The dam route - The sanctuary of Torreciudad

Just past Morillo de Tou, turning right along the tarred road to Bruello, which then becomes forest track, passing through Sarratiás and Sarrato you come Santa Maria de Buil. This was the ancient capital of the Sobrarbe until 820, when Ainsa became the capital. Santa Maria de Buil's greatest treasure is its nearby romanesque, lombard church San Martin which is an important aragonese monument.

Back to the main road, along countryside surrounding the Mediano resevoir a detour takes us to Samitier. Leaving the car it's a four kilometres walk to a religious military settlement with a castle (1030) and a church (1050). These are both well worth a visit.

The village Abizanda can be seen from the road because of its beautiful defense tower which is one of the most important military, romanesque, architectural works in Altoaragon.

Naval can be reached in two ways, either along the old road through the "Puerto del Pino", or else leaving the main road at El Grado. The importance of this village is mainly based on its pottery. Almost all of what you see in the region (I.E. glazed brown pottery decorated with yellow spots and stripes), comes from here. Today two potteries exist where previously there had been twenty.

Torreciudad is a religious centre of Opus Dei and the destination of many marianas pilgrimages on the road Lourdes -Torreciudad - El Pilar. Not far is the virgin de Torreciudad hermitage, the former sanctuary before the one of today. It was built in the 11th and 12th centuries and later renovated. From the plain there is an outstanding view of the dam at the foot of the sanctuary, which was built in the seventies.