With the onset of cold weather, many travelers change destinations, moving away from the coast to explore the inner charms of the peninsula. In Spain, one of the main attractions at this time of year are the picturesque landscapes medieval townswhich preserve their rich history and surprise with fascinating natural landscapes. These cities, surrounded by walls, with cobbled streets and castlesallow you to travel in time and discover the essence of the Middle Ages. In this context, National geographic has recommended several destinations in its travel section, among which Alquézar stands out, a charming town in the province of Huesca. It is located in the Sierra y Canyons de Guara Natural Park, at the foot of the Pyrenees, and is famous for its history dating back to prehistory.
In fact, the rock paintings near the town are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name Alquézar comes from the Arabic “Al-Qasr”, which means castle, in reference to the fortress built in the 9th century to protect the Vero River entrance. Over the centuries, the city has retained its medieval structurewith narrow cobbled streets, stone houses and wooden balconies. One of the main attractions of Alquézar is its castle, of Islamic origin, transformed into Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor after the Christian reconquest. On the nature side, Alquézar is the ideal destination for lovers of hiking and adventure sports.
Alquézar, the most beautiful town in Huesca
@_viajaenunminuto The municipality of #Alquezar has been declared the most beautiful tourist city in the world. It’s in Aragon and we’ll reveal all its secrets to you in a Minute. #TurismoAragon #PlanesEnAragon ♬ A second of peace – Eros Ramazzotti
The name Alquézar comes from the Arabic “Al-Qasr”, which means “castle”, due to a Muslim fortification built in the 9th century. In the Middle Ages, Alquézar was an important Christian core under the reign of the Aragonese kingshighlighting its castle and the Romanesque church of Santa María la Mayor. Over the following centuries, the city continued to be important, although it suffered a slow decline due to the political tensions and wars of the time.
In the 19th century, the city went through difficult times, but in the 20th century, it began to be reborn thanks to the restoration of your heritagebecoming an important tourist destination. The castle, the collegiate church and the medieval streets of Alquézar attract thousands of visitors every year. In addition, its location in the Sierra y Canyons de Guara Natural Park makes it an excellent place to practice adventure sports, such as hiking and canyoning.
Places of interest
Alquézar is a medieval town full of history and heritage. One of its main attractions is the Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor, an 11th-century building that combines Romanesque and Gothic architecture. He Alquezar Castlealthough partially in ruins, remains a historic symbol with panoramic views of the city. The Plaza Mayor, surrounded by stone buildings, is the social heart of Alquézar, where festivities are celebrated and local cuisine can be tasted.
He Casa Fabián Ethnological Museum offers a vision of rural life in Somontano through historical objects. The Church of San Sebastian, with its Baroque architecture, is another important place of worship. The Torre Albarrana, a medieval watchtower, is a witness to the city’s defensive past, and the Town Hall, in medieval style, is an example of civil architecture.
He Queen’s Portalone of the oldest entrances to the city, and the Interpretation Center of the Walls of Alquézar, offer a deeper insight into the history and walls that protected the municipality. These monuments and cultural sites allow visitors to delve into the rich medieval history of Alquézar.
natural environment
He Guares Sierra and Canyons Natural Park It is famous for its canyons, ravines and the Vero River, which provide a spectacular landscape ideal for outdoor activities. Among the most popular options are hiking, with routes like the Pasarelas del Vero, which allows you to explore the canyon suspended above the river, and canyoning, which takes advantage of the region’s ravines to descend waterfalls and natural slides.
The wildlife is diverse, with iconic species like griffon vultures and golden eagles flying over the cliffs, while the flora includes oak and juniper forests. In addition to adventure activities, Alquézar also offers an ideal environment for mountain biking, caving and bird watching.
This natural environment is not only perfect for the more active, but also for those looking for tranquility and disconnection. Alquézar has established itself as a preferred destination for a weekend getaway.
