Natural Monuments
The jewels of Maestrazgo
Grutas de Molinos Natural Monument
The area of the Grutas de Cristal de Molinos stands out for its complex karst system, composed of a network of very peculiar subway rooms and galleries . These formations create a whole intercommunicated network and are connected to the outside through several points. It presents a spectacular development in formations, highlighting as a curiosity the great profusion of eccentric stalactites, constituting the best example of this type of formations in Aragon. These caves are home (in a space not open to the public) to a large concentration of horseshoe bats, cataloged as an endangered species in Aragon.
These caves can be visited all year round (except in January and February). There are several guided tours, lasting about 40 minutes, throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased online or directly at the ticket office(http://www.grutasdecristal.com).
Natural Monument of the Fonseca de Castellote Bridge
The Guadalope river is the main river in the Maestrazgo region. In this area it is very steep, creating a very rugged landscape. The Natural Monument is made up of the riverbed, the river bank and the limestone reliefs and cliffs of the surrounding areas, which form a peculiar landscape of deep ravines carved between limestone rocks. The natural bridge was formed near the Masía de la Fonseca, where the river has created a tunnel through which it currently flows, being one of the few places where you can cross to the other side. Nearby is the archaeological site of cave paintings called El Arenal.
To reach the Fonseca Bridge it is necessary to go to the neighborhood of La Algecira (Castellote), from where the path that leads to it starts (11 km. round trip). It is a linear route, of low level that goes up the river, with several points of interest in the route.
Natural Monument of the Source of the Pitarque River
The Pitarque valley is dominated by carbonate rocks, so there are numerous galleries and cavities inside the rocky massif that can store water. This whole area behaves like a large subway reservoir and there are numerous springs, such as the source of the Pitarque River. The main spring is known as "El Ojo de la Fuente", and can have a flow rate of up to 1,500 l/s. This large spring is accompanied by other sources of lesser flow. This is the case of "La Chimenea", a wall spring around which the limestone rock has been growing forming a tuffaceous building that is crossed by the water when it flows after heavy rains.
To reach the source you have to walk a linear route, with little slope, 5 km. one way, which starts from the village of Pitarque, where you can easily park.
Organs of Montoro Natural Monument
The Montoro Organs are a geological reference in the Maestrazgo region and for its beauty and accessibility are very popular throughout the autonomous community. It is a limestone formation of almost vertical layers, where erosion has chiseled shapes reminiscent of the pipes of a musical organ. The Guadalope River is largely responsible for this geomorphological formation.
This formation can be seen from the same road A-1702 (between Ejulve and Villarluengo), which runs parallel to it, locating a viewpoint in the highest part, where you can stop and admire its beauty.
Red Natural 2000
50% of the county's territory is included in the Natura 2000 Network, a fact that endorses the natural and landscape quality of the Maestrazgo. Four SCIs (Sites of Community Interest) stand out: Muelas and Estrechos del Río Guadalope (which are also ZEPA areas), Rambla de las Truchas, Maestrazgo and Sierra de Gúdar and Cueva de Baticambras.