Archive for August, 2008

Though considered evil, witchcraft is a fascinating subject to most. Though most witches were most often people who simply worshiped the sun and moon while tripping off of natural herbs, in ancient times they were connected to demonic activities like orgies, sacrifices, and even vampirism. Quite a thing to be condemned for!

Many Spanish towns were full of mysticism and witchcraft in the 16th and 17th centuries. During these times witches were accused of worshipping the devil, casting spells on people, and where often burned at the stake.

The town of Zugarramurdi is one such town where hundreds were accused of sorcery in the early 1600s. Today the town takes travelers on captivating tours of the “Infernuko Erreka” which is a small natural tunnel made from a streambed that leads to caves where the witches did their thing hundreds of years ago. On the Saturday before St. John’s Day, a recreation of the witches’ sabbot takes place while on August 18, a feast is held in the Great Cave while old tales of witchery are told. Nearby, on the Discovery Route that connects Zugarramurdi to Urdax and Sara – towns with more witchy debotchery – visitors can visit other hauntingly beautiful sites like the air condition caves of Ikaburu.

Another location full of intrigue is the Route of Moncayo. The route is along the highest mountain in the Zaragoza region, which is full of mysteriously strong winds and curious stones. Here you can follow the route to the Monastery of Veruela, the city of Tarazona, and the village of Trasmoz. Trasmoz’s castle is one of imagination, so much so that Spanish poet Gustavo Adolfo Becquer, made it the focal point of his fabled stories which were filled with, what else but witchcraft.

To see the Zugarramurdi caves try these hotels:

2 Star Posada Del Rio

3 Star Hotel la Era

5 Star Villa Padierna Thermas de Carratraca

To see the Route of Moncayo try these hotels:

2 Star Avenida

4 Star Goya

5 Star Melia Zaragoza