Aragon(Aragón) is an extraordinarily beautiful region of Spain, which always surprises tourists and travelers with its natural contrasts: clear lakes and deep gorges, natural springs and spacious, green plains.
Aragon map
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Autonomous community Aragon is located in a region that shares the border with France along the Central Pyrenees. This is a fairly sparsely populated area. Among the isolated regions of Spain, Aragon is the most isolated. It is located in the northeast of the country, in the river basin. Ebro, and includes the provinces of Huesca, Zaragoza and Teruel. The center of the region is the Aragonese lowland, stretching along the river. Ebro and surrounded by the Pyrenees, Cantabrian, Iberian and Catalan mountains.
IN Aragon located a large number of legally protected places. One of characteristic features Aragon's nature includes springs, mountain rivers and lakes. The calm Ebro River contrasts with the stormy mountain rivers. In the east the river flows through Moncayo - the highest mountain range Iberian System, on which the Laguna de Gallocanta is located.
Story
- the capital of Aragon - is located in an area where during the time of the Ancient Roman Empire there was a large trading city, which also influenced the political life of the country - the colony of Caesarius Augusta. Until the 11th century Aragon, as a small Frankish county, was part of the Kingdom of Pamplona. Aragon then gained independence, and the history of the region has since developed closely intertwined with the history of Catalonia.
In 1469, Aragon united with Castile through a dynastic marriage. This period was marked by prosperity - the nobility were allowed to choose a king and enjoy privileges.
During the period of struggle for the Spanish heritage in the region, a reform of political governance was carried out, as a result of which local self-government was completely eliminated.
The Napoleonic Wars (or "Wars of Independence" as the Spanish call them) caused significant damage to the political and economic state of Aragon. Migrations of the peasant population to Madrid and the cities of Catalonia, which became widespread, also undermined the potential of the region.
Sights and recreation
An area of particular interest to tourists is located in the north of Aragon in the Pyrenees. This region attractive for climbers, kayakers, and those who like to go down rivers on rafts. In addition, it is very popular Aragon favored by mountain bike enthusiasts alpine skiing.
Aragon is home to one of the most famous and largest ski resorts in Spain - Formigal. It is located near the town of Sallen de Gallego in the Western Pyrenees region. From here it’s a stone’s throw to the border with France (the distance is only 5 km). An excellent tourist infrastructure has been created in the central part of the resort - a system of apartments and hotels. The highest point of Formigal is located at a level of 2 km 250 m. The lower station is located at a level of 1510 m. On the routes total length 147 km there are 37 ski lifts. The resort has 147 trails of various levels.
Natural springs and mineral water do Aragon extremely attractive for those who want to experience the healing power of thermal waters.
The healing properties of local springs have been known since Roman times. The Arabs were also treated with local water. Thermal baths have been preserved here since those times. Modern health complexes Aragon offers its guests a large number of cosmetic and therapeutic procedures.
Ordesa National Park(Parque Nacional Ordesa) - oldest national park Spain, created in 1918, covers an area of 15,600 hectares. The park is full of green valleys, filled with waterfalls and alpine slopes covered with flowers, including wild violets, edelweiss and orchids. The park is just as wonderful for hiking, like this - for rafting and mountain climbing.
Loarre Castle(), striking in his magnificence, “played” one of the main roles in many films on historical themes. In this impregnable citadel, on the territory of which the monastery of San Juan de la Pena is located, the Holy Grail was kept - this is what ancient legends say.
The castle, built in the Romanesque style, is one of the most striking military-civil buildings in the region. In addition, this is a Romanesque fortress that has come down to us in an undestroyed form (this distinguishes it from other similar buildings in Europe).
small town Albarracin() in the province of Teruel is “The most beautiful city in Spain” - according to experts in the tourism industry. This Aragonese city is a vivid reminder of the times of Moorish rule in the Pyrenees.
Cities
(Zaragoza) is the capital of the region and one of the most majestic and ancient cities in Spain. Zaragoza was founded by the Romans in 27 BC. In ancient times, the city was surrounded by walls made of white marble and it was called the “white city”. The city preserves on its streets and in its museums a huge historical heritage left by the Romans and from the times of Muslim Spain.
Aljaferia Palace- the treasure of Zaragoza and the pearl of the Moorish style in Spain - was built outside the walls of the Old City in the 11th century by Al-Muqtadir.
Teruel(Teruel) - A very distinctive city in Aragon, where Mudejar architecture is beautifully represented, in which Gothic compositional techniques are combined with features of Moorish art.
The most interesting buildings are the cathedral with beautiful bell towers and the churches of San Martin, San Pedro and the church of El Salvador.
Huesca(Huesca) - Situated at the foot of the Pyrenees, Huesca offers natural areas and medieval buildings. incredible beauty. Huesca is a lively trading city, the economic center of Upper Aragon.
