Monday, February 5, 2018

6th September 2017 - Huesca, the castle of Loarre and Los Mallos

Today we had decided on the city of Huesca where, we were told, the Cathedral was worth a visit. There were lots of roadworks but the scenery en route was lovely. We had great difficulty in getting parked because the places were so narrow and the bends so acute. At one stage Jim nearly dinged the car. Fortunately I was out of the car and could stop him. We were really impressed with the Cathedral and the works of art.



















This altarpiece is carved in alabaster.







Needless to say I moved from stool to stool. When a seat is provided one must take advantage gracefully and gratefully! 



















I think he got a bit of a shock!















Dead pan!













A headless Jesus?



Nice skirt!




This is the most spectacular piece of art in the Cathedral. It is carved in alabaster. It contains 3 large scenes of Christ's Passion.  The central circular window gives onto a small chamber in which the Eucharist was kept for protection against theft and sacrilege.



Then we went into the Ayuntamiento - town hall/council. It is a lovely building too but we were fascinated by the figures that are obviously part of parades in Huesca's festivals







Back outside again, we made our way to the Tourist Office - though that should really have been our first stop! The girl there was very nice and recommended several trips we should make.









Then we needed lunch but didn’t want a full meal. We stopped at a bar place and asked for the menu but no menu - only calamares racione which we  shared. It was very nice but I was worried about the effect of so much deep fried batter. 

















On our journey home we took a slight detour so as to visit the Castle of Loarre, an 11th century Romanesque castle perched on top of a crag with its walls blending into the rocks.This is the best preserved Romanesque castle in Europe.
























Jim went up into the tower while I contented myself lower down. He had a great view of the surrounding countryside.












He could have climbed further but I know he didn't!




While we were at the castle someone recommended that we go into Loarre village to have a look at the San Esteban Church and its Gothic Tower. As it happened the ticket for Loarre Castle also covered entrance to the Church. The church opens only some hours of the day so we had a bit of a wait which we spent wandering around the village. The little church was quite lovely with some great pieces of art some of which are the treasures from Loarre Castle.










It has a beautiful Gothic tower.



























Jim took a trip to the tower - he has been in high places today!







This was quite a small church but it had lots of treasure some of them very beautiful.

Back on the road again we travelled to Murillo de Gallego. Its setting has a stunning background of Mallos de Riglos. Seemingly the summits of Mallos de Riglos and Pena Rueba are perfect for climbing enthusiasts. I contented myself with admiring not tempted in the least to embark on a climb!







The photos do not capture very effectively the russet colour of the walls of rock.


When we stopped here we had a look at the Gallego river, which flows very fast, and its ruined bridge. I can't understand why Jim has no photos of the bridge because we spent quite a while looking at it. I must reprimand him!































Then we took a different road home - really lovely scenery - red rocks gorges etc

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