San Victorián and the Hermitage of La Espelunga

San Victorián, at the foot of the Peña Montañesa, is regarded as the oldest monastery in the area for which there are records, from the 6th century. From it a PR trail leads to the rock hermitage of La Espelunga, set into the rock.

The Monastery

Aragón Tourism records that, for some experts, it is the oldest monastery in Spain, with origins in Visigothic times. Legend says San Victorián lived as a hermit in the cave of La Espelunga before becoming abbot of a monastery that was at first called San Martín de Asán; in the 11th century it took his name. It was rebuilt by Ramiro I of Aragón, and in it Ramiro the Monk and Ramon Berenguer IV met to agree the latter's marriage to Petronila, the union that gave rise to the Crown of Aragón. For centuries it was the political, economic and spiritual centre of Sobrarbe and it holds the tombs of Gonzalo I and Íñigo Arista.

Of the complex, declared a Site of Cultural Interest, there remain parts from the 11th century and, above all, from the 16th to 18th centuries: the slender church tower, the cloister, stretches of wall and remains of the old monastery.

The Route to La Espelunga

It is route 3 in the 2025 Aínsa-Sobrarbe leaflet, signposted: 3.8 km round trip, 200 m of ascent, from an hour and a half to two hours. The leaflet marks it as of medium difficulty: it is short, but it climbs. The hermitage is in the cave where tradition places the saint, so the walk joins the monastery with the origin of its legend.

Getting There

You get there by car from Aínsa along the Campo road and the turning for El Pueyo de Araguás, about 15 minutes. Aragón Tourism does not recommend driving up to the monastery with vehicles of more than nine seats.

Visits to the Interior

The interior is shown on guided visits organised by the Sobrarbe Comarca, with its own calendar. In autumn 2025 there were tours at 11:00 and 13:00 at weekends, for €3 from age 12, €1.50 from 8 to 12 and free below; groups can arrange visits outside hours at [email protected] or on 974 518 025, extension 1049. Check the dates before going: the calendar changes each season.

To Combine

In the afternoon, return to Aínsa for the walk round the Plaza Mayor and the castle, or continue to Muro de Roda, another height with history of the first kings.