The Aragonese Way of Saint James: From Somport to Jaca and Navarre on the Way of Saint James
The Aragonese section of the Way of Saint James runs from the Somport pass, on the border with France, to the Navarrese town of Puente la Reina, completing a total distance of 166 kilometres. It starts at an altitude of 1,632 m and passes through the towns of Canfranc, Jaca and Puente la Reina in the province of Huesca, and in Navarre, Yesa, Sangüesa, Monreal and Puente la Reina. In the Navarrese town of Obanos it joins the Navarrese Way, which begins in Roncesvalles. The route coincides with the GR 65.3, so you will find the route doubly signposted.
The Aragonese section of the Camino de Santiago is divided into six stages. The first goes from Somport to Jaca. It passes through the resort of Candanchú, where the ancient monastery of Candanchú was built in the 11th century. Santa Cristina de SomportIt was one of the three most important pilgrims' hospitals and hostels in Christendom, which served pilgrims coming from France after crossing the Pyrenees, and of which practically nothing remains. This stage continues steadily downhill, through deciduous forests and alongside the Aragón river, crossing the Canfranc railway stationThe village of Canfranc, Villanúa and Castiello de Jaca.
After this first stage, the route is practically flat. From Jaca, the second stage ends in the small village of Arrés. At this stage, you have the possibility to take a detour to go to the San Juan de la Peña Monasterywhich you can take in Ties or in Santa Cruz de la Serós. However, bear in mind that you will have to overcome a significant difference in altitude, the old monastery is at an altitude of 1,115 m, and you will be adding kilometres to your route. However, the beauty of the place and the surroundings are well worth the effort.
The route follows the course of the Aragón River and crosses the towns of Santa Cilia and Puente la Reina. The third stage completes the route from Arrés to Ruestapassing through Martes, Mianos and Artieda. From Ruesta the fourth stage ends in SangüesaOn this route, after climbing Mount Fenerol, you will have a magnificent view of the Yesa reservoir, the uninhabited village of Tiermas and the Leyre mountain range.
Ruesta and Undués de Lerda are the last Aragonese towns through which the Way passes before entering Navarre and continuing its course towards Santiago. The last two stages will complete the Way from Sangüesa to Monreal and from Monreal to Queen's Bridge. The last stage is long and hard, although as compensation, in the small town of Otano you can enjoy the contemplation of the abandoned church of Otano. Our Lady of the Ascension and the restored medieval bridge. And before you finish, you will come across the Hermitage of Santa María de Eunatefounded by the Templars and surrounded by legend.
Although you know that there is not a unique Camino de Santiago, and the Aragonese section was not going to be the exception: one of the most important variants is the one that crosses the Pyrenees from France by the Puerto del Palotouring the beautiful Oza Forestthrough Siresa and Hecho. This variant accompanies the river Aragón Subordáncontinues along the Foz de Biniés to reach Berdún and Martes, where it joins the road from Somport.
