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Sierra de la Virgen
Sestrica from west.JPG
Sierra de la Virgen rising behind Sestrica
Highest point
Peak Cabrera
Elevation 1,433 m (4,701 ft)
Listing List of mountains in Aragon
Geography
Sierra de la Virgen is located in Spain
Sierra de la Virgen
Sierra de la Virgen
Location in Spain
Location Aranda Comarca &Comunidad de Calatayud
(Aragon)
Parent range Sistema Ibérico
Geology
Orogeny Alpine orogeny
Age of rock Cambrian
Type of rock Slate and Quartzite
Climbing
First ascent Unknown
Easiest route Drive from Villarroya de la Sierra, Viver de la Sierra, Gotor or Jarque

The Sierra de la Virgen is a mountain range in Aragon, Spain. It is found in the Aranda and Comunidad de Calatayud areas. This mountain range sits south of the Moncayo Massif. It lies between the valleys of the Jalón and Aranda rivers. You can find it north of the N-234 road, near the towns of Calatayud and Torrelapaja.

Exploring the Mountains

Illueca (Zaragoza), dende o castiello d'o Papa Luna
The Sierra de la Virgen mountains above Illueca.

The Sierra de la Virgen mountains stretch from northwest to southeast. The highest point is a peak called Cabrera, which is 1,433 meters (about 4,700 feet) tall.

Other important peaks in this range include:

  • Virgen de la Sierra (1,413 meters)
  • Cucuta (1,300 meters)
  • San Cristóbal (1,264 meters)
  • Pico de Morés (1,186 meters)
  • Monte de la Lezna (1,173 meters)

Right next to the Sierra de la Virgen, to its east, is another mountain chain called Sierra de Vicort. It runs in the same direction.

Why the Name "Sierra de la Virgen"?

The name "Sierra de la Virgen" means "Mountain Range of the Virgin." It comes from a special place called the Santuario de la Virgen de la Sierra. This is a shrine dedicated to Virgin Mary. It is located high up in the mountains. The shrine is about 22 kilometers (about 14 miles) north of the town of Villarroya de la Sierra.

Plants and Nature

These mountains are mostly covered with low maquis shrub. This is a type of dense, thorny bushland. Since the 1900s, many pine trees have been planted here.

The Sierra de la Virgen often experiences wildfires. This happens especially when there hasn't been much rain for a long time. Some of the native trees you can find here include juniper and Carrasca. Carrasca is a type of oak tree, also known as Quercus ilex.

Other "Sierra de la Virgen" Mountains

Did you know there are other smaller mountain chains in Spain with the same name?

See also

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