Valle del Aragón

Valle del Aragón extends from the French border at Somport Pass down to the southern plains, following the path of the Aragon River through the Pyrenees. The valley is carved by steep cliffs and narrow gorges, creating a natural corridor with villages and historical sites scattered along the river course.

The valley became strategically important in the 16th century with the Ciudadela fortress and features the medieval Cathedral of Jaca as a major religious and defensive center. These structures emerged during a period when the region played a key role in controlling mountain crossings and protecting frontier settlements.

The Way of Saint James runs through the valley, connecting multiple Romanesque churches such as Santa María de Iguácel and San Adrián de Sasabe. These churches shape the landscape and reflect the area's role as a spiritual passage through the mountains.

The valley has three border crossings to France: the Somport Pass at 1,640 meters (5,380 feet), the Somport tunnel, and the former railway crossing at Canfranc Station. Visitors can travel along well-maintained roads following the river, with hiking trails and easy access to main attractions throughout the valley.

The so-called Witches Caves in Villanúa held early inhabitants who left traces of their presence inside the rock chambers. Combined with prehistoric megalithic dolmens scattered across the region, these sites reveal how long humans have lived in this valley.

Location: Jacetania

GPS coordinates: 42.63300,-0.55000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:02