Since July 2020, the Royal Monastery of Sijena has had no monastic community. This situation threatens the very essence of a site that has been a place of spiritual pilgrimage for years. Several organizations will join forces this Saturday, October 3, in a day of events highlighting the importance of Sijena once again being home to a religious congregation.
Is Huesca really one of the cities with the greatest amount of green space per resident? Figures released by the City Council place the provincial capital in a prominent position, with around 150 hectares and 26.64 square meters per resident. However, the criteria used to reach these figures have sparked debate over what can genuinely be considered urban green space.
Femoga closed its 40th edition in Sariñena on Sunday with a positive overall balance and more than 40,000 visitors over the three-day fair. Organizers highlighted the strong attendance, participation in activities and the lively atmosphere at a venue that once again brought together farmers, livestock breeders, businesses and families.
The Somontano Designation of Origin has concluded a historic harvest. The campaign began on July 30, the earliest date ever recorded by the Huesca quality seal, and ended on September 25, earlier than ever before. In fact, more than 95% of the grapes had already been picked by September 10.
Binéfar’s eastern bypass is now in service after an investment of more than €8.6 million. The 4.467-kilometre infrastructure connects the N-240 with the A-140 and A-133 regional roads and will divert much of the heavy traffic away from the town center.
Huesca’s PP has called on the Spanish Government to specify when the Almudévar reservoir will be fully operational. Civil works were completed in September 2024, while the Government Delegation says work to connect the electricity supply is progressing as planned and could be completed in the first half of 2027.
The Government of Aragon has decided to maintain traffic restrictions through November 30 on the A-1603 road between Santa Cruz de la Serñós and the junction with the Botaya road, in the province of Huesca. The measure remains in force because of ongoing risks in the area affected by the wildfire declared on August 10.
Huesca is sweet once again. The Huesca Is Sweet fair will return for its third edition with 22 stalls, one more than last year, and a program combining tastings, workshops, competitions, children’s activities and music. On Monday the 19th, a day specifically aimed at industry professionals will also be held.
Some sites have the power to fascinate visitors from the very first step. The Cueva de las Güixas, located in the Huesca municipality of Villanúa, is one of them. Beneath the mountain lies a captivating network of stalactites, stalagmites and galleries patiently carved by the continuous action of water since the last Ice Age. This geological phenomenon, which began approximately 30,000 years ago, can now be explored through guided tours suitable for all ages. Recognized as one of the most unique caves in the Pyrenees, the grotto offers an underground journey among unusual rock formations, streams and idyllic corners. Its carefully designed lighting accentuates the contours of the stone and envelops visitors in an almost unreal atmosphere. The lighting highlights the contours of the walls and creates an atmosphere that transports visitors to another time. Photo: Turismo Aragón However, the appeal of the Güixas extends beyond geology. Its chambers provided shelter for humans as early as the Neolithic period and, centuries later, served such diverse purposes as a prison and a stronghold for military troops. This rich historical legacy is accompanied by an aura of legend passed down from generation to generation. Various documentary sources and oral traditions claim that, between the 15th and 18th centuries, the cave hosted nighttime gatherings and alleged witches’ sabbaths, becoming associated with the folklore of witchcraft. One of the most notable stories is that of Guirandana de Lay, executed in 1461 after being tried for sorcery. Today, the tour revisits these episodes with journalistic and scientific rigor. Through the guides’ accounts, visitors understand that the persecuted women were primarily victims of the era’s climate of superstition, moving away from the malicious myth used to portray them for centuries. A PRIVILEGED SETTING The Cueva de las Güixas is located in a privileged natural setting beside the Aragón River and very close to a small waterfall, allowing visitors to enjoy both the area’s geological heritage and its Pyrenean landscape. The opinions of those who have already visited reflect the positive impression the experience leaves. Many highlight the quality of the explanations during the guided tour and consider the ticket price fully justified. “Every euro seemed well spent,” reads one visitor review. Others recommend booking in advance, especially during the busiest months, as capacity is limited and places often sell out quickly. Reviews also frequently praise the cave’s surroundings, describing them as “spectacular,” where the landscape, river and nearby waterfall make the visit a complete experience. PRICES AND HOW TO BOOK Open throughout the year, the Cueva de las Güixas is undoubtedly one of the essential stops for anyone exploring the Pyrenees. Tickets to enter the cave and the CIN Interpretation Centre can be purchased online through the Turismo Villanúa website. All visits are guided and require advance booking because the site is protected and designated as a Site of Community Importance (SCI). Entering the cave independently is strictly prohibited. Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes. Visitors must arrive on time for their reserved slot. Prices: general admission costs 12 euros, while the reduced rate is 9 euros. Children between 0 and 3 years old enter free. Notice: comfortable footwear and warm clothing are recommended year-round. Pets are not allowed.
