Aragon Tourist Guide 2016

WESTERN VALLEYS NATURE PARK 

The park spans the headwaters of the Veral , Aragón Sub- ordán , Osia , Estarrún and Lubierre rivers . Its relief was shaped by glacial action, carving slender peaks and ex- cavating cirques, U-shaped valleys and basins that would create the tarns (ibones) which you can see today. There are small plains where the water zigzags, creating mean- ders such as those found in the stunning scenery of Aguas Tuertas in the Forest of Oza , 15 km north of Hecho . Here, you can also find an awe-inspiring 5,000-year-old mega- lithic dolmen. This place abounds with beech and other deciduous trees that blend harmoniously with forests of tall fir and black mountain pine. Also, about 12 km north of Ansó , you can find the beautiful Forest of Zuriza , bordering northwest France and Nav- arre, which is the best example of Atlantic forest in Aragon. Don’t miss the villages that gave their names to the Ansó and Hecho valleys, beautifully conserved examples of typical Pyrenean architecture. And just a few miles from Hecho is the imposing 9th-century Romanesque monas- tery of San Pedro de Siresa . ARAGON VALLEY This is one of the most developed corridors of the Aragon- ese Pyrenees, with ample services Jaca , which was the first capital of the Kingdom of Aragon, is now the regional capital and a thriving centre for commerce and tourism. Access to the valley from the north is by the Somport pass, the Roman ‘Portus Summus’, entry point of the Way of St James into Aragón. The Pilgrim’s Way runs along almost the entire valley, parallel to the course of the river Aragon, the backbone of the valley to which it gives its name. Only Aísa and Borau , where you can admire the Roman- esque treasure of the Monastery of San Adrián de Sasabe , fall outside the influence of this river, as they form the link between the Aragon Valley and the Western Valleys. But the most emblematic monuments of the area are the Romanesque cathedral in Jaca , with its Diocesan Muse- um (a global point of reference for medieval painting), and the Monastery complex of San Juan de la Peña , which includes the two churches of Santa Cruz de la Serós. This monastery complex is located within the Protected Area of San Juan de la Peña and Monte Oroel , which is noted for its stands of pine, oak and beech, sheltering griffon vultures, lammergeiers and Egyptian vultures and forest-dwelling mammals such as wild boar, fox, beech marten and roe deer. It is a prime site for bird-watchers.

Ansó Valley traditional costume.

Pineta Valley.

San Juan de la Peña Monastery.

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