Jaca – Citadel, Way of Saint James and Cathedral
Jaca's citadel is the only fully preserved fortress of this type developed in the 16th century anywhere in the world. Jaca is also the most important city on this section of the French Way of Saint James.
Culture
The Citadel of Jaca, also known as Castillo de San Pedro, has a pentagonal ground plan with arrow-shaped bastions at each corner, connected by a covered way. On 28 June 1951, it was declared a historic-artistic monument; this protection status is now known as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC).
The Military Miniatures Museum is located in Castillo de San Pedro. It displays more than 32,000 lead figures in 23 themed scenarios. The Military Miniatures Museum has a room for educational activities, where miniature workshops, lectures, film screenings, historical reenactment games and model-making competitions are held.
The Cathedral of San Pedro in Jaca is considered one of the most important Romanesque buildings on the Iberian Peninsula. On 3 June 1931, it was declared a National Monument; since 1985, it has been protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC).
Its first construction phase began in 1077 after the town charter granted by King Sancho Ramírez, which made Jaca the capital of the Kingdom of Aragón, and ended in 1139 under the rule of Alfonso I.
The Diocesan Museum of Jaca is wheelchair accessible and has adapted toilets, adapted counters or storage areas, as well as wheelchairs available.
Trails
In the municipality of Jaca, there are several paths and routes through villages and landscapes, designed for different types of walkers and each lasting no more than two hours.
The route from Jaca to Fuerte de Rapitán follows a paved road that climbs in hairpin bends; from there, it offers a wide panoramic view of Jaca and the entire Valle del Aragón. Built in the 19th century, Fuerte de Rapitán stands on the hill of the same name north of Jaca at an altitude of 1,142 metres, is partially sunk into the mountain and belongs to the type of armed rifle fort.
In the Valle de la Garcipollera, there is an accessible 4.8-kilometre route with four accessible information points for tourism.
The figures of no more than two hours and 4.8 kilometres provide different reference points for personal trail planning.
Food and drink
Jaca's artisanal baking tradition includes Jaqueses, Condes, Lazos, Corazones, Patatas de Jaca and Coronitas de Santa Orosia; these specialities are available in the city's pastry shops.
Every October, Jaca hosts a tapas and cazuelitas competition, in which more than 40 bars and restaurants offer specialities prepared especially for the event.
Other places
Also discover Badaguás, Navasa and Araguás Del Solano.
Traditions
The festival held on the first Friday in May commemorates a medieval battle; the programme includes tournaments, lance games, flag waving and traditional Aragonese sports.
On 25 June, Jaca celebrates the main day of the patron saint's festival in honour of Santa Orosia with a procession. During it, dancers perform traditional castanet dances and are accompanied by the instruments chiflo and salterío.
To the overview of the wider destination: Huesca.
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