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Ainsa, by Turespaña
Aínsa, the old capital of the kingdom of Sobrarbe, is situated on an excellent site, between France, the Ordesa National Park and Monte Perdido. Declared a Historic-Artistic site, its historic quarter stretches along two streets that meet at the main square, or Plaza Mayor.
Aínsa was the capital of the kingdom of Sobrarbe and the scene of many important battles between Muslims and Christians during the Reconquest. King Sancho the Great of Navarre conquered it in the 11th century and built a castle. Later on, the town went to the Crown of Aragon. Under the reign of King Alfonso I (the Warrior) another important historic event took place, when the king granted it special privileges. King Felipe II rebuilt the fortress to repel the French Huguenot invasion. During the War of the Spanish Succession, Aínsa fought on the side of the Archduke Carlos of Austria, and it was therefore besieged and set on fire. It has been an important town throughout history, because of its strategic location and its role as a communications centre.
The town is in the Aragonese Pyrenees, between France, the Ordesa and Mount Perdido Natural Park, Sierra de Guara and the Benasque valley. Because of this wonderful setting, when you visit Aínsa you can explore its monumental sites and enjoy a rich and diverse natural environment. |