One of the most unusual hiking trails in Huesca: discover a hermitage hidden in a ravine.
Spain is full of monumental churches that leave everyone who enters them in awe, such as the cathedral of Segovia, Santiago de Compostela, and Seville. However, throughout the country, you can also visit curious, smaller temples that, while lacking the majesty of great architectural works, are also full of charm. One of the most unique is located in the province of Huesca, but for many, it's difficult to find.
The Hermitage of San Cristóbal, located in the municipality of La Sotonera, is one of the most special temples in Aragon, although its uniqueness is not due to any architectural element, but rather to its location: it is camouflaged within the great rock walls of a ravine. Although it is not the only one of its kind found in the Hoya de Huesca region, it is actually one of the most notable, especially because it must be reached via an extraordinary hiking trail.
The route to the Hermitage of San Cristóbal, in La Sotonera
Although it 'belongs' to the town of Aniés, it has traditionally been more closely associated with the neighboring village of Bolea, from where a magnificent route begins that reaches this hidden hermitage (one of many in this part of Aragon) on the slopes of Pico Gratal. In the town, you should walk for a few minutes along the GR-1 and the Hoya de Huesca Nature Trail until you reach another incredible temple in the region, the Hermitage of Santa Quiteria.
At the sanctuary, continue along the trail, which runs to the right until you reach the ravine where the hermitage is located. As hikers delve deeper into the cliff, they can see curious geological formations as they ascend, although the path becomes more rugged as they advance. The climb to the cliff is steep, and increased caution is required.
Once at the ruins of the hermitage, you'll have panoramic views that seem out of this world. The lush vegetation that has accompanied the adventurers along the way, the Sotón River, and the impressive peaks of the Sierra de Caballera mountain range stretch to the horizon, marking the culmination of an incredible hiking route of less than five kilometers that takes just an hour and a half to complete.
How to get to Bolea and the Hermitage of San CristóbalThe town of Bolea is located just 23 kilometers by road from the city of Huesca. Nature lovers living in the city should drive along the A-132 until reaching the village of Esquedas, where they should take the exit onto the A-1206, from which a detour leads to the town. The journey takes just 25 minutes.
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