Torla-Ordesa

About

First mentioned in the 11th century, Torla-Ordesa’s entire history revolves around its position in the mountains on the French border. The town was frequently targeted during times of strife, seeing action in the War of Succession, where Torla actually sided with the Austrians, the Convention War, the Independence War, and the Civil War. When not being attacked, the town smuggled livestock through the mountain passes, a profession which funded many of its most beautiful monuments. Walking through the town’s quiet streets, visitors are treated to beautiful stone houses with stunning alpine backdrops at every turn. The historic San Salvador church is home to several stunning 18th century altarpieces rescued from nearby villages. To learn more about the distinctive local culture, visitors should stop by the ethnographic museum housed in the castle abbey. Torla’s cuisine reflects its links to livestock, with the signature dish, for those bold enough to try it, being ‘chiretas’, a type of haggis.