Discover Huesca: Cathedral, Parks and Festivals

Culture

The Catedral-Museo Diocesano in Huesca is a Gothic building dating from the 13th to the 16th century. Its high altar, created by Damián Forment between 1520 and 1533 from alabaster, is an example of Spanish Renaissance sculpture and depicts the Passion of Christ.

The church and cloister of San Pedro el Viejo were built in the 12th century and form one of the most important ensembles of Aragonese Romanesque architecture. The Romanesque cloister houses the pantheon of Kings Alfonso I “el Batallador” and Ramiro II “el Monje”.

The Museo de Huesca is located in the former Universidad Sertoriana, which Pedro IV founded in 1354 and which served as a residence for the kings of Aragon. The museum displays valuable remains of the cultures that inhabited the province, as well as an interesting selection of Aragonese art, with particular mention of Goya.

Contemporary culture also has a firm place here: the building of the Centro de Arte y Naturaleza (CDAN) was designed by Rafael Moneo. The CDAN offers a regular programme of activities focused on nature, public space, artistic creation and contemporary culture.

Nature

Parque Miguel Servet is a natural area in the centre of the capital, with diverse flora and fauna as well as numerous sculptures along its various paths. The park’s landscaping flourished in the 1920s; more than 80 different tree species grow there, along with shrubs and aquatic plants that coexist in the ponds.

Cerro de San Jorge offers extensive panoramic views over Huesca from one of the municipality’s highest natural points. The present-day building on the hill dates from the 16th century; its interior is divided into three parallel, vaulted naves and contains an altarpiece from the same period depicting the Battle of Alcoraz and Huesca’s patron saints, San Lorenzo and San Vicente.

Gastronomy

The Ruta Dulce takes you through Huesca’s pastry shops and offers the chance to sample nationally recognised specialities such as Trenza de Almudévar, Glorias de Huesca, Campanas, Coca de nata, Tarta de Loreto, Pastel Ruso and Castañas de mazapán.

Events

The Festival de Cine de Huesca takes place in June and focuses on the Certamen de Cortometrajes short-film competition. In October, it is followed by the Feria Internacional de Teatro y Danza, which takes place in Huesca over one week. Also in October, the Festival Periferias presents avant-garde music, performances and visual art over a period of two weeks.

City and Getting There

Huesca’s compact urban structure and short distances make it practical to explore its streets, parks, squares and old town on foot. For your planning, you can compare the main themes of historical heritage, nature, sweet specialities and culture events held on specific dates. Huesca is connected to Madrid by high-speed train in less than two and a half hours.

El Coso marks the boundary of Huesca’s former medieval city walls.

More places for travel planning: Agüero, Laluenga, Hoz De Jaca, Estadilla, Arro, Fraga, Abiego and Secastilla.

To the higher-level travel overview: Huesca.