes for all levels, from easy trails to more challenging routes for the more experienced cyclists.

Fishing

The Piedra River, which runs through the park, is an ideal place for fishing. You can spend a peaceful day fishing in its waters while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.

Bird Watching

The Natural Park of the Monastery of Piedra is home to a wide variety of birds, making it an ideal place for bird watching. With a little patience, you can see species such as the kingfisher, the water blackbird, or the great cormorant.

Places near Monasterio de Piedra

If you are in Monasterio de Piedra and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Calatayud, an Aragonese gem, captivates with its impressive historical heritage, including castles and the church of San Pedro. Its cuisine stands out, with wines from the D.O. Calatayud and traditional dishes such as ternasco and Aragonese migas.

Daroca, a medieval gem in Zaragoza, Spain, captivates visitors with its centuries-old walls, Gothic churches and cobblestone streets. Its cuisine is notable for the Aragonese lamb, shepherd's breadcrumbs and wines from the region.