Broto Valley, Spanish Pyrenees
Broto Valley - Overview:
Historic remains are evidence of early human inhabitation in the Broto valley area. The Romans reached Broto in the 2nd century BC. During the middle age, Broto was a textile centre, with its own market. Bujaruelo Port had an important Customs office, being one of the only 12 tax payment points in the entire Aragon Kingdom.
Lucien Briet was instrumental the declaration of Ordesa as National Park in 1918, one of the first in Spain. After the Spanish Civil war the area started to decline, suffering a massive emigration of its population seeking new opportunities in the city. More and more villages and areas were left deserted.
Recently the economy has changed radically, from agriculture to the tourism, with its main attraction being the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park.
Broto Valley, Pyrenees - Out & About:
Broto's most important monuments are the parroquial gothic Aragonese church, from the 16th century. Its defensive tower controlled the old medieval bridge pass (destroyed during the Spanish civil war). Another very interesting sight is the old mill, and the old tower (used as a prison in days gone by), where the Broto Valley government is now based. One village that has found a new lease of life through tourism is Fiscal, with a range of places to stay. Oto, 2km south-west, is a more attractive village, with traditional architecture and a pair of medieval towers.
A further 4km from Broto is Sarvise, the lowest village of the Broto Valley. Below Sarvise, the Ara river valley turns east and widens.
Broto Valley - Sarvise:
Sarvise is the lowest village of the Broto Valley and here the landscape is fantastic. A variety of pine trees, beeches, oaks and hazels grow, as well as a wide variety of wild flowers in the Spring and early Summer. This small hamlet (20 local inhabitants) is situated on the road to Fanlo and the Anisclo canyons, 15km from the famous Ordesa canyon and 3km from Broto.
Below Sarvise, the Ara river valley turns east and widens markedly. Situated close to the village of Broto and the Ordesa Park, Sarvise's old mill is a beautiful and well preserved building where children can learn about how water mills used to work in days gone by. Nearby, there is a picnic area where you can enjoy the delicious local food and wine.
Nearby Broto is a large village offering all modern amenities (bakers, butchers, supermarkets, bars, banks, restaurants, chemist, doctors, garage etc). Here there is a 16th century church worth visiting. Many houses still retain traditional architecture, though modern building is rapidly creeping in. Broto is very busy during July and August as many walkers come to the area and there are several footpaths and walking routes out of Broto, one of which goes to Torla - 45 minutes.
Ordesa National Park was described by Count Henry Russel in the 19th century as being capable of making even Saints regret that they were no longer of this world. You can understand why. The Grand Canyon on a much smaller scale, home to golden eagles, lammergeiers, vultures and Pyrenean chamois (mountain goats). Extremely popular with walkers especially during the mid-Summer months. At the Information Centre at the entrance to the Park and car park, you can buy a range of good walking maps.
