Jaca

Most vivacious town in the Pyrenees hosts an important heritage, in which the Romanesque cathedral outstands. It was one of the first Romanesque cathedrals built in the Iberian Peninsula, at the end of 11^th century. It was born linked to the new Kingdom of Aragón and Santiago’s Road, becoming a reference temple for both. Its influence can be spotted in the Trinity crimson reproduced in the main portico, or the famous Jaca ‘ribbon-like sculpture’. An extraordinary Diocesan Museum exhibits one of the best medieval painting collection in the world.

Jaca’s old town offers many other interesting buildings, like the fortress ‘Ciudadela’, whose origins date back to 16th century and where Military Miniatures Museum is hosted. The Renaissance City Hall and churches as ‘Santiago’, ‘Carmen’ and ‘El Salvador’ and ‘San Ginés’, holding Lady Sancha’s sarcophagus, a real jewel in Romanesque sculpture.

It may be winter or summer, spring or fall, Jaca is a town full of life, with streets providing shops in a row, pubs and restaurants. This is due, mostly, to nearby ski resorts like Astún and Candanchú, in addition to an exceptional natural environment and the rich monumental heritage.

Jaca is a town where celebrations are held on the streets, particularly First Friday in May festivity and the Pyrenees Folklore Festival, both having being declared of Touristic National Interest.

All needed information for undertaking a journey along the Aragonese stage of Santiago’s Road is on www.caminodesantiagoporaragon.com.

Best paramount all over Jaca is from ‘Rapitán’ fortress, melt with the landscape. And from ‘Peña Oroel’ balcony, which can be reached by car, you will enjoy wonderful views above the whole Aragón river valley.

Aerial photo: Luis Alcaraz