Nueno: Sierra de Guara, Churches and Historical Traces

Nueno lies on the slope of a hill around which the Río Isuela flows, forming a gorge. At the same time, the village is a gateway to the Sierra de Guara. Between river landscapes, rock formations and historic buildings, this creates a varied setting for days when nature and culture are closely intertwined.

Culture and History

The Castillo de Ordás in Nueno is classified as a protected monument in the Military category and of the Castle type. The military complex dates from the 12th century; a large rubble-stone wall has been preserved. The parish church of San Martín also combines several periods: it was built in the 12th century during the Romanesque period and has a Romanesque apse structure from that century. Its chancel has been preserved, while the naves and chapels date from the 18th century. The tower displays clear Mudejar features and is considered one of the few examples of this style in northern Aragon.

The Ermita de la Virgen de Ordás was the former church of the settlement of Ordás, which was abandoned in 1523. As a Late Romanesque church, it has a large enclosed portico extending along the entire south side. Its portal features three archivolts; Maltese crosses are carved into two of the stepped jambs. The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Ordás was a former nunnery and has been documented since the 12th century. The complex contains several construction phases dating from the 12th to the 18th century. In Nueno, the festival of San Martín is celebrated on 11 November.

Spiritual Places

The Santuario de San Úrbez in Nocito, within the municipality of Nueno, is a protected religious monument. It consists of a church with an adjoining monastery. The church was originally built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style. The complex also includes a path to the Ermita de Santa María, built above the house where San Úrbez died, as well as the saint's birthplace. At the Pardina de San Úrbez stands an old, partially burned oak tree associated with numerous pilgrimages to the Ermita de San Úrbez.

Wine and Historical Traces

Sabayés has wine cellars carved into the rock. The area's temperate climate favoured the fermentation and preservation of the wine produced in Sabayés. Below Nueno, a mill remained in operation well into the 20th century. A modern building stands above older remains; there are also numerous references dating from the 15th century and earlier.

More local pages:Arascués, Questions, La Puebla de Roda, Liri, Laluenga, Roda De Isábena, Neril, Buetas

Trails and Landscape

The Gorgas de San Julián circular route – Alternative 1 leads from Nueno via the Ermita de San Julián to the Gorgas de San Julián. The marked, technically straightforward route is 4 km long, takes approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes on foot, and can also be cycled. The Gorgas de San Julián are a gorge near Nueno formed by water making its way between the cracks in imposing conglomerate walls.

Route S9 – Salto de Roldán – Peña de San Miguel is a walking route in Nueno approximately 0.6 km long and takes around 40 minutes. The ascent to the Peña de San Miguel leads over iron footholds arranged like a ladder and is not recommended for people afraid of heights. The Dolmen de Belsué lies along a path with yellow markings that crosses a holm oak grove and leads to the fields of Gargantal. The dolmen is regarded as clear evidence of Neolithic settlement in this area.

The Espacio Salto de Roldán in Sabayés, which belongs to the municipality of Nueno, is an exhibition venue with gardens and a starting point for interesting circular routes. A 9-hole golf course is located in natural surroundings at the foot of the Sierra de Gratal. In the Parque Natural de la Sierra y Cañones de Guara, there are adapted facilities from which visitors can view landscapes and rock formations and observe birds.

To the main travel overview: Huesca.