Page 184 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Northern Spain

182  NOR THERN SP AIN REGION B Y REGION

The imposing fortress of the Castillo de Loarre, closely moulded around the contours of the rocky hillside
7 Agüero walls lies a complex founded and San Pedro, to whom the
in the 11th century on the site local churches are dedicated.
Huesca. Road Map C5. * 170.
n San Jaime 1; 974 38 04 89. _ San of a Roman castle. It was later The Gállego is one of the
Roque (15–19 Aug). ∑ aytoaguero.es remodelled under Sancho I most spectacular of the fast­
(Sancho Ramírez) of Aragón, flowing Pyrenean rivers, and
The picturesque setting of this who established a religious Sallent de Gállego is a centre
attractive village, clustered community here, placing the for whitewater rafting, kayak ing,
against a dramatic crag of complex under the rule of rock climbing, fishing and other
eroded stone, amply rewards a the Order of Augustine. adventure sports. The beautiful
brief detour from the Huesca– Within the castle walls is a Panticosa gorge is home to
Pamplona road. Rising above Romanesque church containing the ski resorts of Formigal
the village is the Iglesia de the remains of St Demetrius. and Panticosa.
Santiago, whose construction
began c.1200. The capitals of 9 Biescas and
the columns in this aisled 0 Broto
building are carved with fan­ Valle de Tena Huesca. Road Map D5. * 550. @
tastical beasts, as well as scenes Huesca. Road Map D5. * 1,700. from Sabiñánigo or Aínsa. n Avenida
from the life of Jesus and Mary. n Plaza del Ayuntamiento; 974 48 Ordesa 1; 974 48 64 13. 8 _ San
The most beautiful carvings are 52 22. _ Fiesta Popular (13 Jun), San Blas (3 Mar), La Vírgen del Rosario
on the portal, depicting scenes Roque (14 Aug), Fiesta de la Virgen (7 Oct). ∑ vallebroto.com
of the Epiphany and Salome (18 Aug). ∑ valledetena.com
dancing. They appear to be Situated in the Ordesa valley,
made by the Master of San The picturesque Valle de Tena Broto is a good base for excur­
Juan de la Peña (see p181). is ideal for walkers and hikers; sions to the western side of the
several well­marked trails lead Parque Nacional de Ordesa y
from here to the surrounding Monte Perdido (see pp186–7).
8 Castillo de Loarre peaks, some of which are over
3,000 m (9,842 ft) above sea
Huesca. Road Map C5. n 974 34 21 level. The places most often
61. Open Nov–Feb: 11am–5:30pm
Tue–Sun; Mar–Oct: 10am–7pm daily visited include the Casita de
(until 8pm mid­Jun–mid­Sep). las Brujas (Witches’ Hut), the
Closed 1 Jan, 25 Dec. & 7 8 - Ermita de Santa Elena, and
∑ castillodeloarre.es the Parque de Arratiecho.
Near the entrance to the
The ramparts of this sturdy valley – famous for traditional
fortress rise majestically above cheese­making techniques
the road approaching from and regional delicacies, such
Ayerbe. On a clear day, the as breadcrumbs with grapes –
hilltop setting is stupendous, is the small town of Biescas,
with views of the surrounding which spans the Gállego river.
orchards and reservoirs of the The river divides the town into A roe deer rests in a village
Ebro plain. Inside the curtain its two districts of El Salvador near Broto
For hotels and restaurants see p207 and pp222–3

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