A heartfelt proclamation of love for Pyrenean villages

Fascinating Spain pays tribute to the magic of the Pyrenees by asking via Facebook poll what village in this region is the most breathtaking. Mementos, photographs and anecdotes were shared, all of which express a profound fondness for this enchanting region.

Before any votes are counted, it must be said that the true beauty of the Pyrenees clearly lies in its people, whose devotion nurtures these extraordinary places. The custodians of these mountains’ legacy willingly share their expertise and make their vote an expression of love for Pyrenean landscapes.

The most repeated names

A quick glimpse at participants’ comments is enough to cast the mind to these majestic mountain settings. Evocative names such as Gistaín, Bagergue and Lanuza all appear and deservedly so.

Accordingly, Hecho in the province of Huesca is the fifth-most voted village in the ranking. With its own alluring dialect and the magnificent San Pedro de Siresa Monastery, Hecho never fails to captivate.

Sallent de Gállego earns the fourth spot according to the travelling community for its natural surroundings, easy-going people and perhaps, in no small part, for being the village with the most bars in Spain. What is certain is the indelible image of Sallent de Gállego’s slate-sculpted contours.

The bronze-medal winner is awarded to Benasque, one of the Pyrenees’ preeminent villages. Nestled in the Escondido Valley and port of entry between Aragón and France, Benasque brings out the best of itself during the cold season, transforming into a picturesque winter wonderland.

Torla, the number two most-voted village and also in Huesca province, lies along the French border near Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, one of the marvels of the Pyrenees. Torla’s silhouette amidst the gigantic green mountains is a truly remarkable sight.

The most beautiful village in the Pyrenees

The village voted the Pyrenees’ most beautiful is Aínsa, another breathtaking village in Huesca province. Visitors often describe Aínsa as an authentic treasure that even boasts a castle in in its main square.

Aínsa’s attractions include its labyrinthine old quarter permeating with medieval lore and the vibrant blue waters of its nearby river. Aínsa dazzles from every perspective and Fascinating Spain’s followers have voted it the Pyrenees’ most stunning village.

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Today, while many of these castles serve as observation points, museums or even festival grounds, other perspectives of Spain’s territory may still be discovered. These castles’ legacies reveal a cultural and artistic diversity so rich that choosing the most splendid fortification proves to be highly challenging.

Castle enthusiasts cast their vote

Castles are typically among the most popular tourist attractions for villages and cities in Spain. Their basic structures remain essentially intact and often serve as pilgrimage sites due to their striking panoramas and historic interest, where the past centuries become palpable. 

Accordingly, Fascinating Spain asked its readers, a community well-versed in turrets, moats and ramparts, to relate which of Spain’s crenellated jewels most catches their expert eyes. 

Spain’s other prominent castles 

Although there is only one winner, honourable mentions are in order for other popular choices. The top five begins with Peñíscola Castle, an emblem of the coast of Castellón and one-time haven for Antipope Benedict XIII, commonly known as Pope Luna. 

Fourth place belongs to the sensational Coca Castle. Despite the lack of natural elevation, this castle rises like a colossus and impresses like few others for its stately foundations as well as for the delightful Gothic and Mudejar contours of its upper sections.

The bronze medal is awarded to the renowned Royal Palace of Olite in Navarre. Despite its fortified appearance, this castle, also called the Royal Palace of the Kings of Navarre, was designed more for courtesans than soldiers.

The number two choice is the truly exceptional Royal Alcázar of Segovia. Once home to kings, this extraordinary monument inspired Walt Disney and became the hallmark of its magic kingdoms.

Spain’s most breathtaking castle

Perhaps owing to its overwhelming presence upon the craggy peaks 1000 metres high, or for it being the best conserved Romanesque castle in the world, this fortress certainly ranks at the top according to our travelling community.

Ghost stories and legends, such as those regarding Antipope Benedict XIII’s niece, Violante, add allure to this jaw-dropping edifice. The number one pick justifiably goes to the spectacular Loarre Castle in the province of Huesca.

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Seaside villages, mountain towns, hamlets in the countryside, places by the edge of a lake… The rural world takes many forms across the Spanish landscape and interacts with its surroundings in countless ways. Therefore, when searching for the most beautiful village in the country, it’s inevitable to leave out genuine gems that, far from losing their value, deserve to be discovered just as much as the highest-rated locality.

What the true experts on Spain have to say

At Fascinating Spain, we witness daily that our readers and social media followers have an exceptional grasp of Spain’s culture and travel gems. These are true experts, intimately familiar with even the most hidden and secluded corners of the country. That’s why we’ve entrusted them with the tough decision explored in this article — just as we did when choosing Spain’s most beautiful city — inviting them to guide us through the country’s finest treasures.

It’s worth highlighting that many of the responses to this post have emphasized that all of Spain is beautiful and boasts countless charming villages scattered across the country — an assertion we couldn’t agree with more. Nevertheless, the names that come up most frequently offer an interesting glimpse into travelers’ preferences.

The contenders for Spain's most beautiful village

Among the villages mentioned most often, gems like Hondarribia, Besalú, Peñíscola, and Cadaqués stand out. Yet, the top five we’re about to explore bring together the true favorites of the public — destinations that have captured the hearts of travelers across Spain.

To discover the village in fifth place, you need to head to the province of Málaga, in the eastern region of La Axarquía. Here, the beautiful town of Frigiliana leans against the Sierra Almijara, offering one of the most breathtaking views on the Costa del Sol. Its white streets, adorned with flower pots, have captured the hearts of many travelers.

Fourth place is also held by an Andalusian village: Setenil de las Bodegas, located in the province of Cádiz. Its houses, nestled under the shelter of the rock carved by the Trejo River, immediately catch the eye. With its unique character and seamless integration into the surrounding landscape, it’s no surprise that its urban layout has been granted the title of Historic Ensemble.

The third and second places on the podium take us to the north of the peninsula. The bronze goes to Cudillero, a picturesque fishing village that captures the unique essence of Asturias’ towns. It’s an unforgettable postcard of colorful houses with orange rooftops, perched on a green hillside overlooking the sea.

The silver medal goes to Santillana del Mar, in the heart of Cantabria. Its cobbled streets and traditional architecture set against a stunning natural backdrop leave no one indifferent. On top of that, its proximity to the Altamira Cave, a Unesco World Heritage Site, promises an absolutely fascinating visit.

And the most beautiful village in Spain is...

Interestingly, the winning village is the only one located in Aragón. It's nestled in the province of Teruel, embraced by the course of the Guadalaviar River and tucked into the folds of the surrounding mountains.

Albarracín’s breathtaking natural setting, cradled between rugged slopes and verdant woodlands, is part of the singular magic that makes it fully deserving of its acclaim. For many, it is undeniably Spain’s most beautiful village, and just one gaze over its rooftops and winding streets reveals exactly why.

Albarracín has dragon-like walls, charming stone streets, extraordinary historical heritage, and dazzling nature that changes color with the seasons. Whether cloaked in snow or woven into the golden and amber threads of autumn, this village, shaping its own medieval fantasy, never disappoints. Moreover, when the last rays of the sun kiss its reddish stone and stars begin to peek out in the sky, Albarracín transforms into a spell of suspended glimmers, among quiet tinkles, at the edge of the deep blue night.

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Zaragoza has far more to offer than what a weekend break will permit. This place entices any visitor to come back and continue exploring the streets and squares that effectively narrate the history of this city.

The treasures of Zaragoza city: art, culture and some other surprises

Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, pride and hallmark of the city

Zaragoza’s soul can be found at the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, the city’s pride and joy and spiritual epicentre. The image of Spain’s largest Baroque temple reflects upon the Ebro River while its four magnificent towers and 11 colourfully glazed domes embellish the city’s sky. Indeed, a temple envisioned to awaken awe from afar.

Once inside the cathedral, the refined beauty of the polychrome alabaster main altar, the paintings by Goya that adorn the Coreto de la Virgen Crypt or the Holy Chapel that houses Aragon’s patron saint, the Virgin of the Pillar or Pilarica, are all treasures not to be missed. Moreover, traces of a miracle can be observed at one of the holes created by one of three unexploded bombs that were dropped on the church during the Spanish Civil War.

The Cathedral of the Savior, a joy for the senses

The Cathedral of the Savior, also known as La Seo, has for centuries rivaled its twin sister, the Cathedral-Basilica of the Pillar. A rivalry that eventually led to the rare decision to designate Zaragoza one of the few Spanish cities to have two cathedrals. Nothing however compares to this cathedral’s unique beauty as a result of its awe-inspiring amalgam of styles.

On its outside, the Baroque tower and the immaculately designed Neoclassical main façade give way on one side to the wall that encapsulates one of the most exquisite examples of Mudéjar style in Aragon. Once inside, the Main Altarpiece is a Gothic masterpiece, while the Renaissance flair of Saint Bernard’s Chapel truly dazzles the eye. The church houses another treasure: one of the best collections of Flemish tapestries in the world.

Pillar Square, Zaragoza’s ballroom

Pillar Square is one of the European Union’s largest pedestrian squares and meant to be rambled. This immense, vibrant urban meeting point represents the very essence of Zaragoza as this square has borne witness to the greater part of the city’s history and contains an extraordinarily vast cultural heritage.

The monument dedicated to the painter Francisco de Goya and the Hispanic Fountain sit at opposite ends of the square. The breathtaking Lonja de Mercaderes (Merchants’ Market) rises next to the basilica at the heart of the square, while tucked away on the other side of the square lies the 19th-century Pasaje del Ciclón (Cyclone Passage). Other curiosities include the leaning tower at the church of San Juan de los Panetes, one of the few such towers in Spain.

Aljafería Palace, Taifa kingdom grandeur

Crossing the sturdy walls of the Aljafería Palace is to step into a tale from One Thousand and One Nights. This one-time pleasure palace for Arab caliphates reveals romantic corners like the Alhambresque Courtyard of Santa Isabel and the evocative Troubadour Tower reminiscent of scenes from Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Il trovatore.

To all this must be added the magnificent array of interconnected lobed arches, coffered Mudéjar-styled façades and ornamented plaster mouldings, all of which make this place an authentic dreamscape. This fantastical place has been a fortress, a home to the kings of Aragon, headquarters of the Inquisition, a prison, military barracks and at present the seat of the regional parliament, the Cortes of Aragon.

Zaragoza’s Roman past: from the theatre to the wall

One of Zaragoza’s oldest treasures happened to be discovered only 50 years ago. This theatre was the jewel in the crown of imperial Caesaraugusta and one of Hispania’s largest Roman theatres. Apart from its colossal size, the theatre uniquely concealed a secret chamber beneath the stage from which the actors would magically appear in front of the public.

