Castillo de Novallas

Castillo de Novallas is a medieval castle standing in the small town of Novallas, in the province of Zaragoza, in the Aragon region of Spain. From its walls, visitors get a sweeping view over the Queiles river valley and the Moncayo mountain range, making it one of the more rewarding lookout points in the area.

Where did this building come from?

The castle's origins date back to between the 10th and 12th centuries, during the period of Muslim rule over this part of the Iberian Peninsula. The original stronghold, built in a strategically chosen spot, was raised by Muslim builders and was later conquered by King Alfonso I of Aragon. The king then handed the fortress over to the Knights Templar in the second half of the 12th century, tying the castle's history to that famous military order for decades to come.

The oldest surviving part of the complex is a defensive tower built in the 12th century out of ashlar stone, standing at least four storeys tall, with its entrance set at first-floor level — a common feature of this type of fortified structure. The tower was further protected by an outer defensive wall known as an albacara.

How did the castle change over the centuries?

In the 14th century, during the War of the Two Peters (a conflict between Castile and the Crown of Aragon), a second tower was added, reinforcing the complex's defensive capacity. A century later, in the 15th century, the stronghold was enclosed within a palace-like structure, giving it a more residential character alongside its military role.

Ownership of the castle changed hands repeatedly over the centuries. After the Templars, it passed to the Ruiz de Liori family in the 14th century, then to the Torrellas family in the 15th century, and by the 17th century it belonged to the Urriés de Ayerbe family. Each of these noble families left its mark on the site's history, though the architectural core — the medieval tower and defensive walls — has survived intact.

What is the castle used for today?

Following the Spanish confiscation (desamortización) of 1836, when church and religious-order properties were transferred to civil administration, the castle was acquired by the town of Novallas. It has remained municipal property ever since. In 1991 it underwent a thorough restoration that adapted the building to house the town hall — a function it still serves today.

Since January 2016, the castle has also housed an Interpretation Centre dedicated to the archaeological heritage of the Tarazona and Moncayo region. Here, visitors can learn more about the area's history, view exhibits related to local archaeological finds, and discover how this part of Aragon was settled over the centuries.

How do you get there?

Novallas lies in the province of Zaragoza, close to the town of Tarazona and the Moncayo mountain range. The castle sits right in the centre of town, making it an easy stop while exploring the region — the most practical way to reach it is by car, using the local roads that connect the towns of the Queiles river valley.

What can you see on site?

Visitors can admire the surviving medieval defensive tower, the remains of the albacara outer wall, and the later 15th-century palace-style additions. It's also worth stepping inside to see the town hall housed within the castle and visiting the archaeological interpretation centre — and taking a moment to enjoy the view over the Queiles valley with Moncayo rising in the background.

When is the best time to visit?

Thanks to the region's mild Mediterranean climate, spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons to visit, with moderate temperatures and the surrounding landscape — especially the views toward Moncayo — at its most scenic.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the castle? Yes, the building houses the Novallas town hall as well as an archaeological interpretation centre, both open to visitors during opening hours.

Who built the castle in Novallas? The original stronghold was built by Muslim builders between the 10th and 12th centuries; after its conquest by Alfonso I of Aragon, it passed into the hands of the Knights Templar.

What is the castle's connection to the Knights Templar? In the second half of the 12th century, the castle was granted in encomienda to the Knights Templar, who managed it for a time as a strategic defensive stronghold in the region.

What views can you get from the castle? From the castle you can look out over the Queiles river valley and Moncayo mountain, making it an appealing viewpoint for anyone exploring the Tarazona area.