Discover Biniés: Castle, Hermitage and Landscape

Biniés brings together historic buildings, hilly terrain and a revived pilgrimage. The places described lie in different directions: Castillo de Biniés stands north of the settlement on the edge of the gorge through which the Veral flows; Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Pueyo is about one kilometre south, on a hill.

Buildings and history

The rectangular Castillo de Biniés has an uncovered courtyard around which the rooms are arranged. Such a courtyard is rare in Alto Aragón. The streetscape also offers specific architectural details: doors, door surrounds, chimneys and roof eaves contribute to its varied appearance.

Castillo de los Urriés in Biniés is a rectangular building with a footprint measuring 22 by 17 metres and three or four storeys. Four towers stand at the corners, along with an armoured courtyard. Under the second additional provision of Law 3/1999 of 10 March on Aragonese Cultural Heritage, the castle is one of those classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest). Its listing was published on 22 May 2006.

The parish church of San Salvador was formerly called San Sebastián and was enlarged in 1755 by master builder José Bueno. Its former name and the year of its enlargement provide two specific historical points of reference for the church.

Hermitage and pilgrimage

Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Pueyo lies about one kilometre south of Biniés, on a hill. From Biniés, it can be reached by vehicle via a track. Its tall, single-nave structure has particularly substantial buttresses, with chapels between them. Both the hilltop location and the distinctive articulation of the nave are central features of this building.

Residents rebuilt the hermitage starting in 1990 and revived the pilgrimages. The revived pilgrimage currently takes place on the first Sunday in August. If this date matters for your plans, check locally before travelling.

Landscape around Biniés

Foz de Biniés is in the vicinity of the village, outside Biniés in the municipality of Ansó. It is a geological site of interest in Aragon and part of the protected landscape of Fozes de Fago y Biniés. This natural area near Biniés thus complements the village’s architectural history with its own geological and landscape significance.

Biniés lies in hilly terrain with remnants of holm oak forest. Towards Canal de Berdún, extensive cereal fields, almond trees and fruit trees stretch out. The landscape descriptions thus encompass both wooded remnants in the hills and agricultural areas towards Canal de Berdún.

Plan your journey

For your journey, distinguish between access to the village and the drive to the hermitage: reach Biniés from the N-240 via the HU-202. A track leads from Biniés to the hermitage and is accessible by vehicle. Check road conditions before setting out, particularly if you plan to visit the hermitage.

Discover more destinations: San Juan De Plan, Barbastro, Parzán, Sin, La Puebla De Castro, Santoréns, Charo, Salillas.

Return to the regional travel overview: Huesca.