Huesca

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Submitted by Nicole01 on Thu, 11/11/2010 - 14:17 |

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The city of Huesca, located in the fertile region of La Hoya, Aragon, has a rich history dating back over two thousand years. The Coso (an important street in the city) is bordered by the old medieval walls and dominated by the Cathedral.

This Gothic Cathedral was built by King James I in the late thirteenth century on what was believed to be the original site of the forum in the ancient Roman city. The Town Hall (s. XVI) is located in the same square as the Cathedral, presided over by a statue of "The Moreneta". It is a strong Aragonese building with towers along the sides.

There is another building well worth visiting in the nearby Seminario Square: the former royal palace of the kings of Aragon (s. XII). According to tradition, the Campana de Huesca took place here (the beheading of twelve noble men under the order of the monk Ramiro II). The Provincial Museum is currently located here.

The San Pedro el Viejo (XII Century) is located in the vicinity of Market Square. It is a primitive Romanesque monastery famous for being one of the oldest temples in the province. The beautiful original cloister is hidden inside the exterior walls, as is the pantheon of the Aragonese kings Alfonso I el Batallador (Alfonso I the Battler) and Ramiro II el Monje (Ramiro II the Monk).

There are three important references to Huesca in the Roman times in the La Iglesia de las Miguelas, which was originally a hospital in the early XII Century. These include the Basilica of San Lorenzo (which is also made in the Romanesque style with a plant in the form of a reverse grid), and the Hermitage Rooms, built in the twelfth century.

In the Coso, where the walls once stood, you can visit Miguel Servet, the city park and 'green lung' of the capital. The place with the best ambience in the city is Cuatro Esquinas (the Four Corners), in Porches de Galicia.

The province of Huesca

Huesca has a rich cultural and natural heritage which attracts thousands of visitors every year. The Cañones de Guara Natural Park is situated a few kilometers from the capital. It is a canyoning paradise and the perfect place to practice all kinds of outdoor sports.

The Aragonese Pyrenees has countless attractions. Its distinctive landscape is made up of mountains and green valleys, such as Anso, Hecho and Tena (the latter has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve). The "Alto Aragon" (high Aragon) is an unspoilt world that has remained relatively untouched by tourism and is home to high mountains, deep canyons, flower covered pastures, wild rivers, forests, many rare bird species, wildlife, idyllic villages and friendly people.

The Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is one of the most important protected areas in the Pyrenees because of its diverse wildlife and ecological value. The Monte Perdido has been declared a World Heritage Site for this reason.

Winter sports in the Aragonese Pyrenees

The highest peaks in the Pyrenees and the southernmost glaciers on the European continent are located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park and the Aneto Peak (with an altitude of 3,404 meters). Winter sports aficionados will love the area as some of the best ski resorts in Spain are located in Huesca in the Pyrenees, including amongst others:

Camino de Aragón

The Camino de Aragon, which is a variant of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage ('The Way of St James' in english), runs through Huesca. The pilgrimage passes from France into Spain over the top of Somport mountain (at an altitude of 1,632 m.). It passes through the towns of Canfranc and Candanchú before reaching Jaca. There is a Castle in Jaca; a stronghold built in the XII Century. Visitors can admire the Citadel in the old medieval part of town, which was built by Philip II in the sixteenth century. San Pedro Cathedral is also located here and has been declared a National Monument.

The route then continues through Puente la Reina de Jaca and Berdún, before entering the region of Navarre.

Hotels and apartments in Huesca - Catalonia, Spain