Hidden in the region of Matarraña, this beautiful medieval town is discovered. Probably one of the most charming treasures to find in the area, and what better way to do it than through rural tourism? A way of living experiences with a different point of view.
Through narrow canyons we arrive at Beceite, located in a mountainous area, specifically, Los Puertos, which offers rugged landscapes in which its main inhabitants are the mountain goat and different species of raptors. We assure you that if the wildest nature attracts you, you will enjoy the beautiness of this landscape.
Hadn’t you ever heard of this village? Don’t worry, we are going to fill you in as its history goes way back a long time.
The first vestiges that prove its existence are thanks to the first cave paintings of Fenellassa, the 3,500 century BC. Later in time, the Romans also left a legacy in their wake, with two sections of a path as a means of access with other villages. Meanwhile, its current name is originated from the Arabs. But it wasn’t until the Middle Ages, when Beceite started to become an important area.
This is due to the fact that a flourishing paper industry developed in Beceite, reaching up to nine factories and being the main paper producer nationwide. As an example of this, Goya himself used this paper for his famous works.
As part of its current heritage, these nine factories still stand, progressively built at different times starting from the 18th to the early 20th centuries.
On the other hand, the must-see monument is El Puente de Piedra, since to enter the town, you must go through it. Its construction was carried out between the 15th and 16th centuries so that the villagers, in times of rain and floods, wouldn’t be cut off from communication with other towns.
Another medieval building is El Palan, a beautiful gothic and Renaissance construction made of stone, which in ancient times, was the Archbishop of Zaragoza residence.
And the festivities, when are they? On February 5th, a festival is celebrated in honor of Santa Águeda, where the tradition is to taste the typical sweet: the mamelletes, or also known as nun's teats.
On the other hand, the patron saint festivities are celebrated between 23rd and 27th of August, where the Bou de Foc is exhibited, a metal structure in the shape of a bull to which pyrotechnics are added on to it and it is paraded through the streets.
And since we have mentioned the sweets, do you want to know something about its typical gastronomy? To prepare the most exquisite meals, you must start with high-quality ingredients, such as its Matarraña oil, with its own appellation of origin.
Among its best-known dishes in which the mentioned oil above never lacks, we have roast lamb, as well as its local delicious ham, or mushrooms, which are very popular in this territory, and even mycological days are organized in October.
After learning a little more about Beceite, would you like to stay for the night and spend a few days? Well, we encourage you to do so. And if it is in rural accommodation, even better since this way you can complete a unique experience with a complete rest.
