The province of Huesca is located to the north of the Aragonian Community, between the provinces of Navarra and Gerona. It is 15,700 kilometers squared in size, and its capital, Huesca, has a population of 46,000. Visiting Huesca gives you a feeling that you´ve travelled back in time with its ancient buildings that formed 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 same streets, leaving their essence engraved in this city, and their presence still lingers here today.

If you are a history lover or just plain 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 (City Hall), The Gothic Cathedral and its Gothic and Renaissance exterior, and if you´re near the cathedral, you might as well visit the Diocesan Museum and the Vestry.

Walking along the streets of Huesca, in addition to the before mentioned, 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).

Speaking of monuments, the 6th century Ermita de Salas is definitely worth a mention, 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 cluster of mountains and valleys. This part of the country is a truly magical place, and many say it even has its own distinct color, which is a delight for nature lovers and gives the rest of us hope that, in this day and age of construction and urbanization, there are still parts of this world that are perfect and untouched by the hand of man, and serves as a reminder that we must preserve these special places at all costs.

This area consists of the Anso Valley, where the last of the Pyrenee bears reside; the Hecho Valley with its fir trees and beachwoods; the Glacial Tenal Valley, surrounded by summits that measure more than 3,000 meters in height, and in whose domain resides the Biosphere Reservation 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 precious jewels; the Caza de Posets National Reserve, and the Aneto Peak which measures 3,404 meters (one of the highest peaks of the Pyrenees).

But if we must choose a place to highlight, it would be Jaca, which is the crowned jewel 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 today´s world, 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; Atsun; 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 most savage slopes of them all.

This priveledged natural environment makes Huesca a preferred tourist destination that 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, without a lot of fluff. It is simple and if we have to define it, we would call it austerely. Meat and sausage dominate this cuisine. Codfish accompanied by oil, garlic, and peppers is also a common dish here in Jaca, as well as vegetables, baby 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 adventure tomorrow!