Zaragoza, the 5th most populous municipality in Spain, is the capital of the Region of Aragon. It is located on the banks of the Ebro River, 300 km from Barcelona and 300 km from Madrid.
There are many reasons why you should visit the beautiful city of Zaragoza. 2000 years of history, stunning architecture and of course, its traditional and delicious gastronomy. So here are my top 5 things to do if you plan to spend a couple of days in Zaragoza.
1) Basilica del Pilar
Overlooking the Ebro River is the baroque Nuestra Señora del Pilar basilica. It is a famous pilgrimage site with a shrine to the Virgin Mary. And 10 colourfully tiled mini-domes surround the main dome on the roof.
The Basílica del Pilar is the symbol of the city par excellence. Tradition holds that the Virgin Mary came to Zaragoza to the Apostle Saint James (Santiago), who was preaching on the banks of the Ebro, to console him. Inside you will find an image of the Virgin resting on a Pillar (Pilar), the jasper column she is said to have given to the Apostle. Goya also left his mark on the temple, particularly on the dome, the setting for his fresco ‘Queen of Martyrs’. Also, entrance to the church is free.
A lift whisks you most of the way up the basilica’s northwest tower from where you climb to a superb viewpoint over the domes and city. The lift costs only €3 and it’s worth it. You will get the best views over the city from up there.
2) Walk on Puente de Piedra
You should take a walk across the Puente de Piedra (Stone Bridge). From there you can take amazing shots of the basilica at any time of the day. The bridge dates back to the early 15th century and is also known as the Bridge of Lions since 1991.
3) Pilar Square (Plaza del Pilar)
The Basilica is located on the namesake square, Plaza del Pilar. Situated in the very heart of Zaragoza, the spectacular Pilar Square is a site of significant historic heritage. This lively place is often used for a wide range of public events. One is the popular Offering of Flowers to the Virgin del Pilar every year on October 12th.
Many beautiful and important monuments surround this majestic square, such as la Lonja, the City Hall, the beautiful fountain, Fuente de la Hispanidad, the Cathedral del Salvador, also known as La Seo, and a monument dedicated to Goya, the famous painter that spent many of his years in Zaragoza.
The Fountain Fuente de la Hispanidad was built in 1991 by the Spanish architect Ricardo Uson Garcia.It represents the map of Latin America.
Entrance to La Seo costs €4. This church has been a Roman temple, Visigoth church, Mosque and finally a Cathedral, and thus bears witness to a range of contrasting artistic styles: Romanesque, Mudéjar, Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque. This Cathedral is part of the World Heritage Site Mudéjar Architecture of Aragon. The Chapter House is home to the Tapestry Museum, an interesting tapestry collection spanning the 15th to the 18th centuries. The ticket also includes entrance to the museum.
Set within the most important monumental area of Zaragoza la Lonja is the finest existing example of Aragonese Renaissance civil architecture. A stunningly beautiful, uniquely decorated building, which is currently used by the Zaragoza City Council as an Exhibition Gallery.
4) The Aljafería
The Aljafería Palace is a fortified medieval Islamic palace built during the second half of the 11th century in the Taifa of Zaragoza. It is one of the most important monuments of the architecture Hispanic – Muslim of the century XI. In 2001, the original restored structures of the Aljafería was included in the Mudéjar Architecture of Aragon a World Heritage Site inscription declared by UNESCO. Entrance to the palace costs €5.
The palace reflects the splendour attained by the kingdom of the taifa of Zaragoza at the height of its grandeur and it currently contains the Cortes (regional parliament) of the autonomous community of Aragon.
The courtyard of Santa Isabel is the open space that unified the whole Taifal palace. Its name comes from the birth in the Aljafería of the infanta Elizabeth of Aragon, that was in 1282 Queen of Portugal. The original pool of the south has been conserved, whereas the one of the north front, of the 14th century, has been covered with a wood floor. The restoration tried to give the courtyard the original splendour, and for that, a marble floor was arranged in the corridors that surround the orange and flower garden.
5) Visit Zaragoza Museums
Goya Museum
Francisco de Goya y Lucientes is one of the most influential Spanish painters. He was born in Fuendetodos, a small town not far from Zaragoza. He spent a few years of his life in Zaragoza and here you can admire some of his works in the Basílica del Pilar and of course at the Goya Museum. Entry fee is €4. The Museum was opened in 1979 and it is among the most important collections of Goya’s work in Aragón.
Website: https://museogoya.ibercaja.es/en/
Teatro Romano
Zaragoza, an important centre in Roman Hispania, conserves interesting archaeological remains that bear witness to the city`s prosperity at the time. Without any doubt, the theatre was the finest and most popular building in the city. Entrance to the museum costs €4.
Website: http://www.zaragoza.es/ciudad/museos/es/teatro
Museo de Zaragoza
If you are interested in history, this is a great museum to visit. And it’s free admission!
Website: http://www.museodezaragoza.es
Booking.comWhen to visit Zaragoza
Pilar Day (October 12) on this day a spectacular parade of giants and a floral offering to the Virgin take place in the main square.
How to get around Zaragoza
Walk! This city is compact, ideal to wander on foot, and its boulevards, avenues and pedestrian areas are perfect for a stroll. This is also the best way to admire its monuments.
You will only need to take transports from the train station Delicias or from the airport. The transfer takes approximately 20/30 minutes.
How to get to Zaragoza
Train from Barcelona and Madrid – http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html
Bus from Barcelona and Madrid – https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/home
Flights from many European destinations – http://www.zaragoza-airport.com/en/
Check out What & Where To Eat In Zaragoza
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