They are World Geological Heritage: two sites in Aragon among the 100 most important in the world

Traveling through Aragon is like embarking on a journey through time, where every rock formation and every valley tells tales of bygone eras. From the imposing Pyrenean peaks to the unique formations of the Mining Basins, the region’s geological diversity offers locals and visitors a unique opportunity to understand the processes that have shaped the Earth.

Aragon is proud to have two sites recognized as World Geological Heritage Sites: the Aliaga Geological Park and the Monte Perdido massif. These sites not only stand out for their visual spectacularity, but also for being authentic open books that tell the geological history of our planet.

ALIAGA AND MONTE PERDIDO: WORLD GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE

The Aliaga Geological Park, located in the province of Teruel, is a landmark for geology enthusiasts. Its rock formations, spanning more than 200 million years of history, offer a detailed look at the tectonic and sedimentary processes that have shaped the region. This “open-air museum” allows visitors to observe unique geological structures, such as folds and faults, which are a testament to the Earth’s internal dynamics.

On the other hand, the Monte Perdido massif, located in the Huesca Pyrenees, is the third highest peak in this mountain range and stands out for its impressive limestone formations. This site showcases 35 million years of geological history in a total area of ​​30,639 hectares, reaching an altitude of 3,355 meters. Its entire expanse includes two National Parks: the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park and the eastern part of the Parc National des Pyrénées (Occitania, France).

Both sites have been included in the list of World Geological Heritage Sites, a distinction that recognizes their importance to understanding Earth’s history. This recognition was announced during the 37th International Geological Congress held in Busan, South Korea.

OTHER PLACES IN SPAIN THAT ARE WORLD GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE

In addition to Aliaga and Monte Perdido, Spain has other sites that have been recognized as World Geological Heritage Sites. These include the Esla geological formations in León and the Las Hoyas deposit in Cuenca. These sites have been selected for their importance in understanding different aspects of geological history and the evolution of life on our planet.

The recognition of these sites highlights the richness and diversity of Spain’s geological heritage, underscoring the need to preserve and promote them for future generations.