In Nueno, a striking river landscape, Romanesque buildings and trails in the Sierra de Guara come together. The town centre lies on the slope of a hill, which the Río Isuela winds around, forming a gorge. You can explore the town through both its landscape and its history: churches and a castle, as well as circular routes and the Gorgas de San Julián, are among the highlights to consider when planning your visit.
Townscape and Architectural History
The parish church of San Martín reveals several phases of construction. It was built in the 12th century during the Romanesque period; its chancel has been preserved, while the naves and chapels date from the 18th century. The tower has distinctly Mudejar features. The Mudejar style is represented by only a few examples in northern Aragon.
Castillo de Ordás also adds a distinctive element to the historic townscape. The 12th-century complex is protected as a military monument of the castle type; a large rubble-stone wall is preserved. The protected Ermita de la Virgen de Ordás was the former church of the settlement of Ordás, which had been abandoned by 1523. The late Romanesque church has a large enclosed portico running along its entire south side. Its portal has three archivolts; carved Maltese crosses can be found on two of the stepped jambs.
The history of the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Ordás also reaches back to a former nunnery documented since the 12th century. The complex brings together phases of construction dating from the 12th to the 18th century. Those interested in architecture can observe a range of details and periods here, alongside the parish church of San Martín.
San Úrbez and Local Traditions
Another religious complex is located in Nocito, within the municipality of Nueno: the protected Santuario de San Úrbez, with its church and attached monastery. The church was originally built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style. The complex also includes a path to the Ermita de Santa María, built above the house where San Úrbez died, as well as the saint’s birthplace. Near the Pardina de San Úrbez stands an old, partly burnt oak tree associated with numerous pilgrimages to the hermitage.
Nueno celebrates its festival of San Martín on 11 November. If you would like to plan your stay around this date, check the event dates before travelling.
Gorge and Trails
The Gorgas de San Julián is a gorge near Nueno, formed by water carving its way through the fissures in imposing conglomerate walls. The marked “Gorgas de San Julián – Alternative 1” route leads from Nueno to the Ermita de San Julián and onwards to the Gorgas. It is four kilometres long, technically straightforward and takes around two hours and 55 minutes on foot; it can also be cycled. The approximate walking time and route length help you distinguish this excursion from shorter trails when planning your time.
The S9 – Salto de Roldán – Peña de San Miguel route is a 0.6-kilometre walking trail in Nueno and takes around 40 minutes. The climb to Peña de San Miguel follows iron rungs arranged like a ladder and is not recommended for people with a fear of heights. As access conditions may change due to maintenance or safety measures, check before setting out.
Other Aspects of the Municipality
In Sabayés, which belongs to the municipality of Nueno, there are wine cellars carved into the rock. The mild, stable climate there favoured the fermentation and preservation of wine produced in Sabayés. Espacio Salto de Roldán is also located in Sabayés: it is an exhibition space with gardens and a starting point for circular routes. Alongside churches and historic sites, local wine-making history and exhibitions can therefore also be possible areas of interest.
When looking for a holiday rental in Nueno, it helps to decide first whether architectural history, the landscape or the trails are your main priority. Plan your visit around these interests and, for longer excursions, take into account the stated walking time. This will help you explore the different aspects of the town without trying to fit every sight and route into a single itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Arascués, Peñalba, Torralba De Aragón, El Humo de Muro, Lecina, Ibieca, Albella, Castiello De Jaca.
See the overview of destinations in the region: Huesca.
