Ainsa- Sorbrarbe history

From www.spain.info

“The village, which was the capital of the old Kingdom of Sobrarbe, and was later incorporated into the Kingdom of Aragon in the 11th century, constitutes a magnificent example of medieval urban development.The historic quarter of the village of Ainsa, declared a Historic-Artistic site, is formed by a group of houses that are packed together in the most harmonious and uniform of ways, among which the slender tower of the collegiate church stands out, as well as the enormous premises of the castle, almost as big as the rest of the town. The walls that surrounded the town centuries ago remain almost intact today, the town itself being filled with monuments that bring us back to the Middle Ages. Adjacent to the square, with porches lining it on both sides, we have the Romanesque church of Santa Maria, from the first half of the 11th century. To the north-east of the city centre we find the citadel. Its origins date back to a pentagonal tower from the 11th century, which was incorporated into the defensive system, in the face of the danger posed by the Muslims. Towards the end of the 16th century, this fortress was renewed by the construction of the present citadel, as part of the defensive system at the French border.”

Ainsa- Sobrarbe today

Today Ainsa is the touristic heart of the region. This is where people start their outdoor adventures, such as hiking, canyoning, climbing and of course mountain biking.

Ainsa is a town of crossroads. The A-138 coming from France (40-ish km away) heading south past the Mediano damm lake and the N-260 - Eje Pirinaico going from West to East through the Pyrenees.

Looking out over de Mediano dam lake, the other crossroads ate the river Cinca and Ara that end in the lake and are perfect for a swim in the many pools after your spring or summer mountain bike ride.

Being the touristic centre of the comarca, there are plenty places to eat & sleep, several supermarkets a fresh market on Tuesday mornings and a bike shop. Which makes Ainsa you perfect village to start your mountain bike adventure.

Don’t forget to visit it’s neighbouring village Boltaña. For me, it has a more romantic old town feeling.