Would you like to discover the natural gateway to the Ordesa Valley? Then the municipality of Torla, or Torla-Ordesa as it is known nowadays, will be the ideal destination in which to spend a few days in a setting where nature takes centre stage, and its traditional and typically Pyrenean personality, the perfect setting to begin your rural tourism experience.
Torla is located at an altitude of over 1,000 metres above sea level, next to the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park and in the Bujaruelo Valley, with the ever-present view of the Mondarruego Massif.
Do you know where the name Torla comes from? The origin of this name refers to the word tower in Spanish, torre, and the fact is that in the past there was a defence tower against the French, as it is located right on the border with France. Today, where the tower once stood, on a rocky height that is now crossed by a tunnel, is the church, which is one of the undisputed emblems of Torla's heritage.
This municipality in the province of Huesca, in the Sobrarbe region, offers many natural places to lose yourself in and explore thanks to the different hiking routes, perfectly signposted and of varying difficulty, which will help you to have one of the most active family days out that you can remember.
Moreover, if you visit this place, you will be able to enjoy the glacial valley of the Ara river, a spectacular environment in which we highlight the mountains with an altitude of more than 2,000 metres.
But it's not all about discovering green landscapes, as the town centre is also full of culture. Its houses, with their classic chimneys known as "espanta brujas" (witch-scarer), stone façades and slate roofs are a constant feature of the Pyrenean architecture.
One of the emblems of its religious architecture is the church of El Salvador, which now houses the Ethnological Museum where you can learn a little more about the customs of Torla. It is said to have served as a castle and an abbey-house.
In the heart of Torla you can enjoy its beautiful Plaza Mayor, which dates back to the 13th century, and from the same period are the different mansions that are scattered along the typical cobbled streets, on which the ancient coats of arms of the Infanzones can be seen.
The municipality, having become a tourist destination par excellence in the province of Huesca, has all kinds of services and establishments so that you can take home a souvenir of your visit to Torla.
To end your visit at the gateway to the Ordesa Valley, you should also know a little more about its folklore. A peculiar essence that has been perfectly preserved over the years and which is still visible today in festivals such as the one held every 12th of October in honour of the local virgin of Virgen del Pilar.
During this celebration you will witness one of its traditional dances: the Palotiau, which represents the struggle for dominion over the pastures in ancient times. The Repatán is another fun event to attend, with a very original dance. Will you dare to dance it?
