Jaca Attractions
Jaca, situated on a hill above the Río Aragón, was the first capital of the kingdom of Aragon which was established in 1035. It is now the see of a bishop, and in summer becomes a branch of Zaragoza University, which runs language courses here. On the first Sunday in May every year the "Moros y Cristianos" festival commemorates a victory over the Moors in 760. In the Middle Ages Jaca was an important staging-point on the Way of St James, and evidence of its importance is still provided by the Puente San Miguel on the outskirts of the town.
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Cathedral
This Romanesque Cathedral is the biggest architectural attraction in Jaca. It was built in the 11th C and is easily recognized by its square tower.
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San Juan de la Peña
Located in an alcove at the base of a rock wall, the setting of San Juan de la Peña is one of the main attractions.
Fortifications
There are remains of the old town walls of Jaca, dating from the 10th century, and the Castillo (begun in 1571).
Puerto de Oroel
N 330 runs south from Jaca, goes over the Puerto de Oroel (1080m/3543ft; fine views), on the western slopes of the Peña de Oroel (1769m/5804ft; rewarding climb, 3 hours from Jaca) and comes to Bernués.
Santa Cruz de la Serós
From the San Juan de la Peña monastery the road descends to Santa Cruz de la Serós, where in the 11th century there was a rich convent, of which only the Romanesque church, with an octagonal tower, is left. The most notable feature in the interior is a holy water stoup supported on small columns from the cloister.
Town Hall
The 16th century Ayuntamiento of Jaca has a fine Plateresque façade with wrought-iron window grilles.
