Alquézar – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
If stones could speak, then Alquézar would be one of its favourite spokespersons. This village is a municipality in the province of Huesca, in the autonomous community of Aragon. The name of the village originates from the Arabic words al qaçr meaning “for fort”.
Known for its natural and heritage values, Alquézar has been a historic-artistic site since 1980. In addition to having numerous assets of cultural interest, it stands out for being at the epicentre of the rock art shelters, which was given the status of a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The town blends into the landscape, in the heart of the Natural Park of the Sierra and the Canyons of Guara.
The locals are known for their commitment to promoting a good quality of life in the region and providing access to housing, for both the villagers and for seasonal workers. Valuing the fact that the future of Alquézar lies in the conservation of its natural resources, the preservation of the traditional architecture of the region is endorsed by its people. Alquézar has a network of public transport and collective taxis. It has also regulated the local traffic. Interestingly, in a move towards eco-friendly living, the village has recently installed an electric vehicle charging station.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Hub of rock climbing
If you want to pursue outdoor activities, look no further. Rock-climbing, canyoning and hiking are all popular activities here. The Alquézar Footbridges route provides hikers with the opportunity to admire the last stretch of the Vero River canyon, through spectacular footbridges built over the ravine. This route, of around 3 km, is visited by approximately 120,000 hikers per year.
The village council has implemented successful measures towards increasing interest in this infrastructure including the adaptation of the route and its maintenance, and more efficient ticket management, information and security services.
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Creation of green tunnel and annual planting
Alquézar promotes employment through the valorization and management of natural and heritage resources which is facilitated by means of regulations, ordinances and through receiving funding from public investments. Tourist establishments in addition to public routes, viewpoints, accessible observatories and parking spaces have been adapted, in accordance with accessibility regulations.
In terms of waste management, the Somontano region has a designated representative who coordinates waste collection. The village has also engaged several organisations which offer quality certifications and training on the circular economy and raise awareness on the use of water and single-use plastics. Interestingly, wastewater is not discharged into the river. It is stored in a raft and later turn into compost. Alongside this initiative, the council is working on the creation of green tunnels.
In terms of its transport initiatives the village has a network of public transport, collective taxis and regulates the local traffic. Additionally, in a move towards achieving eco-friendly living, the village has recently installed an electric station.
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Economic sustainability
The local population is known for its commitment towards achieving a high quality of life in the region and provides access to housing, for both the local population and for seasonal workers. As the future of Alquézar lies in the conservation of its natural resources, the preservation of the traditional architecture of the region is actively endorsed by its people. As a result of the rise in tourism levels in the 1980s, the village underwent an extensive rehabilitation process.
Alongside a growth in population, the range of economic activities in Alquézar has expanded and diversified to include agriculture, livestock and tourism. Currently, there are 66 companies in the town which promote sustainable tourism to generate employment throughout the year and the employment rate of women is increasing. The village has also introduced a platform, Sustainable Alquézar, to raise awareness on tourism development.
