Ayuntamiento de Nonaspe

Ayuntamiento de Nonaspe is the town hall of Nonaspe, a small municipality in the province of Zaragoza, in the Bajo Aragón-Caspe district of Aragón. The building stands right in the town centre and is one of the most notable stops for visitors, since what now houses the local administration used to be a castle.

What is this building, exactly?

The current town hall occupies the walls of a former castle built by the Knights Hospitaller between the 15th and 16th centuries. Over time the fortress lost its defensive role and was converted into the seat of local government. Today it is where residents handle municipal business, and for visitors it works as a natural starting point for exploring the old town — most of the historic centre is visible from right in front of it.

Where exactly is Nonaspe?

The town has around a thousand inhabitants and sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the confluence of the Matarraña and Algars rivers. From that point the two rivers continue together toward the mouth of the Ebro, creating a striking valley landscape. This elevated, rocky position above the water is the reason a fortification was built here in the first place.

How do you get to Nonaspe?

Nonaspe lies in the northeastern part of Zaragoza province, close to the border with Catalonia, within the Bajo Aragón-Caspe district. The most practical way to arrive is by car, since the town sits away from the main regional roads — having your own transport also makes it much easier to explore the surrounding rivers and hills afterward.

What else is there to see nearby?

Beyond the castle-turned-town-hall itself, the Church of San Bartolomé and a local ethnological museum are worth a stop, offering a closer look at traditional life in this part of Aragón. Just outside town, between the Matarraña and Algars rivers, stands the 18th-century Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de Dos Aguas, set inside a park of centuries-old pines and poplars — a quiet spot popular with locals for a break. History enthusiasts can also head to the Castellet de Faió tower, used as a defensive position during the Carlist Wars, and to the Roca del Saladá rock formation. Near Ribés there is a vulture breeding area, which makes the surrounding countryside worthwhile for birdwatchers too.

What is Nonaspe's economy based on?

Farming drives the local economy, with olive and almond groves alongside orchards of cherry, pomegranate, and apple trees. That agricultural character is visible in the terraces surrounding the rocky outcrop on which the town hall itself sits.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the exposed, rocky terrain and the proximity of the rivers, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with milder temperatures that suit walking the trails along the Matarraña, mountain biking, or fishing. Summers in this part of Aragón can get very hot, which makes longer hikes less pleasant.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the inside of the Nonaspe town hall? It is an active municipal building, so access to the interior depends on office hours and current administrative business — it is worth checking locally before a visit.

Is there more to see in Nonaspe besides the town hall? Yes — the town and its surroundings also include the Church of San Bartolomé, an ethnological museum, the 18th-century Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de Dos Aguas, and the Castellet de Faió tower.

What natural attractions are nearby? The confluence of the Matarraña and Algars rivers, the park around the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de Dos Aguas with its centuries-old pines and poplars, and a vulture breeding area near Ribés.

How do you get to Nonaspe? By car is the most reliable option — the town is located in the Bajo Aragón-Caspe district of Zaragoza province, away from the main rail lines.