Loarre: Castle, Heritage and Nature

Loarre offers several distinct points of interest to consider when planning a trip: Castillo de Loarre, historic buildings and trails through the Sierra. If you’re looking for a hotel in Loarre, you can decide whether the castle, architectural history or nature should be the focus of your stay. These themes complement one another and offer different ways to plan your visit.

Castle and architectural history

Castillo de Loarre stands at an altitude of 1,071 metres and offers views over the Hoya de Huesca. Within the castle is the Romanesque church of San Pedro, dating from the 11th century. Castillo de Loarre thus connects the landscape with a specific building from the Romanesque period.

Other historic buildings also reflect different periods. Fuente de tres caños in Loarre is a 16th-century fountain built from ashlar stone. Iglesia de San Esteban was built in the 18th century over a late Gothic building dating from the 16th century. The older building and a later phase of construction are therefore directly connected; the fountain is another example of 16th-century stonework.

A museum room belonging to Museo Pedagógico de Aragón is located in the former school in Linás de Marcuello, a separate settlement within the municipality of Loarre. It presents the history of rural schools, teachers’ working conditions and the learning materials used by children. This adds a focus on everyday life and education to the architectural history.

Landscape, seasons and routes

The mix of trees in the Sierra de Loarre varies depending on the slope. They include black pines, Scots pines, beech trees, firs and holly. Bearded vultures, griffon vultures and golden eagles can also be spotted in the municipality of Loarre. The almond blossom in early spring may also influence your choice of when to travel: it is highlighted as a special reason to visit Loarre.

The routes mentioned have different focuses. Some GR 1 hiking trails start in Loarre. The PR Castillo de Loarre - Virgen de la Peña route is designated for mountain biking and hiking. The Camino del Santo Grial is a legendary route that leads through dense forests to Castillo de Loarre. Two activities are specified for the PR route; for the Camino, the forest setting and the castle as the destination are the main focus. Check route conditions before setting out.

The Ruta de la flor del almendro is also associated with the almond blossom. Its longer variant is about 25 kilometres long and passes through Ayerbe, Loscorrales and Loarre. The approximate distance and the places named offer a different framework for planning than the hiking trails that start in Loarre or the route to the castle. The combination of almond blossom and several towns is a distinctive feature of this variant.

Mushroom picking is also possible in Coto de Loarre with a permit. As seasonal rules may change, check the current conditions and permit requirements before collecting mushrooms.

Your stay in Loarre

Hospedería de Loarre is located in the former town hall, which dates from the 16th century, on the central square. The Hospedería has a restaurant serving Aragonese cuisine that combines tradition and innovation. If you plan to dine at the restaurant, check its current operating status before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Salas Bajas, Chibluco, Baldellou, Lanaja, Charo, Chía, Abiego, Buetas

For the overview of the wider area: Huesca.