Holidays culture
Aragon has preserved many inheritances from the past architectural monuments, churches, castles. This is one of the centers of Spanish culture of the Middle Ages - which remains active to this day.
Khota(Jota) - is the most famous and popular traditional dance and song. It appeared in Aragon in the 18th century.
Traditional festivities, preserved folklore and handicrafts complete the list of attractions of this extraordinary Aragon.
Kitchen
A dish of bread crumbs with smoked sausage and pepper is popular among the local population and tourists - Migas de pastor. It can be tasted in almost any establishment in Aragon - from budget to expensive, where chefs offer their own variations of Migas.
Arriving in Aragon, you cannot deny yourself the pleasure of trying the products of local cheese makers and a variety of cheese dishes. One of the most popular varieties of cheese here is tronchon(queso de Tronchón), mention of which is found in the works of Cervantes.
A distinctive feature of the tronchon is its shape (the head in the center is pressed inward). An ancient recipe states that this cheese must be aged in a cave. But according to modern culinary trends, this is done in chambers.
When talking about the cuisine of Aragon, one cannot fail to mention chilindron. This stewing sauce, as you might guess, is made from chili peppers. For meat lovers, Aragonese chefs offer Pollo a la chilindrón - fried chicken, which is then stewed in a vegetable mixture with the addition of jamon, wine and spices.
As a dessert in Aragonese cafes and restaurants they offer apricots in wine(Melocotón con vino).
Aragon is an autonomous region of the Kingdom of Spain, which traces its origins to Kingdoms of Aragon. It is located in the north of the peninsula in the central reaches of the Ebro River and directly borders France. Aragon's neighbors on the Iberian Peninsula are: Catalonia (east), Comunidad Valenciana (southeast), Castile-La Mancha (south), Castile y Leon (southwest), La Rioja (southwest) and Navarre ( west). The statute of the autonomous region states that Aragon is a “historic nation”.
In the past, the Kingdom of Aragon, as well as the County of Barcelona, the kingdoms of Mallorca and Valencia were part of a historical union called "Aragonese Crown"(Corona de Aragon).
WITH 1978
Aragon is an autonomous region of the Kingdom of Spain, which includes three provinces: Huesca, Teruel and Zaragoza. Capital autonomous region – Zaragoza city.
The national holiday "Day of Aragon" coincides with the day St. George and is celebrated April 23.
GEOGRAPHY and CLIMATE
The central part of Aragon lies in the valley of the Ebro River, at an altitude 150 – 300 m above sea level). And to the north and south of it rise the mountain ranges of the Pyrenees Mountains and the Iberian System.
IN Aragonese Pyrenees, separating Spain from France, are the main peaks of this mountain range. First among equals - Mount Aneto(Aneto) height 3404
m. Following her are: Posets(Posets) – 3.371
m; Lost Mountain(Monte Perdido / Monte Perdido) – 3355
m, Perdigero(Perdiguero) 3221
m; Cotielha(Cotiella) – 2912
m. The beds of mountain rivers form a series of Pyrenean valleys: Anso (Veral River); Echo (Aragon Subordão River); Canfranc (Aragon River); Tena (Gallego River) and Broto Ainza Benasque (Ara, Sinca Esera Rivers). In the mountains surrounding these valleys there is Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park(Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido).
The foothills of the Pyrenees mountains are formed by several sierras. Greatest height 2077
m reaches the Sierra de Guara. The reddish rocks located near the town of Ayerbe are especially beautiful.
Mountains of the Iberian System on the territory of Aragon do not have a clearly defined single geological structure. Therefore, they usually have two zones. One is called the Iberian Halona System (Mount Moncayo - 2313
m.), and the other is the Iberian System of Teruel. The latter includes the Albarracina, Gudara and Javalambre sierras, as well as the Maestrasgo serrania.
Most of the rivers of Aragon are tributaries of its main river - Ebro. Huge reservoir long 110
km, created on this river directly on the border with Catalonia, bears the proud name - Aragon Sea. Official name of this reservoir - Embalse de Mequinenza.
Climate of Aragon, is generally considered temperate continental, but this is a rather arbitrary definition, since the heterogeneous terrain (the Iberian axis with eternal glaciers on the peaks passes in the north) leads to significant climatic variations in different zones of Aragon. Average temperatures vary greatly with altitude. In summer the temperature in the valleys can reach 40° C. In the mountains, winter is longer and temperatures there are much lower than on the plain.