This journey into the splendour of Zaragoza’s Roman past also includes still-preserved ruins of the ancient wall near Pillar Square as well as those along the river port, the thermal baths and more treasures at the Caesaraugusta Forum Museum, found directly underneath Seo Square.

The church of San Pablo, Mudéjar style at its best

The octagonal-shaped church tower of San Pablo has kept watch over Zaragoza for seven centuries. The exceptional height of this 66-metre-tall watchtower and World Heritage site is one of the prime representations of the intricate beauty of Mudéjar-Aragonese art.

This once free-standing tower is now joined to the church and together, they weave a medley of artistic styles. One cannot help but admire its magnificent multicoloured, equestrian-themed wooden altarpiece incorporating both Gothic and Renaissance influences, or its delicately crafted 60-seat choir and its extraordinary Baroque cupola. It is easy to see why this church is commonly called Zaragoza’s third cathedral.

The Princess Courtyard, a Renaissance gem

The Patio de la Infanta (Princess Courtyard) reminds one why Zaragoza was once known as the Florence of Spain. A two-storied Renaissance masterpiece with exceptionally ornamented columns, lintels and friezes. The decor encodes a rich symbolism in which mythological characters and historic figures intermingle.

The courtyard’s history is also rather unique being that it once formed part of Zaporta Manor and belonged to a banker of the Aragonese Crown. After a fire destroyed the manor in the 19th century, the courtyard was all that could be salvaged and was subsequently dismantled and taken into the care of a French antiquarian. Decades would pass before the courtyard made its return to Zaragoza when a banking entity acquired the courtyard and installed it in its central offices.

Remnants of Goya at the Charterhouse of Aula Dei

The figure of Aragon’s most famous son is ever present in Zaragoza. However, to discover one of the artist’s more striking facets, one must leave the city centre for the rural neighbourhood of Peñaflor. At the Charterhouse of Aula Dei, a young Francisco de Goya carried out a monumental series of paintings on the life of the Virgin Mary. Although only seven of the original 11 paintings remain, they still reveal the painter’s mastery, genius and originality.

In order to follow Goya’s life and artistic work, one needs to return to the big city and visit the museum dedicated to the painter’s works. Only at the Goya Museum can one find the complete series of the artist’s prints in a building that is itself another one of Zaragoza’s treasures, the Renaissance-styled 16th-century home of Infanzón Jerónimo Cósida.

The meander of Juslibol, a walk through nature

Away from the busy city, this little paradise is where the human touch and mother nature come together in spectacular fashion. The Galacho de Juslibol is an ancient bend in the Ebro River. After a tremendous swelling of the river in 1961, the river changed course and took a straighter route and gave rise to this special spot.

The area remaining between the current river course and the rock escarpment has resulted in a place of great geological interest. Covered by a riverbank forest and littered with artificial lagoons created from extracted gravel, this particular galacho (meander) of the Ebro is an ideal place for a nature stroll within walking distance of the city.

You can also read this article in Spanish here.

Monasterio de Piedra and its charm

Located near the village of Nuévalos in the Monasterio de Piedra Natural Park in the Calatayud region of Zaragoza, this is a nature lover’s paradise two and a half hours by car from the capital.

Despite the impressive natural scenery, the monastery still manages to draw the most attention in this area. Its construction was started in the late 12th century by monks from the Cistercian Order and the site has since been visited, year after year, by thousands of people. In 1835 it was temporarily abandoned, but purchased five years later by an individual who turned it into a tourist site. The monastery holds eight centuries of history since its consecration in 1218.

Nature, spirituality and wine tourism

The site has numerous attractions including a walking tour with trails set in lush greenery. This exceptional spot is a haven of tranquility where the gentle sounds of cascading waters flowing into the monastery’s garden carry the visitor away.

The fifty-metre-tall Cola de Caballo is the most famous waterfall in this area. Surprisingly, the waterfall can be viewed from the inside, where a natural cave with stunning stalactites can be found. Caprichosa is another well-known waterfall. By contrast, you can contemplate the still waters of Lago del Espejo (Mirror Lake), a spectacle of serenity.

It is unsurprising that the Cistercian monks found here the perfect place to build the Monasterio Cisterciense Santa María de Piedra, its full name. Today, it is still possible to visit its interior.

The rooms surrounding the old cloister like the chapter hall, the abbey church, the wine cellar, and the calefactory or warming house especially stand out. Also, there are the old kitchen, where the continent’s first hot chocolate was prepared, and the granary, which is now the Wine Museum of Denominación de Origen Calatayud. The museum is a testament to how this religious community fostered the cultivation of vineyards in this region starting at the end of the 13th century.

Hot chocolate’s origins in Europe

The story goes that a monastery monk named friar Jerónimo Aguilar accompanied Hernán Cortés on his voyage to Mexico, then known as Nueva España. From these travels, Aguilar brought back cocoa seeds, something entirely unknown to Europeans at the time. Additionally, Aguilar had a recipe for turning these seeds into liquid, which the abbot of his religious order,  don Antonio de Álvaro, concocted for the first time.

And it was in the kitchen ovens of this emblematic monastery in 1534 where the first cup of hot chocolate was tasted, which included sugar, cinnamon and vanilla to sweeten its flavour. Not only was it the first hot chocolate in Spain, but the first in all of Europe.

Little by little the monks began to introduce cocoa to their diet. Allegedly, it was believed that because cocoa was not mentioned as foodstuff in the Old Testament, its consumption therefore did not violate the monks’ fasting. In any case, the monks found in the cocoa drink enough energy to help ward off hunger pangs.

What was completely novel for one side of the world was something much more commonplace for those on the other side of the Atlantic. A still-preserved letter written by Hernán Cortés mentioned Aztec mythology and described chocolate as the “manna of the gods.” This culinary delicacy was also used as a currency, which underlines the cocoa seed’s importance for these people.

To learn more about the curious origins of chocolate in Europe, one can these days visit an exhibition at the monastery called Historia del chocolate en piedra. There you can discover interesting insights into chocolate, such as the Aztec term for this delicacy: 'xocolatl.'

You can also read this article in Spanish here.

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Albarracín, a labyrinth of steep streets

Origin of Albarracín, a fascinating history

From the 10th century onwards, the place saw the construction of its walls and the first fortress: the Torre del Andador. These enabled the Banu Razin to develop an important Taifa. Such a kingdom would fall into the area of influence of Valencia with the arrival of the Almoravids.

In 1170 it remained in the hands of El Rey Lobo of Murcia thanks to a cession of the Christians. Later it passed to the Navarrese knight Pedro Ruíz de Azagra. Together with his descendants they established a prosperous independent lordship of Castile and Aragon.

The famous legend of Doña Blanca dates from this period. She was the younger sister of an Aragonese king, who had to go into exile in Castile because of the restlessness of his sister-in-law the queen. On her way to her destination she stopped in Albarracín, staying in what is now known as the Torre de Doña Blanca. She died inside it and is still buried there.

During the War of Independence, Albarracín was an important focus of resistance. As a consequence, the French bombed the textile facilities in the districts. This initiated a strong economic decline. Also, during the First Carlist War it was an insurgent stronghold. This provoked battles that led to the transfer of the bishopric to the city of Teruel in 1839. Finally, in the 20th century, it was severely punished by both sides in the Civil War.

Old town of Albarracín

The start of the route to see Albarracín can be made in the Plaza Mayor, which dates from the 11th century. The Town Hall is located here. This is a building from the 16th century with a U-shaped floor plan. It has a notable arcaded gallery with semicircular arches on its lower floor. It is extended to create a viewpoint over the river. The Albarracín coat of arms is installed on the upper floor.

Another example of civil construction is the Casa de la Julianeta. This is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Located in the Portal de Molina, one of the entrances to the walled enclosure, it is famous for including few vertical lines in its architectural layout.

San Salvador Cathedral

Located in the centre of the village, it stands out among the houses in a majestic way. This is a consequence of the complicated orography of Albarracín; which is located on an elevation that surrounds the gorge of the Guadalaviar River. All of this influenced its construction, which had to be adapted to give rise to a single-nave church with side chapels and a large, slightly higher, main chapel with a polygonal apse.

Other temples

Bishop's Palace

Walls of Albarracín, towers and fortress

The walls of Albarracín surround the town and date from between the 10th and 13th centuries. Its perimeter is completely visitable. The three fortresses of the medieval town are still to be found within them. For its part, the Albarracín fortress is a castle and original archaeological site from the medieval period. Located in the old town, although of its three gates only one remains today, it is located in the same walled enclosure. It is the only fortress that can be visited in the Sierra de Albarracín region.

Toy Museum

To complete this tour you have to visit the Toy Museum. This one boasts a curious collection of playful artefacts from past times. Also interesting are the Museum of the Forge and the Museum of Albarracín.

Useful information

PRACTICAL DATA

40° 24′ 23.4″ N, 1° 26′ 49″WDistances

Teruel 38 km, Zaragoza 181 km, Valencia 182 km, Madrid 271 km.

Parking

At the entrance from the A-1512 road, in the Puentes street.

Elevation

1171 m.

Inhabitants

1093 (2013)

FESTIVITIES

OTHER EVENTS

Huesca, a natural paradise

The Orwell Route

Only a few people know that the renowned writer George Orwell took part as a volunteer in the Spanish Civil War in support of the Republicans. For this reason, people in Alcubierre wanted to honour him while placing value on their own historic heritage. Today, you can visit these trenches, as well as a bunker, and an air raid shelter. It’s the perfect place to learn more about the history of Spain.

Dolmen de Achar in Aguas Tuertas valley

In the heart of the Aguas Tuertas valley, you will find the Dolmen de Achar of Dolmen del Salto, a megalithic construction of small dimensions yet great value. In order to get to this monument, you will have to ascend a total of 1,600 metres and enter the Pyrinees. It’s formed by three stone slabs, and it’s covered with a fourth one. It is still extremely well-preserved, even nowadays. The way to this monument can be the perfect excursion for nature lovers or a relaxing stop if you want to keep exploring the area.

Zaragoza for history lovers

Palacio de Larrinaga

Only 30 minutes by foot from the centre of Zaragoza, Palacio de Larrinaga rises high, a true architectural masterpiece from the 19th century. Behind its majesty you will find the love story between Miguel Larrinaga, a Basque ship operator, and Asunción Clavero, a young Aragonese lady. In fact, the palace was a gift for her. Sadly, this love didn’t have a happy ending. Exploring this palace involves discovering the history of Zaragoza and its economic development.

Parque Grande

Parque Grande is one of the oldest places in this city. Located in the heart of Zaragoza, this green space hides plenty of treasures: two lakes, nine fountains of safe water and eight monumental fountains, 22 sculptures and more than 150 botanical species. And there are games for children too. It’s the perfect place to spend a lovely day in the outdoors with your family, having fun and learning at the same time. Besides, you will have to wander through the most central streets of the Aragonese capital to get here.

