This small provincial capital in northeast Spain is a great place to discover beautiful historic buildings, bustling picturesque streets and lively traditions.
Huesca is the capital of Huesca province and is a lovely Spanish city with many interesting sites. See its rich architecture, including Baroque and Gothic churches, ancient monasteries, castles and traditional buildings from the early 20th century. Join Huesca’s residents celebrating their rich cultural heritage during one of the most popular annual festivities, Las Fiestas de San Lorenzo (Saint Lorenzo Festival).
Discover the majestic cathedral La Santa Iglesia Catedral de la Transfiguración del Señor, also known as Catedral de Santa María de Huesca. The building is considered the heart of the old quarter of Huesca, together with the Ayuntamiento de Huesca (Huesca City Council). See the cathedral’s beautiful carvings and the impressive high altar made from alabaster. Take stunning photos of El Monasterio de San Pedro el Viejo (Old Saint Peter’s monastery), a Romanesque building from the 12th century, also located in the Old Town.
Wander along Calle Coso Alto, one of the city’s main streets. It is a bustling pedestrian area with many shops, bars, picturesque buildings and churches. See the church Iglesia de Santo Domingo y San Martín and the Teatro Olimpia, a theater with an impressive façade featuring six columns and Huesca’s coat of arms. Explore the Parque Miguel Servet, one of the city’s oldest parks. Here, find beautiful plants from Japan and China and the famous monument Las Pajaritas (Little Birds).
Visit Huesca during Las Fiestas de San Lorenzo, the popular annual festival honoring San Lorenzo (Saint Lorenzo). He was a cleric from Huesca martyred in Rome in A.D. 258. The festival starts on August 9 with the launching of a rocket known as el chupinazo from the balcony of the Ayuntamiento de Huesca. Join locals during these important days of the year, when they pay homage to their patron and dress in white with green scarfs. Sing the farewell song Adiós, San Lorenzo, Adios (Goodbye Saint Lorenzo, Goodbye) to mark the festival’s end on August 15.