HISTORICAL FACTS
The capital of the region is Zaragoza is located on the site of the large Roman city of Caesarius Augusta, which was once a major commercial and political center of the province of Spain Citerior. The first mention of Aragon is contained in documents 828 which recorded the birth of a small Frankish county between the rivers Aragon and Aragon Subordan. Before XI centuries it was part of Kingdoms of Pamplona. After the death of the King of Navarre Sancho "El Mayor" The county gained independence. The greatest contribution to the expansion of borders and strengthening of the power of the Kingdom of Aragon was made by Ramiro I And Alfonso I(Warrior - batalador). By the way, after Alfonso’s death there was funny story. His brother was elected king Ramiro II(Monk), who really was a monk and, as a result, could not (had no right) to leave behind a legal heir. I had to turn to the Pope for special permission, which was given, and an heiress was born, Petronilla. After this, Ramiro went back to the monastery, leaving Aragon with the girl, but without the king. The solution was found in the person of the Count of Barcelona - Ramon Berenguer IV. He became the husband of little Petronilla. Since then, for a long time, the history of Aragon has been inextricably linked with the history of Catalonia. It is worth noting that the Aragonese nobility was distinguished by great independence and the king was actually chosen here. It confirms text of the oath of allegiance: “We, who are as worthy as you, make you our King and Seigneur to protect our rights and freedoms, and if not, then no.”. Sounds significant.
After the wedding Fernando II of Aragon With Isabel I of Castile, which took place in 1469
year in Valladolid, there was a gradual unification of Aragon with Castile. During the struggle for the Spanish inheritance between the Bourbons and the Habsburgs, Aragon supported the wrong side. Winner, Philip V of Bourbon carried out public administration reform. As a result, the Aragonese nobility lost their privileges, and local authorities were dissolved. During the “War of Independence” (as the war with Napoleon is called in Spain) Zaragoza was almost completely destroyed, which led to a further weakening of the economic and political potential of Aragon. Mass migration played a negative role XIX century, when peasants were in search of better life went to big cities Aragon and Catalonia, as well as Madrid. History of Aragon XX centuries, with small exceptions, repeats the history of all of Spain. During civil war Aragon was divided into two zones - supporters of the republic (east) and Francoists (west). Particularly fierce battles took place for possession Teruel. After death Franco The gradual restoration of civil liberties and the transition to democracy began. As a result of democratic changes, in 1982
The year the Statute of the Autonomous Region was adopted and the local parliament (Cortes), local government (la Diputación General) and justice were restored. In May 1992
year, a new Statute was developed and entered into force. The latest version of the Statute refers to 2007
year. IN 2008
The International Exhibition EXPO was held in Zaragoza. 
LANGUAGE
In Aragon, as in the rest of Spain, the official Spanish(Castilian) language. Additionally, in some regions in the north people speak Aragonese(aragones). On the border with Catalonia, various dialects of the Catalan language are common. Although these two local languages are not official, the Law on cultural heritage» provides for the obligation of the autonomous authorities to ensure their preservation.
Administrative-territorial division
Aragon is divided into 3
provinces: Zaragoza,
HuescaAndTeruel with capitals in cities of the same name. Other administrative divisions of Aragon are mosquitoes, which, on this moment, there are 32
plus 1
delimitation comarcal.
Decisions on issues falling within the competence of local authorities of the autonomous region are made within the framework of their powers: Cortes of Aragon(parliament), The president(head of autonomy), Diputación General de Aragon(government) and Justicia de Aragon(judicial branch). 
Total in Cortes of Aragon 67
deputies who sit in Aljaferia Palace(Zaragoza).
TRANSPORT NETWORK
Railway transport.
IN 2003
the line was put into operation high speed trains"AVE" between Madrid And Lleida(Catalonia), with stops in Catalayude(Aragon) and Zaragoza(Aragon). IN 2008
year, another section of this highway was put into operation, connecting Zaragoza With Barcelona.
In addition, by train from Zaragoza you can reach Huesca, Teruel and other cities in Spain .
Car roads
The road network in Aragon has 10 700
km of paved roads, of which 2200
km are classified as national (administered by the central government of Spain).
The most important roads of Aragon:
A-2 or "Autovia de Nordeste" - the main road between Madrid and Barcelona (via Zaragoza).
AR 2(Autopista de Nordeste) is a highway between Zaragoza and the Catalan city of El Vendrell. (Toll road).
A-23 or "Autovia Mudejar" from the Valencian city of Sagunto to the Somport tunnel, connects all the capitals of the autonomous region - Teruel, Zaragoza and Huesca. Currently in various stages of reconstruction. Areas where multi-lane traffic has not yet been organized are indicated on the maps as N-330.
A-68 or "Autovia del Ebro" between Miranda del Ebro (Navarre) and the Aragonese town of Valdeagorfa (Based Aragon) is in various stages of completion. If the section on the territory of Navarre is almost completed, then the Aragonese section is still functioning only in certain sections in the Zaragoza region. Areas that have not been reconstructed are marked N-232.
AR 68 or Autopista Vasco-Aragonesa - between Bilbao and Zaragoza. (Toll road).
