Jacobean Settlements in Aragón

This modern urban center is located close to the Hospital of Santa Cristina, just 1.2 miles (2 km) from the peak of Somport. Its name comes from the nearby medieval castle of Camp d'Aljub or Candalxú. It was one of the first ski resorts to open on the Iberian Peninsula, dating back to the late 1920s.

Its history is tied to cross-border communications with France, both for commerce and also strategically, for the military. It was founded in the 11th century and provided refuge for pilgrims and travelers. It suffered two devastating fires in 1617 and 1944. 

It was founded by King Sancho Ramírez in the 11th century as part of his strategy to repopulate the region. A number of dolmens prove that the area was populated from 3,000 BCE. La Cueva de las Güixas was a residence and refuge, and remains of Roman coins and ceramics have been found within it.

It was the first capital of the kingdom of Aragon and seat of the Aragonese bishops. It was a very prosperous city where coins were minted during the reign of Sancho Ramírez. Its vibrant artistic heritage includes the Cathedral of San Pedro, the Citadel, and the Diocesan Museum, which holds an extraordinary collection of medieval paintings.

This is a small town on the banks of the River Aragon. The word Serós references the nuns (sisterhood) who lived in the Benedictine monastery founded by Ramiro I in 1060. It was declared a historical site due to its churches and country houses, the roofs of which have conical chimneys topped with witch repellents.

This town is located in the beautiful natural surroundings of Canal de Berdún and close to the protected areas of Peña Oroel and San Juan de la Peña. It is a medieval settlement, historically linked to the Monastery of San Juan de la Peña. Its priory palace also served as a hospital.

The medieval town of Astorito —the royal seat— was located here. This was considered a fundamental time for the Way of St. James in Aragon in the Codex Calixtinus (12th century). The current town was founded in the 10th century, taking its name from an old medieval bridge, the remains of which have been found over half a mile up river.

This small town has maintained its traditional architecture; amongst its buildings is an impressive tower, which was part of a 15th-century fortress, and the Church of the Immaculate Conception. It is located at the foot of the Way of St. James and offers spectacular views of Canal de Berdún and the Pyrenees.

Given its name, it is believed that Martes dates back to Roman times, although the earliest documentary evidence of its existence dates from the 10th century. Among its significant buildings are the Church of Nuestra Señora de las Candelas, the Palace of Martínez de Aspurz, and the Romanesque Chapel of Nuestra Señora de Javierremartes.

The incursion of King García Ramírez of Navarre into La Jacetania resulted in the destruction of the original settlement of Mianos in around 1137. The current town was built on a new site by Alfonso II in 1170. At its highest point stands the Church of Santa Ana and the remains of the ancient fortified palace.

During the wars with the ancient kingdom of Navarre, Artieda was completely destroyed and then later rebuilt in a more secure location, on top of a hill. Its urban layout has a notably defensive quality, and in its center is the Romanesque Church of San Martín.

During the Middle Ages, this was a bustling commercial center that also had two shelters for pilgrims. Among its impressive buildings are an 11th-century castle and the Chapels of Santiago and San Juan. The town was abandoned in 1959, when it was flooded by the reservoir at Yesa.

The town was rebuilt following the Navarran invasions of the 14th century. Its stately homes, constructed from stone, were arranged around the 16th-century Church of San Martín de Tours, in the highest part of the town. It has an antique, medieval natural ice box, which was still in use up until the 19th century.