The capital of the Bajo Aragon district of eastern Aragon, the town of Alcaniz stands on the banks of the Guadalope river, some 430 kilometres from the countries capital Madrid. Overlooked by its castle which was formerly the HQ of the Order of Calatrava, Alcaniz has a population of 16,392, and a history going back to the Moorish occupation. It suffered various conflicts before finally being taken from muslim control in 1179, by Alfonso II of Aragon. Places to visit in Alcaniz include the Santa Maria la Mayor church, the town hall, the Lonja and the castle which has now been turned into a parador (hotel). Alcaniz can be reached from the N-232, between Hijar and Monroyo, 120 km from Zaragoza, the regional capital.