The Maestrazgo Cultural Park UNESCO Global Geopark has an important geological, archaeological and cultural heritage. This territory is marked by the seal of quality in Geodiversity, a privileged corner to lose yourself and isolate yourself from the traffic and the crowds … a place dotted with unique spaces that have patiently shaped the passage of time.
The Tamboradas and the Dry Stone Construction technique are included in the Representative List of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Some of the archaeological sites are part of the set of Rock Art of the Mediterranean Arch of the Iberian Peninsula, a World Heritage Site (UNESCO) and up to 11 of its municipalities have their urban complexes declared as Assets of Cultural Interest, being also Cantavieja, Mirambel and Puertomingalvo members of the list of “most beautiful towns in Spain.”
The Habitats Directive aims to maintain biodiversity by conserving natural habitats and species of wild fauna and flora. For this purpose, Places of Community Importance such as Special Conservation Zones and Special Protection Zones for birds have been selected to protect the places of greatest relevance for the conservation of wild birds, whether due to their food, reproductive or migratory function. Among these areas, the Guadalope-Maestrazgo river environment stands out.
Natural Monuments of the Maestrazgo Geopark
The Natural Network of the Government of Aragon is made up of Protected Natural Areas, as well as relevant and unique places from an ecological, landscape and cultural point of view. In the classification of protected areas is the category of Natural Monument, spaces made up of elements of the gea and flora of notorious singularity, rarity or beauty. The Maestrazgo Geopark is home to four Natural Monuments: Puente de Fonseca, Grutas de Cristal de Molinos, Nacimiento del río Pitarque y Órganos de Montoro.
Paleontology and dinosaurs …
Much of the territory of the Geopark contains deposits with dinosaur fossils. In them thousands of bones have been discovered that have led to the description of new dinosaurs (among which the first dinosaur defined in Spain stands out) and also of tracksites. This increase is largely due to Dinópolis, whose results are tangible not only in cutting-edge research, but also in the use of its results to contribute to the socio-economic development of the territory. Dinópolis has two satellite centers in the Geopark, one in Galve and the other in Castellote, as well as an associated center in Mas de las Matas (Casa Feliu).
Geology in its purest form
The Maestrazgo Geopark also brings together geological settings that encourage active tourism and healthy habits, in harmony with the natural environment. Some of the most popular tourist activities are hiking, biking (road or mountain biking), caving, canyoning, water trekking, climbing, horse riding and bungee jumping. The great geodiversity and absence of overcrowding give it a remarkable quality seal. These unique landscapes are conditioned by their geological history, which arouses the curiosity to experience something as vital as the geological evolution of our planet.
An open-air museum …
Numerous educational activities are held in the Geopark – such as courses, workshops, conferences and meetings – which are aimed at participants of all ages, especially from the area, in order to improve their knowledge of heritage and become its main ambassadors.
