Biescas is located at the start of the Tena Valley at 875 metres above sea level, over a glacial valley where a river now flows.The town runs parallel to the River Gállego, on both sides, and as a result of these topographical features it has two well-defined districts: El Salvador and San Pedro; so called because each area is presided over by a church of the same name.
Biescas has always enjoyed a privileged geographical location: it is situated at the point where Roman roads, royal routes and other roads met to cross the only bridge giving access to the Tena and Ara Valleys. Historically the town was not part of the Tena Valley. However, because of recent development it has become a strategic point for regional tourism and visitors to the valleys.
In the past Biescas relied on craftwork and farming. However, today it is a centre for leisure and sporting activities. The available services and the town’s surroundings make it a popular destination year round and an obvious base for locals and visitors to explore the great outdoors.
The municipal area of Biescas comprises Biescas town, as well as the surrounding areas and villages of Orós Alto, Orós Bajo, Escuer, Oliván, Búbal, Polituara, Saqués, Espierre, Barbenuta, Javierre del Obispo, Ainielle, Susín, Berbusa, and Casbas, as well as E.L.M. de Gavín, Piedrafita de Jaca and Sobremonte, Aso, Yosa and Betés.
PLACES OF INTEREST IN THE AREA:
Churches of SanSalvador and Saint Peter (Iglesia de San Salvador and Iglesia de San Pedro)
Torraza de Acín, 16th Century tower
Vernacular architecture: entrance archways, stone mansions, crests, etc.
Biescas Dolmen, Colliers’ Hut (Caseta de Carboneros), and the Shrine and Garrison of Saint Elena (18th Century)
Escuer Turret
Serrablo Route
VIEWING POINTS:
The River Gállego viewing point
San Salvador viewing point, in the Church of San Salvador
OUTDOOR EXHIBITIONS:
Man and the Mountains, on Paseo de la Conchada
Landscape, on the way to Saint Elena’s Shrine
MOST POPULAR EXCURSIONS AND WALKS:
To the village of Gavín and the Witches’ Cottage
Arratiecho Park
Saint Elena’s Shrine
To the Señoritas de Arás rock formation
To the hamlets of Orós Alto and Orós Bajo
LOCAL FESTIVALS:
15th August: Fiesta over several days in honour of the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
7th February: Procession to Saint Elena’s Shrine; 4th June: The Crosses; and 13th June: Saint Anthony
Fourth weekend of October: Autumn Fair
MORE INFORMATION:
Biescas Tourist Information Office
Plaza del Ayuntamiento – 22630 Biescas (Huesca)
Tel: +34974485222 / +34974485002 – Fax: +34974495509