Travel Guide Ascó

Ascó (1,674 inhabitants) is a small village on the right bank of the river Ebro. Although the town is best known for its nuclear power plant, which stands next to the dam, the remains of its history, which can be discovered in the picturesque, steep streets that stretch around the church (the town's architectural emblem), bear witness to the domination of the Moors and Christians in the region. At the top of the hill that dominates the entire town, Ascó Castle, an ancient Templar fortress, reveals the strategic position of this natural enclave. However, the origin of the village dates back to the Saracen domination, before the conversion and expulsion of the Muslims, the most important population until the beginning of the 17th century. On January 17, Ascó celebrates Sant Antoni, a festivity in which the traditional jota d'Ascó is performed, dancing around the fire. The Ascó Tourist Office (Plaça de l'Estació, 3 - www.ascoturisme.com) organizes guided tours of the town by reservation. If you take part, you will discover the town's snow well, one of the few examples of snow wells in southern Catalonia. Some good walks, especially along the GR-99, can be organized from the office. Also, the information center of the Ascó nuclear power plant (+34 977 415 230) organizes visits to the facilities by appointment