Solana Valley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Solana Valley Valle de la Solana
Natural region
View of Jánovas, one of the abandoned villages in the Solana Valley.
Solana Valley Location in Spain
Country	Spain
Region	Aragon
Elevation	850 m (2,790 ft)

The Solana Valley (called Valle de la Solana in Spanish and Val d'a Solana in Aragonese) is a beautiful valley found in the Pyrenees mountains. It is located in the country of Spain, specifically in the Aragon region. The River Ara flows through the valley from east to west. The valley sits at an average height of about 850 meters (2,789 feet) above sea level.

History of Solana Valley Villages

Many villages once thrived in the Solana Valley. However, between 1960 and 1970, most people living there moved away. This happened because of pressure from a Spanish government group called ICONA. ICONA was the National Institute for Forestal Recovery. They bought up land around the villages.

Other things also made people leave. Traditional farming, like raising sheep and goats, became less common. Life in rural Spain changed a lot after a plan called Plan de Estabilización was introduced by General Franco. This plan encouraged young people to move to bigger cities and coastal areas to find new jobs.

Most of the Solana Valley is managed by the town of Fiscal. Fiscal is part of the Sobrarbe area in Huesca Province.

Exploring Solana Valley's Ghost Towns

The Solana Valley is home to many abandoned villages, often called "ghost towns." These villages have old churches and other religious buildings. Many of these buildings are now in ruins.

For example, you can find the Iglesia de la Asunción and an exconjuratory in Burgasé. There is also the Iglesia de Santa María in Muro de Solana. Santiago Church is in Villamana, and Saint Peter's Church is in Gere.

The houses in these abandoned villages have fallen apart over time. Here is a list of some of the villages in the valley that are now empty:

Images for kids

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  Abandoned houses in Lavelilla.

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  View of Lacort.

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  Frescoes decaying in a ruined church of the valley

See also

In Spanish: Valle de la Solana para niños