About the region of Huesca
The history of Huesca begins with the Iberian people known as the Bolksan. By that time, a local currency had already been procured, with a horseman holding a spear on one side, and a bearded man on the other. Some examples of these relics have survived and are preserved.
The mountain of Monte Perdido, in the southern part of the Pyrenees and it's 3,355 metres summit, make it the highest calcareous mountain range in Europe.
Where to sleep in Huesca
One of the oldest parts of the city of Huesca is the in the very center of it, a part which has grown as t grew its population. The quarter of San Lorenzo is one of the main attractive areas, surrounded by the old city's walls. Nowadays, this is one of Huesca's busiest parts, with plenty of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy of the city both during the day, and at night.
Amongst the towns and villages spread over the rest of the province, are the charming small town of Aínsa, considered a Historical-Artistic grouping, the town of Alquézar at the very heart of the mountains of Cañones de Guara, Montañana, a medieval town where you will find a bridge that is more than 1,000 years old, or Torla, in the valley of Ordesa.
What to do in Huesca
Even though it was the Iberian people who settled first here, Huesca has been inhabited by Romans, visigoth, and Arab communities, resulting in an extraordinary mix of cultures which have left their legacy to us in the form of some of the most relevant monuments and buildings.
Amongst the historical heritage that can be found in the capital is the cathedral of Santa María, one of Huesca's most representative monuments, but you will also find here many churches built in the baroque style, and even modernist buildings such as the Teatro Olimpia and the Palacio de Congresos. Going deeper into the inland of the province, be ready to be surprised by the Ciudadela de Jaca, an Italian-style fortress requested by the Felipe II, and the monastery of San Juan de la Peña, which was a one of the most important ones in Spain during thr Midde-Ages.
The natural landscape here is lead by the Parque nacional de Ordesa y Monteperdido, one of the highests spots of the region which is up to 700 m above sea level, by the riverside of the Bellós, and the other is the mountain of Monte Perdido, with more than 3,300m of height. You will also find in the town of Riglos, a very important rock formation known as the Mallos de Riglos, considered a monument of high natural importance. Another activity we recommend to nature-lovers is walking the gorge path of Montfalcó.
What to eat
One of the musts of the local gastronomy of Huesca is meat, usually chicken or lamb. Nevertheless, you won't be lacking fish either on Huesca's menu, which includes dishes such as the 'abadejo ajorriero' or 'buñuelos de bacalao', a very popular way of elaborating cod. Amongst the local vegetables we can find asparagus and escarole and, for dessert, we recommend you try delicious sweet treats such as 'leche frita' (fried, flour-thickened milk with egg) and 'castañas de mazapán' (chocolate and caramel coated chestnuts). As for drinks, the Sotomano wine is one of the most popular ones from this region, elaborated in the town of Barbastro.
Our festivities
There are two relevant dates you should write down which are very important events in the province of Huesca: the festivities honouring the patron saint of the city, San Lorenzo, celebrated between the 9th and the 15th of August, together with the minor local celebrations that take place in the 22nd of January. Amongst the activities organized for this occasion you will find bonfire feasts, with roast potatoes and long pork sausage on the menu .
As for the religious celebrations of Huesca, we suggest taking part in the celebrations takiing place during Easter, consdired of National Tourist Interest.
The 23rd of April, San Jorge, is a very special occasion in the whole of Aragon. During the day, lots of cultural, creative and recreational activities are organized for all ages, but also activities such as 'romerías' for the more religious ones.
