The Region of Sangüesa
A natural and historical destination

The region of Sangüesa es located in the Navarre Middle East, an area with its landscape of transition smooths the great geographical contrats between the Pyrenean mountains to the north and south West Bank. Topography is gentle and mild Mediterranean climate.

The region of Sangüesa has numerous historical and natural attractions in a relatively small area. Art, history, spirituality, landscape, culture, cuisine, folklore… the richness of this area offers the visitor multiple options, as it mixes nature with the stamp historical and architectural monuments of the hand of man.

It is a good place for Sports and natural activities, hiking, mountain bike tours, activities in the reservoir of Yesa, hunting, fishing and even Sports aviation (Sierra de Leyre is considered one of the best areas in Europe in order to practise hang gliding).

One of the most spectacular natural sites in the area is the Foz of Lumbier, canyon carverd by the river Irati on the limestone of the western tip of Sierra de Leyre. On foot or by bike, th espectacular location offers us an unforgettable experience of seeing the throat from the inside, a confortable ride and accessible to all audiences. In turn, Foz de Lumbier is one of the ideal places for birding in Navarra, collects a good Lumber of interesting and good condition of observation.

But in addition to venture into the region of Sangüesa involves plunging into history. Crossroads and land border, we are back to the origins of the Kingdom of Navarre, a border fighting, sometimos against other Muslims, against the neighboring Kingdom of Aragon. And its great historical importante is reflected in the artistic Heritage, in monasterios, churches, castles, historic villages…

Some of the most emblematic monuments of Navarre´s heritage are in this area, we talk about Sangüesa, Monastery of Leyre or Javier´s Castle. But we can also consider other evidence in history: Roman settlements of which there are still traces; people with a strong urban medieval watchtowers built as defensive off the border incursions and, above all, we´re going to find Romanesque art.

The Romanesque of this region is influenced by the Way to Santiago and takes an Sangüesa of its greatest exponents, in Santa María Church main door, whose home is one of the most interesting and complex Works of medieval art Navarre

The Sangüesa Area is geographically a natural crossroads, which has favored the passage of several roads or paths throughout history. The romanization was an early and intense in the lands of Sangüesa, giving the nice weather and the fertility of their fields, because it spreads a multitude of farming villages in the area. In the so-called "Old Sangüesa" converged four Roman roads. Those same tracks were used to establish centurias later routes of the Way to Santiago. For this area enters the second branch of the St. James´s Way, the so called "Camino aragonés".

Existen otros caminos, de origen económico, como La Cañada Real o de los Roncaleses. Se trata del camino recorrido por las ganaderías entre los pastos de invierno y verano. Discurre de norte a sur desde el Valle de Belagua hasta el Valle del Ebro.

In its landscapes and its art, there are also its folklore, traditions and, of course, a varied cousine and rich wines.

Come and discover the region of Sangüesa, a natural and historical destination.