Jaca is known as the "pearl of the Pyrenees". It is a
cosmopolitan European city, and an important stop along the
"Camino de Santiago", the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de
Compostela. In Jaca we must visit the "Ciudadela" (citadel), a
great example of 16th-century military architecture, which was
declared a National Monument. Construction work for the citadel
began in 1591. The building has a pentagonal floor-plan of huge
dimensions, and is built on a flat surface. We find in Jaca many
other remarkable buildings, such as the Romanesque cathedral
(11th century), declared a National Monument; the monastery of
the Benedictines; the church of Santiago; the hermitage of
Sarsa; the bridge of San Miguel; the 15th-century Torre del
Reloj (Clock Tower), and the City Hall. Among the local holiday
celebrations, we must mention the one that takes place on the
first Friday of May. It commemorates a medieval battle, with
activities like jousts, tournaments, and a beautiful flag-waving
show, as well as ancient Aragonese sport