The Grisel village

You will find this municipality just three kilometres from Tarazona, one of the most visited villages in the province. But this one isn’t as crowded and is equally charming. In 2022, it only had 82 inhabitants, which makes it one of the smallest population centres in the area. Its main attractions are two - a fifteenth-century castle turned into a hotel and Pozo de los Aines. The latter is a chasm of great beauty. In conclusion, this destination is ideal to run away from classic tourism and remain connected to the main localities in Zaragoza.

Teruel: more than its lovers

Aliaga and its geological park

Aliaga is another locality that stands out for its role on the Spanish Civil War. This municipality of less than 400 inhabitants has a large religious and civil heritage, but its main attraction is its geological park. In this location, you will learn the history of Earth since rock formations from more than 200 million years ago are preserved here. For this reason, this is a perfect outdoor plan for nature, sports, and geology lovers.

La Portellada

There are many natural pools in Aragón that you can visit for a refreshing swim, but only for the bravest. Most of them feed on the waters from defrost, so they are especially cold. This happens in La Portellada, where you will find one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Teruel: El Salt. It’s 20 metres high and there is a pool right under it, in the Matarraña region. There are many hiking routes to get here, each of a different duration. And although this landscape hides in the heart of nature, there are many other interesting places in its surroundings, like the sanctuaries of Monserrate and Virgen de la Fuente, or Mirador de la Predicadora, where you can enjoy the views of the mountain range.

In conclusion, Aragón is an autonomous community of great charm. Although nature is its main attraction, there are many other places whose heritage stands out. Undoubtedly, it’s the perfect destination for any season, since it’s never affected by mass tourism and remains an oasis of calm all year round.

The picturesque village of Agüero is known for being in the shadow of the spectacular Mallos de Agüero. These mallos are reddish rock formations hundreds of metres high that have been sculpted by erosion and have survived to the present day. Although they are not as well known as the Mallos de Riglos, they are an impressive sight.

Mallos de Agüero

To reach the town of Agüero you have to cross a thick forest and a winding road that gives little indication of what lies ahead. In the distance, the beautiful old town of Agüero stands out, protected by its large, tall stone monoliths. These are the Mallos de Agüero, large dolomite structures that act as a goal for climbers and a refuge for the birds that constantly fly over them. These slightly reddish-coloured structures, typical of the Tertiary era, surround the northern part of the town. Mallos de Agüero are a branch of the long Sierra de Santo Domingo. Among the mallos, the "Peña Sola" stands out, which is separated from the others and is also perfect for climbing. On its western slope it is even higher than 200 metres.

Agüero is surrounded by mountains, so it is not surprising that the houses of the town are distributed in steps at an altitude of almost 700 metres. Thus, the town is located on the top of a high hill, enclosed between the mountains of the pre-Pyrenees. Nearby is the course of the river Gállego; and on the opposite bank to Agüero are the famous Mallos de Riglos. 

Church of El Salvador

Due to their location, the houses still preserve the appearance they had in the past. It is striking to see how between the streets and the roofs of the houses the presence of the Mallos, always present in the town, stands out.

Strolling through the streets of Agüero you can easily reach the church of El Salvador; which is located in the main square. The church is notable for its tall, square tower. Although the tower was built between the 16th and 17th centuries, it is a temple with three naves and of Romanesque origin dating from the 11th century. However, over time it was reformed and finished in Gothic style. Meanwhile, its semicircular apse was built in the Baroque period. Under this apse is the original 16th century crypt of the temple.

The side naves of the church of El Salvador correspond to the late Gothic period, and have cylindrical pillars and star-shaped vaults related to the Renaissance. The piece with the most artistic elements is the doorway, a beautiful combination of archivolts carved with different Romanesque motifs. Its tympanum and the Pantocrator in its centre, surrounded by the four figures attributed to the evangelists (the angel, the bull, the lion and the eagle), are particularly noteworthy.

Museo del Órgano

In the old Abbey House, Luis Galindo Bisquer, known for being the parish priest of Agüero, created a most curious museum. It is the Museo del Órgano, a space dedicated to this musical instrument that is usually found in churches. In this thematic organ museum you can see hundreds of pieces related to organs, many of them different from each other. Thus, the museum exhibits some pieces whose origin dates back to the 16th century. While the visitor gets to know the museum, the sound of an organ can be heard in the background. This museum is unique in the world. 

Church of Santiago

The church of Santiago is, without a doubt, a temple that is a must-see when visiting Agüero. Although it is located one kilometre from the town, the church of Santiago is a hidden treasure; so the walk to it will not weigh down the visitor. A Romanesque temple known in Aragón for its beauty, which is not surprising when you discover that it has been declared a National Monument even though it is unfinished. 

The structure of the church has three naves and a chevet with a triple apse. Its façade is one of the most striking elements; where you can see a relief of the Adoration of the Magi on the tympanum. The dedication of the church shows its proximity to the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela. 

But its interior also stands out, as it has beautifully decorated capitals; which have been classified as being of special value. The sculptural works found here have been related to the master of the cloisters of San Pedro del Viejo and San Juan de la Peña. 

The large number of different stonemason's marks on the ashlars suggests to experts that many workers were involved in its construction, given that it was a large-scale project. To visit the interior, you must first contact the Town Hall. 

The church of Santiago of Agüero was intended to be a church with a Latin cross plan but, as mentioned above, the nave was never built. As a result, it is a more limited church in terms of length; consisting only of the transept and the three apses, all dating from the 12th century. 

Al-Foraz Cave

For those who come to Agüero willing to go on a hiking route, an interesting option is the Al-Foraz cave. This enormous cave has excellent views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. Embedded in the rock, it is possible to walk inside it. 

Calamocha, a historical record

The Calamocha-Fuentes Claras observatory recorded a temperature of thirty degrees below zero on December 17, 1963, thus becoming the lowest ever measured in a populated area. Always following the designs of the AEMET (Spanish Meteorological Agency), Calamocha is one of the coldest towns in the peninsula.

Fifty years have passed since that extreme temperature that many will feel unfit for the country was recorded, but things have not changed much since then. During the cold snap of December 2001, in Calamocha had to live with a temperature of twenty degrees below zero. Nowadays, it is difficult to find a winter day when the thermometer reads more than eight degrees Celsius. Frosts are frequent from December to February, months in which it hardly snows.

So winters are, of course, cold. One can visit the Roman bridge and other attractions in the capital of the Jiloca region, in the northwest of Teruel, but the most sensitive to the cold ones might want to think twice. Summers, however, are mild and dry.

Molina, the cold between Castile and Aragon

It has always been said, and rightly so, that the Castilian cold can sting. The icy wind that blows in the center of the peninsula in the winter months has few rivals. Let them tell Molina de Aragón, a municipality in Guadalajara that is considered by many to be the coldest in Spain.

The average of its minimums should be sought in the degrees below zero. During the aforementioned cold snap in December 2001, Molina de Aragón reached twenty-four degrees below zero on Christmas Eve. In a normal January, considered the coldest month of the year, there are usually around twenty-four days of frost. That is to say: Molina de Aragón remains frozen eighty percent of the days. The maximum temperatures, as can be imagined, do not reach ten degrees in the winter months.

Molina de Aragón is, by the way, a beautiful medieval town with hot summers. But beware, when it is hot, it is very hot. So much so that it is not uncommon to see temperatures in the 40s. There is no doubt that it is a place of extremes.

Teruel capital, the third in discord

The city of Teruel is barely 900 meters above sea level, but its winters are just as cold. Quite cold, to be fair: minimum temperatures of up to twenty degrees below zero have been recorded. It is the third of the vertices of this triangle that not only includes these municipalities, although it can be considered that these are the maximum representatives of this curious characteristic.

This triangle of ice or cold triangle is considered this way because the whole area is prone to reach these low temperatures, with all the climatic conditions that drag. The environment, you can imagine, is not much different. Being as it is a place of wide horizons, when polar air enters, and it is easy for this to happen, it hits hard.

Other corners of the Spanish geography can be pointed out in which winters can become condemnations, but this ice triangle is considered the coldest of them all. As we have seen, there is no shortage of reasons.

Exploring the unknown

Pitarque belongs to the province of Teruel, more specifically to the region of Maestrazgo. This area stands out for its stunning natural monuments, such as the source of the river of Pitarque, the Crystal Caves, or the canyon of Guadalope. We also have the villages of Pitarque, some of which still keep their medieval architecture, their walls and the ruins of their old castles.

The region of Maestrazgo is per se quite unknown. Cantavieja, its capital, is the most frequented place in Maestrazgo. Pitarque is only 58 kilometres away from there, a route that might take us a bit longer than an hour to finish. The main highlight in this municipality is perhaps the source of the river with the same name.

Pitarque, a place with endless possibilities

Sadly, the medieval old town of Pitarque has not survived time. It is not one of those places that usually get mentioned on the lists of the most beautiful villages either. There is no need for that, though. The landscape around it, at the feet of the mountains of Peñarrubia and Peña de la Virgen, speaks for itself. These aspects turn the hidden village of Pitarque into the perfect spot for finding peace, quiet, and beauty.

The main attraction in this area is, without a doubt, the natural monument of the source of the Pitarque river, a place the inhabitants of Pitarque call “the eye of the source”. In order to get there from the village, one must walk five kilometres along the river. The path is a treasure on its own, surrounded by wild nature, and it goes along this stream of crystal waters, full of waterfalls and natural ponds. This picture is watched over by griffon vultures and mountain goats.

Nonetheless, the river is not the only place of interest in the area. The route of the lookouts also makes up a good way of enjoying the landscape. In this respect, the path departs from the lookout point of El Salto Quemado, which is located between the municipalities of Pitarque and Villarluengo. The second step is the lookout point of Pitarquejo, where we will find some inviting climbing routes. Later on, the route passes by the “broken factory”, the remains of an old textile factory, and by four lookouts in the village, apart from those between Pitarque and the eye of the source.

When it comes to the village, we must mention the communal structures, like the oven or the wash house, as well as the neoclassical church of Santa María la Mayor. On our way to the source, we will also find the shrine of La Virgen de la Peña, one of the monuments that the inhabitants of Pitarque visit the most.

Why we did not know it before

The Iberians were the first to settle in Pitarquejo before the village moved to its current location. After that, the Arabs settled there. We believe that explains the origin of the village’s name: Pitarque might be a derivation of the words abu-tariq or tareq, which could be translated as “father of the channel”.

Long after that, a couple of hydroelectric power stations opened up in Pitarque, as well as some textile factories. It was a time of economic prosperity for the village. However, when those factories closed, Pitarque suffered strong waves of emigration, which ended up depopulating it. This is probably one of the main reasons behind its current anonymity. But it’s not the only one: the roads departing from the village are narrow and sinuous, although they do offer unparalleled views.

