He Sanctuary of the Virgin of La Peña de Aniéslocated in the La Hoya RegionHuesca, is a medieval religious complex surrounded by nature and the impressive wildlife of Aragon. Located on a mountain and accessible only on footthis sanctuary offers exceptional panoramic views of the Aragonese landscape and is surrounded by birds such as the bearded vulture and the golden eagle.
With a centuries-old history, this place of worship continues to be a place of pilgrimage and devotion in Aragon.
A medieval sanctuary in Aragon embedded in the mountain
The Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Peña de Aniés is located in the municipality of La Sotonera, in the province of Huescasurrounded by the Riel and Sotón rivers.
This sanctuary, like many others in Spain, It has its origin in the discovery of a virgin in a cavewhich led to the creation of a place of worship that has endured for centuries.
Even today, it continues to be the destination of numerous pilgrimages, attracting both history and nature enthusiasts and lovers.
The place stands out not only for its spiritual value, but also for its unique location, nestled in a mountain and surrounded by imposing natural landscapes. Visitors must follow a trail that begins in the town of Aniés, a route accessible to most people, although with a final steep section that requires a little more effort.
Access and characteristics of the sanctuary of the Virgen de la Peña de Aniés
Access to this medieval sanctuary in Aragon is only on footthrough a path that offers a unique experience between mountains and forests.
The journey begins in Aniéswhere a path leads directly to the sanctuary, although in its last section the inclination is considerable.
Despite this, the effort is rewarded with spectacular views of the La Hoya region of Huesca, a landscape that seems straight out of a painting.
The sanctuary It is made up of the hermitage and the santero’s house, two constructions integrated into the rock.. The hermitage, whose origins date back to Roman times, was expanded in the 13th century, making it a fascinating example of medieval Aragonese religious architecture. Next to the hermitage are small buildings, such as a well and a staircase carved into the rock which facilitates access for visitors.
An ornithological route of great natural value in Aragon
This medieval sanctuary in Aragon is not only a point of historical interest, but also a great place for bird watching. The region is an exceptional destination for bird watching enthusiasts.
Various species, including the golden eagle, the bearded vulture, the peregrine falcon and the griffon vulturefind a perfect refuge in this corner of the Pre-Pyrenees.
An information board along the route to the sanctuary details the species that can be seen, making the trail an ideal birding route for those who love native wildlife.
Birds of prey are notably the protagonists of this landscape, with the sanctuary perched on a mountain which may well resemble an eagle’s nest due to its location and height.
History and legends of the Sanctuary of the Virgin of La Peña de Aniés
The origin of this medieval sanctuary in Aragon is shrouded in legends and historical stories dating back centuries. According to tradition, the image of the Virgin was found by a military knight from Loarre while hunting in the nearby mountains.
His falcon, pursuing a partridge, entered a cave and when it did not return, the knight sent a servant tied with a rope to retrieve the bird. Inside the cave, the servant found not only the falcon and the partridge, but also the image of the Virgin, which was later transferred to the hermitage.
The image of the Virgin found in the sanctuary is a wooden sculpture about one meter high, with the Child Jesus in the left arm and an apple in the right hand. This representation continues to be an object of venerationparticularly during the pilgrimages celebrated each year.
