Alquézar: Encanto Medieval entrance Barrancos and Olivares and Huesca

1. Alquézar y su encanto medieval
2. Mayor of La Plaza
3. La Colegiata de Santa Maria la Mayor
4. Las Pasarelas del Vero

Located in the heart of the Somontano region, Alquezar stands out as one of the sites that stops time. This charming town of Huesca rises above the majestic River Vero, balancing its medieval beauty between the barranco and the great olive trees and vineyards of the Denominación de Origen Somontano. With its unique architecture, paved roads and magical landscapes, Alquezar becomes an indispensable destination for those who want to find history, nature and food in a unique location.

Alquézar y su encanto medieval

Alquezar, which means “fortaleza” in Arabic, retains its medieval essence thanks to its perfectly preserved nucleo histórico. After entering the city, visitors passed through an arch, one of the villa's four entrances. Hoy en día es la única que se mantiene en pie, y al abrirla, se despliega un universo de detalles architectonicos que nos llevana eras anteriores. Las largas vias meander stone buildings, y en los adornos de numerous puertas se pueden appreciate antiguos emblemas que representan el pasto noble de este sitio.

The terraced corridors called “voladizos” crossing the streets are a distinctive feature of Alquezar architecture. These roads not only add a special touch to the panorama of the city, but also create a pleasant environment for those who cross them. Al caminar por el pueblo, resultsa sencillo halar pequeñas terrazas y bars con vistas al rapid cauce del río Vero, donde se puede leitarse con una bebida o una comida en medio de la natureza y con una vista inigual.

Mayor of La Plaza

Located in the center of Alquezár, the Plaza Mayor is a porticoed plaza that, since 1528, has had the privilege of being the site of the weekly market granted by the monarch at the time. This weekly market is not only important to the local economy, but also strengthens Alquezár as a meeting place for local residents.

Nowadays, the Plaza Mayor continues to be the main center of the city, with hostels, restaurants and small shops offering a wide range of local products. Gastronomic establishments stand out for their traditional preparations using ingredients from nearby orchards such as Sierra de Guara and Barbastro and Graus. From embutidos and carnes de caza to the famous wines of DO Somontano, the culinary variety in Alquezar is as rich and varied as its historical trajectory.

La Colegiata de Santa Maria la Mayor

A visit to Alquezar would not be complete without a visit to the college of Santa Maria la Mayor, one of the local architectural gems. This building, which dates back to the 16th century, stands in the place where it was built in the 9th century to protect against Christian raids. La colegiata is known for its historical and sacred relevance as well as its exquisite architecture.

Its Romanesque cloister, which still retains frescoes from the medieval period, is one of the highlights, with spectacular panoramic views of the Vero River canyon and the nearby Sierra de Guara peaks. A tip is to take a guided tour of the college in the afternoon, when the light highlights the stone and makes it easier to appreciate the details of its architecture and surroundings.

Las Pasarelas del Vero

For those interested in a more dynamic experience, vero hiking trails offer a unique opportunity to explore Alquezar's natural environment. Passing through the Fountain Gorge and descending to the Vero River, this trail offers an opportunity to explore an environment of great beauty and observe the canyon, rock formations and flora surrounding the river.

During the summer, hiking down the hiking trails is a great way to appreciate the environment and cool off in Verona's pristine waters. The trip is accessible to most tourists and can be completed in a few hours, making it a perfect activity to do in the morning, leave the afternoon to visit a college and enjoy the culinary diversity of the area.