A forest fire threatens the San Juan de la Peña monastery, a thousand-year-old monument located in the province of Huesca, Aragon. The fire, which broke out on Monday near Las Peñas de Riglos, continues to spread through a wooded area adjacent to the site. Faced with the danger, regional authorities deployed what was described as an exceptional firefighting operation on Sunday, with expected support from French reinforcements.
The complex comprises two monasteries located in the territory of Santa Cruz de la Serós. The older of the two, founded in the 10th century beneath an imposing rock face, is one of Aragon's most important historical sites. On Thursday, August 13, authorities determined that the buildings were at serious risk of destruction, leading to the adoption of emergency measures to protect the works of art and relics housed within.
The remains of the kings of Aragon evacuated
The remains of the sovereigns housed in the Royal Pantheon have been transferred to the Huesca Museum, located approximately 80 kilometers from the monastery. The site notably contains the remains of Ramiro I, considered the first king of Aragon, his son Sancho Ramírez, as well as those of Peter I and Alfonso I. This preventative evacuation aims to preserve a funerary heritage essential to Spanish medieval history.
San Juan de la Peña also holds a special place in religious imagination due to a legend linking it to the Holy Grail. Located on one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela, the monastery regularly welcomes pilgrims and visitors. Beyond the threat to the buildings themselves, the fire endangers a place that embodies architectural heritage, dynastic history, and centuries-old spiritual traditions.
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