Huesca offers a variety of highlights for a stay: Romanesque architecture, Gothic architecture and Renaissance art, a large city park, panoramic views and regional sweet treats.
Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance art
The Catedral-Museo Diocesano is a Gothic building dating from the 13th to the 16th century. Its main altar was created between 1520 and 1533: Damián Forment carved it from alabaster. The work depicts the Passion of Christ and is an example of Spanish Renaissance sculpture.
San Pedro el Viejo is an important ensemble of Aragonese Romanesque architecture. The church and cloister were built in the 12th century. The Romanesque cloister houses the pantheon of the kings Alfonso I “el Batallador” and Ramiro II “el Monje”.
The Museo de Huesca is housed in the former Universidad Sertoriana. Pedro IV founded the university in 1354; it also served as a residence for the kings of Aragon. The museum displays valuable remains of the cultures that inhabited the province, as well as a selection of Aragonese art, with particular emphasis on Goya.
Contemporary culture is also part of Huesca’s offering. The Centro de Arte y Naturaleza (CDAN) building was designed by Rafael Moneo. Its regular programme focuses on nature, public space, artistic creation and contemporary culture.
City park and panoramic views
Parque Miguel Servet is a natural space in the centre of the capital, with a diverse range of flora and fauna and numerous sculptures along its paths. Its landscaping flourished in the 1920s. The park is home to more than 80 different tree species, as well as shrubs and aquatic plants; aquatic plants can also be found in the ponds.
Cerro de San Jorge offers wide panoramic views over Huesca from one of the highest natural points in the municipality. The present-day building on the hill dates from the 16th century. Its interior is divided into three parallel vaulted naves. An altarpiece from the same period refers to the Battle of Alcoraz and Huesca’s patron saints, San Lorenzo and San Vicente.
Sweet treats and cultural events
The Ruta Dulce takes you through Huesca’s pastry shops, where you can sample specialities recognised nationwide. These include Trenza de Almudévar, Glorias de Huesca, Campanas, Coca de nata, Tarta de Loreto, Pastel Ruso and Castañas de mazapán. As individual businesses and opening hours may change, check which pastry shops are open before visiting.
If you would like to plan your trip around a cultural event, the calendar offers a range of occasions. The Festival de Cine de Huesca takes place in June, with the Certamen de Cortometrajes short-film competition at its heart. In October, the Feria Internacional de Teatro y Danza runs for a week. Also in October, the Festival Periferias presents two weeks of avant-garde music, performances and visual arts. The specific programmes vary from one edition to another; check the dates for your travel period.
Getting around and getting here
Huesca’s compact layout and short distances make it easy to explore its streets, parks, squares and old town on foot. El Coso marks the boundary of the former medieval city walls and serves as a historic landmark in the cityscape.
Huesca is connected to Madrid by high-speed train in less than two and a half hours. If you plan to take this route, check the timetable before travelling. This will help you coordinate your arrival with the highlights of your stay—whether you are most interested in architecture, urban greenery, a festival or the Ruta Dulce.
Discover more destinations: Lecina, Igriés, Loporzano, Aratorés, Aragüés Del Puerto, Olsón, Tardienta, Santa Cruz De La Serós.
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