Zaragoza is one of the five largest cities in Spain.
It is located in the Aragon region.
The city is beautifully situated in a valley. The Ebro flows through the city.
It still belongs to the north of Spain.
The north is characterized by the Pyrenees and the wine regions . For example, the Rioja wines come from here.
You can enjoy shopping here, but also soak up the history in the museums and monuments.
Zaragoza is not as popular as Valencia or Madrid or Barcelona . But it is definitely worth a visit.
History of Zaragoza
Due to its location in the north, the city was an important trade center in the past.
The city was mentioned as early as Roman times. Then the Moorish occupiers followed. And as you may know later the Christians.
During that period, Aragon became a kingdom.
Napoleon also conquered the city.
Each period in itself leaves silent testimony in the monuments in Zaragoza.
Looking around for those silent witnesses
During your visit to the city, you can visit the cathedral El Pilar.
But also Palacio de la AlJaferia and the Roman settlements.
We discuss them further below.
The impressive cathedral Basilica de Nuestra Senora de El Pilar
It is very important for the Spaniards as a place of pilgrimage.
It is a 17th century baroque cathedral.
With beautiful colored tiles and many domes and turrets.
The Virgin Mary is said to have appeared here.
Spaniards are very religious. A chapel was first built around the place where the Virgin appeared; Later a full basilica.
But what is worth seeing are Goya’s works in the cathedral.
There are frescoes by his hand.
If you want a beautiful view over the city, you can climb the stairs tower.
In addition to the cathedral, there is also a museum. It has a beautiful collection of tapestries. Museum of tapices and capitular de la Seo
Cathedral of Salvador
Before the construction of this cathedral was started and the 12 th century. And it was built on until the 1st century.
Due to the long construction period, remind me of a well-known building in Barcelona, the cathedral became an interesting mix of architectural styles.
You will find elements of the Romanesque, Moorish, Gothic and Mudejar styles.
Palacio de Aljaferia
This Moorish palace was built for the Moorish king; It dates from the 9th century.
After the Christian conquest of the city this remained a royal palace but now for the Christian king.
Now the Parliament of Aragon is located there .
The palace is very reminiscent of the beautiful buildings in Andalusia.
Like in Granada
The inside of the palace and the patio take you straight to the south of Spain.
The old town center is El Tubo.
You can get lost in small streets. Discover beautiful and cozy squares and terraces.
Here you can eat tapas. together with the local population. You can taste the real Spanish atmosphere.
The old city center with all its bars is also alive at night.
Plaza del Pilar
This square is one of the longest squares in all of Europe.
It is 1.5 kilometers long and car free.
It is centrally located. Because from there you can discover the city.
But the square itself is also very nice.
With its terraces, fountains, flowers and…. pigeons.
Roman Testimonials in Zaragoza
Here you will find the remains of the Roman Theater . In the past it could accommodate more than 6000 people.
But the theater was only discovered in 1972 during excavations.
If you want to know more about it, you can visit the museum nearby: the Museo del teatro de Caesar Augusta.
But in the Museo del Foro Caesar Augusta you descend to the forum. The forum of the ancient Roman city.
You get a picture of daily life around the beginning of our era.
Do you want more ?
Then there is also Museo de las Termas about the Roman baths.
Museo del Puerto Fluvial is also about the Roman habitation, namely about the harbor
The commercial building in the 16th century
La Lonja is a beautiful example of a commercial building in Spain. You can compare it with the La Lonja in Valencia.
It is a very elegant building. On the facades showing the medallions of the kings of Aragon.
Inside you can admire the beautiful vaults.
Now the building is used for exhibitions
El Ebro
This river crosses the city.
If you walk along the river, you can admire several beautiful bridges.
Most photos of this beautiful city are also taken along the river.
But do you want something other than hiking? You can also rent a kayak. Or take a boat trip.
Another way to discover the city?
By bicycle, because a large part of the city is car-free.
Moreover , it is a valley , so all flat .
If you want, you can do this with a guide.
The Church of San Pablo
The Iglesia de San Pablo is worth mentioning because of its Mudejar style.
It is a 13th century church in the district of the same name.
The Mudejar style is reflected in the octagonal tower.
Zaragoza
Really worth a visit !