R11 – Atzeneta del Maestrat
Route
Description of the route
In Atzeneta del Maestrat we propose a route of initiation with an accessible mileage that accumulates a difference in altitude of 595 m. Throughout the 38 km of the route we will enjoy the landscapes of the Maestrat and the Plana Alta by a comfortable road that only has two points that can be difficult. The first is just 2 km from the Atzeneta del Maestrat exit towards Vall d’Alba on the CV 170, when you come to the Coll de la Bassa. After 1.6 km of ascent that we can face without difficulty if we are in good shape, we will reach the highest point of the route, at 507 m altitude. Once past La Pelechaneta we leave the CV 170 to take the CV 15 towards Vall d’Alba. We will leave Les Ramblelles behind, where we will find a 4.4 km steep slope, which does not present great difficulties due to its slope and during which we can enjoy the river La Ramblella and breathe fresh air among the olive trees. Once we enter the Vall d’Alba we face almost 10 km of slight downhill and plain until practically arriving at Useras, passing through the small village of La Barona. To do this take the CV 165 that will take you back to Atzeneta del Maestrat. From kilometer 25 we face the last 13 km of ascent along the road that connects Les Useres with Atzeneta. After Les Useres you will have to make a last effort to make the 3.2 km of ascent with a slope of 4.4% that will not be a big problem even if you are a beginner. Once you reach the top of this climb you can relax your legs and enjoy the last 3 km on the flat that will take you back to Atzeneta del Maestrat.
Points of interest along the route
Coll de la bassa (Km 3.6): small pass that connects Atzeneta del Maestrat with the Rambla de la Viuda. Its slopes are very wooded and at the top we can find a raft, which gives its name to the port. Vall d’Alba (Km 15.1): municipality that takes its name from the Muslim Alquería Alba. Currently its almost 3,000 inhabitants live from agriculture, especially from vineyards, almond and olive trees. Les Useres (Km 29.1): municipality in the region of Alcalatén located between ravines and mountains. Although it has less than 1000 inhabitants you can visit four chapels and a parish church of the eighteenth century located on the remains of the castle.
Atzeneta del Maestrat is a small town located in the region of Alcalatén that has just over 1,300 inhabitants and preserves an important medieval and Renaissance heritage. The history of Atzeneta dates back to the settlement of the Berbers from North Africa, who gave it its present name. From 1316 it became part of the territories of the Order of Montesa, a religious and military order founded by James II of Aragon in the fourteenth century, and was integrated into the territory of Maestrat. Prior to the 14th century, this town was known as the “Closed” Villa, as it was built between two ravines in search of natural defense and the part that remained open was walled off. From the fifteenth century Atzeneta del Maestrat begins to grow and its history has left such emblematic monuments as the old Palace of the Comanador de Montesa, which is the current Town Hall; the parish church of San Bartolomé with a monumental baroque altarpiece and the image of the Christ of Mercy, a work of the seventeenth century; the Tower of the Presó, which is part of the ancient medieval walls that protected the population. It was used as a prison until the 60s of the twentieth century. Now restored, it has become the ‘Interpretation Center of the History of Atzeneta del Maestrat’. Besides being a good option to spend a weekend of disconnection and tranquility strolling through its streets and enjoy the surrounding mountains, we can enjoy its archaeological sites, as the town is rich in Iberian pottery that can be found in the surroundings of the hermitage of San Juan del “Castell”. In Atzeneta del Maestrat we can contemplate its rich agricultural landscapes among olive and almond trees as it is a village dedicated to agriculture and livestock. Located in a valley under the Peñagolosa massif, we can enjoy its rich gastronomy characterized by sausages, “cabrito” or paella with meatballs. In Casa Ramón (Avenida Castello 74) we can enjoy a typical lunch at a good price that gives us strength for the route. El Mangranar is another classic restaurant in Atzeneta del Maestrat, located on the outskirts of the village, on the road to Xodos km 3.4. You can also book a room in their rural hotel surrounded by nature for an affordable price. For a slightly higher price we can have a room in the hotel Mas el Cuquello, a 19th century country house located in the Alto Maestrazgo, 7 km from Atzeneta del Maestrat.
San Juan del Castell: Building of architectural interest dating from 1516 built in Gothic style. Palace of the Comanador de Montesa (current City Hall): Historic building that currently houses the offices of the Town Hall, an exhibition hall, a place for the elderly and the auditorium of the Casa de la Cultura. Parish Church of San Bartolomé: of Renaissance style from the 17th century. It is worth mentioning its baroque altarpiece from 1744 and the image of the Cristo de la Piedad (Christ of Mercy). La Torre de la Presó: old medieval wall that has now become the ‘Interpretation Center of the History of Atzeneta del Maestrat’.
Rural Hotel El Mangranar: rustic hotel located in the countryside, 10 km from Atzeneta del Maestrat.
Hotel Mas el Cuquello: 19th century country house located 7 km from Azteneta del Maestrat.
