Torreciudad

Torreciudad is a spectacular marian sanctuary in Aragon region, with nice views with the snowed Pyrenees, only 2h45 minutes from Barcelona, built by the founder of Opus Dei, San José María Escribá de Balaguer in 1975. It is a must do for any catholic and included in the Marian routes (ask me about Mary's routes, I am offering also other tours to Lourdes, Montserrat and Meritxell). Beside the religion and faith it is also interesting observe his beauty and nature but I wouldn't recommend to people who the religion and faith is not the main reason of the daytrip. I offer other daytrips more interesting for those cases. Local food and drinks (Somontano wines are some of the best spanish wines) are also a good point for this trip like watching the peach, almond, cherry blossom in early spring, the grapes growth in summer and the leafs' change of colour in autumn.

1. 1

   Santuario de Torreciudad

   2.5 hours

   This is an unique Sanctuary founded by the founder of Opus Dei San Jose María Escribá de Balaguer in 1975. The sanctuary is close to the old ermita XI century where his mom brought him to ask to Our Lady of Torreciudad to recover his son due to he was sick with meningitis. It is located quite far from Barcelona about 240 km (140-145) miles, but it is very well communicated (90% of the way in high-ways). We need 2h45 min each way to reach Torreciudad. In the sanctuary you can assist to a mass which is at 11 am or at 1.15 pm, also are masses at 5pm and at 6 pm (rosery). If we register our visit maybe someone from the staff host us and explain some details about the sanctuary. Anyway I know enough to show you the church and the collection of our ladies. Also, you can check out the ermita, the place where Jose María went with his mother when he was a 2-year-old boy sick with meningitis. There is a couple of interesting trails not very difficult: Via Crucis (14 stations of the cross) and the way of Saint Joseph (joy/pain).

2. 2

   Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park

   1 hour

   We are not going so far unless you really demand to do this but from the sanctuary if the day is clear we can see the views of the pyrenees from the sanctuary of torreciudad to take pictures. We can see Monte Perdido which is higher than 3300 meters above the sea level (11,500 feet abouve the sea level). We can see also a damm built in the 60's to save water from the Cinca River which is born in the high mountains and use it for agriculture and produce electricity.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   1 hour

   Near the sanctuary, you can enjoy a good meal in a restaurant. Ask me for suggestions and also taste some wine from the region which is the DO Somontano. In case we have some extra time I can show you also the near town Barbastro, where José María was born, and his nice gothic cathedral or check out Montserrat basilica on the way to Barcelona, but only if it is time enough.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.