What to see in Jaca: the eight essential places that will make your visit unforgettable

Ideal for a weekend getaway in both winter and summer, Jaca is one of the towns richest in culture, history and heritage to discover the benefits of the Community. This city, known as the capital of the Aragonese Pyrenees, offers a perfect combination of nature, snow, tranquility and a historical and cultural heritage of great value.

Visiting Jaca is like immersing yourself in medieval history, but also in the defensive era thanks to places such as its imposing Citadel. Jaca (Huesca) cannot be understood without discovering its architectural heritage and its wide range of tourist and leisure activities. In addition, its strategic location just 30 kilometres from the border with France makes the town an ideal starting point for discovering the natural and cultural environment of the La Jacetania region.

Whether you have just one day or are planning a longer stay, this town in the Aragon Valley offers endless activities and places to enjoy. Here you will find eight essential places to see in Jaca.

CITADEL OF JACA

The Citadel of Jaca, also known as the Castle of San Pedro, is one of the most recognizable monuments in the city, as well as one of the best-preserved fortified enclosures in Europe. Built at the end of the 16th century under the mandate of Philip II, this pentagonal fortress responds to a defensive strategy against possible artillery attacks.

Apart from its military purpose, what makes the Citadel of Jaca unique is its deer-filled moat and its five artillery bastions. However, its exterior is not the only thing that makes it special, as in the heart of this fortification you can see various exhibition spaces that are worth getting lost in. One of them is the Museum of Military Miniatures, where you can see historical scenes represented with thousands of miniature figures.

As an added value to the activities already planned, the Citadel of Jaca offers various activities to do with children such as dramatized visits and the Ecociudadela experience, where you can interact with the deer.

JACA CATHEDRAL

The Jaca Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Peter, is one of the most important examples of Spanish Romanesque architecture. Built in the 11th century, its architecture reflects the influence of the Camino de Santiago, highlighting elements such as the Jaca checkered pattern and the iconic chrismon on its main façade.

The interior of the cathedral is striking for its sobriety and the richness of its sculpted capitals, which depict biblical scenes and medieval motifs. In addition, inside it is the Diocesan Museum of Jaca, which houses an impressive collection of Romanesque frescoes rescued from churches in the Aragonese Pyrenees.

DIOCESAN MUSEUM OF JACA

The Diocesan Museum of Jaca, located in the cloister of the cathedral, is a jewel of medieval art in Europe. Its collection includes valuable Romanesque murals from small churches in the region, as well as pieces of sacred art that provide insight into the history and traditions of Alto Aragón.

The museum is divided into various thematic rooms, from ironwork and goldsmithing to Gothic painting and sculpture. Particularly noteworthy is the Romanesque painting room, with unique frescoes that allow visitors to travel back in time and discover the talent of medieval masters.

OLD TOWN OF JACA

Walking through the old town of Jaca is like travelling through centuries of history. Its cobbled streets, flanked by stone houses and facades with wrought iron balconies, retain the charm of a medieval town. Calle Mayor is the epicentre of social and commercial life, full of shops, bars and restaurants where you can sample the local cuisine.

Among its most emblematic corners is the Plaza de Biscós, a meeting point for the people of Jaca, and the Clock Tower, a testament to the city’s defensive past.

CLOCK TOWER

The Clock Tower, also known as the Prison Tower, is a 15th-century building that is an interesting example of the town’s civil Gothic architecture . Originally conceived as a private residence, it was later used as the seat of the king’s representative in the city, also known as Merino, and for centuries it served as a prison. However, since 1986 it has been the seat of the Pyrenees Working Community.

Today, the tower houses municipal offices. Its bell and clock continue to mark the rhythm of life in Jaca, making it one of the most striking elements of the town’s historic centre.

THE MONASTERY OF THE BENEDICTINES

The Benedictine Monastery, popularly known as “las Benitas”, was built in the 16th century, sits on the site of the old medieval monastery of Santa Cruz de la Serós (Sorores) and preserves architectural elements of great value despite its numerous renovations. However, there is no doubt that what attracts visitors and locals is that this building houses the best preserved Romanesque tomb of the Iberian Peninsula, that of Countess Sancha.

This tomb is over 450 years old and houses the sarcophagus of the daughter of King Ramiro I, brought to Jaca from Santa Cruz de la Serós in 1622. The tomb is currently on display in a small museum in the Benedictine college, accompanied by panels with Romanesque paintings from the Church of San Ginés and photographs of the Renaissance cloister. The stone of the sarcophagus shows a chrismon, facing griffins and chivalric scenes, as well as an allegory of the countess’s soul carried to heaven by angels.

Although the Benedictine Monastery is a lesser-known corner of Jaca, it is surprising for its authenticity and mysticism. For this reason, we recommend that you add it to your list of places to see in Jaca.

JACA ICE PAVILION

Positioned as a national reference for sports such as skating or curling, the Jaca Ice Pavilion is the perfect place for a fun and different plan with the family. This sports complex has two ice rinks, one of them Olympic-sized, and hosts high-level competitions, as well as fun activities for the whole family.

The building stands out for its dome-shaped architectural design, evoking the mountains of the Pyrenees. Throughout the year, events and activities are organised that attract both tourists and local residents of Jaca.

RAPITÁN FORT

The Rapitán Fort, located on the hill of the same name at an altitude of 1,142 metres, is one of the most unique monuments in Jaca. Built at the end of the 19th century as part of the defensive network of the Pyrenees, it was never used in combat, but its imposing presence remains a symbol of the city’s military past. The fort offers guided tours that allow you to learn about its history and explore its underground galleries and courtyards.

Getting to the Fuerte del Rapitán can seem like an odyssey, as the paths carved into the mountainside wind their way up to the highest point. However, those who dare to reach the top will be able to enjoy a panoramic view of the town of Jaca and the Aragón valley that will remain etched in their retina forever.

HOW TO GET TO JACA

Jaca is well connected by car and public transport. From Huesca, the N-330 motorway connects directly to the city in just 55 minutes. From Zaragoza, you can take the A-23 to Huesca and then continue on the N-330 in a journey of one and a half hours. The route is longer for visitors from Teruel, the quickest route is via Zaragoza and Huesca and takes approximately 3 hours.

By public transport, there are regular bus lines from Huesca, Zaragoza and Pamplona, ​​as well as train services to the nearby Sabiñánigo station, from where you can continue by bus or taxi. In addition, the nearest airports are those of Zaragoza and Pau, in France, both less than two hours away by car.

In short, Jaca is an essential destination for those looking for a combination of history, culture and nature in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees. Whether for a day trip or a longer holiday, the city offers a wide variety of experiences that will delight any visitor.