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As with Teruel, the Aragonese province of Huesca is one of the great unknown in Spain. It is located in the north of the country on the border with France. Entering its territory means discovering its many historical, cultural, natural and gastronomic attractions. Walk through mountains and valleys, visit medieval villages and eat very well. Do you like the idea? Then do not miss what to see in Huesca, below.
National Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido
Declared as such in 1918, the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is the second oldest in Spain, visited by around 600.000 people each year to enjoy and be amazed by the nature of this special place.
It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1997 and also a Biosphere Reserve and Geopark. With 15.696 hectares and located in the Sobrarbe region, it is divided into four sectors: Ordesa, Añisclo, Escuaín and Pineta. Here there are imposing mountains such as Monte Perdido (the third highest peak in the Pyrenees at 3.355 meters) whose slopes are covered by forests of beech, fir and black pine, among other species. In autumn, forests take on ocher, red and orange tones and become one of the greatest natural spectacles to see in Huesca without forgetting the animal species that inhabit here. For example, marmots, deer, chamois, bearded vultures, the golden eagle or wild boar.
On the other hand, one of the most popular walking routes in the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is the Cola de Caballo waterfall. Starting in the Ordesa Valley, there are several paths suitable for all audiences that run along the course of the Arazas river. The route goes through viewpoints that offer amazing panoramic views.
Alquézar
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At 48 kilometers from the city of Huesca is Alquézar, a town perched 660 meters high on one of the mountains parallel to the Pyrenees and one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Spain. Alquézar is perfectly integrated into the limestone rock landscape sculpted by the Vero River.
The first vision of Alquézar from afar makes our eyes fall on the Collegiate Church of Santa María La Mayor, a kind of fortress from the XNUMXth century and late Gothic style that crowns a small hill and under which are concentrated a series of houses of stone. It is the emblem of the town and is considered an Asset of Cultural Interest. The complex is surrounded by a double canvas wall guarded by several towers. Guided tours are carried out.
Another of Alquézar's icons is the parish church of San Miguel Arcángel that dates from the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries. Baroque in style, it is characterized by a robust exterior and a simple interior, since most of the artistic works were destroyed during the Civil War. Only its main altarpiece is preserved. This church is located at one end of Alquézar, very close to an area where there are several restaurants.
The historic center of the town is also a must-see, where its cobbled streets, its brick and stone houses, the small shops where you can buy souvenirs or other charming corners such as the Plaza Mayor, where the locals gather to meet, stand out. have a good time.
Speaking of the alquezranos, a visit to the Casa Fabián Ethnological Museum will allow you to know how the inhabitants of Somontano lived in the past and the utensils that were used in their day to day life.
If you are one of those who like to take advantage of a getaway to do outdoor activities, Alquézar also offers you this option in the natural environment of the municipality. For example, you can go canyoning in the Sierra de Guara, the route of the footbridges of the Vero river or fafting in the Ésera river.
Castle of Loarre
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Another place to see in Huesca is the town of Loarre, famous in Spain for its impressive XNUMXth century castle that dominates the Huesca countryside. It was erected by order of King Sancho III in order to control and defend the fertile lands of the Hoya de Huesca from the Muslim hosts.
Despite the battles that took place there and the inexorable passage of time, Loarre Castle is in very good condition. So much so that it is considered the best preserved Romanesque castle in Europe and was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest and National Monument in 1906. The imposing wall that surrounds it and its eleven towers will welcome you.
Its beauty, uniqueness and excellent location made it the setting for films such as The Kingdom of Heaven (2005) by filmmaker Ridley Scott.
Formigal and Panticosa ski resort
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If you are passionate about winter sports, skiing is one of the best things to do in Huesca. The ski resort of Formigal and Panticosa is very popular since it is the first destination for this sport in Spain and a great reference for skiers. It has 176 km of skiable slopes divided into 14 green slopes, 34 blue, 52 red, 42 black and 5 routes with access to four valleys.
The maximum height is 2.250 meters above sea level and the minimum is 1.145 but apart from all this technical information, the Formigal and Panticosa ski resort is a claim to enjoy a beautiful snowy landscape. In addition, it can be complemented with a visit to the Gothic town of Sallent de Gállego.