Zaragoza · Aragón
Calcena
- Province
- Zaragoza
- Status
- Conjunto Histórico
- Population
- 65
- Elevation
- 836.0 m
Calcena is a heritage town in the province of Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain. It is designated a Conjunto Histórico (Spain's national heritage designation for historic ensembles). Population 65 (2025), elevation 836.0m.
A village in the Zaragoza hills where a collegiate church blends Romanesque, Mudéjar, and Renaissance in a single building, and the ruins of an old castle watch over the surrounding countryside.
Key facts
- Province
- Zaragoza
- Heritage status
- Conjunto Histórico
- Population
- 65 (2025)
- Elevation
- 836.0 m
History of Calcena
By the mid-19th century Calcena had a population of 865 people. The silver mines of Valdeplata, within the municipal territory, were in active operation at that time. The town was recorded in the fifth volume of Pascual Madoz's geographical and statistical dictionary of Spain, a standard reference work of the period.
Heritage & Monuments
The main building in Calcena is the Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de los Reyes, a collegiate church that layers Romanesque, Plateresque, Renaissance, Baroque and Churrigueresque elements into one structure. Its doorway is Romanesque — one of very few surviving examples of that style south of the Ebro. The church also has a square Mudéjar tower. Inside, the altarpiece dedicated to the Beheading of John the Baptist was painted by Jerónimo Cósida between 1554 and 1559. Cósida is considered one of the most significant painters of the Renaissance in Aragón.
Near the church stand the remains of an old castle. The surrounding area has several hermitages: the Virgen hermitage, now in ruins; San José; San Roque; and San Cristóbal, locally known as "el Santo." At Cueva Honda, remains of early inhabitants have been found alongside fragments of Bell Beaker pottery. There is also evidence of Roman settlement in the area, associated with silver mining.
The town's main festivals honour the Virgen del Rosario and Santa Constancia, patron saints of Calcena. These are held over six days starting on the first Sunday of August. A pilgrimage to San Cristóbal takes place on the Saturday after Corpus Christi, and Santa Úrsula is celebrated on 21 October.
Calcena is also the start and finish point of the Calcenada, a popular endurance race held each August since 2002. The full route covers 104 km around the Moncayo along the GR-260, with 2,235 metres of elevation gain. Shorter on-foot variants of 40 km and 20 km are also available, and mountain-bike routes of 111 km and 67.7 km exist for cyclists. The event can be done on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback (horseback only on the full route). Bus transport from Zaragoza and accommodation at the local hostel are available on request.
Regional food & drink
Aragón is known for Ternasco, Migas and Jamón de Teruel, among 5 regional specialities.
Watch: Jamón de Teruel
Gallery
Location
Quick answers
Is Calcena worth visiting?▾
A village in the Zaragoza hills where a collegiate church blends Romanesque, Mudéjar, and Renaissance in a single building, and the ruins of an old castle watch over the surrounding countryside.
Why is Calcena a heritage town?▾
Calcena is officially designated a Conjunto Histórico — Spain's national heritage designation for historic ensembles.
What is the traditional food in Aragón?▾
Aragón is known for Ternasco, Migas, Jamón de Teruel and Melocotón de Calanda. You'll find these regional specialities in and around Calcena.
How big is Calcena?▾
Calcena has a population of about 65 (2025), and sits at 836.0 m above sea level.
What is there to see in Calcena?▾
The main building in Calcena is the Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de los Reyes, a collegiate church that layers Romanesque, Plateresque, Renaissance, Baroque and Churrigueresque elements into one structure. Its doorway is Romanesque — one of very few surviving examples of that style south of the Ebro.
What is the history of Calcena?▾
By the mid-19th century Calcena had a population of 865 people. The silver mines of Valdeplata, within the municipal territory, were in active operation at that time.
Nearby heritage towns
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Tudela stands on the Ebro in Navarra, its ancient hilltop core layered with Celtiberian, Roman, Moorish, and medieval Christian history, crowned by a Romanesque cathedral that took centuries to complete.
Visiting from a nearby city?
Calcena makes a great day trip from:
Last updated 13 August 2026.