HISTORY OF THE RIBAGORZA

Dinosaurs, Romans, Moors and Christians, they have all lived here and there is still evidence of this in the landscape. What's where to see?

The Roman city of 'Labitolosa'

is near the village of Puebla de Castro. After extensive archaeological work, a huge bathhouse, a forum, a temple and a house have been uncovered.

You can visit Labitolosa and Puebla de Castro in combination with a hike or bike trip. 

The basilica 'Virgen de la Peña' in Graus

is definitely an eye-catcher when you enter the valley. This symbolic building stands on the slope of a rock. The story goes that in 1083 reflections of a virgin appeared on this spot.

By building the sacred chapel on this location they wanted to further emphasise the beauty of the old city of Graus. Years later also a monastery and a guest house were constructed.

You can visit the basilica and the balcony of the monastery in a short walk from the village along the rock. At the end and highest point of the route you can enjoy the views over the village and the valley.

The fortress El Mon

is located high on the mountain behind the village of PerarrĂșa. It dates back to the 10th century, given the remains found in the area.

The oldest documentation is from 1016, when the tower and accompanying castle were built by King Sancho III (the Great of Pamplona).

There are several routes from the Chill-Outdoor Camping to the fort. It takes about half an hour on foot, you can also visit the tower by bike or car.

Dinosaur remains in Arén

can be admired during a walk that is mapped out for tourists. The well-preserved fossil remains show footprints of dinosaurs. The remains are more than 65 million years old.

In Arén there is also a small museum where you can see how the dinosaurs lived.

The Cathedral 'San Vicente y San Ramon'

in Roda de Isabena is the first medieval cathedral of the Iberian Peninsula and the only one thats situated in a village where only 60 people live. 

This cathedral reflects the wealth of the Ribagorza region around the year 1000. It is an imposing romanesque structure with a nice square. The perfect place to have a break if your visiting various places in the area. 

The monastery of Obarra

stands at the foot of the Sierra de Sis. 'El monasterio de Obarra' exists since 871. After it was destroyed by the Moors, it took its present form, constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries.

The important church has a Romanesque-Lombardian style: compact with a few small openings. Between May 15 and August 15, the sunlight falls on the altar in the church, many people believe that this light gives a special power.

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