The Easter holidays are an ideal time to discover countless places throughout Spain. From beautiful towns like those recommended by ‘National Geographic’ to the greatest icons of this holiday where the smell of incense and processions are the stars. For this reason, the Historical Heritage Network is launching an ideal offer for all history and culture lovers: special visits to some of the most impressive castles throughout the country.

One of these sites is located in Aragon and is none other than the oldest fortress in Spain and the best-preserved in the world. It is the majestic Loarre Castle, chosen as the setting for several scenes in Ridley Scott’s Hollywood film ‘Kingdom of Heaven’.

Castle of Loarre, a must-see destination during Holy Week (Easter weekend)

Declared a National Monument for its incalculable historical, cultural, and heritage value in 1906, Loarre Castle is located atop a limestone promontory overlooking the entire Hoya de Huesca plain, particularly Bolea, the main Muslim stronghold that controlled the area’s rich agricultural lands.

This 11th-century Romanesque-style castle sits on the natural border between the Ebro Valley and the Pyrenees mountain range and is the perfect destination to visit during Easter. It was built in several stages. It currently retains much of its original structure intact, including its two main towers and the Romanesque chapel of Santa María.

To visit this fortress is to learn about its history and its intricacies, explore every corner, and enjoy the Romanesque Jaqués art with oriental nuances that permeate the construction of its church-donjon.

And it has countless activities, also for children, and offers guided tours, available in different languages, which give everyone the opportunity to discover this spectacular enclave of Aragon during Easter.

Photos of the best-preserved Romanesque castle in the world, located in Huesca

Loarre Castle opening hours and prices during Holy Week, and how to book.

To visit Loarre Castle, you must purchase a pass, which can be purchased online on the castle’s website. General admission costs €8.80 and is free for children under 6. This price includes admission to the castle and the guided tour.

Opening hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. Guided tours during Holy Week (from Thursday, April 17 to Sunday, April 20) are at 10:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:15 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.

How to get to Castle of Loarre, in Huesca

To reach Loarre Castle from Huesca, it only takes 36 minutes by car via the A-132 and A-1206 to reach the fortress’s main gate. To get there from Zaragoza, it takes an hour and a quarter by car via the A-23.