The province of Huesca is located to the north of the Aragonian Community, between the provinces of Navarra and Gerona. It is 15,700 km2 in size, and its capital, Huesca, has a population of 46,000. Visiting Huesca gives you a feeling that are travelling back in time with its ancient buildings that used to form the heart of the old Aragon Kingdom.

A stroll through the city of Huesca:

Just by passing through the streets of Huesca, you can feel its history hanging heavy in the air. Iberians, Romans, Arabs, Christians, all of these people of past ages have walked through these very streets, leaving their legacy engraved in the city, and their past presence can still be felt here today.

If you are a history lover or simply curious, you will enjoy visiting the Plaza del Seminario where the Museo Provincial (Provincial Museum) is located, or perhaps the Casa Consistorial, where you can learn a little bit about the Kings of Aragon and Catalunya's union with Spain.

Some other sites of interest are the Ayuntamiento de Huesca (Town Hall), The Gothic Cathedral and its Gothic and Renaissance exterior, and if you're near the cathedral, you could pay a visit to the Diocesan Museum and the Vestry. In Huesca you can also visit the Plaza del Mercado, the 12th century Monasterio de San Pedro El Viejo (Monastery of old Saint Peter), and the Basílica de San Lorenzo (Basilica of Saint Laurence).

The 6th century Ermita de Salas monument is certainly worth seeing, as it represents the Romance period of the city's history, and also the 7th century Iglesia de las Miguelas that is still in use today.

A tour through the northern part of the Province of Huesca, Old Aragon.

In the north of the province, which is also north of the Community of Aragon, you will encounter the Pyrenees and a stunning cluster of mountains and valleys. This part of the country is a truly magical setting, and many say it even has its own distinct colour, which is a delight for nature lovers and gives the rest of us hope that, in this day and age of expansive urbanization, there are still parts of the world that are perfectly preserved and unspolit by man.

This area consists of the Anso Valley, where the last of the Pyrenees bears reside; the Hecho Valley with its fir trees and beechwoods; the Glacial Tenal Valley, surrounded by summits that measure more than 3,000 metres in height, and in whose domain resides the Biosphere Reserve declared by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

On the other side, you can also find Ordesa National Park and Monte Perdido (Lost Mountain), one of nature's most precious offerings; the Caza de Posets National Reserve, and the Aneto Peak which measures 3,404 metres (The highest peak in mainland Spain).

But if we must choose a place to highlight, it would be Jaca, which is the jewel in the crown of Aragon, the doorway to the Pyrenees, and a marker on the trail of the Camino de Santiago.

In its domain are three important monuments to mention that you mustn't miss! The first is the 10th century Monasterio Femenino de Santa Cruz de la Serós; the Monasterio de San Pedro de Sirena from the Carolingian Age; and that of San Juan de la Peña, the burial place of the Royal family.

In recent years Jaca has become a very popular destination for ski and winter sport lovers. For some, skiing and winter sport is a way of life, and for others, a very profitable business. The most prominent ski resorts in the area are Candanchu, the oldest of the Aragonean Pyrenees; Astun; Formigal, which has a large variety of accomodations and lodgings, and is the headquarters of international ski competitions; Panticosa, for families; and Cerler, that has the wildest slopes of them all.

This privileged natural environment makes Huesca a preferred tourist destination which brings together nature lovers, ski lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Hiking is also an important sport in this region. GR-1 has one of the longest routes, going from the edge of the Mediterranean all the way to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It passes through the Parque de la Sierra, and through the Guara Canyons. There is also the GR-11, that passes through the entire Pyrenees Mountains.

Also celebrated in Jaca, are artistic ice figure skating competitions.

Gastronomy

Aragonean cuisine is traditional in nature, and fairly unfussy. It is simple and if we have to define it, we would call it austere. Meat and sausage dominate in this cuisine. Cod accompanied by oil, garlic, and peppers is also a common dish here in Jaca, as well as vegetables, lamb, cheeses, and above all, excellent wine. To eat in Jaca can be a unique experience and a good source of energy for your skiing and hiking adventures!