Dare to discover the many natural, architectural and gastronomic attractions of Huesca. Capital of the province of Huesca, this city in Aragon has an infinite number of places to see both in the city centre and in the surrounding area. As one of Spain’s lesser-known provinces, in Huesca you will discover a different kind of landscape that will surprise you from the very first moment you arrive. Both the city and the province have a lot to offer, so find out just how much in this post.
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1. Things to do in Huesca Spain
2. Huesca Cathedral
Officially known as the Santa Iglesia Catedral de Jesús Nazareno, Huesca Cathedral towers over Huesca. Located on the hill on which the primitive city was built, this early Gothic cathedral is one of the essential places to visit in Huesca Spain. It is in the Plaza de la Catedral, where there are also other historic buildings of great value to the city: the Town Hall, the monastery of San Pedro El Viejo and the convent of San Miguel.
3. Monastery of Pedro el Viejo
This is one of the oldest temples in the province and one of the must-see places in Huesca Spain. This monastery was built in the 12th century and is one of the greatest examples of Aragonese Romanesque art.
Inside, we can highlight its imposing cloister, which preserves several original capitals. Also, next to the cloister is the chapel of San Bartolomé, another key point of the visit. Here you can find the remains of Ramiro II the Monk and Alfonso I the Battler.
4. Plaza López Allué
This is the old Market Square and is now the life and soul of the city. It is the ideal place to take a break and enjoy the surroundings. Have a drink in this square and browse some of the oldest grocery shops in Spain.
5. Museum of Huesca, Spain
The museum is in the former Sertorian University, attached to what remains of the Palace of the Kings of Aragon. It is set in two buildings of great historical and architectural interest for the city.
The museum has up to eight permanent exhibition rooms as well as three temporary exhibitions in three rooms of the Palace of the Kings of Aragon. Visiting the Museum of Huesca is a must, both for the value of its interior and the buildings themselves.
6. Miguel Servet Park
Miguel Servet Park is the lung of Huesca, and was built on the former gardens of the Lastanosa House, an important figure of Huesca’s nobility. Located in the heart of the city, it’s the best place to take a break and admire the natural surroundings.
There are different commemorative and artistic monuments for the most important historical figures and events of Huesca and Aragon. It also has around 112 species of trees and shrubs.
What to see around the city of Huesca, Spain
1. Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park
This is one of the most impressive natural spaces to see in Huesca Spain. Located in the Sobrarbe region, the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park is the second oldest national park in Spain and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. It is an obligatory stop on your trip and we recommend taking as much time as possible to explore its trails and landscapes at your leisure.
In the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park you will find mountains that stand out, such as Monte Perdido, the third highest peak in the Pyrenees. There are also valleys, such as the Pineta valley, crossed by the Cinca river and guarded by imposing canyons, such as Añisclo. During autumn, the trees take on ochre, red and orange tones, creating an incredible natural spectacle that is well worth seeing in Huesca.
2. Kingdom of Los Mallos
This is an area dominated by large masses stone in the form of vertical walls, over 300 metres tall. This area has an important geological and scenic wealth and a large number of birds of prey fly over these rock formations.
This area is popular for the number of activities, from descending the Gállego river canyon, climbing in Riglos and watching cranes in the reservoir of La Sotonera. The Loarre Castle is in this area, as well as the churches and museums of Ayerbe, Murillo de Gállego and Agüero, and the hermitage of the Virgen de la Peña in Aniés, among others.
3. Loarre Castle
Loarre Castle is one of the must-see castles in Huesca Spain. Built in the 11th century, this castle was a royal palace and monastery, and its structure is striking at first sight. Its imposing wall stands out, as well as the eleven towers that welcome visitors.
This castle was founded by the monarch Sancho III el Mayor and is a true jewel of civil and military architecture of the period. It has also been used as a film set on several occasions, and you can see it in Ridley Scott’s ‘Kingdom of Heaven’.
If you want to know how to organize your trip you may be interested in our post: How to create a travel itinerary.
4. Montearagón Castle
Montearagón Castle dates back to the 11th century and was of great power and importance throughout the Middle and Modern Ages. It is without a doubt one of the must-see places in the outskirts of the city, both for its historical relevance and its impressive structure. It has a hexagonal and irregular walled perimeter, as well as an church that forms part of the wall.
Huesca travel map
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The most beautiful villages to see in the province of Huesca, Spain
1. Aínsa, one of the must-see villages in Huesca Spain
This is probably one of the most beautiful villages in Huesca, and even in Spain. Aínsa welcomes you with its small medieval arch that will take you back to that time. Built in Romanesque and Romantic style, this village is full of charm that invites you to stroll leisurely through its cobbled streets.
2. Torla
The small town of Torla is another of the essential stops to make in Huesca. Here you can enjoy a small medieval village full of stone houses and the symbolic church-tower of San Miguel, which is well worth a visit. It is also the ideal place to try some of the local recipes and enjoy the gastronomy of Huesca to the fullest.
3. Benasque
It is located 140 kilometres from the city of Huesca, in the heart of the Pyrenees. Benasque is another place to spend the day during your trip. Stroll through its medieval cobbled streets lined with shops and restaurants where you can try great Aragonese cuisine.
What to see in Huesca in two days?
If you have two days in Huesca you will be able to discover the most interesting corners of the city and explore the surrounding natural area. Here is a two-day itinerary around the city.
Day 1:
- Huesca Cathedral
- Pedro el Viejo Monastery
- Plaza López Allué
- Huesca Museum
- Miguel Servet Park
- Montearagón Castle
Day 2:
- Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park
- Kingdom of Los Mallos
What to see in Huesca in three days?
On the third day of your trip you can visit some of the most beautiful villages in the province and admire the undeniable charm of Huesca. We recommend:
- Aínsa
- Torla
- Benasque
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Huesca Spain
You can get to the city of Huesca by train, bus or car, as there are frequent buses and trains. Zaragoza airport is only 80 km away from Huesca, so it is another option to access the city.
You can get around the city on foot, as the main monuments are close together. For longer distances you can use the city buses.
The typical food of Huesca is based above all on traditional recipes with local products such as meat or vegetables like borage, cardoon or asparagus. Some of the most typical recipes of the area are the Espárragos Montañeses, the Empanada Goguera, the Boliches de Embún, a legume typical of the area, the Longaniza de Graus, or the Recao de Binéfar.
To try all the typical recipes of the city, here is a list of some of the best restaurants in Huesca.
– El Origen
– El Juli tapas bar
– La Goyosa
– Taberna de Lillas Pastia
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