Particular care should be taken when driving on certain sections of the highway N II And N-232.(where they only have one lane in each direction).
Zaragoza airport,
is located 10 km from the capital of Aragon. From it there are flights to a number of Spanish and foreign cities: Seville, Santiago de Compostela, Palma de Mallorca, Lisbon, Rome, Milan, etc.
TRADITIONS
Aragon has its own national musical tradition - hota(jota aragonesa), in which dancing and singing are intertwined. This musical genre, as we know it now, was formed at the end of the 18th – beginning of the 19th centuries. 
The accordion is one of the most common musical instruments.
The people of Aragon are passionate fans drum. During the holidays, drumming can be heard everywhere.
Aragon's largest folk festival "Folk Festival of the Pyrenees"(Festival Folklórico de los Pirineos), which has been held since 1963, one year in Jaca and the next in Oloron-Sainte-Marie. The second no less interesting cultural event of Aragon is "Folklore competition in Teruel"(Muestra de Folclore de Teruel).
GASTRONOMY
Aragonese cuisine is quite varied. It makes extensive use of vegetables grown in the Ebro Valley and meat (beef and lamb). They love local residents and fish, since trout inhabit local rivers in large quantities.
The most famous dishes of Aragon: migas de pastor, Ternasco del Aragon, La Borraja, el cardo, Las Ciretas, Las Tortetas, la longanisa(smoked sausage), la carne a la pastora,
los crespillos,
El Pollo(chicken) al chilindron.
Olive oil, honey, and peaches (Teruel) are considered some of the best in Spain.
They enjoy well-deserved fame red wines(tinto) from grapes grown in the so-called. Controlled Origin Zones (DO): Somontano, Campo de Borja, Cariñena, Catalayud. 
Famous Aragonese cheese Queso de Tronchon(Queso de Tronchón) was mentioned in the “encyclopedia of Spanish life” - the novel “Don Quixote”. It is made from a mixture of sheep and goat milk. Other equally respected brands of local cheeses (queso): Echo y Anso(Queso Hecho y Ansó), Biescas(Queso de Biescas), El Burgo(el burgo) Manuel Monclus(Manuel Monclús).
HOLIDAYS
Aragon Day noted 23
April. 
Residents of Aragon love holidays just like their neighbors from other regions of Spain. So Holy Week(Semana Santa), Christmas And Day of the Magi(Reyes Magos), Carnival and other national holidays are celebrated here cheerfully and on a grand scale. The patron saints of cities and villages are not forgotten either. Local holidays are held annually in their honor.
The following have been declared as national tourist holidays in Aragon:
– processions of drummers in various cities of the province of Teruel, during the celebration of Catholic Easter (Alcaniz, Albalate de Arzobispo, Alcorisa, Andorra, Calanda, Hijar, La Puebla de Hijar, Samper de Calanda, Urrea de Gaen).
Holy week(Semana Santa en Teruel) is the holiday of Catholic Easter in the city of Teruel.
Celebration of the first Friday of May(Fiesta de primer viernes de Mayo) - in the city of Jaca, province of Huesca.
Romeria St. Peter(Romeria San Pablo) in the town of Camarena de la Sierra in the province of Teruel - on the last Saturday and Sunday of June.
Holidays of San Lorenzo(Fiestas de San Lorenzo) in Huesca - August 9-15.
Festival of Culture(Fiestas Culturales) in the town of Camarena de la Sierra, province of Teruel - August 13 - 15.
Feast in honor of San Bartolome(Fiestas en honor a San Bartolome) in the town of Lechago, province of Teruel - August 21 - 25.
Festival in honor of San Augustin and San Atilano(Fiestas en honor a San Augustin y San Atilano) - in Cipotegato, Tarazona, province of Zaragoza - 27.08 - 01.09.
Celebration of San Vicente Ferrer(Fiestas Patronales de Graus en Honor del Santo Cristo y San Vicente Ferrer) in the town of Graus, province of Huesca – 12 – 15.09.
St. Matthew(San Mateo) in Camarena de la Sierra, province of Teruel – 18-20.09.
– 12.10.
RESERVES
The Ordesa Valley became the country's first National Park in 1918
year, thanks to the efforts of the Frenchman Lucien Brie, who “tormented” the Spanish government with constant requests to establish a reserve in these places. Royal Decree dated 16
August 1918
were declared protected areas 2100
ha. IN 1982
year, the area of protected areas was significantly increased (15,608 hectares) and the reserve received a new name: "National Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido". The elevation difference in the reserve is 2600
m ( Anisklo – 750
m above sea level and Mount Perdido – 3550
m). On the other side of the Pyrenees, there is the “National Park of the French Pyrenees”, the border of which directly adjoins the Aragonese “brother”. IN 1997
In 2007, the Ordesa-Vinyamala zone was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The National Park and the adjacent protected area are located in the following municipalities: Torla ,
Broto ,
Fanlo ,
Telya-Sin ,
Puertolas and Bielsa.
