Barranco de la Pillera

History and culture
The southern face of the Sierra bears no resemblance to the northern face, that of the Tozal de Guara. Here, the quarries, the sheer cliffs, the limestone ridges, the lush vegetation, the dampness and the snow lasting well into spring will make us mistake this area for a beautiful, idyllic Pyrenean valley.
The Nocito Valley has been inhabited since prehistoric times; dolmens such as those at Ibirque or El Palomar bear witness to this Neolithic past. The Roman necropolis excavated at the ‘Corral del Santero’, the Romanesque churches, the medieval bridges, the mansions of the nobility and the manors of later centuries are evidence of human presence in these lands at different points in history.
Many villages in the northern area were abandoned in the middle of the last century. In recent years, the efforts of small business owners, former residents and their descendants have led to the revival of these villages and, in turn, of this beautiful and enigmatic valley.
As for religious architecture, the sanctuary of San Úrbez, dating from the 17th to the 18th century and built on the remains of an ancient 12th-century Romanesque church, is of particular importance. San Úrbez is a sanctuary of great popularity in the area; numerous villages hold their pilgrimages here.
Other architectural monuments include the 18th-century church of Nocito, dedicated to St John the Baptist, the 12th-century church of Bentué de Nocito, remodelled in the 17th century, the typical Serrablesas houses of Used, with impressive hearths and eaves, and the abandoned chapel of Can de Used, of
The Pillera Ravine also offers interesting surprises: crystal-clear pools and waterfalls, such as those at Estañonero and Raballatán, and springs and fountains such as those of El Rey and La Espátula. Boxwoods and holly mingle with vast expanses of black pine, where, come the right season, various species of mushrooms delight many a visitor.