Looking through the hall window down onto the hillside, you can see the ruins of a church.
This was the original temple of the castle, built before the Templars established themselves here. It was dedicated to Saint John, as the conquest of this stronghold by King Sancho Ramírez took place on that saint's feast day, and it enjoyed the rank of a royal chapel. Its most remarkable feature is its semicircular apse, characteristic of Romanesque architecture. Due to its location on the lower slope, it likely remained outside the original military enclosure. You can visit these remains by following the path that starts near the castle parking area.
At the end of the path leading to the Church of San Juan, you will find another external element: the "Cañoneras". During the Spanish Civil War, Monzón Castle stood out among the fortifications along the Cinca Line due to its privileged position, serving simultaneously as a shelter and a stronghold.
On the southern slope, utilizing an older military settlement, 105mm artillery pieces were stationed in a cave system featuring a side entrance, a powder store, and two firing ports.
Now, returning to our location, right next to us lies a defensive battery built in the modern era, which bears the name of the patron saint of Monzón: Santa Bárbara. It is accessed via a ramp that leads up to several embrasures.
From there, you will enjoy spectacular views toward the south of the city, with the Chapel of Nuestra Señora de la Alegría visible in the distance. If you turn your gaze back toward the castle, you will see just how truly imposing this entire complex remains…