On a rocky outcrop in the highest part of Castiello de Jaca stands the Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel, offering views across the Aragón Valley. The townscape brings together religious history and its setting above the valley. The Way of St. James is also part of the town’s identity: Castiello lies on the Aragonese section of the French Way of St. James.

Romanesque Architecture and Relics in Castiello de Jaca

The Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel is a Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. Its single-nave floor plan ends in a semicircular apse. The remains of a medieval fortress have also been preserved beside the church. Romanesque religious architecture and evidence of another era thus stand side by side here.

The furnishings also bring together different periods: the main altarpiece dates from the late 17th century and was created by the brothers Juseppe and Francisco Ruesta. The relics are kept in a silver reliquary beside the tabernacle of the main altar. On the Way of St. James, Castiello is known as the “town of a hundred relics.” This local tradition should be distinguished from the patron saint festivities in honor of the thousand relics.

On the Aragonese Way of St. James

Pilgrims who begin the Way of St. James at Somport reach Castiello de Jaca after Villanúa, then continue toward Jaca. This sequence places the town on a specific section of the route. The long-distance trails GR 65.3 Camino de Santiago and GR 15 Senda Prepirenaica also pass through Castiello.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

Excursions and mountain outings start from Castiello, including local routes through the historic center and trails for exploring the forests. These options are suitable for families and have a moderate level of technical and physical difficulty. The municipality’s routes include the route between Castiello de Jaca and Aratorés, as well as the route from the Barranco de Redigüé to the Sierra de Angelé. Detailed trail conditions on the routes mentioned may change; check them before setting out.

For a look beyond the town center, the landscape of the Garcipollera offers another area to explore. Castiello de Jaca is the natural, historical and geographical gateway to the Valle de la Garcipollera, which begins at the confluence of the Ijuez and Aragón rivers. The valley’s tracks and trails can be explored on foot and also used for mountain biking. Hiking and cycling therefore offer different ways to experience the same landscape.

Further afield, in Aratorés, is the Mirador accesible de Aratorés. From there, you can look out across the Aragón Valley between Castiello de Jaca and Villanúa, with Collarada in the background. The Iglesia de Santa María de Iguácel is also located in the Valle de la Garcipollera, at the same elevation as the town of Castiello de Jaca. Its construction began between 1040 and 1050. The church was a pilgrimage site and a Benedictine monastery; Romanesque sculptures from the 11th century have been preserved. These include capitals, a column base and corbels with plant, geometric and figurative decoration. Santa María de Iguácel is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Monument category.

Festivities in July and September

The smaller patron saint festivities in honor of the thousand relics take place on the first Sunday in July; the relics are shown once a year on that day. The Romería de Santa María de Iguácel is held each year in the Valle de la Garcipollera on the second Sunday in July. Another date in the town calendar is the patron saint festival in honor of San Miguel Arcángel on September 29. If you would like to plan your trip around a festival, check the dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Liri, Biniés, La Puebla de Roda, Javierregay, Bono, Denúy, Alcalá De Gurrea, Caneto.

For the broader travel overview: Huesca.