Discover Barbastro through its architectural history, culinary traditions and Somontano wine. The cathedral and historic churches offer different highlights, while festivals and a traditional market provide a taste of local food culture. You can therefore choose from a range of themes when planning your visit: the town’s history, a particular event date, or wine and regional cuisine.
Cathedral, Churches and the Town’s History
Barbastro Cathedral was built between 1517 and 1533. Inside, 485 gilded and polychrome roses form a starry sky. Its construction period and design give the building a distinctive place in the town’s history.
The original Iglesia de San Francisco also dates from the 16th century. A pointed arch remains in the central nave, and one of the side chapels contains a crypt with seated burials. The Iglesia de San Julián was built in the same century as a chapel for the former hospital of Barbastro and houses the Centro de Interpretación del Somontano. Barbastro’s historic and artistic ensemble was declared a historic and artistic site in 1975.
The collection at the Museo Diocesano Barbastro-Monzón, housed in a historic building, comprises more than 270 objects. The Museo de los Mártires Claretianos focuses on the 51 Claretian missionaries from Barbastro who were beatified and shot at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War. Their remains and some personal belongings are kept in the chapel’s crypt.
The Pozo de Hielo de La Barbacana adds the former use of ice and snow to these historical themes. It was built in 1612 and has been restored and fitted out as a visitor centre since 2006. Reconstructions and audiovisual displays explain how ice was made and preserved, how snow was stored and distributed, and how it was used in the past.
Crespillo, the Market and Somontano Wine
The Crespillo Festival has been celebrated in Barbastro since 1994 and is recognised as an event of tourist interest in AragĂłn. Crespillos are made with borage leaves: the batter includes flour and egg, as well as other ingredients depending on the cook, such as gaseosa or orange juice. The leaves are fried and flavoured with anise and sugar. Ingredients may vary from one preparation to another.
The town’s traditional fruit and vegetable market takes place every Saturday morning in Plaza del Mercado. If the market is important to your travel plans, check the date in advance. This weekly market is distinct from festivals that take place on their own specific dates.
Wine is another regional highlight: the Somontano Wine Route begins in Barbastro. The Espacio del Vino introduces the Somontano designation of origin with an audiovisual presentation and a wine-aroma identification game. The route and presentation offer two different ways to explore the subject: one begins in Barbastro, while the other covers the designation of origin and wine aromas.
Planning Festivals and Routes
During Holy Week, seven brotherhoods process through the streets of Barbastro each year, with floats, bearers and members. Bands accompany the processions with drums, bass drums and cornets. This annual event is a clear point of reference for travellers interested in religious traditions and the town’s history. Check the event dates before your trip.
For an exploration in different formats, the San JosemarĂa Escrivá de Balaguer Route is available as both a self-guided and a guided tour; check the arrangements for each in advance. From Barbastro, you can follow the GR 45 on foot or by bike towards Burceat and Cregenzán. Check route conditions before setting out. This gives you the option of a guided or self-guided town route, or a route towards the two places named, without combining them into a single trail.
Discover more destinations: Banastón, El Pueyo De Araguás, Biescas, Labuerda, Perarrúa, Secastilla, Castillazuelo, Albella
For the broader travel overview: Huesca.
