The Río Lubierre runs through Borau and is a tributary of the Aragón. The GR 15 Senda Prepirenaica long-distance hiking trail also passes through the town. Here, the river, trails through the surrounding area and a distinctive architectural history come together. If you would like to combine hiking and culture in one stay, Borau offers several specific themes to help you plan your trip.

Hiking trails with a variety of routes

The Ruta del Cajicar de Borau is a circular trail from Borau to the Pista de las Blancas and back via O Caxicar. It climbs through shady woodland to the Quejigar oak grove. The route also passes through former fields, where you can see two traditional huts with false domes. The trail thus combines wooded sections with traces of rural architecture.

The circular route «A San Adrián de Sasabe y vuelta por Troncito» begins near Borau and ends at the church of San Adrián de Sasabe. On the way there, the route crosses the Río Lubierre via an access track and reaches the chapel along the final paved stretch of road. The return route follows shady slopes and former fields to the church in Borau. Visits to the monastery of San Adrián de Sásave must be arranged through Borau Town Hall; please arrange your visit in advance.

The circular route through the Valle de Arnás starts and ends in Borau and is about 9 kilometres long. It begins at the bridge over the Río Lubierre near Borau; from there, it follows the GR 15 towards Esposa. Along the way, there are views of Borau and the Collarada massif.

Another option is the Ruta de los Pajares «espaldaos». It follows the watersheds between the valleys of Borau, Aísa and Esposa before heading to Borau. Along the route, you can see numerous stone walls, mallatas, bordas and «espedregales». The SENDEROS EN BORAU project covers the restoration, marking and interpretive guidance of several local hiking trails. As trail conditions can vary, check them before setting out.

Landscape and townscape

The gorges of Borau are considered a particularly striking feature of the valley’s landscape. In addition to the Río Lubierre, a mineral-rich spring with reputed healing properties also flows here. Together with the routes through woodland, over slopes and between valleys, they offer different views of the landscape around the town.

You can also get to know Borau itself through its architecture: the town has narrow, cobbled streets, slate and stone-slab roofs, and Pyrenean chimneys. The former school building at the entrance to the town was built in 1928. These buildings and streets give the townscape its distinctive character, while the trails into the surrounding area draw attention to the landscape and rural heritage.

Romanesque architecture and history

The monastery of San Adrián de Sásave was built in the 11th century in the Romanesque style on the site of an older Visigothic building. The church has a single rectangular nave and a semicircular apse with a quarter-sphere vault. The west portal shows influences from the Romanesque art of Jaca, similar to those at Santa María de Iguácel. It is believed that San Adrián de Sasabe was an episcopal see in Aragón until the Diocese of Jaca was founded in 1077.

Those interested in architectural history can explore both the church’s architectural features and its historical context here. Its description as a possible episcopal see remains a traditional belief. Visits must be arranged through Borau Town Hall.

Dates to help plan your trip

Borau celebrates its patron saint festivities on the first weekend of September. La Isolé is a cycling event held every year on the first Saturday in June and lasting the whole weekend. If you would like to plan your trip around either event, check the programme for the relevant year.

Discover more destinations: Hoz De Jaca, Santoréns, Jabierre De Olsón, Igriés, Alquézar, Abizanda, Arguis, Hecho.

Go to the regional travel overview: Huesca.