Tourist information
Surrounding towns
Near the sanctuary is Secastilla, a small town that preserves part of its medieval structure, La Puebla de Castro, which in its outskirts has the magnificent Romanesque hermitage of San Román and the Roman site of Labitolosa, El Grado, which offers a interesting Muslim layout in its streets, and Naval, a beautiful town in which stands the parish church of La Asunción, in Gothic-Renaissance style.
Dam of El Grado
The El Grado dam is one of the most spectacular and singular of all those scattered around the Aragonese geography, due to its volume, the waters of the reservoir that accumulate behind it and the natural environment that surrounds it. There are guided tours to learn about the interior of this hydraulic infrastructure.
District of Somontano
Its capital is Barbastro, located on the banks of the Vero River. It has a valuable historical heritage and was the birthplace of St. Josemaría. Several places show the footprint of the saint that can now be covered in an attractive route. Its main monument is the magnificent 16th century Cathedral of the Assumption. Next to it is the Episcopal Palace which houses the new Diocesan Museum. Barbastro is the wine capital of Somontano. A few kilometers away is the sanctuary of the Virgen del Pueyo, Patroness of the city. In the region also highlights the medieval town of Alquézar, with its Colegiata-Castillo de Santa María la Mayor and its urban layout, one of the most charming in all of Spain.
District of La Ribagorza
Its capital is Graus, an ancient and very noble medieval town whose old town was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1975. Its most peculiar monument is the Basilica de la Virgen de la Peña. Roda de Isábena hosted a bishopric of great importance in Christian Spain from the 10th to the 12th centuries and has a magnificent Romanesque cathedral dedicated to Saint Vincent. Towards the north, Benasque is the gateway of the Pyrenees to the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park.
GR 17 - Tramo del sendero jacobeo de la Ribagorza: La Puebla de Castro-El Grado
El sendero GR-17 “Vía Arán-Pirineos”, la ruta jacobea de la Ribagorza, es un histórico camino de peregrinación que une San Bertrand de Cominges en Francia con Berbegal, cerca de Barbastro. En esta población enlaza con el Camino de Santiago catalán que viene de Montserrat.
Uno de los tramos pasa por Torreciudad, el que comunica La Puebla de Castro con El Grado. Mariano Navascués, el carismático director del programa de senderismo Chino-Chano de Aragón TV lo eligió para recorrerlo y mostrar las bellezas del recorrido y el atractivo del santuario y de ambas poblaciones. Clicando debajo puede verse el programa, realizado con la amenidad y simpatía que caracterizan los reportajes de Mariano.
District of Sobrarbe
Continuing towards the north, following the course of the river Cinca, we find Abizanda, a small village located at the foot of a medieval fortress, Aínsa, declared a Historic-Artistic Site distinctive for its porticoed square, Boltaña, capital of the region, and Bielsa, place of departure of innumerable excursions through the valleys of Pineta and Chistau.
District of Cinca Medio
Its major cultural attractions are shown in the capital, Monzón, with its cathedral and Templar castle, and in Fonz, with its Renaissance palaces and stately homes and a spectacular Plaza Mayor declared a Historic-Artistic Site. The presence of the middle course of a river of the magnitude of Cinca characterizes the environment of this region and its rich ecosystems.
Province of Huesca
One of its most important buildings is the cathedral, a Gothic temple ordered by James I to be erected over the old Muslim mosque. The church of San Pedro el Viejo, declared a National Monument in 1885, is a simple and beautiful example of Aragonese Romanesque architecture. At only 35 kilometers away, we find the castle of Loarre, one of the most impressive fortifications that exist in our country.
Book your visit
If you come with a group or you are a pilgrim, we advise you to book and organize your visit from here, so that you have the best possible time.