Finally, we cannot forget mentioning the region Pitarque belongs to, Maestrazgo; nor its province, Teruel. Both of them are mostly ignored by tourists, but that doesn’t mean they are not worth a visit. Pitarque might not have a beach or prestige among influencers, but that’s only part of the charm of this unique place.

Villarluengo not only stands out for its natural tourist attractions in the surrounding area, but also for its great history, which dates back to the Muslim period. If anyone wants to learn about the history of Spain and the villages of Teruel, discover more about this fascinating town is a must.

History of Villarluengo

The history of Villarluengo dates back to the time of the Reconquest, in the 11^th century. It was one of the crucial points in the north of the peninsula, as it was the boundary of part of the territory that was divided between the Christians and the Muslims. It was in 1176, when the first written documents mentioned this town appear.

Villarluengo lived through different kingdoms until it was repopulated and ruled by the Templars in the 14^th century, which helped it to progress and increase its wealth. However, in the 19th century arrived the Carlist Wars. At this period, one of the most important Paper Mills in Spain was opened.

However, the town suffered great damage to both its infrastructure and its heritage not only because of the Carlist Wars, but also for the Civil War. This village became gradually smaller and emptier with the arrival of democracy and rural depopulation. However, many rural areas in the country have recently been highlighted as for example Villarluengo, and, due to its wonderful natural environment and its great historical legacy, it has recovered the prestige and interest of the past.

Main attractive points of Villarluengo

Although Villarluengo is a small village, it is also a place with different historical spots which are worthy of visiting. It is really easy to discover and find historical remains when you are taking a stroll in this town: from the town hall in Aragonese style, dating from the 16^th century to the remains of a wall arch dating from the 12^th century, during the rule of the Aragonese Knights Templar. Of course, everything is fascinating, but there are some essential stops for all visitors.

It is necessary to mention the church of ‘Nuestra Señora de la Asunción’ in a neoclassic style, dating from the 18^th century. It consists of three naves covered with a central half-barrel vault; it is reinforced with two octagonal towers that can already be seen when you arrive to the village. Not forgetting its fortifications, which are crowned by four large towers scattered around the town. These are the Jorge, Sancho, Soriano and Montesanto towers. Other outstanding elements are the hermitages of San Bartolomé and San Cristóbal.

However, the remains of the Paper Mill and the ruins of the Monte Santo convent are the most relevant spots. The Papel Mill was one of the most significant industrialised events of the 17^th century in this village, which is located just 7 kilometres from the centre. So, it is the perfect trip to discover its infrastructure and the remains of the past. The Monte Carlo convent was built in the 16^th century and has a mysterious history behind it. Legend states that before being condemned to death, Juan Herrero saw the face of the Virgin Mary on the wall of the convent. Years later, and without knowledge of this event, another man, Juan Ferrero, came back to proclaim that he had seen her. It is said that when he hugged her image to his chest, it was engraved into his skin.

Some plans to do near to Villarluengo

There is much more to do in Villarluengo, not just strolling around the town. This village is located in the middle of a stunning natural area, so there are many interesting plans to do in the surrounding area, in the heart of Maestrazgo.

Organ of Montoro

This is one of the most attractive places of Villarluengo, which can be reached on foot from many paths and routes. This is a huge limestone rock formation that has shaped the entire geology of the area. It is ideal for hiking and for discovering the flora and fauna of this beautiful part of the country.

Tunnels of Pitarque

One of the most popular trips is hiking to another little town: Pitarque. It has just 70 inhabitants and is located at the foot of the Peñarrubia mountain, which makes it a perfect access point for hiking routes. Furthermore, when you arrive, you can pass through its famous stone tunnels.

Virgen de la Peña Chapel

This chapel, hidden in the middle of the nature, was built during the 18^th century. This small stone building is only a 20-minute drive from Villarluengo, and it is part of the ‘Red Natural de Aragón’ (Natural Network of Aragon). It was completely destroyed, although there is an exact recreation of the original.

La Granja Ravine

For lovers of extreme and aquatic sports, here there is a highlighted spot: ‘La Granja Ravine’, an incredible waterfall which is just a 15-minute drive. Besides, the river has created some perfect pools for the summer, which can be reached by a short walk.

Sos del Rey Católico, the Crown jewel

Undoubtedly this is one of the most beautiful villages of Spain. It is considered a medieval treasure as soon as you step into town. Its narrow streets were witness to the birth of King Ferdinand the Catholic. Specifically, in the ‘Palacio de la familia Sada’ (Palace of the Sada family).

Sos del Rey Católico is like a trip back in time due to its old Jewish quarter, the Torre del Homenaje, the hermitage of Santa Lucía and the Medieval Market. Besides, we could not forget its delicious gastronomy of Aragón. This little village, declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1968, was the scenery of the film ‘La Vaquilla’, directed by Luis García Berlanga.

Talamantes, a fairy tale village

The ideal oasis to chill out and relax. Talamantes is one of those spots that will last forever in your memory. A small village of little white houses located in the heart of the Moncayo Natural Park, where walks, typical gastronomy and hiking are the highlights of the place.

Trasmoz, the cursed village

Trasmoz is located in the surroundings of the Moncayo Natural Park. It is a village located on a small hill that has many secrets. It looks like a group of small houses on an island, however, from a closer view, it is a labyrinthine path full of mystery that was an inspiration for the books of Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer.

Although Trasmoz is a peaceful village with few inhabitants, in ancient times it was baptised as a cursed village. According to the legend, numerous covens and acts of necromancy were performed by sorceresses and pagans around the castle. The curious part of the story is that even today the Church still keeps its ex-communion. Perhaps it has some connection with the figures of witches and black cats that can be found on the façades of the houses.

Muel and its relation with Goya

This village is one of the reference points of this province of Aragón. A small village surrounded by a unique natural landscape which is well-known among the locals for its pottery. Muel is one of those villages which hide marvellous treasures. Such as the parish church of San Cristobal, dating from the 18th century.

The hermitage of the ‘Virgen de la Fuente’ is another essential visit. An architectural jewel that has the signature of the master Goya in the frescoes on its dome. A few metres from it are an ancient Roman dam that regulates the course of the river Huerva and a beautiful park ideal for a lovely walk.

Belchite Viejo, a historical museum

This village is one of the most visited ones in Zaragoza. Belchite Viejo could be considered as a historical museum of the terrible consequences of the Spanish Civil War. Although the town is in ruins, some of its architectural heritage is still recognisable today. Such as the Arco de la Villa, the Calle Mayor and the convent of San Agustín.

Biel, a steak heaven

Aragón is a well-recognised region due to its gastronomy, and Biel is one of the best examples. This little town of around 100 inhabitants located in Sierra Santo Domingo was declared a Protected Landscape because of its incredible natural heritage. The peace and quiet is incredible. The curious fact about Biel is that, despite being a very small village, there are cultural gems such as its Romanesque castle, built at the end of the 11th century, the parish church of San Martín and the beautiful Jewish quarter. The village restaurant is specialised in steak and game meat.

Longás, a must in the region of ‘las Cinco Villas’

Longás is located in the region of ‘las Cinco Villas’, on the shore of the Onsera river. A village completely surrounded by thick forests which keeps its historical origins. Its old quarter looks like visiting the town some centuries ago. Besides, its stately homes, such as Casa Francisca and Casa Mayayo, show visitors the elegant style of 15th-century noble families. Some of its musts are the church of Santa María, built in the 14th century, and the Museo de Usos y Costumbres (Longás Folk Museum). In Longás you can also enjoy a wide range of typical dishes of Aragón and hike through the beautiful Sierra de Santo Domingo.

Lituénigo, the village of flowers

Lituénigo is one of the most picturesque villages that you should visit. I recommend you to do it during spring due to its incredible tradition: all the houses are decorated with flowers. The more colourful and attractive they are, the better.

Another curious fact about the village is that its old quarter preserves parts of the old castle that protected the town from possible attacks, which is now divided into dwellings. Its points of interest are the church of La Purificación de la Virgen, the Labrador Museum and, of course, its proximity to the Moncayo Nature Reserve. In summer, the traditional ‘Feria de los Oficios Perdidos’ (Lost Trades Fair) is celebrated and, for a few hours, the streets are full of blacksmiths, spinners and milkmen, among others.

Anento, a postcard village

Although Anento is not one of the most well-known villages, it has increased its popularity as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, and well deserved. Anento, located in a limestone valley, is a picture-postcard village. A village to be photographed. In addition to the beautiful natural setting that surrounds it, this village is known for its Aguallueve natural spring, the church of San Blas and its beautiful Gothic altarpiece, considered to be the largest in Aragón. You can also visit the ruins of its ancient castle and the Celtiberian tower. A walk through its cobbled streets is a must.

Uncastillo, a medieval village in Zaragoza

One of the best well-preserved medieval villages in Zaragoza. Declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1968, Uncastillo has some of the most important monuments in Aragon. Such as the church of Santa María, the palace of Pedro IV, the church of San Martín, the Jewish quarter and the ‘Poza de Hielo’. Nature lovers will enjoy the area around Uncastillo due to its wonderful location, in the basin of the river Riguel, which surrounds it with ravines and mountain trails. The Petilla ravine and the Anas ravine are two natural areas that captivate all those who visit them.

Navardún, a peaceful place

A little village where time stands still, with green fields, leafy trees, the rustle of leaves swaying in the wind... Navardún is one of those places to disappear in. A place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet that can be felt in the surrounding area. Its stone houses and old quarter invite you to rest, taste its delicious gastronomy and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The stately style of some of its buildings, the Gothic-style windows decorating some of the houses and the great tower that stands out in the area give a touch of history to a perfect destination to rest for a few days. Perhaps to end this beautiful tour of the most beautiful villages in Zaragoza.

Huesca: a city of heroes and kings

In this historic, small and nice city, we can see a combination of the modern comfort with the traditional taste of the old collection of historic buildings and its excellent gastronomy. Here you will find a list of the best things to do in Huesca, as well as its fascinating history and most remarkable monuments.

Plan your trip: the most remarkable things to see and do in Huesca

There are many things to do in Huesca, but there are two main monuments that will justify your trip to this city in Aragon. These are the Cathedral of Santa María and the Monastery of San Pedro el Viejo. There also are some public spaces. It is a first-level holiday destination that is not as popular as it deserves. Together with the remains of the castle of Montearagón, 7 kilometres far from the city centre, a full trip to Huesca takes a whole weekend.

We also recommend to visit the nearby Sierra y Cañones de Guara Natural Park. There are also other options such as the castle of Loarre and the Mallos de Riglos. Due to the reputation of the restaurants, lot of people go there just to eat there. Find out here the local cuisine in the websites about where to sleep and where to eat in Huesca.

