Discover Aragon: Architecture, the Pyrenees and Routes

Aragon offers a wide range of reasons to visit: UNESCO-listed architecture, historic sites, Pyrenean landscapes and routes through nature and cultural heritage. When looking for a hotel for your trip, you can first decide whether cultural sites, outdoor activities or routes will shape your stay. The examples below show how varied these priorities can be.

Architectural history across several eras

The UNESCO World Heritage Site “Mudéjar Architecture of Aragon” comprises ten religious and secular monuments in the provinces of Teruel and Zaragoza. Another architectural landmark is the Palacio de la Aljafería in Zaragoza: this Islamic fortified palace dates from the 11th century, and parts of its fortifications have been preserved. Its rooms are arranged around an open-air courtyard. This lets visitors consider not only the period but also the palace’s layout.

In Teruel, the tower, roof structure and crossing tower of the Catedral de Santa María de Mediavilla are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the Monasterio de San Juan de la Peña, two buildings from different periods stand side by side: the Romanesque Monasterio Viejo from the 10th century and the Baroque Monasterio Nuevo from the 17th century. Fuendetodos, in turn, is the birthplace of Francisco de Goya (1746–1828), adding a specific connection to art history alongside the architectural history.

Canfranc also brings together architectural and transport history. On 6 March 2002, the Government of Aragon designated the international railway station as a Site of Cultural Interest in the Monument category. It was part of a cross-border railway project intended to connect Spain and France through the Somport Tunnel. This should be distinguished from the 25-kilometre historic railway line from Canfranc to Jaca: it runs over the Cenarbe or San Juan viaduct, through 21 tunnels and across nine metal sections.

The Pyrenees and their landscapes

The Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido encompasses four main valleys: Añisclo, Escueta, Ordesa and Escuaín. Paths, signposts and viewpoints have been set up in the park to help visitors experience the landscape. As the park administration may adjust this infrastructure, it is advisable to check the park’s information before visiting.

The ski areas also differ in their stated size. Astún-Candanchú is listed as having more than 100 kilometres of skiable pistes. Formigal-Panticosa extends across six valleys in the Pyrenean surroundings of the Tena Valley and has 180 kilometres of skiable pistes. Piste figures may change; if winter sports are central to your itinerary, take this into account when planning.

The grounds of the Monasterio de Piedra offer a historical perspective. After the discovery of the Iris Grotto in 1860, they were opened to the public. In 1940, the garden of the Monasterio de Piedra was designated a National Scenic Park of special scenic value.

Paths and routes through Aragon

The Senderos Turísticos de Aragón comprise more than 3,000 kilometres of routes through nature, culture and cultural heritage. The total length of such a route network may change as routes are added or modified. Aragón Slow Driving offers a different approach: it comprises 16 unique routes spread across the entire region of Aragon; its route catalogue may also be revised. This places an extensive network of trails alongside a dedicated route-driving offer as two distinct ways to plan a trip.

A video guide service in French, English and sign language is available to help visitors find their way around Canfranc. The languages offered may change. If you would like to use this service, factor its current availability into your plans.

Wine and choosing where to stay

Wine is also part of the region’s identity: Aragon has six wines with a protected designation of origin, namely Somontano, Calatayud, Cariñena, Campo de Borja, Aylés and Cava. Cava is regulated at supra-regional level. Designations may be updated by the relevant authorities.

Decide which places you intend to visit and search for a hotel based on your itinerary. If you are combining several themes, compare the locations and plan your stops to suit your choices.

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