WORLD HERITAGE OF HUMANITY and OTHER ATTRACTIONS
IN 1986
historical year Teruel city center, built in style Mudejar, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. IN 2001
The list was filled with other monuments of Aragon built in this style:
Tower, dome and roof of the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Mediavilla; tower and church of San Pedro; tower of the Church of San Martin; tower of the church del Salvador in Teruel .
Apse, claustro and tower of the Colechiate (Church) of Santa Maria in Catalayud.
Parish Church of Santa Tecla in Cervera de la Cañada .
Church of Santa Maria in the town of Tobed .
Architectural elements of the Mudejar style preserved in the palace Aljaferia(Aljaferia), as well as tower of the parish church of San Pablo;apse and dome of La Seo Cathedral –
in Zaragoza. But not only these monuments of Aragon's past are worthy of attention.
Fabulous Loarre Castle perfectly played the role of an impregnable citadel in many historical films. According to ancient legends, the mysterious Holy Grail was kept in the Monastery of San Juan de la Pena. On the stage of a Roman theater in ancient city Cesaria Augusta (Zaragoza) is still showing ancient dramas. The memory of the times of Moorish rule in the Iberian Peninsula is carefully preserved Albarracin city. Churches in towns and villages (Jaca, Huesca), especially those on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, are full of sculptural and pictorial masterpieces. An amazing natural area - (Teruel province) attracts with the incomparable beauty of the mountain landscape.
Big Aragon sightseeing map with translation of symbols into Russian.
and with several neighboring regions of the country. The region is located on the territory of the Iberian Peninsula and occupies most of the Aragonese plain, possessing fabulous natural landscapes, with an abundance of rivers and lakes, dry steppes, mountain ranges, as well as deciduous and coniferous forests.
Peculiarities
Aragon consists of 3 provinces: Zaragoza, Teruel and Huesca. Each of them is divided into districts, which include several cities. The region's economy is based on agriculture, sugar, oil mills, flour milling, metalworking and chemical industries, as well as winemaking and aluminum production. Tourism brings considerable income to the regional budget. Possessing gorgeous natural landscapes and excellent opportunities for sports, Aragon primarily attracts the attention of climbers, fans of alpine skiing and people who come here for relaxation and treatment in local balneological centers. However, most beautiful cities northeast Spain, with its well-developed tourist infrastructure, also serves as an excellent opportunity to get to know the history of this part of the country, as well as appreciate the charm and elegance of its architecture. The real highlight of these places is “jota”, which is a dance and musical genre in the form of a theatrical performance, symbolizing the hot Spanish temperament. The culinary traditions of the region and its magnificent wines, made from grapes growing on picturesque plantations surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, are worthy of special attention.
general information
The territory of Aragon covers an area of just under 48,000 square meters. km, and the population is about 1 million 300 thousand people. Moreover, almost half of the residents represent the province of Zaragoza and most of them speak Castilian, their native Spanish language. Local time lags behind Moscow by 1 hour in summer and 2 in winter. Time zone UTC+1 and UTC+2 in the summer. Official website www.aragon.es.
A brief excursion into history
People appeared on these lands long before our era, but the name of the region was first mentioned in documentary reports only in 828, when a Frankish county was formed here, which was part of the Kingdom of Navarre. In the first half of the 11th century, Aragon gained independence, and then nearby territories were annexed. During the War of the Spanish Succession, Aragon took the side of Archduke Charles, and at the end of the Battle of Almanza, in 1707, it actually turned into a province divided into several regions. At the end of the 19th century, after the second territorial reform, the territory of Aragon included Zaragoza, Teruel and Huesca, and a century later, in 1982, Spain decided to accept the autonomous status of the region, which it retains to this day.
Climate
The weather conditions of the region, in its different areas, are significantly influenced by the Mediterranean and continental climate. The average annual temperature directly depends on the altitude above sea level, although the total number of sunny days is quite high. So in the Ebro Valley, the thermometer can rise to +40 in the summer and drop to almost 0 in the winter. In more high points, the temperature is 10 degrees lower on average. You can come here at any time of the year, depending on the purpose of your trip, since the region warmly welcomes guests both in the winter and summer months.
How to get there
Largest international Airport Aragon, located 10 km from. There is also the Huesca Pirineos airport, in the area of the capital of the province of Huesca, and the Santa Silia airfield, near the city of Jaqui, providing private and tourist flights over short distances.
Transport
Overland travel in the region is carried out using railway and intercity buses. Both networks are developed quite well, so tourists, as a rule, do not have problems with transfers. In addition, there is always the opportunity to use a taxi or rent a car at any rental office.
