TOUR DU VILLAGE

In the beginning was Al-Kasr, named after the old Muslim castle built by Jalaf ibn Rashterrasse in the early 9th century to face the Christian forces of Sobrarbe. After its fall, the castle was rebuilt by the Christian king Sancho Ramirez in the 11th century. This fortress became the starting point of the Aragonese Reconquest of the Somontano de Barbastro. Apart from many legends, it remains today a superb medieval complex where Arab and Christian influences are combined. In fact, a defensive tower, a large Romanesque tower and fortified walls rise up to the castle, at the foot of which the village was built in a half-moon shape from the 12th century. The latter preserves an undeniably Arab layout and charm with its narrow cobbled streets punctuated by secret arcades, magnificent arched portals, vaults, tunnels and hidden plazas, such as the small rectangular plaza Don Rafael Ayerbe. The fortress houses the collegiate church of Santa María with its 11th and 12th century Romanesque cloister, as well as a small museum. Below the main square is a charming church from the late Gothic period. Whether in the casco antiguo or on the terraces facing the Sierra de Guara, you can stop for a bite to eat or a drink and enjoy the scenery. It is surely at the end of the day, at sunset, when the brick of the fortress and all the reds of the sierra blaze together, that Alquezar presents its most beautiful aspect.