Villargordo del Cabriel
Villargordo del Cabriel is located in the westernmost part of the Valencia Region, in a landscape dominated by the River Cabriel, whose depression forms a natural border with Castile La Mancha. The enviable natural environment in which it is located is the result of the action of the River Cabriel and its slopes, one of the cleanest rivers in Europe and the originator of valleys, gorges, ravines, etc. Difficult access due to the rough terrain has enabled the excellent state of preservation of the natural environment and the species that inhabit it. A visit to the Los Cuchillos and Las Hoces del Cabriel is a must. These border lands have been marked by Iberians, Romans and Arabs, and have been witness to bloody battles to dominate a territory considered a strategic enclave.
In the midst of this harsh environment there is an abundance of greenery in the form ofMediterranean forests populated with pines, holms oaks and cluster pines, as well as other native shrubs. The fauna is representative of wooded areas, with the presence of birds of prey and freshwater aquatic animals, as well as other species associated with forests (squirrels, etc.). The Mediterranean climate, with continental influences, offers a predominance of sunny dayssuitable for hiking and enjoying the surroundings.
Places of interest:
Active tourism:
Villargordo del Cabriel offers many possibilities: the River Cabriel is perfect for the practice of water sports, both in calm water (Contreras Reservoir, which offers unique landscapes) and in whitewater (fishing, canoeing, rafting, boating, etc.
For lovers of mountains, walking and cycling, there is a large number of trails that connect different natural areas: crop land, forests and rugged terrain.
www.turismovillargordodelcabriel.com
Trenches:
The defensive installations are located at the foothills of Valle del Moluengo, in the area known as “Vallejo Manso”, next to the southern slopes of the “El Romeroso” plateau. Three further sets of trenches and a bunker have been located in the plateau, as well as a visual telegraph tower. Together they form a substantial body of historical heritage.
These elements have been located and catalogued as part of the municipal surveys campaign promoted by the Town Council of Villagordo del Cabriel, directed by A.J. Lorrio Alvarado, G. Molina Burguera and T. Pedraz Penalva.
The existence of archaeological remains in Valle del Moluengo has been known about since ancient times. Due to the above-mentioned intervention, it was possible to differentiate a total of nine settlements, which were understood to be small agricultural farms and a pottery production site, all dating from the Iberian period.
The relationship between the military defence installations and five others in the municipality of Villargordo del Cabriel (three located on “El Romeroso” plateau) has given rise to the idea of the creation of a cultural route based on the Civil War, an important event in recent history of Spain.
The construction of this defensive network was related to the progress of the national troops in this area, as the capital of the Republic was located in Valencia. The fact that the front was finally transferred towards Teruel and that the fighting did not pass through the lands of Requena-Utiel meant that many of the structures of this defence system were not completed and were abandoned before entering use.
Thus, the visitor is able to appreciate both the early 20th century models of military engineering and their construction system.
Parish Church:
Dating from the 18th century, although later expanded, it is built in the neoclassical style. The current, square bell tower was added to its primitive steeple.
Outside we can observe the dome set on a ring with a roof lantern, which is located over the crossing. The roof is gabled.
The interior has a single nave with five sections. The first three are identical, whilst the fourth is wider and the fifth is the smallest of all.
Among the artistic treasures housed in the temple, mention may be made of an interesting statue of Saint Cecilia, dating from the 17th century and a painting of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, dating from the 19th century.
Hiking is just one of the sports that can be practiced in Villargordo del Cabriel, with trails suitable for all levels.
The PR-CV174 and the PR-CV299 are the two signposted trails that run through the municipality, although the Las Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park offers many more options for hiking.
Festivities:
The village’s main festivities are held from 14th to 21st August in honour of Saint Roche. There is a fancy-dress parade, a paella contest and a foot race. Other celebrations held in the municipality include the festivities of Saint Isidore (15th May) and Carnival. Finally, a pilgrimage to the Hermitage of Our Lady of Tejeda is held on 9th September, during which rolls of bread made by the women of the village are distributed.