Finally, Huesca has an amazing gastronomy. Lot of people go there every weekend to enjoy the restaurants since they have a good relation quality/price. When is the time, there is a huge variety of amazing mushrooms.

Origin of the city

The origin of the city is a Celtiberian village named Bolskan. Romans developed it and called it Urbs Victrix Osca (which means Huesca, a victorious city). During the final stage of the Roman Republic, Osca became popular.

Huesca was the residence of one of the first “hispanic” heroes, in a romantic sense. He was the soldier and politic Quinto Sertorio, who was born in the current country of Italy. From Hispania he kept a bloody war against the Roman senate led by Sila. In 72 B.C. when the war became against him, he was poisoned by its collaborators in a banquet celebrated in his villa of Osca.

It was a very active period in the area overall. Even silver and copper coins were minted with the name of the city.

Muslim rule

Muslims called the city Wasqa and walled it in the 9th century. It was the northest city of Al-Andalus. It was usually assaulted by French Counts loyals to Charlemagne emperor. Fortifications saw how the King Sancho Ramírez de Aragón died, who felt on the field of the battle trying to cross these fortification in 1094.

However, two years later, after the Battle of Alcoraz was conquered by the new king, Peter I. During the war San Jorge made a miracle appearance, and then became the Patron Saint of Aragón.

Courts of the kings

The city of Huesca hold the court of the Kings of Aragón for years. Thus, it was very related to the crown. That is why the popular Alfonso I the Battler asked for being buried in the castle of Montearagón. Later, Monk Ramiro II ordered to be buried in the Monastery of San Pedro el Viejo. As the residence of the Royal Family was Huesca, three kings were born there: Queen Petronila, Alfonso II (who would build his palace inside the city) and Peter II.

In 1135 took place the popular episode of “La Campana de Huesca” (Huesca’s bell). King Ramiro II of Aragón called some noblemen candidates. The aim was to build a bell that make such noise to be heard around the whole kingdom. He brought the rebels into a room where he beheaded them one by one, stifling the rebellion and offering a lesson of strength to their opponents. Another interesting episode happened in 1247.  A court session was hold that had as a result the first official compilation of los Fueros de Aragón (Aragonese own code of laws). This document worked as a basis of the law after the kingdom and the crown of Aragón.

Economic, social, artistic and demographic development

Because of its foundation in 1354, the University of Huesca is one of the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula. It had five faculties: theology, civil law, canon law, medicine and arts. These were definitely consolidated during the 16th and 17th centuries. During those years the city lived a period of great economic, social, artistic and demographic development.

In the 18th century, after the War of the Spanish Succession, the city of Huesca hosted many students coming from Catalonia since the Nueva Planta decrees had closed the catalonian centres and Huesca was the closest city. This University closed in 1845. Since the end of the 19th century, population began some urban remodellings and modern works. By this way they shape the current city structure.

Best places to visit and things to do in Huesca

This small old town is built around its historic city centre. A huge part of the must see places is delimited by the presence of “el coso” (a really long street) and the walls. Muslims built them and most of them dated from the 9th and 10th centuries.

It only remains a stretch between Joaquín Costa street and the bullring at the present time. You can visit it since it has been restored. At the beginning the building had 9 doors and a hundred of vigilance towers. The Torreón del Amparo and the Puerta de Montearagón or San Agustín, most known as “La Portela” are the ones that still stand.

Sourroundings of the main square

Another location to go in Huesca is the Plaza de Navarra. In its centre it is the Fuente de las Musas, dating from the end of the 19th century. Moreover, in its extreme is one of the most representatives buildings in Huesca: the Casino.

It was built at the beginning of the 20th century and designed by Catalan architect Ildefonso Bonells. Therefore, it is not weird that the casino it is considered the main modern work in Huesca. Its white facade has a geometric structure that remain us a medieval castle. The Casino is also famous because of its beautiful entrance gate and the luxury lobby. Its Rojo and Azul living rooms or the main staircase have not gone unnoticed. This staircase is decorated with a bust of the local politician Manuel Camo mady by Sebastián  Miranda.

Cathedral

On the remains of a Roman temple, a Visigothic church and a Muslim mose the Cathedral of Santa María was built in the 13th century. After so many remodellings got its current Gothic aspect. In its facade, and protected by a great eaves, it is its pediment. This cathedral is one of the attractives of Huesca. The facade crowned with a gable has three archivolts decorated, the exterior one with diamond tip. The central one has O-ring mouldings and the interior is voussoired with exempt Zamorano rolls on the outside.

You should also visit the Gothic cloister of Papa Luna. The space keeps the northern bay of the Romanesque cloister and part of its southern bay integrated in the museum. They are also preserved the remains of the entrance gate to the tower of the old mose of the Medina de Huesca. On the other hand, the major altarpiece of alabaster is also interesting. It was built at the beginning of the 15th century by Damián Forment. The author, to commemorate himself, had his portrait painted in the inferior part. Annexed to the church is the diocesan Museum, that holds a great collection of sacred art. Its  most representative piece of work is the main altarpiece of the castle of Montearagón.

City Council

In front of the cathedral is the City Council (16th century). It is a representative building of the Renaissance from Aragón with two symmetrical towers and a great eaves upstairs. It keeps in its interior the famous painting La Campana de Huesca (1874), a great piece of work by painter José Casado del Alisal.

Basilica of San Lorenzo

The museum also holds the canvas by Casado del Alisal and other the Busto relicario de San Lorenzo, Patron Saint of the city. It was made on silver at the end of the 16th century and it is kept in the Basilica of San Lorenzo. This Baroque temple, built between 1608 and 1703 over a Gothic Church, had an unlucky constructive history. The lack of economic resources made that sometimes citizens and workers built it with their own money. Its major altarpiece, from 1678, is an artistic treasure of the Baroque.

Other monasteries

The Monastery of San Pedro el Viejo, from the 12th century, is one of the main collection of historic buildings most important from the Romanesque from Aragón. It remains the Romanesque cloister that holds the burial place of the kings Alfonso I the Battler and Monk Ramiro II.

Another important convent to visit is the one of San Miguel. It belongs to the Carmelites, most known as “Las Miguelas”, founded in 1110. During the Medieval Age was an important hospital, a leprosarium and even a hangout. There met the council till the end of the 15th century. The tower, the central nave and two chapels next to the chancel are built in a Romanesque style, meanwhile the east end is Gothic. The Bridge of San Miguel (1912) is situated very close, over the river Isuela. It is important since it is one of the first suspension bridge in our country.

Fun fact

As a curiosity, Huesca has the oldest grocery stores in Spain: Ultramarinos “La Confianza”. It is another example of the Modernism and it was opened in 1871. This shop window is still a pilgrimage spot among the curious visitors and the inhabitants.

City centre

The headquarter of the old University is now located in the Museum of Huesca. It exhibit samples of the different cultures that inhabited the city in two main different sections, Archeology and Fine arts. In addition, it also includes among pieces of work, lithographs of the series “Los toros de Burdeos” by Francisco de Goya and the complete works of Ramón Acín. The building was also the kings of Aragon residence. It remains the Salón del Trono, Sala de Doña Petronila and Sala de la Campana. Lastly, it is worth to mention that it was the scenario of the legend of the Campana de Huesca.

In Luis López Allué square, the current Plaza Mayor, it is the Educational Museum of Aragón. Its collections include a tour over the history of the spanish education in the 20th century. A moderner building is the centre of Art and Nature (CDAN), by Rafael Moneo. It is managed by Fundación Beulas created in 2000 and it holds the collection of Contemporary art Beulas-Serrate with works of the avant artists and the Grupo “El Paso”.

If you are still wondering what to do in Huesca, INDOC is also an important spot to visit there. It is a place that investigates about the relation between art and nature, the public art and the studies about landscapes. In the city centre there is lot places to visit. The Park of Miguel Servet occupies a great amount of field. It holds several vegetal spices and ponds. There is the famous sculpture of Las Pajaritas by Ramón Acín.

Useful information

USEFUL INFORMATION

GPS coordinates

42° 8′ 24.37″ N, 0° 24′ 32.03″ W.

Distances

Zaragoza 74 km, Lérida 118 km, Barcelona 376 km, Madrid 390 km.

Parking

Along Martínez de Velasco avenue and around Doctor Artero avenue.

Elevation

488 m.

Population

52 418 (2013).

FESTIVALS

OTHER EVENTS

The first capital of Jaca

Plan your visit to Jaca

If you have plenty of time you should take the A-1205 road to the South to visit one of the most important spots of the are: the Saint Juan de la Peña monastery. In Jaca there are also many year-round touristic activities in the Natural Park “Los Valles Occidentales.” Heading in the direction of France, you can find the Astún and Candanchú ski stations. In addition, the railway station of Canfranc is another a beautiful place with a lot of historyDo you want to visit this place?

History of Jaca

For many years after, Jaca was dominated by French counts, defending the city from the Moorish raids.

Ramiro I was the first King from Aragon to live in Jaca, and his son Sancho Ramirez owned the charters from 1077, naming the city the political and Episcopal capital of the Aragón kingdom. Because it was a resting point for pilgrims going to Santiago de Compostela, the city kept growing, but this growth was interrupted in 1096 when the capital of the kingdom was moved to Huesca. The bishop also moved to the new capital, causing the division of the diocese in 1571 and the renovation of the entire cathedral, removing all its Romanic elements.

By the end of the 16th century Felipe II built a fortress around the city to protect it against French invasions. With the construction of the Citadel, Jaca became one of the main fortress squares in the frontier.

In 1705 the Archduke Carlos of Austria reined over most of Aragón. During this time, Jaca was the only city from Aragón that was loyal to the kingdom of Felipe V. Jaca was besieged by Habsburg followers, aided by Bourbon troops. Jaca then received the title of a noble, loyal, and victorious city.

In 1808 the French troops dominated the citadel, keeping possession until the end of the war. A century later, the medieval wall was destroyed to facilitate the expansion of the city.

On December 12, 1930, during the dictatorship of the General Berenguer, Captain Fermín Galán stirred up his troops to the kingdom government. Right after he went to Huesca where he would meet the rest of the troops.  Galán and all the military men ran away, however the following afternoon they turned themselves in to the mayor of the town of Biscaurrés. They were taken to the Military government of Huesca and were subjected into a War Consensus, where he and his mate, General Ángel García Hernández were punished by death on December 14. Due to the way they were treated and the indignation of the population, four months later the II Republic was established in Spain.

The author Rafael Alberty wrote a play about Fermín Galán denouncing the previous events.

