Huesca is a small city, population about 52,000, in north eastern Spain, within the region of Aragon. It is situated near the foothills of the Pyrenees at an elevation of 488 metres. The city was occupied by the Romans and the Arabs during its long history, finally coming back into Spanish hands in the 11th century.
More recently the city witnessed extremely fierce fighting during the Spanish Civil War. It was subject to many sieges during this time but it was never taken.
Huesca celebrates many fiestas during the year. The most important one, which takes place in August, is that of San Lorenzo, or Lawrence. San Lorenzo was born in Huesca and became a martyr in 286 AD when he was put to the death by the Romans.
The symbol of a grille can be seen on buildings throughout Huesca and it is said to represent the grille on which the unfortunate Saint met his end. The fiesta lasts for about a week.
The Gothic cathedral of Huesca, built between the 13th to the 16th centuries stands on the highest part of the city. Its main doorway which dates from the 14th century is richly carved. The interior’s most notable feature is the alabaster high altar which took 15 years to complete and dates from around 1500.
Another place of historic interest is the Abbey of San Pedro el Viejo. The present Romanesque structure was built by the Benedictines in the 12th century and is still well preserved. What remains of the site consists mostly of the cloisters and the church. It has been a Spanish national monument since 1886, and is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Huesca.