The Government of Aragon is taking another step to improve wastewater treatment in the Pyrenees of Huesca. The regional executive has authorized the Aragonese Water Institute (IAA), an agency under the Department of Environment and Tourism, to put out to tender the contract to build and initially operate the Broto-Oto Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in the province of Huesca. The project has a budget of 4,324,767.76 euros, including VAT, and will provide the municipality with suitable infrastructure to treat its wastewater.
Many travelers exploring the Aragonese Pyrenees choose hostels to rest before putting their boots back on and continuing through the mountains. One such establishment, El Último Bucardo, in the Huesca village of Linás de Broto, in the Sobrarbe region, has become a regular stop for visitors to Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park. After more than a quarter-century of history, the hostel is now announcing the end of an era: its owners are retiring after 26 years in business.
Teachers across Huesca province will strike on October 14 over an “unsustainable” situation attributed to the city’s Education Inspectorate, according to the six unions calling the stoppage: CSIF, CGT, CCOO, HUSTE-STEA, UGT and ANPE.
The A-1211 will remain closed in both directions from Monday until next Thursday between kilometer 0 in Tardienta (Huesca) and kilometer 4 in Torralba de Aragón. The closure is due to irrigation modernization works by the Santa Ana Irrigation Community.
Aragón Existe has reported several leaks in the Lafortunada-Cinqueta hydroelectric pipeline in Sobrarbe and warned of the danger they may pose to the infrastructure’s foundations. According to the group, the water losses are eroding the pipeline’s base and could eventually cause it to rupture completely, a situation also highlighted by several residents of the comarca.
Villanúa inaugurated 23 new homes for tourism workers on Monday through the Aragón Government’s Más Vivienda Mejor Turismo program, marking its first development. Eighteen homes have two bedrooms and the remaining five have one, with usable floor areas of between 35 and 40 square meters, as well as parking spaces and storage rooms.
The Pre-Pyrenees Geological Train is offering two excursions this autumn to discover some of the Hoya de Huesca’s most distinctive landscapes on foot after travelling through part of the region aboard the Canfranero. Scheduled for September 27 and October 25, the outings will combine rail travel with guided routes through the Mallos de Riglos and surrounding areas.
A citizen's alert led to a happy ending for a dog that had gone missing in Huesca. Although its owner is abroad, the Local Police and the microchip ensured the dog avoided the pound and could stay with an acquaintance until its owner returns to Spain.
The impressive frescoes by 19th-century painter León Abadías, tiled floor, upholstered chairs and huge windows make visitors feel as though they are in a museum untouched by time. Soon, the spices, salt cod, cheeses, chocolate, sweets and pulses resolve any doubt: this is indeed a grocery store, but not just any grocery store. It is Europe’s oldest and best-preserved, and it is in Huesca.
Drought and this summer’s wildfires have increased the drinking water deliveries carried out by the Provincial Council’s firefighters. In total, 1.5 million liters of water have been distributed across around 20 communities. It is the largest delivery since the DPH fire service was established in 2021. The lack of rainfall has forced firefighters to deliver water even to a mountain refuge.
The reopening of the railway connection between Zaragoza, Canfranc and Pau is once again looking to France. Aragón remains committed to restoring the international line and supports Nouvelle-Aquitaine in a project aimed at improving communications on both sides of the Pyrenees, while calling on the French government to specify the investments needed to complete the outstanding works.