Main cities and resorts
It serves as the capital of the region, which is also the administrative center of the province of the same name. The city is located on the banks of the Ebro River and is considered the fifth largest in Spain. Its architectural appearance, with an abundance of buildings made in the Mudejar style, makes even seasoned tourists admire it, and located in close proximity to the city limits Natural Park, many of whose plants are listed in the Red Book, serves as an excellent place for walking and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Nestled among rugged mountain ranges, the city of Teruel attracts visitors with its elegant architecture and varied natural landscapes. At the very foot of the Pyrenees Mountains lies another provincial capital, Huesca, which has a rich cultural and historical heritage. Deserves special attention old City Jaca, in addition to its unique attractions, famous for its excellent conditions for winter sports, and Barbastro, where outstanding writers of the golden age of Spanish literature were born. Many popular ones start from Khaki tourist routes, leading towards protected areas national park Ordesa, with its valleys, mountains and waterfalls, as well as mountain peaks Monte Perdiro.
Among winter resorts regions are highlighted ski centers Aragonese Pyrenees, including famous ski centers such as Astun, Boi Taul, Baqueira Beret and Candanchu. All of them are distinguished by well-developed infrastructure and excellent conditions for skiing, including excellent slopes equipped with modern lifts and convenient transport links. In addition, this area is famous for its excellent weather conditions and plenty of sunny days throughout the winter season. Most of the region's balneological centers are concentrated in the province of Zaragoza, although there are them in both Teruel and Huesca. They are characterized by high quality service, qualified staff and effective year-round treatment, accompanied by sports and a rich excursion program. In the summer, numerous climbers and connoisseurs of natural beauty come to Aragon.
Attractions and entertainment
In addition to the most beautiful natural landscapes, Aragon has a lot of unique architectural structures that can be seen in various cities of the region. Historical Center in Zaragoza, Casco Viejo, with its Baroque Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar and the Moorish Aljafería Palace, the famous Monastery of San Juan de la Pena, located on the way to Santiago de Compostela, the Church of the Transfiguration and the Monastery of St. Peter in Huesca, Cathedral Saint Mary of Mediavilla in Teruel are only a small part of the architectural splendor that Aragon is rich in. For lovers of active pastime, a trip to mountain ranges Sierra de Guara, home to a wonderful national park with rare beauty of terrain and excellent opportunities for rafting and canyoning. In addition, there are specially equipped bicycle trails, as well as routes for climbers and alpine skiing fans. Throughout the year, many cities in the region host all kinds of holiday events and festivals, which invariably attract huge crowds.
Kitchen
Aragonese cuisine is a mixture of traditions from the northern regions of Spain and the Mediterranean east. Vegetable crops such as tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, artichokes and other vegetables occupy an important place in the preparation of dishes here. Spices such as basil, anise, saffron, cinnamon, cloves and pepper are often used. Among the meat products, the most popular dishes are hare and partridge. Particular attention should be paid to Teruel ham and Tronchon cheese, which is made from sheep's milk. Local soups, including garlic and onion soups, which have a unique flavor, are also very noteworthy. Among the sweets, it is worth highlighting candied fruits covered with dark chocolate, grilled vegetables and all kinds of desserts made from fruits. As drinks, the wines of Somontano, Cariñena, Borja and Calatayuda are very popular here.
Shopping
The most successful cities for shopping lovers are the provincial capitals, Zaragoza, Teruel and Huesca. It is in them that the main shopping complexes, shops, markets and boutiques are concentrated, where you can buy goods for every taste, from clothing and cosmetics to mobile phones and memorable souvenirs depicting the most famous sights of the region.
Aragon is one of the most attractive tourist destinations V . Here you can have a great time enjoying the beauty of wild nature while traveling around the territory national parks, experience all the advantages of winter sports, see unique architectural structures, feel the wonderful atmosphere of these places, and also get to know the culture and traditions of the Spanish north.
High mountain valleys, snow-covered peaks, clear lakes and deep gorges, terraces of the former royal capital of Zaragoza, battlements of knightly castles in the remote region of Maestrasgo - this is what the birthplace of the great Goya looks like today, the most sparsely populated part of Spain - an autonomous community.
Among the isolated regions of Spain, the Autonomous Community is the most isolated. It is located in the northeast of the country in the Erbo River basin. The center of the autonomous community of Aragon is the Aragonese lowland, surrounded by the Cantabrian, Iberian and Catalan mountains. The Central Pyrenees cut off Aragon from France.
One of the characteristic natural features Aragon has mountain rivers and lakes, healing natural springs. Stormy mountain streams contrast with the calm Yerbo River, which in the east flows through the highest mountain range of the Iberian system - Moncayo.
