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The medieval fortification of Albarracín, with its Moorish walls, castles and cliffs from the 11th century, is today one of the most visited sites in Spain and is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in Spain.
It is located in the province of Teruel, in the community of Aragón. It was declared a National Monument in 1961 and is proposed by UNESCO to be declared a World Heritage Site due to the beauty and importance of its historical heritage.
The old town is built on the slopes of a mountain, almost entirely surrounded by the Guadalaviar River. To the north is the Albarracín mountain range and to the south is the Montes Universales. Part of its municipal area is occupied by the Protected Landscape of the Pinares de Rodeno.
Looking towards the river, the hanging houses are built. Inside the town its streets are steep and narrow, with very picturesque corners. The construction offers the original popular architecture with the province's own forging, in addition to having the characteristic reddish color called rodeno.
In the Middle Ages, the Al-Banu-Razín Berber family made these lands a small Taifa kingdom of Albarracín. The current name comes from this family (Al-Banu-Razín: the sons of Razín). The taifa later passed, by transfer or conquest, to the Christian family of Navarrese lineage of the Azagra, who maintained de facto the independence of Castile and Aragon since 1170, creating their own bishopric.
The powerful lineage of Lara also exercised its sovereignty over Albarracín. After the failure of conquest by James I in 1220, it was Pedro III of Aragon who conquered it in 1285 after besieging it, definitively passing it to the Crown of Aragon in 1300. This series of political events was based on the importance of the fortress and the defensive system of Albarracín.
Its imposing walls not only enclosed and protected the city but also served as a refuge for livestock in case of danger.
Albarracín has three castles: the main one, restored by the Santa María Foundation and is at 1198 meters above sea level; The second is the Doña Blanca tower, currently used as an exhibition venue and the third is the Torre del Andador, from the 10th century, the strongest point of the walls and which was reinforced until it became a castle, with its wall, cistern and parade ground. It also has beautiful homes with authentic medieval architecture.
