Widely acknowledged as one of the most beautiful small towns in Spain, Aínsa has a wonderful mediaeval atmosphere that pervades throughout the old town. It is also an important crossroads and one of the best places from which to visit all of the Central Pyrenees.

History
Aínsa is located on a spur of the Pyrenees, at the place where the Rivers Cinca and Ara meet. It is a land where the imprint of its different inhabitants can be felt – from the Celts to the Arabs and from the Romans to the Christians. The first references of this important settlement date from the end of the 8th century – during the Christian Reconquest of Spain. Capital of the Kingdom of Sobrarbe until it became a part of the Kingdom of Aragon, its historic and artistic legacy can be seen in its mediaeval heart, an architectural gem comprising the Plaza Mayor – the spectacular colonnaded main square, and in its streets, archways and small squares, not to mention the 12th-century church of Santa María and the castle dating from the 11th to the 17th century, both of which are national monuments. Over the centuries it has always been an important town, the nerve centre and capital of the district, and it continues to be the undisputed economic, social, service and leisure centre of Sobrarbe. Aside from its undeniable charm, it is surrounded by forests, rivers and mountains - an irresistible combination. People who come to discover Aínsa always repeat the experience. The town’s economy is based on traditional crop and livestock farming combined with the tourism sector, the real engine of the area. It is one of the most varied, protected and landscape-blessed districts in Spain.

Culture
A walk through the old town is a must, but visitors should also drop into the three tourist information offices and are recommended not to miss the following points of interest:

• Museums: Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts, Ecomuseum and Pyrenean Fauna Vistor’s Centre, the Maravillas Sea Fossil Museum and the Sobrarbe Geopark Visitors’ Centre.
• Monuments: Castle, Santa María Church with its tower, crypt and cloister.
• Guided tour: a look at the old town with a detailed explanation of its origins and history of Aínsa.
• Walking tour: to the Cruz Cubierta (Covered Cross) monument dating from the 16th century and symbol of the legendary origins of the town. It commemorates the 724 AD victory of Christian Troops over the Moorish army, aided by the miraculous vision of a fiery cross over a carrasca (Kermes oak) tree. This event is commemorated every two years with the performance of the epic play ‘La Morisma' (The Moors).«
• The paths to Matacanes and La Serreta: vantage points with glorious views over the Ara Valley, Cinca Valley and the Pyrenees.
• There is a wide variety of apartments, shops, bars and restaurants with traditional products from the area and exquisite décor and service.

Activities
Try not to miss the special days marked on the Aínsa events calendar. These include:

• La Ferieta (Small Fair) featuring livestock, black truffles and arts and crafts. Held on the first Sunday of February, it is the oldest fair in the area and dates from the early Middle Ages.
• La Morisma (see Culture) and the accompanying mediaeval market on the first Sunday of September in even years.
• The January bonfires commemorating the ‘Bearded Saints’, celebrated on the eve of the feast days of Saint Victorian, Saint Anthony the Abbot, Saint Blaise and Saint Sebastian (patron saint of Aínsa).
• Descent of the Navatas (log rafts) down the River Cinca (May).
• Pilgrimage to the Virgen de los Palacios shrine (May).
• Castillo de Aínsa International Music Festival (July).
• Festival in honour of the feast of the Holy Cross (September).

Additionally, there are also other events held at weekends in spring and autumn related to astronomy, mycology (mushrooms and fungus) and gastronomy, among others.

Services
The new town area of Aínsa is home to the largest collection of services in the district:

• Supermarkets and shops
• Adventure and ecotourism companies
• Banks and cash dispensers
• Bars, Internet cafés and restaurants
• Hotels and apartments
• Service Station
• Health Centre
• Tourist Information Offices
• Swimming pools, recreation, game and sports areas