Jerica Spain Travel Guide

From the distance you’ll see the Mudejar belltower of Jérica standing proudly over this Castellon town, that is embraced by nature, with the river Palancia burbling along its way, close by. Funnily enough it gets little, or no, mention in the guidebooks, although it has some artistic and historic monuments to offer, in beautiful natural surroundings. Jérica is a Spanish town that is naturally charming, with friendly folks and good traditional cuisine, not to mention some fun fiestas.

If you want to visit and spend time in a town that truly represents the real Spain, then Jérica is a good choice. Many streets sport those wonderful flower pots, with blooms of different colours, and pastels or whitewashed façades as their background. In fact there’s one or two particular streets where you’d wonder if there was a “friendly competition” going on between the neighbours, with such lovely displays.

Jérica is only 69 km (43 miles) drive to the wonderful city of Valencia, which really shouldn’t be missed. I say this in a few of our other travel guides, but there’s an added bonus in the case of Jérica, which itself is embraced by wonderful scenery, as the journey on the A23 takes you by Navajas – a must for nature lovers, and Segorbe, a special place that transports you back to medieval times.

Located 523 metres above sea level, the town lies on a natural pathway that runs between the Valencian Community and Aragon. Its name has an Arabic origin and means – Eastern mountain slope.

The area was inhabited as far back as Neolithic times, and other settlers included the Iberians, Romans, Moors and of course the Christians, who captured the area from the Muslims on the 5th Feburary 1235. The municipality of Jérica has a large amount of Roman artifacts, particularly gravestones.

These days the local economy predominantly makes money from agriculture, especially olive oil and fruit, along with a fair livestock industry. Some industry is budding in the area, as well as some broad services.

It has a Medieval Fair normally around the first weekend of July, so this can be an interesting time to visit, if it suits you.

Torre Mudéjar de las Campanas-Mudejar Bell Tower

This is the symbol of Jérica, which can be viewed from a distance. It is made up of three octagonal parts and was constructed in 1634, on a site of a previous construction. It is unusually separate to the church, with a style that is unique within the Valencian Community.

Of course the tower doesn’t qualify as a church, but it is considered to be a religious monument, although its original purpose was to ring the bells so that all the people would be aware of events, such as trading.

Iglesia de Santa Agueda-Church of Saint Agatha

Although the construction began in the Gothic style, problems led to its being abandoned, so that it was later renovated in the Baroque style in the 18th century. It has a striking monumental altarpiece type door, and inside there are five sections, with nave side chapels on either side. The later you can see today is a replica commissioned by the Regions Who Were Devastated by the Civil War.

Iglesia del Cristo de la Sangre-Church of Christ of the Blood

It is thought that this church was most likely built in medieval times, and later renovated in the Baroque style in the 17th century. It has a single nave and four sections and is home to the patron of Jérica – Christ of the Blood.

Ermita de San Roque-Saint Roc Hermitages

The hermitage appears to have been constructed in the aftermath of the Christian Reconquest, and is in the Gothic Reconquest style. It is a good place to contemplate Arabic Gothic Art of that period. It has been classified as a monument of Cultural Interest.

Ermita de la Virgen del Loreto – Hermitage of Our Lady of Loreto

Constructed in the 17th century in the popular style, the hermitage, or chapel, is located in the street of the same name. It has belonged at times to the hospital to which it is attached, and these days has a porch of relatively new construction, although its large iron windows are from the 16th century.

Jérica Museo Municipal-Jérica Municipal Museum

In 1962 the Jerica Municipal Museum was declared to be a monument of National Artistic and Historic importance. It is home to the Roman Epigraphic collection, the altarpiece of St. George, the banner of the Reconquest, and the exhibition of the Castle of Jerica, past and future.

Jérica is surrounded by plenty of lovely nature. It’s a perfect place to get out and explore, and take in a trip to the Vuelta de La Hoz, where the river Palancia has been etching out its own passage over the centuries. Along the banks of the river, families and romantic couples can stroll along the Paseo de las Fuentes (Passage of the Fountains). The countryside has so many options for exploring and learning about the species of the area.

Pantano del Regajo-Regajo Dam

Although it is man made, the Pantano del Regajo shouldn’t be missed, It was built by the Hydrographic Confederation of Jucar in 1959.

Jerica Spain Tourist Office

Open in July & August

Calle Río, 4 – Jerica 12450

Phone: 964-128-004
Email: jerica@touristinfo.net