Cultural Aragon
Aragon (L ‘Aragon or Aragón in Catalan or Spanish) is an autonomous region of northeastern Spain. It has an area of 47,719 km ², with a population of 1,217,514 residing there as of 2003. The Aragon is bordered to the north by France (Aquitaine and Midi-Pyrenees regions), to the east by Catalonia, Valencia to the south, and west by Castile-La Mancha, Castilla y Leon, La Rioja, and Navarre.
Its capital is Zaragoza, which is also the most populated center of the region.
In addition to its three provinces, Zaragoza, Huesca, and Teruel, Aragon is divided into 33 districts (counties). The Aragon is bordered by France and is therefore equidistant from the Pyrenees. In particular, the High Aragon, which corresponds to the central Pyrenees, is particularly interesting because of the peculiarity of its landscapes and grandiose tradition, dotted with villages built in dressed stone with slate roofs.
The Aragon is rich in nature reserves in which numerous species of animals are found, which are not present in most other parts of Europe. Apart from being an undisputed natural paradise, Aragon is a mine of culture: the heir of the ancient kingdom of Aragon and the lively centers of medieval scholarship are still active.
Many varied activities are offered in this region, from winter sports (skiing in the mountains) to hikes in the numerous natural parks. Among the cities’ most visited areas are Teruel, Huesca and Zaragoza. Cultural tourism is one of the main attractions of Aragon, whose rich heritage has accumulated over the centuries. The Monastery of San Juan de la Peña, a symbol of the birth of the Christian kingdom, and Aljafería Zaragoza, living reminders of the passage of the Arabs in this land, are an example of the mixture of cultures that have taken place in history.
Ela, the capital of the Teruel Mudejar art movement, an architectural style of Arab and Christian influence, which is widespread in most of the provinces of Teruel y Zaragoza. The Aragon is the Romanesque Cathedral of Jaca and the Church of San Pedro in the Old Huesca. Other examples of architecture are located in the medieval castles; Alcaniz, Loarre, Monzon, Borja, Calatayud, or Albarracín.
The capital of Zaragoza offers treasures such as the Palacio de la Lonja, Seo or the el Pilar, places of worship to the Virgin of Pilar. The Pilar Festival, celebrated every year, lasts nine days, and is famous for fireworks in Ebro, dances, parades, concerts and bullfights. October is therefore a good month to visit the capital.