The ancient little town of Alcañiz, situated in a bend on the Río Guadalope, is the center of one of the most characteristic parts of Lower Aragón, noted for the production of olive oil. The town stands on a steeply sloping eminence, surrounded by hills. It is noted for the sweets produced here. A
Roman army was annihilated by the Carthaginians here in 212 B.C.. In the 12th century Alfonso I conquered the area and built a castle on Pui Pinos ("Pine Hill") which became the headquarters of the Order of Calatrava in Aragon. Alcañiz was the favorite residence of Jaime I.