Free walking tours in Jaca and what to see

Must-sees

Jaca is the main town of the Aragonese Pyrenees and was the first capital of the kingdom of Aragón. Its cathedral of San Pedro is one of the earliest Romanesque buildings in Spain. In the cloister is the Diocesan Museum, with a large collection of Romanesque wall paintings brought from churches in the area.

The Citadel is a very well-preserved 16th-century pentagonal fortress, and deer live in its moat. You can visit the inside. Stroll too through the centre, past the Clock Tower and along Paseo de la Constitución, with views of the mountains. Down by the river Aragón you will find the medieval San Miguel bridge.

Free tours and guided visits

As a small town, Jaca has few free tours, and they mostly run in summer. The usual options are guided visits to the Citadel and to the cathedral and its museum, which help explain the history of the kingdom of Aragón and the Way of St James, which passes through here.

Day trips are the highlight. The monastery of San Juan de la Peña, tucked under a huge rock, is very close, and on the way you pass Santa Cruz de la Serós. The guided visit to Canfranc international station is also highly recommended. Further afield, the Hecho valley and Ordesa National Park are ideal for a day in the mountains.

How long to spend

One day is enough for Jaca: the morning for the cathedral and the museum, and the afternoon for the Citadel and the promenade. But most people use it as a base for three or four days. That gives you a day for San Juan de la Peña, another for Canfranc and another for Ordesa or the valleys. In winter, the ski resorts are close by.

Where to stay

The old town, between the cathedral and the Citadel, is the best area for getting around on foot, with bars and restaurants nearby. The streets near Paseo de la Constitución have good views and are usually quieter. In ski season and in summer demand is high, so book ahead.