Uhamboo.com: Canfranc

Canfranc Spain

The village’s name comes from Campus Franci, literally “the field of foreigners”. It began as a small market village and as the first place of rest for pilgrims on the Arles route of the Way of St James after the difficult crossing of the Pyrenees over the Somport Pass. It was founded between 1080 and 1090 by Sancho Ramírez, King of Aragon. Canfranc also served as a command post, defending the borders and overseeing taxes, which were donated to the Cathedral of Jaca. On 29 October 1288, the Treaty of Canfranc, mediated by Edward I of England, was signed here, arranging the release of Charles II of Naples from captivity under Peter III of Aragon. The village lies in the valley of the Aragón River, covers an area of 71.6 km² and stands at an altitude of 1,040 m. Notable remains include a Romanesque pilgrim bridge and two churches of interest: Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (12th–16th centuries), with four Baroque retablos, and La Trinidad (16th century). The town was destroyed by fire in 1617 and again in 1944, after which most residents moved to nearby Canfranc Estación. The current population is 77.

Recommended airport

Pamplona (PNA)

Nearby destinations

Canfranc, Spain

Canfranc Spain