What to see in Jaca

Another monumental milestone is the city of the Citadel, which was constructed near the end of the 16th century, taking up a great deal of land. Its remarkable main door is made of Materialist style, in which we can see the Habsburgs’ coat of arms. This is one of the only two pentagonal citadels preserved in its entirety, where you can visit the Military Miniatures Museum.

The Carmen Church, built in the mid 17th century in a mannerist style, contains Gothic reredos that come from the church of Ruesta, an almost abandoned town by the Yesa swamp. The Benitas Monastery was built in the year 1555 above the remains of an ancient Romanic Church that contains the sarcophagus of Mrs. Sancha, daughter of Ramiro I, and one of the main sculptures of the Romanic style in Aragón.

The Clock Tower, known by the name of Jail tower, is a Gothic style construction built in the mid 15th century. At the bottom of this building there is also the Ramiro I Sculpture.

In the middle of the Mayor Street, you will find the current historic and commercial site of the city where the council is located. Built in 1544, this remarkable building also has an interior park where you can see the ancient bells of the Clock Tower.

7 km away from Saint Cruz de Serós is the Saint Juan de la Peña Monastery, a buildings complex that carries styles from the pre-Romanic to the Classicit style of the end of the XVIII century.

There are also small Romanic churches spread around the surrounding towns, including the Saint María de Iguacel hermitage, dating back to the 6th century.

In terms of its gastronomy, Jaca has many outstanding bakeries, like the famous Echeto, La Suiza and La Imperial. All of them selling delicious pastries like “kisses”, pretzels, “jaqueses” or “condes de jaca”.

Jaca is also an important sport centre for winter, not only because of its proximity to the Candanchú and Astún ski stations, but also because of its ice-sports. In its ice-rink many people practice ice-hockey and ice-skating. José Antonio Biec, captain of ice-skating in this centre, was the first Spanish person participating in the Red Bull Crash extreme skating competition in 2013.

In addition, due to its proximity to the Pyrenees, you can find any kind of mountain activity in Jaca

Must-see...

Practical Data

PRACTICAL DATA

Coordinates

42° 34′ 15.64″ N, 0° 32′ 58.03″ W

Distances

Huesca 73 km, Zaragoza 144 km, Barcelona 445 km, Madrid 459 km

Altitude

818 m

Inhabitants

13 221 (2013)

Mountain scenery in this small Aragonese village known for the Sorrosal waterfall, just five minutes walk from the center. Also to see in Broto is the church of San Pedro Apóstol, which dates from the 16th century and combines Aragonese Gothic architecture with Renaissance. The municipality of Broto includes the towns of Asín de Broto, Ayerbe de Broto, Basarán, Buesa, Bergua, Escartín, Oto, Otal, Yosa and Sarvisé.

Sorrosal Waterfall, adding freshness to the environment

The Sorrosal waterfall is, perhaps, the element that most characterizes Broto. Just five minutes walk from the center of the town you reach this waterfall that falls from a rock face a height of 50 meters. In fact, the views from Broto are spectacular. It is located on the right bank of the river and next to it is a via ferrata. The level is simple, so it is perfect for beginners.

In Broto only the Romanesque bridge that crosses over the Sorrosal river, next to the waterfall, is preserved. However, it is closed to the transit of people, who use the parallel bridge installed a few meters away, through which you can reach the neighboring Oto.

Church of San Pedro, a jewel of the Aragonese gothic

This temple consecrated to San Pedro was erected in 1578. Its architecture combines Aragonese Gothic style with Renaissance. Its dimensions are larger than most of the other churches in the valley. It also has a bell tower that culminates with battlements and loopholes located on its facade for defense.

To close the temple have been installed wrought iron railings that have ornamental motifs. On the other hand, the doorway has little figures of saints sculpted in the stone. In one of these small figures it can be read "S. IOAN", that is to say, San Juan in Aragonese language as it was written in the XVI century. In it we can also read the date of construction of the temple already mentioned. Also from the 16th century are the hermitage of San Clemente and the hermitage of San Blas, examples of the traditional architecture that is still preserved in the municipality.

Hermitage of San Bartolomé

Belonging to the municipality of Broto, Bergua is one of its beautiful towns. It preserves a curious architecture from previous centuries. Here you can see two twin defensive towers built in the 16th century. These towers have a rectangular floor plan with large windows and arrow slits. It also has a church from the XVI century that is erected on top of an earlier Romanesque church.

Near Bergua is the hermitage of San Bartolomé, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. A temple of the X and XI that has a rectangular floor plan with triple apse of pre-Romanesque style and in which there are frescoes of the seventeenth century. The building is made of masonry and ashlar. From Bergua, take a path to the east of the track that leads to the hermitage.

Neighborhood of Santa Cruz and the Porches Neighborhood

These are the two neighborhoods that make up Broto, separated one on each bank of the Ara River. The district of Santa Cruz on the north side and the district of Porches on the south side. Considering different neighborhoods to several groups of houses that are separated by the course of a river over which crosses a bridge is a very typical custom of the villages of the higher region of Aragon. Previously, the neighborhoods were connected by a medieval bridge that was destroyed during the Civil War. At present, the road runs between the two neighborhoods thanks to a concrete bridge.

Tower of Oto

Another of the small towns that make up this municipality is Oto. The tower of Oto was built at the end of the 15th or beginning of the 16th century, and was used as a prison during the following centuries. The fact is that the exact date of its construction is unknown. Although most of the similar towers in Sobrarbe date from the 16th century, some testimonies and the peculiarities of its spans indicate that the Oto tower already existed in 1512. As part of the Aragonese cultural heritage, the tower has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.

With Huesca capital as the center of the region, Hoya de Huesca occupies a space of 2,525 square kilometers and has more than 65,000 inhabitants. It also has very different landscapes that leave one breathless, as it is located between the pre-Pyrenean mountain ranges and the Ebro valley, and a great cultural offer. So this three-day trip suggested here has a captivating character and promises an exciting experience. Besides, it is made for all ages.

Day 1: the traces of the past

It is a good idea to start discovering the region through its capital: Huesca. With 50,000 inhabitants, it is a peaceful city full of attractions. For example, its cathedral. It took three centuries to be built, but today it is the greatest example of Gothic style in the area. One cannot leave without discovering its main altarpiece, a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture.

From Gothic and Renaissance it is time to move on to Modernism. The Casino of Huesca, built in 1901, is the best example of it, a building that attracts locals and tourists. There is also place for Aragonese Romanesque, which has its perfect example in the Church of San Pedro el Viejo, one of the most visited monuments in the city. Its beautiful cloister, which also hosts a pantheon of Aragonese kings, was declared a National Monument in 1885. It is located in an old town that should be discovered slowly before leaving the city to discover the rest of the region.

Attention also to the walls of the 9th century, evidence that the Arabs passed through the place. Hoya de Huesca is, as you may have noticed, a historical region in which it is possible to discover the path left by the different cultures that have populated it. Throughout the length and breadth of it can be found prehistoric remains and also Roman traces, especially in the typical roads of the Empire.

You have to travel a much more modern road to reach the next destination: the Alberca de Alboré, a lagoon that is part of La Sotonera reservoir. One of the main attractions of the Hoya de Huesca are its wetlands, ponds and reservoirs, which leave beautiful landscapes and have a great ecological value. It is worth to deviate and stop to admire it.

The next stop could lead to the Church of Santiago de Agüero, a Romanesque temple that was declared a National Monument even though it is unfinished. It is backed by centuries of history and covered by a monumental nature that feels even greater when you discover one of the natural treasures of the region: the Mallos de Agüero. A little more than half an hour by car, the visitor is surprised again when stopping in front of the Mallos de Riglos, surely the most popular. It is also home to a big colony of griffon vultures. This whim of erosion impresses travelers and is a delight for the dozens of climbers who dare to climb its vertical walls.

This first day can end with a visit to the castle of Loarre, a Romanesque dream. It is considered the best preserved in Europe and located in a privileged position. In fact, from the so-called viewpoint of the queen you have amazing views of the mountains and the plains, typical of the region. But the castle is not only about views. This jewel of the Romanesque built in the 11th century has several beautiful buildings in fantastic condition. So much so that Ridley Scott chose it to shoot his acclaimed film Kingdom of Heaven (2005). Once the traveler stops to spend the night in Bolea, it is not a bad idea to discover this place also through the director's camera.

Day 2: a unique jewel and the Ruta del Silencio

Spending the night in Bolea is a nice idea for two reasons. First, because you will discover, the next day and without hurry, this village with a rich history that stands on a hill, dominating the plain that extends around. The second reason has to do with its magnificent collegiate church. The collegiate church of Santa María la Mayor de Bolea is the most emblematic monument of the Aragonese Renaissance. Its main altarpiece, an impressive work that combines sculpture and painting, is worth mentioning. The latter were made by the so-called 'Maestro de Bolea' and have impressed the curious for centuries.

After leaving Bolea, it is time to discover the silence. This is the name given to the different routes that bring the traveler closer to the rock hermitages of La Hoya de Huesca. The Ruta del Silencio allows you to visit different temples that were built in medieval times along the pre-Pyrenean mountain ranges of the region, taking advantage of the particularities of the soil.

Precisely from Bolea starts one of the busiest: the one that, in three hours and a half of journey, leads to the San Cristóbal del Barranco Hermitage. This place is also an impressive viewpoint from which the details typical of the region can be appreciated very well. Near Bolea, in Aniés, hangs from one of the crags another important rock sanctuary: the Virgen de la Peña Hermitage. It is located in an idyllic enclave with incredible views over the Hoya.

This second day can be focused, therefore, on walking through the most attractive routes for the traveler. A total of six routes that run through different points help understanding the value of these hermitages and also of its surrounding nature. To mention another of the spectacular hikes, we can mention the one that starts from the Vadiello reservoir to the San Cosme y San Damián Hermitage, already in the Sierra and Canyons de Guara Natural Park. It is an alternative for all ages and reveals the Mallos de Ligüerri in a different way. The truth is that, it does not matter which one you choose, the experience will be positive, because the hermitages of the Ruta del Silencio join heritage, tradition and culture.

Moreover, it is necessary to be aware to other type of traces that remember the history of the place. For example, the ice and snow wells, where rainfall was stored for later use, or the underground cellars. Of ancient origin, they were excavated in the hills of population centers. Because, as it has already been said: speaking of Hoya de Huesca is speaking of history.

Day 3: a stunning Natural Park

The third day in Hoya de Huesca can and must be saved for discovering every possible spot of the Sierra and Canyons de Guara Natural Park. This place is full of contrasts. That is why it is possible to climb the 2,077 meters that has the Tozal de Guara, and also discover deep abysses, such as the Grallera Alta, which descends to 280 meters deep.

