Loarre Castle: opening hours, prices and how to get there

Imposing and majestic on the heights of the province of Huesca , Loarre Castle stands as one of the best preserved castles in Spain, defying time with its unparalleled Romanesque beauty. This historic monument has not only witnessed Aragonese history and heritage, but has also been the set of medieval crusades in renowned films such as Ridley Scott’s “Kingdom of Heaven.”

Its stone walls, imposing towers and fairy-tale setting make Loarre Castle one of the must-see visits for the whole family in the province of Huesca. If you want to plan a weekend trip to Huesca to visit Loarre Castle, in this article you will find the opening hours, prices and a guide on how to get to this emblematic site.

HISTORY OF LOARRE CASTLE

Loarre Castle, built in the 11th century, is a living testimony of the medieval period in Aragon . Built by order of King Sancho III the Great of Navarre, this defensive bastion played a crucial role in the Spanish Reconquista. Its Romanesque architecture, considered one of the best preserved in Europe, reflects the mastery of the builders of the time.

Over the centuries, the castle has witnessed important historical events, from being a royal residence to becoming an Augustinian monastery. Its strategic importance and architectural beauty have made it a symbol of the region, attracting not only historians and archaeologists, but also the film industry, which has used its impressive sets for films such as “Kingdom of Heaven.”

LOARRE CASTLE OPENING HOURS

For those interested in visiting this national monument, it is important to know the opening hours and ticket prices for Loarre Castle . The castle is open to the public throughout the year, with opening hours adapted to the different seasons.

During winter hours, the castle gates are open from 11:00 to 17:30, giving visitors the opportunity to explore this magnificent monument. During the Christmas period, specifically on 24 and 31 December, the castle offers reduced opening hours, welcoming visitors from 11:00 to 14:00. The castle also closes its doors completely on 25 December and 1 January.

Opening hours from spring to autumn are from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with opening times every day of the week, while during summer hours, Loarre Castle remains open every day of the week from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

However, it is important to note that if you plan to visit at any time of the year, the castle is closed on Mondays, except on public holidays. In that case, the closing time is moved to Tuesday.

TICKET PRICES

Loarre Castle offers various rates depending on the type of visitor. General admission with free access costs 6 euros, while it is reduced to 5.50 euros for students, people with a Youth Card, large groups and pensioners. On the other hand, children from 6 to 16 years old and school groups can enjoy the visit for 4.50 euros, while children under 6 years old and people with a disability of more than 50% will have free access.

In addition, Loarre Castle offers the possibility of obtaining a ticket with a guided tour by an expert on this monument, so the general entrance costs 8 euros, which is reduced to 7 for students, people with a Youth Card, large groups and pensioners. Children from 6 to 16 years old and school groups can obtain a ticket with a guided tour for 6 euros, while for children under 6 years old and people with a disability of more than 50% it is free.

However, the price of tickets to Loarre Castle may vary depending on the season and demand , so we recommend that you check the rates on the monument’s website.

HOW TO GET HERE

Loarre Castle is accessible from several major cities in Aragon.

From Huesca

If you are leaving from Huesca , the journey is relatively short and easy. The distance is approximately 35 kilometres and the trip takes around 35 minutes. To get there, you must take the A-132 towards Ayerbe. Before reaching this town, you will find a detour towards Bolea. Follow this road and the signs that will take you directly to Loarre Castle.

From Zaragoza

From Zaragoza, the trip is a little longer but equally accessible. The total distance is about 105 kilometers and the estimated travel time is 1 hour and 15 minutes. The most direct route is to take the A-23 towards Huesca, a journey of about 70 kilometers. Once in Huesca, follow the same directions mentioned above to reach the castle.

From Teruel

For visitors starting from Teruel, the journey is considerably longer. Although there is no specific route available, an approximate distance of 300 kilometres can be estimated, with a travel time of around 3 hours and 30 minutes. The suggested route is to take the A-23 towards Zaragoza and then follow the signs from there towards Huesca and finally to Loarre Castle.

WHAT TO SEE IN LOARRE CASTLE

The visit to Loarre Castle begins at the imposing entrance of the castle , where you can admire the robust wall that surrounds the complex. Once inside, you will find the courtyard, an open space that served as a center of activity in medieval times.

One of the highlights is the Church of San Pedro, a Romanesque jewel that will surprise you with its architectural beauty. The church has a single nave and an impressive dome that demonstrates the mastery of the builders of the time.

You cannot miss the Torre del Homenaje , the highest point of the castle. From here, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Hoya de Huesca and the surrounding area. It is a perfect place to appreciate the strategic importance that the castle had in its time.

The Crypt of Santa Quiteria is another fascinating space. This small underground chapel has surprising acoustics and a mysterious air that captivates visitors. During your tour, you can explore various rooms and spaces that were part of daily life in the castle. You will see the old bedrooms, the kitchen and other rooms that will help you imagine what life was like in the Middle Ages.

ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN AT LOARRE CASTLE

Loarre Castle offers a variety of exciting and educational activities for children of all ages, designed to immerse them in medieval history while having fun. One of the most popular activities is the “Treasure Map”, ideal for children aged 4 to 12. Participants are given a map and must solve 10 puzzles as they explore the castle, uncovering secrets and searching for clues until they find a “treasure” at the end of their adventure.

For older children, aged 7 to 12, the castle offers the exciting activity “Storming the Castle”. Participants are divided into two groups – Muslims (attackers) and Christians (defenders) – and are equipped with toy shields and swords. This activity is not only fun, but also teaches about the history of the castle and medieval defence tactics. In addition, “Playing in Memory” introduces children to traditional local games such as boules and horseshoes, offering a unique insight into how children had fun in bygone times.

The castle also offers an “Interpretive Trail” for all ages, where participants learn about the local flora and fauna, including bird watching. For younger children, aged 3 to 6, there is a special activity called “Story Told,” which begins with a short video and continues with a guided tour by a “knight” who tells the story of the castle in story form.

All of these activities are dramatised by experienced staff, which increases children’s immersion in medieval times. Prices are affordable, ranging from 2 to 3 euros per child, and advance booking is recommended, especially for large groups. These experiences not only offer a fun way to learn about history, but also allow children to develop skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and imagination, all in the stunning setting of Loarre Castle.

A visit to Loarre Castle is a complete experience that combines history, architecture and landscape. Every corner of the castle tells a story, from its robust walls to its elegant Romanesque arches, offering visitors an immersive experience in medieval Spain. Whether you are interested in history, architecture or simply enjoy the spectacular views, Loarre Castle has something to offer every visitor with its flexible schedules, informative guided tours and activities for the whole family.