The sierra de Guara

Is situated where the pyrenees mountains begin. It covers an area of about 40 km2 which includes the river Flúmen to the west and the river Vero to the east. It is made up of the Sierra Gratal, Bonés, Aguila, Balces and Sivil.

During the quaternary period the rivers that had their sources in the sierra (Flumen, Guatizalema, Alcanadre, Mascun, Isuela and Vero) taking advantage of fissures in the rock began their journey excavating deep canyons and forming the impressive ravines of the Guara.

Another unique thing about this area is the large amount of small caves ("covachos") which were the dwellings of the first inhabitants of the sierra. Many rupestrian cave paintings remain, a great deal of them "Levantino" style, dating back to the neolithic period and bronze age.

There are also many megalithic monuments here too, such as the; dolmens of "Losa Mora", between Nasarre and Otín which is an hour's drive from Rodellar; the "Caseta de las Balanzas" in Almazorre; or the "Capilleta" in Paules de Sarsa. In the sierra a large number of different species of animals find excellent natural refuge.

The Sierra de Guara has no large areas of forest but it does have corners of arboreal cover of halm oaks, gall oaks, pines, beeches and firs.

However the sierra is most characteristic for its slopes and paths of dense growth of shrubs, plants and herbs ("Aliagas, Coscojares, Boj, Jara and Tomillos").

The rivers are characterised by their cold waters and above all by their clarity and purity.

There are many interesting villages to visit; Lecina, Colungo and Rodellar but the most outstanding is Alquézar. This village preserves its medieval look. The collegiate church of Santa Maria and the Museo Sacro, with its unique displays make the most interesting visits in this romanesque, walled settlement.