It is one of the oldest and largest holm oaks in the entire Iberian Peninsula.
The tree was designated as a 'Tree of the Year' in both national and international competitions in 2021.
Local legends suggest the tree has served as a meeting point for village life and community rituals for over a millennium.
The specific species, Quercus ilex, is uniquely adapted to the harsh, dry climate of the pre-Pyrenean region.
Its root system is protected by a raised wooden observation deck to prevent foot traffic damage.
The Carrasca milenaria de Lecina is an ancient holm oak (Quercus ilex) located in the village of Lecina within the Sierra y Cañones de Guara Natural Park. It stands over 16 meters tall with a canopy diameter exceeding 28 meters and a trunk circumference of approximately 7 meters. In 2021, the tree was voted the Tree of the Year in Spain, followed by the European Tree of the Year title. It is estimated to be between 1,000 and 1,100 years old, having survived centuries of agricultural transformation in the region. The tree sits adjacent to the village church of San Juan Bautista. It represents a living vestige of the original Mediterranean forest that once covered the limestone plateaus of Huesca. Conservation efforts prioritize protecting its complex root system from soil compaction.
From the elevated wooden observation deck that frames the entire canopy against the village backdrop.
Wear sturdy footwear suitable for walking on uneven, loose limestone terrain.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to avoid the intense heat of the Huesca summer.
Combine the visit with a walk through the historic, stone-built architecture of Lecina village.
Do not attempt to climb the tree or touch the bark, as it is a protected monument.
Do not step off the designated wooden walkway to avoid compacting the soil around the roots.
