In the heart of the Matarraña region, in the province of Teruel, Spain, lies a small town that, at first glance, might go unnoticed on international tourist itineraries. However, Calaceite is much more than a beautiful corner of the so-called “Spanish Tuscany”. This place treasures a rich history and a surprising connection to some of the greatest names in Spanish-American literature and art.
A Town with a Millenary History
Calaceite has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by its cave paintings and Iberian archaeological remains. The town’s toponym comes from the Arabic *Qal’at Zayd*, which means “Castle of the Zayd”, in reference to the family that built a fortress on the site. Although the fortress has not survived the passage of time, Calaceite’s historical roots remain an integral part of its identity.
The Latin American Boom and Calaceite
During the 1960s and 1970s, the “Latin American boom” catapulted to fame writers such as Gabriel García Márquez, Mario Vargas Llosa, and Julio Cortázar, whose works redefined Spanish-language literature. But what does this literary movement have to do with a small town in Spain?
It all began with translator and patron Didier Coste, who in the 1970s settled in Calaceite and founded the Noesis Foundation. This enclave, which seemed far from the usual cultural centers, became a magnet for Latin American intellectuals. One of the first to arrive was the Chilean José Donoso, author of *El obsceno pájaro de la noche* (The Obscene Bird of the Night). The relationship between Donoso and Coste meant that other literary giants and cultural figures of the time were also attracted to Calaceite.
Gabriel García Márquez, Mario Vargas Llosa, and Juan Marsé were just some of the writers who visited this town. But not only literature found its place here; the filmmaker Luis Buñuel and the architect Ricardo Bofill also left their mark in Calaceite, consolidating it as an intellectual center of international relevance.
The Cultural Legacy of Calaceite
Today, walking through the streets of Calaceite is a journey through time and culture. Its squares and alleys are silent witnesses to the literary and philosophical discussions that once took place here. The Plaza de los Artistas, inaugurated in 1999, pays homage to all those who contributed to the cultural effervescence of the town. In the center of this square, an iron sculpture entitled “Libro Imbunche”, is a tribute to Donoso and Wacquez, two writers who found in Calaceite a refuge for their creativity.
Exploring Calaceite Today
For today’s visitors, Calaceite offers more than its literary history. From the Juan Cabré Museum, dedicated to one of the pioneers of modern Spanish archaeology, to the remains of the Iberian settlement of San Antonio, there is much to discover. The town’s streets, such as Calle Mayor and Plaza de España, are lined with historic buildings that tell the stories of centuries past.
Calaceite, with its rich cultural heritage and timeless beauty, is a destination that not only appeals to lovers of history and literature, but also to those seeking tranquility and inspiration in a charming rural setting. A small town with a big soul, it continues to captivate all who visit.