In this natural park there are ravines, canyons and gorges. It is worth mentioning that there are four rivers that affect the ground: Flumen, Calcón, Formiga or Guatizalema. Thanks to it, it is possible to practice different sports activities, from canyoning to climbing. It is also one of the few places on the continent where you can watch the bearded vulture, a bird of prey, now endangered. Another special spot, almost hidden, is the Vadiello reservoir, with rocks overflown by birds of prey and with many routes to enjoy the silence and peace. On the way to Vadiello, the medieval watchtower of Santa Eulalia la Mayor is a spectacular viewpoint over the whole Sierra and the plain.

It is always a good idea to visit the church of San Miguel de Foces, a temple famous for the mural paintings that has inside. Ximeno de Foces ordered its construction in the middle of the 13th century as a family pantheon. It is located to the south of this awesome natural park and is part of the network of fantastic churches in Hoya de Huesca.

La Hoya de Huesca, a region that everyone will like

For its wide variety, its long history and the many cultural and natural attractions that has, Hoya de Huesca is the perfect region for all types of travelers. Ideal to explore it with the family, friends, as a couple or alone. The Aragonese kindness will make the trip more enriching and surely there is no need to remember the excellent gastronomy of the region. In spring, summer, autumn and also in winter, because the extreme temperatures respect the area, Hoya de Huesca is a great destination to disconnect, relax and enjoy.

Article made in collaboration with Turismo Hoya de Huesca.

Getting to know the Ordesa Valley in depth

The Ordesa Valley is an incredible place located in the Natural Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido, in Aragon. Located in the province of Huesca, it is formed by different valleys and cliffs, although the main one is a glacial valley that is dominated by the presence of the Arazas River.

The limits of the Ordesa Valley extend to the north of the peninsula, bordering France, in the south with the Sierra Custodia-Acuta and in the west with the Ara Valley. To the east it borders with the Posets Maladeta Natural Park, very close to the Aneto Peak.

It has highlands and peaks of more than 3000 meters high, of which stand out on the north ridge the Monte Perdido, with 3355 meters, and Gabietos, with 3034 meters. Always in the background, the Ordesa Valley offers an ideal landscape to disconnect from the routine and urbanity. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the valley floor was declared a National Park in 1918. This protected 2,066 hectares in the Aragonese Sobrarbe.

The park was enlarged in 1981 to extend the hectares to a total of 15,608 hectares. Thus, it covered emblematic places such as the Escuaín gorge, the Añisclo canyon and the whole Monte Perdido massif. Despite this, the Ordesa Valley is still the main tourist attraction, ideal for a getaway in autumn.

Hiking routes in the Ordesa Valley

Throughout the heart of the Ordesa Valley there are different trails and itineraries that allow you to discover places as charming as curious. In particular, there are two very popular routes that are the most suitable for a first visit.

Horse Tail Route

One of the most classic, this route leads directly to one of the most spectacular attractions of the Ordesa Valley: the Cola de Caballo waterfall. It crosses forests, meadows and rivers, enjoying the beauty of this corner of Aragon. The itinerary lasts about two hours, a little less on the way back, and hikers cross the Arazas River, the Soaso steps and the Arripas waterfall. It is ideal for the whole family due to its ease.

Route from Torla to the Ordesa Meadow via Turieto Bajo

It takes advantage of the old road that connects Torla and Ordesa, with a very simple route that allows to contemplate all the possible landscapes that are in the Ordesa Valley. It is advanced both by road and by forest track. It has a similar duration to the previous route. Along this path you can enjoy landmarks such as the Ereta Bridge, the Navarros Bridge, the Molinieto Waterfall and the monument to Lucien Briet, a French writer, photographer and pyrenean.

What can you see in and around the Ordesa Valley?

In addition to wonderful flora and fauna, there are some geographical points in the Ordesa Valley worth stopping at.

Estrecho Waterfall

This is one of the most spectacular waterfalls you can enjoy. The water slides between several canyoned walls to land in a calm stream. Both the views and the roar it makes travel with the hiker all the way back.

La Cola de Caballo Waterfall

The name comes from the way the water falls down this waterfall. Cola de Caballo is spectacular thanks to its environment, being one of the main attractions of one of the most classic routes of the Ordesa Valley.

Gradas de Soaso

Located in a very nice place, it is a set of small waterfalls at different heights that are assimilated to a set of steps. This succession accompanies the river for a long stretch, with different viewpoints to enjoy the spectacle.

Beech Forest

One of the many forests in Spain with a large family of beech trees, in autumn it takes on an amazing reddish and brownish color. This is because it is a deciduous tree, shedding its crowns to offer a place as bucolic as it is picturesque.

Añisclo Canyon

A spectacular route full of flora, fauna and waterfalls. The river that runs through its interior, the Bellos, demonstrates how water erosion is capable of forming one of the most incredible landscapes in the north of the peninsula.

Escuaín Gorge

One of the most unknown valleys within the Natural Park, the Escuaín Gorge was formed in a limestone terrain that has been hollowed out by water erosion. This has caused a formation similar to a sponge, with beautiful chasms and sinkholes. You can also observe birds, such as the bearded vulture.

The Tozal del Mallo

Spectacular cliff that rises 300 meters vertically in such a way that you can not see the tip without opening your mouth. It is located at the beginning of one of the walls of the Ordesa Valley. In addition, its south face is recognized as one of the meccas of climbing in Spain.

Cotatuero Waterfall

Water is one of the main protagonists in this place, not only for having created it, but also for the waterfalls that are found here. Perhaps the most impressive of them is Cotatuero, with a height of 222 meters.

Torla

Located at the entrance to the Ordesa Valley, it is a mandatory stop to start enjoying a route of villages in the Aragonese Pyrenees. It has a beautiful medieval architecture, as well as the Ethnological Museum and the Visitor Center of the National Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido.

Tour of the Piedra monastery Natural Park: a water paradise

The Piedra monastery, in Ordesa, belongs to the Natura 2000 Network thanks to the numerous hiking trails it offers. It is one of the main natural attractions in the interior of Spain and during the visit to the Natural Park it is possible to take a simple trail to discover its hidden gems: waterfalls, lakes, fascinating flora and fauna.

The difficulty of this route is low, suitable for all kinds of people, both children and pets. The complete tour lasts approximately two to three hours. It costs 16 € per person. It is worth visiting at any time of the year, although especially in autumn and spring, since the river has more water.

The tour begins at Lago de los Patos, an area full of vegetation and where the first waterfalls are located: Baño de Diana and La Caprichosa waterfall, one of the most beautiful in the park. A few meters ahead is the Trinidad waterfall, a true natural spectacle, since the water falls surrounding its large rocks. Undoubtedly, one of the best whims of nature.

Continuing the route is the bridge of the Piedra River, a place worth photographing, until you reach the Cascadas de Los Fresnos Altos y Bajos. Almost at the starting point, you will find the most important waterfall of the route. This is the Cola de Caballo, an imposing waterfall with more than 50 meters high. The last part of the tour is done by going down several stairs, through passages and small tunnels in the rocks. The most surprising thing about this part of the route is that there are numerous windows where you can see how the water falls from the waterfalls.

A route that leads right inside the Cola de Caballo waterfall, seeing the waterfall from the inside. From here you can access the interior of the cave with lighting to reach the lower part of the waterfall. A unique sensory experience.

Crossing this part you reach the Mirror Lake, a place so quiet that even the water does not move. Such is its silence that it is most enigmatic. It is time to cross the wooden walkways that cross the lake and the canyon to reach the picnic area to reach the end point of the hiking route of the Piedra monastery.

Route through the gorges of the Mesa river: imposing gorges in the surroundings of the monastery

The enclave of the gorges of the river Mesa is one of the most impressive places to visit in the surroundings of the Piedra monastery. Up to 7 kilometers of gorges, in the municipalities of Calmarza and Jaraba, which have been declared Tourist Interest of Aragon. This route can be done by bicycle or on foot, although it is also possible to travel by car. It starts in the charming village of Calmarza. It stands out for its waterfall and for being the part with the highest canyons of the route. After this, it is time to go up the Barranco de los Hocinillos, ideal for contemplating the plant species of the area.

Then, when accessing the Hoz Seca barranco, the vegetation is scarce, but it is possible to observe birds of prey and griffon vultures until you reach the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Jaraba and the viewpoint with the best panoramic views of the canyon. This is the most popular point of the route, here there is a path to walk around the area with a duration of two hours, ideal to do it the next day and very well signposted.

After this we arrive at the last waterfall of the Mesa River, located before reaching the village of Ibdes, known as La paradera. It has a picnic area with impressive waterfalls. To put the finishing touch to the route, it is worth stopping at the viewpoints of the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de San Daniel and the viewpoint of La Tranquera. The route ends at the Piedra monastery, a perfect place to sleep.

From the Piedra monastery to the Valdefierro Salt Flats

The routes of the Piedra monastery and the gorges of the river Mesa are the best known in the area, but from the Natural Park you can take another trail that allows you to learn about the flora and fauna of the area. From Nuévalos, next to the cemetery, there is a trail that crosses a wetland area originating next to the mouth of the Ortiz River in the Tranquera reservoir. The track ends in a path that borders the reservoir, along which you must continue until you leave it on a path to the right.

This runs through a beautiful wooded area to the Portillejo pass, a viewpoint that offers fascinating views of the reservoir. The route continues through a pine forest of reprobation until it reaches a track where you must turn right until you reach Portil de la Villa and continue along the path of the Salinas. The last part is completed with the arrival at the Salinas de Valdefierro, in operation until recently and in a perfect state of conservation. It is possible to visit the stone ponds where the salt was obtained. The return is made by the same route in the opposite direction.

The surroundings of the Piedra monastery is a real natural jewel, full of waterfalls, lakes and typical vegetation of the area. From the Natural Park to its surroundings, one of the main tourist attractions of Aragon.

At any point in the valley, one's gaze runs the risk of remaining magnetised, glued to a landscape that mixes earth and sky. From a carpet of flowers to the flight of a vulture or the rushing of clouds. Wherever you are in the valley, your ears run the risk of getting lost until you find yourself, listening to the song of nature. The howling of the wind in the ravines, the tinkling of the stars around the peaks, the melodies of the raging waters of waterfalls.

In the heart of the Ribagorza region stands one of the highest points of this mausoleum, a tribute to the love between a god and a princess. Here, the magic of the Pyrenees extends, in the heart of the province of Huesca, through an impressive natural park. Through Navarre and Catalonia, the Aragonese Pyrenees open its heart.

The nature of the Benasque Valley

Travelling through the nature of the Benasque Valley means attending a lesson that must be approached with eyes wide open. The valley has a robust, mountainous spine that descends and ascends to impossible heights. From the Perdiguero Massif to the almost 3,500-metre-high Pico Aneto, the valley is full of ups and downs.

