Sheltered by the river Ebro
The town of Gelsa is located in the shelter of the river Ebro, taking advantage of the fertile lands that bathe it.
Regarding the origins of the locality, researchers suggest that it is a Roman foundation that was part of an extension of the colony of Lépida Celsa, located in nearby Velilla de Ebro. Proof of this are the remains found in excavations, such as the remains of burial sites and tombstones.
The Arab settlement around the 8th century marks the evolution of Gelsa. The Muslims knew how to make the best use of the course of the river Ebro as it passed through the town and created a complex network of hydraulic works whose purpose was agricultural exploitation. The hydraulic complex comprising the weir, the box of three waterwheels, the irrigation channel nozzle and the flour factory can still be seen today. However, some of the buildings date back to Roman times and underwent transformations in later periods as a result of their continued use.
An interesting urban fabric
The passage of different settlers is reflected in the urban fabric of the town, which has managed to combine past and present in harmony.
Of special interest is the urban complex currently known as the “Barrio Morisco”, located in the heart of Gelsa. It is a complex of a considerable extension of streets, alleys, alleys with houses of traditional Aragonese architecture and other elements of interest that take us back to the architecture of the medieval period.
Its parish church, dedicated to San Pedro Apóstol, is a 17th century construction in brick, adobe and ashlar stone plinth. It was profoundly transformed in the 19th century, giving it the appearance we see today. Inside the church is the relic of the Holy Thorn, highly venerated among the Gelsans, since, according to tradition, it comes from the crown of thorns of Jesus of Nazareth.
Other religious buildings include the Ermita del Buen Suceso (Chapel of the Good Succession), also located in the town. It is an 18th century building.
Territorio Mudéjar Network
The city council has been a founding partner of Territorio Mudéjar since 2023.
More information
Town Hall: 976 176 403
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Projects Territorio Mudéjar in Calatorao
Monuments | See the project
Pedagogy | See the project
Mudetrad project | See the project
Mudéjar didactic, the guide | See the project
“Circular” Walks with the family | See the project
