Cities and villages

Beautiful villagesAlquezar

Alquézar

In this picturesque village, cars are not permitted. It stands on a rocky hill where the rivers Vero and others cut through the sierra de Guara, giving it dramatic canyons. It is Europe's prime location for canyoning. Alquézar is a recently restored village. Lying on top the hill is the castle-monastery Colegiata de Santa Maria of which some parts are from the 11th century. It is well worth a visit. Approximately 45 minutes drive from La Puebla de Castro.

Ainsa

Aínsa

The ancient Mediaeval town of Aínsa, which was still virtually intact from the 11th to 18th century was declared a national historic and artistic monument in the 60's. The main square, surrounded by arches dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Fortified houses from the 16th to 17th centuries can be seen in the streets of the old centre. The town wall still has three of its four original gates, even though it has not remained standing in its entirety. In the castle, the tower known as the Homage or Lieutenant's Tower is the oldest part, since it was erected in the 11th century. Approximately 45 minutes drive from La Puebla de Castro.

Roda de IsábenaRoda de Isabena

The town of Roda de Isábena is articulated principally around the square located at the foot of the cathedral, which dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries, with its portico doorway and Baroque belfry, although the bishop's seat goes back to 956. Behind the cathedral are the foundations of the castle of Roda or "Torre gorda" (big tower, 11th century) and the Prior palace (16th century). The cathedral of San Vincente de Roda de Isábena is located in the centre of the town. This huge building has two very different areas: the church and the cloister. The cloister displays a large number of obituary engravings, some of the sculpted capitals are really extraordinary. The portico in the chapter house is of great beauty and contains some outstanding Romanesque wall paintings. Approximately 1 hour drive from La Puebla de Castro.

Cities

Zaragoza and Barcelona are respectively a 2 and 3 hour drive away from La Puebla de Castro. Barcelona of course is well known, but what many of you may not know is that Zaragoza also has a lot to offer: a visit to the cathedral and truly magnificent basilica, palace of AljaferĂ­a, various museums and a lot of other possibilities. Lerida (Lleida) is closer to La Puebla de Castro (approximately 1 hour driving) and has a nice shopping area and every Sunday there is a jumble market.



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