The ancient village of Villanúa extends over a small plain at the foot of the mythical Collarada mountain. Modern housing developments for tourism have been gradually colonising the land on either side of the main road to France. Tradition and modernity try to coexist in this municipality which has abandoned old methods of farming and livestock raising for a future in a tourism industry that makes the most of its natural resources.

From Peña Caida to the Juncaral (Reedbeds) the Aragón River, with its riverside undergrowth, divides the municipality in two. On the right bank, from Canfranc to Jaca, the road to France links the modern developments. The sole exception is the ancient village of Aruej, now sadly abandoned, with its Romanesque church and noble tower. This side of the river is shaped into strange folds and spurs, including the mountains of Gabardito, La Sayeta and Torondón which have been densely reforested thanks to the action of nature and the hand of man.

At 2883 metres, Collarada mountain to the north towers over the municipality. Its upper slopes are given over to grazing (El Borreguil, Los Cubilares, Los Campanales, etc.) while its lower slopes are covered in dense forest (los Azus, el Achar, la Selva, etc.). The old Santiago Pilgrimage Route follows the course of the Aragón river along an ancient cobbled path on the left bank. This leads to the cave known as “de la Güixas” (of the witches), a spectacular geological formation which was once a shelter for prehistoric man and offers a timetable of guided tours.

The old village centre of Villanua, surrounded by meadows and modern buildings, conserves some details of interest in its popular architecture. The church of St Stephen houses some medieval carvings and Barroque altarpieces.

To the south of the municipal area is Cenarbe, a small, uninhabited village buried in time and in the colonising undergrowth. It is still possible to pick out the ruins of the church of St Peter and of the houses that made up this hamlet. The visitor experiences an atmosphere of silence and desolation present in all villages which have been deserted and deprived of life.

Text taken from the Jacetania Area Signposting Plan. 2001-2006