Those wishing to shape their stay around local history, church architecture and local traditions will find several specific themes in Martillué. These include the Iglesia parroquial de la Asunción, a medieval history of ownership, pilgrimages and a local tradition associated with the threat of hail. The landscape can also be understood in terms of the rise on the valley floor of Val Ancha and the Cerristón de Orante.
Landscape and Getting There
Martillué lies on the eastern edge of a rise that runs lengthwise along the valley floor of Val Ancha. The village is also situated on a plain bordering the Cerristón de Orante. These location details describe both the rise in relation to the valley floor and the plain by the Cerristón de Orante.
Jaca is 11 km from Martillué. Martillué can be reached via the local Jaca–Sabiñánigo road; turn right between kilometre markers 10 and 11. Check road conditions and signage before setting off.
Church, Architecture and History
The Iglesia parroquial de la Asunción was built at the end of the 17th century or the beginning of the 18th century. Its Baroque high altar was created around 1738 by Juan Tornés, a sculptor from Jaca. The church’s approximate construction period and the date of the altar are two distinct historical reference points.
The traditional vernacular domestic architecture of the area around Martillué also has a distinctive character: it includes stone buildings with roofs made of stone slabs. Alongside the parish church, this offers insight into the area’s traditional housing.
Martillué belonged to the estates of Atarés Castle, which passed to the monastery of Santa Cruz de la Serós in 1188. In 1442, Martillué was one of the watch posts in a defensive line established against France. These two dates represent different chapters in the village’s history: its ownership history connected with the castle and monastery, on the one hand, and its role as a watch post, on the other.
Festivals and Local Traditions
The main festival is celebrated on 15 August in honour of the Assumption of Mary. Martillué also takes part in the pilgrimage of San Indalecio to San Juan de la Peña, held on a Sunday in the first half of June. Another pilgrimage, in honour of Saint Orosia, leads to Yebra de Basa and takes place on Trinity Sunday. The dates therefore differ: the main festival has a fixed date, while the pilgrimages are tied to Sundays in the church calendar. If you would like to plan your trip around one of the pilgrimages, check the dates for the relevant year.
Another local tradition is to bring out the reliquary kept at Casa Juan Domingo when hail is threatening. Unlike the festivals and pilgrimages, this tradition is not tied to a calendar date but to a specific weather condition.
Jaca as a Regional Reference Point
In the wider region, Jaca is a major stop on the Way of St James. The two places therefore offer different points of interest: Martillué’s local history and traditions on the one hand, and Jaca’s connection with the Way of St James on the other. When looking for a holiday apartment in Martillué, consider whether you want the village itself—with its church, history and traditions—to be the focus of your stay.
Discover more destinations: Montmesa, Campo, Puértolas, Arro, Sin, Camporrélls, Fonz, Gerbe.
Back to the main travel overview: Huesca.
