Aragon Guide

Megalithic rests are the proof of a very early presence of the human being in the High Ara valley area. The roman influence reached Broto in the 2nd century before Christ. During the middle age, broto was a textile center, with its own market and fair that attracted people from around. Bujaruelo Port had an important Customs office, being one of the only 12 tax payment points in the entire Aragon Kingdom. Lucien Briet was the main impulsor of the declaration Ordesa as National Park in 1918, one of the first in Spain. After the Spanish Civil war the area started to decline, suffering a massive emigration of people to look for new opportunities in the city. More and more villages and areas were left deserted since 1955.

In the last years the economy orientation has changed radically, from a "survival" agriculture to the touristic sector, with its main engine as Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. The new initiatives are trying to stop the area abandonment process. Broto is located in 905m of heights, in the Area river side, and has 215 inhabitants. The most important monuments are the parroquial church, of a particular Aragon gothic, from the 16th century. Its defensive tower controlled the old medieval bridge pass (destroyed during the Spanish civil war). Also very interesting is the old mill, and the old tower (used like prison), where now the Broto Valley government is based.

Broto - The most unusual building in Broto (4 kilometres of Torla) is “The Prison”, which is a 16th century tower overlooking the Gothic bridge over the river Ara. The bridge was blown up in the Civil War.You can still see the prisoners’ drawings on the walls made in 18th century. The ...

Fiscal - You can visit the hermitage of Jesus Nazareno in Fiscal as well as the stronghold tower with its battlements and crenels are in good condition. You can also admire the church and the 13th century Romanesque doorway of Janovas’ church, which was taken to Fiscal to save it from the threat of ...

Linas de Broto - Linas de Broto is divided into three areas: Alto, El Bico and La Bajera. Its church -San Miguel- was built in the 16th century and has been declared a Cultural Interest Site. Its grateful tower displays battlements and crenels. Cotefablo tunnel is only a few kilometres away from Linas de Broto to ...