We are in the Ara valley, where there is a small but picturesque town that you will fall in love with from the first moment. Boltaña, a simple and quiet town but with its old town and the surroundings where it is located leaves you in love.
It is the ideal place to rest, connect with nature, take routes through nearby towns, enjoy sports activities and discover the wonderful gastronomy. A corner that offers you a wide range of options.
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Discover Boltaña and its privileged historic town
When we walk through the streets of Boltaña we discover the magic that is noticeable in the atmosphere due to the town’s diverse and fascinating past.
Years ago, the town was called Boletania, and its stories have been told since the Roman Empire, which designated the town as Municipium Boletanum. Following history, we also know the Muslim invasions it suffered, leaving as testimony an imposing castle on the top of Mount San Martín, from where they tried to contain the reconquest. Even the name of the Muslim governor, Amrus ibn Muhammad, appointed by Abd al-Rahman III to this strategic position, is known.
However, history continues in a swing of power, passing through the hands of Navarrese kings such as García Sánchez I, Jimeno Garcés and Sancho Galíndez, before joining the reign of Ramiro I of Aragón. Over time, the importance of Boltaña diminished while a neighboring town, Aínsa, gained prominence.
However, Boltaña preserves its magical streets and treasures. The Ara River, one of the wildest rivers on the peninsula, adds a touch of spectacularity to its surroundings, attracting fans of adventure sports. The town is surrounded by imposing mountains that allow visitors to connect with nature and breathe fresh air. You will also discover how good the food is in the area, enjoy a good meal!
2. Boltaña Castle
Although the town of Boltaña is not a very monumental town, it does preserve some architectural exponents that you should know.
Boltaña Castle is located majestically at the top of Mount San Martín, as a witness to the stories that have passed through this region of the Aragonese Pyrenees for years. Its imposing presence recalls a time of medieval splendor and struggles for control of the land.
It was built in the 10th century, by artists and craftsmen of Lombard training with defensive objectives. It is currently in ruins but you can guess that its structure is military and is made up of a wall and a watchtower. Inside, a cistern is identified, where water accumulated.
However, in the 16th century, when Aínsa was built, it began to be neglected to this day.
3. San Pedro’s Collegiate Church
In the heart of the old town of Boltaña is another outstanding monument that must be visited: the imposing Collegiate Church of San Pedro, one of the largest temples in the Aragonese Pyrenees.
At first glance, its exterior may go unnoticed, but upon passing through its doors, you are surprised by a large central nave with a ribbed vault. This magnificent building, of Aragonese Gothic origin with Renaissance touches, dates back to the 16th century, although it should be noted that a Romanesque hermitage was previously built in the 13th century.
Before entering its interior, it is worth stopping to contemplate its Romanesque doorways and the bell tower. Once inside, the elegant choir stalls draw attention, with their baroque style seats from the 18th century, as well as the baptismal font from the church of Burgasé and the altarpiece from the church of San Lorenzo de Morillo, located in the town of Sampietro. Every corner of this impressive collegiate church tells a story that reflects the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region.
4. Towns around Boltaña
The surroundings of Boltaña offer several towns that are worth visiting. In the region of Sobrarbe, with its 19 municipalities, there are many charming corners, but among the options, Aínsa, Broto and Torla stand out as essential destinations on any trip through the Aragonese Pyrenees, ideal for excursions from Boltaña.
Aínsa, with its historic center declared a Historic-Artistic Site, captivates with its medieval essence. Its cobbled streets, the large Plaza Mayor, the imposing fortress with its keep and the Romanesque church of Santa María invite you to immerse yourself in a journey through time. This town is part of the network of Most Beautiful Towns in Spain, and its strategic location on the banks of the Ara and Cinca rivers, with its 15th century complex rising like a watchtower towards the Pyrenees, adds an additional attraction to its beauty.
On the other hand, Broto is also worth a visit, not only for its cultural activities, such as the hermitages of San Blas and San Clemente, the fortified church of San Pedro or the Casa del Valle, but also for the numerous adventure opportunities it offers. The Sorrosal waterfall via ferrata is an incredible experience, with levels suitable for all hikers. Furthermore, its proximity to the main sector of the Ordesa National Park makes Broto an ideal starting point for exploring this natural wonder.
And finally, Torla-Ordesa, is the main gateway to the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, and is another essential stopping point. Unlike Broto, visitors are attracted not so much by its historic center as by the impressive nature that surrounds the area.
It is worth walking through its old medieval streets, admiring the houses adorned with coats of arms on their facades, exploring the Romanesque church of San Salvador with its altarpieces, and visiting the castle that houses the Ethnological Museum.
We invite you to book your getaway to the Boltaña Monastery now to enjoy all these historical treasures of Boltaña. What are you waiting for?
