On August 5, 2026, Valderrobres became the epicenter of cultural innovation in Aragón with the presentation of the virtual reality project «Return to the Past: A Journey Through Valderrobres in 1590.» This ambitious project, driven by the Valderrobres Heritage Foundation Asunción Tomás Foz and funded by the Teruel Investment Fund (FITE) 2023, aims to position the municipality as a leading cultural destination.
An Immersive Journey to Valderrobres in 1590
The virtual reality project offers a ten-minute immersive experience, where participants use 360-degree VR headsets and sit in rotating chairs. The experience begins in the present and transports users back to Valderrobres in 1590, allowing them to soar over the municipality, land on one of its walls, and explore its streets. This 3D visualization provides a comprehensive view of the town in the 16th century, highlighting scenes such as the Town Hall under construction, which was completed in 1599.
Developed in collaboration with the Zaragoza-based company Ábaco Digital, the project has received funding of €184,362.86 from FITE. The initiative draws inspiration from international projects such as «The Last Days of Pompeii» and has been tailored to the historical identity of Valderrobres. The reception has been positive, with 20% of visitors integrating this experience into their cultural itinerary.
The Support of the Government of Aragón
Mar Vaquero, Vice President and Minister of the Presidency, Justice, Culture, and Sport of the Government of Aragón, has emphasized the importance of this project in strengthening Valderrobres as a leading cultural destination. Vaquero noted that virtual reality makes it possible to travel back in time within the municipality, offering an experience that combines heritage, culture, and innovation. According to the vice president, initiatives like this are crucial for the economic development of the region, attracting visitors and promoting population retention.
The Teruel Investment Fund has been identified as a strategic tool for the development of innovative projects in the province, and Vaquero has stressed the need to continue promoting Aragón’s cultural heritage as an investment in the future.
Local Impact and Positive Feedback
The mayor of Valderrobres, Carlos Boné, has described the project as “a top-tier tourist attraction,” which will not only allow visitors to learn about the municipality in 1590 but also provide residents with an opportunity to rediscover their history. Boné highlighted the collaboration with the Valderrobres Heritage Foundation and Ábaco Digital to ensure the historical accuracy of the recreation.
Manuel Siurana, director of the Valderrobres Heritage Foundation, has referred to the experience as “an authentic journey through time,” which complements and enriches the cultural offerings of the Castle. The project not only virtually recovers a heritage that is impossible to reconstruct physically but also reinforces the cultural appeal of Valderrobres.
In conclusion, «Return to the Past: A Journey Through Valderrobres in 1590» stands out as a key element in Valderrobres’ strategy to enhance its cultural and tourism heritage, combining technological innovation and historical rigor with a positive economic and social impact on the region.