Among the rocky twists and turns and geological curves, you can breathe in the high mountain climate that has preserved a series of glaciers for 45,000 years. Natural Monuments since 1990, these white giants, located in the Perdiguero, Maladeta and Posets Massifs, are unique witnesses of the last glaciation. A melody of ice and fire, sometimes coloured by desert dust, sometimes by moonlight.

The notes of its music are drawn in limestone formations, ibones, ridges and karstic staves, where the waters of the Aneto thaw hide and appear. The Forau de Aigualluts chasm is a magical spectacle that lasts up to 4 kilometres. Concluding, in a surprising abracadabra, reappearing in the waters of the Garonne, in the nearby Aran Valley.

The anatomy lesson continues, following the circulation of water, from the headwaters of the river Ésera, through the arteries of the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park. Its veins and tributaries irrigate the bottom of the Vallibierna Valley, forming a lake, like so many others scattered throughout the park. Fed by rain and thaws, the Barbarisa, the Sen or the Cregüeña remain immovable surrounded by wild pines, firs and junipers.

Between the cliffs, golden eagles, teprarriscos and alpine sparrows watch the paths. Pyrenean lizards hide in the ground and, in the peat bogs, their cousins, otters and newts. Meanwhile, in the forest, foxes, squirrels, wild boar and little owls live forgetting the noise of the world.

From the entrance to the valley, in the Congosto de Ventamillo, to the perpetual snow and the alpine ski slopes of Cerler. From the massifs of Madaleta or Perdiguero, to the side valleys of Aigüeta La Vall or Cregueña. Everything here is peace and silence.

The villages of the valley

The villages of the Benasque Valley camouflage with their surroundings. Pyrenean constructions with shiny slate roofs, cobbled streets that lead possibly towards a small Romanesque church. A picture that seems to come to life before the eyes of those who visit them.

All these small villages have a story to tell, corners to discover or bridges to cross. More than words, these lines are indications to sketch an imaginary map to get to know what a small itinerary through the area has to offer.

Benasque is a starting point under a mountainous terrain, coloured white in winter and bright green in summer. The geography of this municipality, capital of the region, is divided between past and present. Next to the church, the old houses, the Palace of the Counts of Ribagorza or the Juste House, with its visible tower, still survive. On the Anciles side, the traditional architecture is reflected in a group of ancestral homes from the 16th and 17th centuries, named after their inhabitants. Casa Escue, Casa Suprián and Casa Sort are just some of these centuries-old wonders, but a visit to Anciles does not finish here. Getting there invites you to approach a small hermitage, of Lombard origin, which can almost be imagined to be guarded by a dragon.

Nearby, in Cerler, an incredible viewpoint anticipates what awaits. On one side, meadows and wooded areas, on the other, challenging nature. In its historic centre, the houses embrace the church and the air embraces the silence. A little further on, a point and a gap emerges out of nowhere between the village and the ski resort, like two universes that converge.

From the centre of the valley, Sahún requires a stop to contemplate the Parish Church of San Juan Bautista. Another temple, the Sanctuary of Guayente, preserves within its walls the echo of discussions about pastures, witchcraft or bandits. Peace, in the face of so many disputes, can be found in the middle of nature, next to the Eriste reservoir, the entrance to the valley of the same name.

Sheltered under the mountain range of the same name, Chía, which has been standing since before the 10th century, is home to some real treasures. At that time, according to legend, a shepherd found the virgin that is now kept in the hermitage of la Virgen de la Encontrada. It is interesting to note the churches, San Martín and San Vicente, caused by the confrontation between the feudal lords and the monastery of San Victorián. The Mirador de la Serreta makes a beautiful farewell photograph, but only for a farewell, never a goodbye.

There are still steps to take. There is still Castejón de Sos and its small villages, Ramastué or Liri. And the Congosto del Ventamillo and the Forest of Es Felegás. There are still meters to climb, skies to cross, secrets waiting.

Legend and adventure

The Benasque Valley is a paradox of histories and geographies. A unique way of coexistence between past legends and a present open to the possibility of adventure. From the very creation of the valley, as a tribute of love from Hercules to his dead princess, Pyrene, the legend is hidden in the mountains.

In the place where the highest peak in the Pyrenees reigns supreme, adventure appears every step of the way. Ascents to glaciers, Montes Malditos and passes with a prophet's name lead up to an altitude of 3,500 meters. From there, looking out over the valley makes you feel small in the face of a landscape that explodes on all sides.

Along the river Ésera, you can choose to do all kinds of water sports: rafting, kayaking or canoeing. Staying on land allows you to talk face to face with the road on hiking trails. Meanwhile, the clouds await, reflected in the snow on the slopes of Cerler or Llanos del Hospital. But there is also space for peace and quiet next to a riverbank or under the leafy trees, in parks and picnic areas.

As the sun goes down, the light and the volume of the voices descend to tell, almost like a secret, the story of the Aneto. The legend tells how the snow, after the fire that killed Pyrene, dyed everything white. After the thaw, a blanket of green grass covered the mountains, and people came to the mountains to plant small villages. Fearsome giants also came, enchanted by the beauty of the place, among whom was Netu, known for his greed.

After a while a beggar appeared in those magical lands. After working and living with the people of the village, he continued his journey into the valley. There, without food or water, he asked for help from Netu, who refused. The last thing the giant heard was: 'Your heart is as hard as a rock, may you all turn to stone'. On that day, the Aneto was born, the petrified giant that still looks down on what was once his domain. Cradle of stories and legends, dreams of adventure and peace that slumber in the Benasque Valley waiting to come true.

Aguas Tuertas Valley

The Aragón Subordán flows through the valley of Hecho, leaving some of the most dreamlike pictures of the Huesca Pyrenees. Among them, almost at the source and next to France, shines the Aguas Tuertas valley. To get there you have to pass through, or next to, such beautiful places as the Oza forest, the castle of Acher, the Boca del Infierno (Hell's Mouth) or the Corona de los Muertos (Crown of the Dead). However, at the end of this ascent awaits a natural wonder.

Hanging high above, Aguas Tuertas lives up to its name and is travelled by the endless meanders of the Aragón Subordán. The size of the landscape is magnified by the lack of tall vegetation. Grass predominates between the two heights that flank the valley. At the beginning, as you enter, you can see the remains of a dolmen, which proves that it was sacred to the people of another era. At the end, there is a route that leads to the beautiful Estanés lake. In any case, a visual experience that will belittle anyone.

Gardens of the Monasterio de Piedra

The fact that it is a natural park does not mean that the Garden of the Monasterio de Piedra is the fruit of nature. At least if you take for granted the questionable licence that what man does is unrelated to it, of course. A masterpiece by Juan Federico Muntadas, this space in the province of Zaragoza is a purely romantic creation in which human intervention is so perfect that it does not seem artificial. The combination of landscaping and the action of the carbonated river Piedra turned a beautiful spot into one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Albarracín

The fact that it is always taken as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain is not the result of cliché. The ochre and the Middle Ages become elegant in a town that is always elongated. It is one of the places of Aragon with the most alternative spots. Whether it is its cathedral, its towers, its Muslim fortress or its peculiar Christian walls. As difficult as it may seem, everything looks great in this town.

Hanging hermitages of Mon-Rebey

Today flooded by the Canelles reservoir, the narrow pass of Monrebey or Mont-Rebei marks the border between Huesca and Lérida. A strategic pass, a key separation caused by the Noguera Ribagorzana, and an ideal place for a getaway. On the Huesca side, several things stand out, such as the Montfalcó footbridges. However, special mention should be made of two hermitages that defy heights. On the one hand, the hermitage of new Señora del Congosto. Simple to the extreme, faithful to its Romanesque style, it was built in the 11th century with later modifications. It is closely associated with the tower of Chiriveta, linked to the Aragonese Templars.

Further south there is a duel in height, the hermitage of Santa Quiteria and San Bonifacio. It is a temple that was once a fortress. It is rather rough, three of its sides face the emptiness, and you have to enter from the north by climbing a small staircase. A game of balances that makes it almost incredible to believe that it was created in the 11th century. But it was. The result is a challenge for those with vertigo. A place that had to be in our 9 spots of Aragón.

Stairway of Teruel

The desert between Huesca and Zaragoza, through which the Greenwich Meridian passes, makes for a scene that is curious to say the least. The Monegros make its dry ochre colours its most attractive feature. This colour sets a general tone that is completed with strange rock formations. Like something out of a surrealist painting, a lysergic experience even, the gorges rise up in the middle of nowhere. There are several that stand out, such as the Pedregales or the Cobeta. But there are many more and all of them invite you to get lost in their eroded complexity.

Jaca Cathedral and Citadel

Teruel in general and its capital in particular have extraordinary examples of Mudejar architecture. Also of the revisions of it that emerged as the centuries passed. A clear example is the Escalinata de Teruel. A corner of Aragon that accurately sums up the city where it is located. Although it arose from a practical necessity, to save a height to connect the centre and the train station, it became a sort of symbol. Thus, it exhibits the history of the Lovers of Teruel thanks to a work by Aniceto Marinas. Brick, ceramics and bright colours do the rest.

Cathedral and citadel of Jaca

Little can be added to the much that has been written about these. Individually, they are extraordinary, and together they tell the story of a city. Jaca has always been a guardian of the north, a passage for pilgrims who spread foreign trends throughout Spain. Its cathedral, pure and Romanesque, tells the story. Just look at it and the art lessons learnt in secondary school make sense. Meanwhile, its pentagonal fortress is a rara avis in Europe. Not because there weren't many of these Italianate-style masses on the continent, but because it remains fully preserved. A perfect silhouette with no bastions cut down, as it happened to its sister in Pamplona. A must in these 9 spots of Aragón.

Museum of Momias de Quinto

Any list would have to include the Basílica del Pilar or the Aljafería. There is no doubt about the world fame of these buildings. Therefore, one can only encourage to visit them and get lost in the capital of the Ebro. However, once visited, there is a bizarre alternative that can also be combined with a tour of the Galachos. This is the first mummy museum in Spain, located in Quinto. The result of the custom of burying people inside churches, which was widespread until less than two centuries ago, it allows you to see spectacularly preserved bodies thanks to the particular conditions of the subsoil of the temple.

Valderrobles

It is time to go back to Teruel to close the list. Nine are not enough to sum up the whole of Aragon. We could have included Broto, San Juan de la Peña, Sos, Belchite, Calaceite, Santa Elena in Biescas and many more. However, the final touch is provided by another border area, the Franja. A village that lives between two languages and has its own flavour. Valderrobles, a town watered by the Matarraña. Ancient, in the surrounding area there are remains from the Iberian period. Since the Middle Ages, centuries have contributed drops of heritage reflected in places such as Santa María la Mayor or the Valderrobles castle. All in all, one of the most beautiful villages in the country. These 9 spots of Aragón won't leave anyone untouched.