Located in the Pyrenees, the villages of Salvatierra de Esca and Lorbés are the northernmost municipalities of the province of Zaragoza. At the southern access to the Navarran valley of Roncal, Salvatierra hints at the proximity of the Pyrenees with its gorges, forests and mountains. The Illon, Virgen de la Peña (1,294 m) and St Michael mountains mark the limits with Navarre to the north, while the spurs of the Leyre range, the spectacular Sigüés gorge and the Orba mountain (1,226 m) border it to the south.

The clustered houses of Salvatierra de Esca cascade down its slopes beneath its monumental parish church of St Saviour. Its popular mountain architecture clearly displays some influences from Roncal and has elements of some interest. The church belonged to the monastery of San Juan de la Peña from medieval times and stands out for its solid and almost military external appearance.

Not far from Salvatierra are the remains of the chapel of Nuestra Señora de Fonfria - very ancient in origin. It was once a monastery which in 1025 was amalgamated with San Juan de la Peña.

Another popular sanctuary in Salvatierra is the chapel of Nuestra Señora de la Peña, more famous for its position on the highest point of a craggy peak than for its artistic value. A twisting track leads to the top of the mountain and to the border with Navarre revealing a grand view of the Pyrenean range.

The village of Lorbes is hidden away and virtually unknown. It is the northermost village in the province of Zaragoza. Access to the village is down a country road from Salvatierra that comes to a dead end at the village itself. The most interesting constructions in this modest village are the parish church of St Michael and the nearby chapel of the Virgen de la Pardina. The hilly surroundings are covered in oak, beech and pine forests.

Other villages in the municipality: Lorbés

Text taken from the Jacetania Area Signposting Plan. 2001-2006