R19 – Eslida
Route
Description of the route
This route of almost 74 km crosses from east to west the southern part of the Sierra de Espadán. It starts in the center of Eslida in the direction of Artana on the CV-223, with an initial 15 km downhill section that allows a gentle start. Upon reaching Villavieja, a flat stretch, begins a 16 km ascent to the Puerto del Marianet, whose summit, at 434 m, offers impressive views of the cork oaks that surround the area. After descending towards Azuébar, a small steep slope will lead you out of the sierra to take the CV-230 towards Soneja and then to Geldo, along a flat road next to the Autovía Mudéjar (A-23). After Segorbe at kilometer 49, the route returns to the natural park, surrounded by a varied flora.
From here, the road is favorable, although you will soon have to face a demanding ascent of almost 10 km to the 1st category Puerto de Almedíjar, which will test your endurance. Once you reach the top, the final descent will take you back to Eslida, completing this challenging and scenic route in the Sierra de Espadán.
Points of interest along the route
Church of San Juan Bautista – Artana (Km 4.7): built in the late nineteenth century on what was the original medieval mosque. The exterior of the church has a sober decoration that contrasts with the baroque chapel inside. Curiously, inside the church you can find a Muslim tombstone with inscriptions that venerate Allah and Mohammed. La Vall d’Uixó (Km 20): located in a valley a few kilometers from the Mediterranean coast, it is home to more than 30,000 inhabitants. The passage of history and the importance of the city in Roman times has left numerous monuments that can be visited, such as the castle, the ancient watchtowers, more than seven hermitages and a church, as well as an important historical heritage located in the Caves of San José. Azuébar (Km 37): located in the southeast of the Sierra de Espadán nestled on a hillside. Three places of interest you can visit in Azuébar is the castle, which still stands, the parish church dating from the seventeenth century and the mercury furnaces, all evidence of the mining tradition of the population. Hermitage of San Cristobal – Castellnovo: Catholic hermitage dating from the fifteenth century with a composition and style similar to the hermitage of San Antonio de Padua. Every May 3rd it hosts the feast of the Holy Cross and all the locals come to spend the day there. The most incredible thing about the hermitage is its views, the impressive panoramic view of nature and the villages. Puerto de Almedíjar: road linking Castellnovo with Aín. A road in perfect condition and without traffic that presents great complications due to the steep slopes of the ramps. The pass is surrounded by the forests and the ravine of the Sierra de Espadán. Aín (Km 69.3): small town near the Espadán peak, surrounded by high and steep mountains. The castle, despite being practically in ruins, keeps a part standing and from where you can see a magnificent panoramic view of the mountains. Throughout the historic center you will find countless fountains.
In the heart of the Sierra de Espadán, at the foot of Monte del Castillo, lies Eslida, a historic municipality of the Plana Baja. Founded in Roman times and enriched under Muslim rule, Eslida flourished as an agricultural and industrial center, excelling in the production of silk and the cultivation of vegetables such as artichokes, eggplant and peppers. During Islamic rule, the town was recognized as an intellectual center of the kingdom. With the reconquest of Jaime I, Eslida passed to the Dukes of Medinaceli, but in 1526 it was an active part of the Moorish uprising. After the expulsion of the Moors, the area was repopulated by the Carta Puebla. In the 18th century, the Cinnabar Mines were discovered and the Church of El Salvador and the Hermitage of El Calvario were built in baroque and rococo styles. At the top, the Castle of Eslida, with its unique triangular tower, dominates the landscape of the municipality. Eslida also offers a unique gastronomic experience with traditional dishes such as cabbage stew and chicken and rabbit paella, as well as desserts such as “escudellaes”. To taste its cuisine, the Sierra Espadán Restaurant, ideal for cycling tourists, the Bar L’Angel for tapas, and the Bar Restaurant Paquita for a familiar treatment. For accommodation, the Casa Rural Sierra de Espadán is an excellent option for groups, while the hostel El Diablo de la Pena offers a cozy stay near the village.
Church of El Salvador (2 El Salvador Street): built in the 18th century, it combines baroque and rococo styles. Hermitage of El Calvario: from the 18th century and next to which we find a cistern that houses an important ceramic altarpiece. Castle of Eslida: on top of a crag was a unique example of a triangular Muslim tower. Today only the ruins remain. Fountains: of the Fosques, the fountain of San Josep and the fountain of Matilde.
La Casa Rural Sierra de Espadán (camí fons street): ideal for groups of people in the middle of the mountains. El Diablo de la Pena (Avenida de Cáceres, 9. Cain). Cozy hostel a little more than 3 km from Eslida.
