Villages of Sobrarbe

Nature and culture come together in Aínsa-Sobrarbe

A medieval city not to be missed in the Sobrarbe, you can stroll without limits through the charming alleys of Aínsa-Sobrarbe, classified among the "Most Beautiful Villages in Spain". Visit absolutely its church Santa Maria which overlooks the Plaza Mayor (opposite) and the whole village with its superb 12th century square bell tower. This superb Romanesque building was completed with a triangular cloister in the 14th century. Only 6km south of the village, do not miss the Lake Mediano and its turquoise waters, ideal for a canoe trip.

Events in Ainsa-Sobrarbe :

• Castillo de Ainsa International Music Festival in July
• La Morisma, reconstitution of the victory over the Saracens in the 8th century, every two years

Bielsa, at the crossroads of all your desires

During your holidays in the Sobrarbe region, you will necessarily pass through Bielsa, only 12km from France thanks to the cross-border tunnel of the same name. This pretty historic village is the ideal place to regain your strength and discover Aragonese culture between two days of cross-country skiing, hiking or mountain biking. Admire its superb Renaissance-style town hall, rebuilt in the 1940s after the bombings of the Civil War. Discover the village's moving history in the Bielsa Museum, between civil war, tradition and tourism. Many sporting and cultural activities are easily accessible from Bielsa: the Pineta valley (Ordesa National Park), the medieval city of Aínsa in the south, the Gistaín valley and the Posets Maladeta Natural Park in the east, the ancient mines of Parzán and the Barrosa cirque in the north. If you visit the village under the snow in February, don't miss the Bielsa carnival, declared of national tourist interest. During 4 days of celebration, you meet trangas (half men, half animals with goat horns), madamas, and other onsos trainers, a change of scenery and celebration guaranteed!

Boltaña, a living museum

From Aínsa-Sobrarbe, you only have 7km to go to the village of Boltaña, the ideal place for an excursion to discover the Aragonese heritage in the Broto Valley. Visit its remarkable city centre with its renowned architecture. Relax on the terrace in the central square of Boltaña. You will not be able to miss the collegiate church of San Pedro, a superb 12th century Romanesque building renovated in the 16th century. On the hill overlooking the village, approach the ruined 8th century castle, easily accessible by foot from the historic centre. Boltaña is twinned with Saint-Lary-Soulan.

See the Aragonese Pyrenees from Abizanda

On the edge of the El Grado dam lake, the small village of Abizanda, with 150 inhabitants, proudly dominates the sobrarbaise valley at an altitude of 600m. Climb up its hill and admire up close the 30m high tower that is the pride of the village with its 11th century Lombard architecture. You enjoy a wonderful view on the Pyrenean peaks. The tower is adjacent to an old 17th century abbey. Discover inside the museum of popular beliefs and religiosity in the central Pyrenees, which traces nearly 3000 years of history in a rich ethnographic space.