Villanovilla in the La Garcipollera Valley

Villanovilla sits on a small hill at an altitude of 976 metres, surrounded by oaks and pines on the left bank of the River Ijuez. The valley has several names: La Garcipollera, Val Cebollera and Valle Cepollaria. Its landscape and cultural heritage give the place two distinct accents. An accessible route leads through the Valle de la Garcipollera, alongside the Ijuez and through pine forests, to the Romanesque church of Santa María de Iguácel. It starts on a path beside the centre of Villanovilla. The start and destination thus provide clear reference points for finding your way through the valley.

Route, Track and Mountain Biking

The accessible route includes four accessible tourist information points with signboards, as well as a recreation area with tables adapted for wheelchair users. The route description therefore covers both specific information points and a designated recreation area. When planning your walk, you can take these features into account along with the destination, Santa María de Iguácel. The route is described as accessible; the tables are specifically noted as adapted for wheelchair users.

Another way to explore the area is to follow the track through La Garcipollera. It can be travelled on foot, by bicycle or by car; its best section ends in Villanovilla. As track conditions can change, check them before setting out. A specific starting point is also given for the HU/05 “Garcipollera profunda” mountain biking route: it starts at the beginning of the Iguácel track, very close to Villanovilla. The location details distinguish the options: the best section of the track ends in Villanovilla, while HU/05 starts on the Iguácel track near the village.

Buildings and Local Festivals

Individual architectural details also stand out among the local heritage. Casa Simón is distinguished by a continuous balcony along its façade. The old mill in Villanovilla has been preserved, including its basin, which is built of good-quality masonry. These details range from an uninterrupted façade feature to a preserved mill basin.

The festival calendar has two clearly specified dates: the smaller festival in honour of Saint Eulalia, the village’s patron saint, is celebrated on 15 August; the main festival in honour of the Nativity of Mary takes place on 8 September. The two festival dates are just over three weeks apart. If you would like to time your stay to coincide with either festival, confirm the current programme locally.

Another tradition is the pilgrimage to Santa María de Iguácel. It still takes place on the second Sunday in July, and Villanovilla is one of the places associated with the pilgrimage. In the calendar, this is a different reference point from the two festival dates: what matters is the second Sunday in July, rather than a fixed date. Confirm the specific arrangements for the pilgrimage locally as well.

There is also a specific culinary option: Villanovilla has a restaurant serving typical regional dishes. Before travelling, check whether the restaurant will be open during your stay before planning a meal there.

Discover more destinations: Huesca, Ayerbe, Lanaja, Aratorés, Tamarite De Litera, Salinas De Hoz, Torre La Ribera, Jaca.

Return to the main travel overview: Huesca.