Aragon is one of the centers of Spanish culture of the Middle Ages, and from its glorious past it inherited a huge number of architectural monuments, castles and churches. The visiting card of the Autonomous Community of Aragon - Jota ( jota ), a song and a dance at the same time. Jota appeared in Aragon in XVIII century and since then not a single local holiday is complete without this rhythmic and fiery melody.
The Autonomous Community of Aragon includes three provinces: Zaragoza, Huesca and Teruel. In general, this is the most sparsely populated part of Spain between the Pyrenees and the Meseta.
Zaragoza is the largest province of Aragon. More than half of all its inhabitants live here. The city of the same name ranks sixth among largest cities Spain. Over 600 thousand people live in modern Zaragoza.
The administrative center of the province of Huesca has 50 thousand inhabitants and is the economic center of upper Aragon. The city of Huesca was founded by the Iberians, then it was chosen by the Romans, the Romans were replaced here by the Arabs, from whose rule Huesca was liberated already in 1096. Today it is a market town, but also has a small university.
The city of Teruel is rightfully considered the pearl of Mudejar art. Moorish architects, who enjoyed special rights, continued to work in Teruel until 1502, when the last mosque was closed.
An area of particular interest to tourists is located in the north of Aragon in the Pyrenees. It is especially attractive for climbers and rafting enthusiasts, and is very popular among mountain bikers and fans of alpine skiing.
Natural sources of healing thermal waters make Aragon a place of pilgrimage for those who want to improve and strengthen their health by using water treatments. The healing power of local waters was known to the ancient Romans, and the Arabs did not disdain such treatment. Since then, thermal baths have been preserved here, and modern health centers of Aragon offer their guests a wide range of therapeutic and cosmetic procedures based on medicinal waters.
Relief
Story
People appeared in the lands that now form the autonomous community of Aragon in the pre-Roman era, but Aragon, like most modern regions of northern Spain, arose in the Middle Ages. The name Aragon was first documented in the year when a small Frankish county arose between the rivers that bear its name, Aragon (Spanish. Rio Aragon) and its tributary Aragon Subordan (Spanish. Rio Aragón Subordán ). The territory of Aragon until the beginning of the century. was part of the Kingdom of Navarre.
Independence
Aragon became an independent kingdom. King Alfonso I recaptured Zaragoza, which became the capital of Aragon, and expanded the borders of the state beyond the Ebro River. The County of Barcelona was united with Aragon on the basis of a personal union; then other lands of Catalonia were included in Aragon, and the Counts of Barcelona became kings of Aragon. The County of Roussillon was annexed, the Balearic Islands were recaptured from the Moors (where the sovereign kingdom of Mallorca was formed, again conquered by Aragon in -), and Valencia. The kings of Aragon established themselves in Sicily, in Sardinia, and due to the union, in the Kingdom of Naples.
Within the Kingdom of Aragon, the most economically developed were Catalonia and Valencia, which retained significant independence (their own Cortes, legislation and administration); Aragon itself was one of the most economically backward areas; nevertheless, political dominance belonged to Aragon, whose strong, united nobility secured for itself enormous privileges in the exploitation of the population of both Aragon and the lands under its control. The Zaragoza Cortes of 1281 legally established severe forms of serfdom among peasants. In the XIII-XIV centuries. Serfdom in Aragon and Catalonia strengthened (in Aragon it remained until the 17th century, unlike Catalonia, where it was destroyed in). The policies of the Aragonese kings were determined by the Cortes (who appeared in Aragon in), reflecting the interests of the highest nobility. The “General Privilege” of Pedro III (-) and the “Privilege of Union” of Alfonso III (-) granted the nobility the right to defend their liberties with arms in hand (up to the deposition of the king). The abolition of the “Privilege of Union” in the middle of the 14th century. the intervention of the nobility in government was somewhat limited; however, the power of the feudal lords over the peasants was completely preserved.
XX century
Administrative division
| Provinces | Adm. center | Population, people (2011) |
Square, km² |
Comarcas | Qty municipalities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zaragoza | Zaragoza | 973 325 | 17 274 | Aranda, Bajo Aragon Caspe, Campo de Belchite, Campo de Borja, Campo de Cariñena, Campo de Daroca, Cinco Villas, Comunidad de Calatayud, Ribera Alta del Ebro, Ribera Baja del Ebro, Tarazona y el Moncayo, Valdejalon, Zaragoza | |
| Huesca | Huesca | 227 609 | 15 636 | Alto Gallego, Bajo Cinca, Cinca Medio, Hoya de Huesca, Jacetania, La Litera, Monegros, Ribagorza, Sobrarbe, Somontano de Barbastro | |
| Teruel | Teruel | 144 607 | 14 808 | Bajo Martin, Jiloca, Cuencas Mineras, Andorra-Sierra de Arcos, Greater Teruel, Maestrasgo, Sierra de Albarracin, Gudar Javalambre, Matarrania |
Demography
Population of provincial capitals:
- Zaragoza (Spanish) Zaragoza ) - 647 373.
