Ansó

Ayuntamiento de Ansó
Plaza Domingo Miral, 1 - 22728 ANSÓ
T. (+34) 974 370 003
aytoanso@aragon.es

http://www.anso.es

Anso has been an important administrative centre within the Aragonese Pyrenees since time immemorial. It was the hub of the ancient county of Aragon which later gave rise to the Aragonese Kingdom. Anso (altitude 860 m) and the valley in which it is located have always enjoyed certain privileges and a considerable degree of political independance. Due to its complex history, its municipality includes the stretch of frontier with France up to Candanchu. Its relative isolation make it one of the best conserved valleys, both environmentally and culturally and the entire village is of historical and artistic interest.

Anso’s traditional influence came about due to its immense forestry resources, now regulated, its large herds of cattle and horses and a series of treaties (“pacerías”) and agreements signed with its neighbours in Roncal (Navarre) and Baretous (Bearn) which gave it supremacy over a broad range of territories in the Pyrenees. The Treaty of the Three Cows is proof ofAnso’s political autonomy. In 1375, after the failure of the Kingdom of Navarre and the Viscounty of Bearn to arbitrate in a dispute between Roncal and Baretous, both sides chose Anso as judges. On the 6th of October, “six good men of Anso” led by the mayor passed sentence in a trial which took place in the atrium of St Peter’s church in Anso and which called on the villagers to sign what is known as the Treaty of the Three Cows, a treaty that has survived to the present day. The people of Anso have always maintained their customs and the traditional dress is another example of this. It is one of the most elaborate and varied costumes in the Iberian peninsula and it is displayed on the last Sunday in August on “Traditional Costume Day”.

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

Anso Tourist Office . [ Jacetania ]