Free walking tours in Sos del Rey Católico and what to see

Must-sees

Sos del Rey Católico is a medieval stone town on a hill in the Cinco Villas, in northern Zaragoza province. Ferdinand the Catholic was born here in 1452, in the Sada palace, which now houses an interpretation centre about him. The cobbled streets, arches and mansions with coats of arms keep a very harmonious feel best enjoyed on an unhurried walk.

At the very top are the remains of the Peña Feliciana castle, with its tower and fine views over the countryside. Just below, the church of San Esteban has a Romanesque crypt with wall paintings. Plaza de la Villa, with the town hall and the old exchange, is the heart of village life. The old Jewish quarter and the gateways in the walls are also worth exploring.

Free tours and guided visits

Given its size, pay-what-you-like free walking tours are not common in Sos. The norm is guided tours from the tourist office, which usually include the Sada palace, the church of San Esteban and the historic centre. It is easy to organise trips from here around the Cinco Villas, such as Uncastillo and Sádaba. In Navarre, a short distance away, are Javier castle and the Leyre monastery.

How long to spend

A morning or an afternoon, about three or four hours, is enough for the guided tour and a relaxed stroll round the town. If you want to add other towns in the area or cross into Navarre, give it a weekend. Sleeping here lets you see the town at dusk and at night, when the stone is lit up and hardly anyone is around.

Where to stay

The best option is to stay inside the old town. There are rural cottages and small hotels in stone buildings, with everything a few minutes’ walk away. Bear in mind that the streets are steep and that cars are usually left in the car parks at the entrance to the town. If you want more services, Sangüesa, in Navarre, is close by.