- Huesca (Spanish) Huesca ) - 48 530.
- Teruel (Spanish) Teruel ) - 33 238.
Language situation
Most people in Aragon speak Castilian (Spanish), which is the official language. In some areas of the region there are native speakers of Aragonese and Catalan.
- Castilian is the official language and is spoken throughout the region. The local Castilian has distinctive features due to the influence of the Aragonese language.
- Aragonese is spoken in small populated areas in Huesca. The total number of carriers is about 12,000.
- Catalan is spoken in some comarques in eastern Aragon, in the so-called Franja.
Aragonese Cortes are legislative body Aragon. The Cortes includes 67 deputies, currently divided into 5 parties (PSOE, PAR, CHA,). The Cortes are located in the Aljaferia Palace.
Distribution of seats in the Cortes ():
- PSOE: 27 places.
- : 22 places.
- CHA: 9 seats.
- PAR: 8 seats.
- : 1 place.
In some areas, a sword dance is performed, imitating the battle between the Moors and Christians.
see also
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Links
- // Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - St. Petersburg. , 1890-1907.
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Excerpt characterizing AragonThe chief manager, to console these losses, presented Pierre with a calculation that, despite these losses, his income not only would not decrease, but would increase if he refused to pay the debts remaining after the countess, to which he could not be obliged, and if he does not renew the Moscow houses and the Moscow region, which cost eighty thousand annually and brought nothing.“Yes, yes, it’s true,” said Pierre, smiling cheerfully. - Yes, yes, I don’t need any of this. I became much richer from ruin. But in January Savelich arrived from Moscow, told him about the situation in Moscow, about the estimate that the architect made for him to renovate the house and the Moscow region, speaking about it as if it was a settled matter. At the same time, Pierre received a letter from Prince Vasily and other acquaintances from St. Petersburg. The letters talked about his wife's debts. And Pierre decided that the manager’s plan, which he liked so much, was wrong and that he needed to go to St. Petersburg to finish off his wife’s affairs and build in Moscow. Why this was necessary, he did not know; but he knew without a doubt that it was necessary. As a result of this decision, his income decreased by three quarters. But it was necessary; he felt it. Villarsky was traveling to Moscow, and they agreed to go together. Pierre experienced a feeling of joy, freedom, life throughout his recovery in Orel; but when, during his travels, he found himself in the free world and saw hundreds of new faces, this feeling intensified even more. Throughout the trip he felt the joy of a schoolboy on vacation. All the faces: the driver, the caretaker, the men on the road or in the village - everyone had a new meaning for him. The presence and comments of Villarsky, who constantly complained about poverty, backwardness from Europe, and ignorance of Russia, only increased Pierre's joy. Where Villarsky saw deadness, Pierre saw an extraordinary powerful force of vitality, that force that in the snow, in this space, supported the life of this whole, special and united people. He did not contradict Villarsky and, as if agreeing with him (since feigned agreement was the shortest way to bypass reasoning from which nothing could come of it), smiled joyfully as he listened to him. Just as it is difficult to explain why and where ants rush from a scattered hummock, some away from the hummock, dragging specks, eggs and dead bodies, others back into the hummock - why they collide, catch up with each other, fight - it is just as difficult It would be possible to explain the reasons that forced the Russian people, after the French left, to crowd into the place that was formerly called Moscow. But just as, looking at the ants scattered around a devastated hummock, despite the complete destruction of the hummock, one can see from the tenacity, energy, and countless swarming insects that everything has been destroyed except for something indestructible, immaterial, which makes up the entire strength of the hummock - so too and Moscow, in the month of October, despite the fact that there were no authorities, no churches, no shrines, no wealth, no houses, Moscow was the same as it was in August. Everything was destroyed, except for something insubstantial, but powerful and indestructible. At the end of January, Pierre arrived in Moscow and settled in the surviving outbuilding. He went to see Count Rastopchin and some acquaintances who had returned to Moscow, and was planning to go to St. Petersburg on the third day. Everyone celebrated the victory; everything was seething with life in the ruined and reviving capital. Everyone was happy to see Pierre; everyone wanted to see him, and everyone asked him about what he had seen. Pierre felt especially friendly towards all the people he met; but now he involuntarily kept himself on guard with all people, so as not to tie himself to anything. He answered all questions that were put to him, whether important or most insignificant, with the same vagueness; Did they ask him: where will he live? will it be built? when is he going to St. Petersburg and will he undertake to carry the box? - he answered: yes, maybe, I think, etc. “She came to visit me,” said Princess Marya. – The Count and Countess will be there one of these days. The Countess is in a terrible situation. But Natasha herself needed to see the doctor. She was forcibly sent with me. | |||
