This evocative castle broods above the southern plains across which Islamic raiders once rode. Raised in the 11th century by Sancho III of Navarra and Sancho Ramírez of Aragón, its resemblance to a crusader castle has considerable resonance with those times. Although the dungeons and towers are no longer open to visitors for safety reasons, there is still plenty to see including a Romanesque chapel and crypt. The castle is a 5km drive or a 2km, one-hour, uphill walk by the PR-HU105 footpath, from the village of Loarre, 35km northwest of Huesca.
Birdwatchers note that this is also an excellent spot to spy griffon and Egyptian vultures and red kite circling overhead.
