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Zaragoza: where the sights of the East meet the West. City of Zaragoza, Spain - “Beautiful historical city, between Madrid and Barcelona

Zaragoza is a treasure trove of historical and cultural treasures waiting to be discovered. Tourists will find ancient Roman ruins, the first Marian church in Christendom, and fabulous art museums.

Follow the "Caesaragustus Route" to find the forum (a square in ancient Rome), thermal baths and theater of the 1st and 2nd century Roman city that once flourished here. Believers should visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar, one of the most important pilgrim churches in Spain.

Equally fascinating are the 12th-century Moorish palace and the magnificent Mudejar architecture, listed by UNESCO as an architectural monument. Art lovers will also appreciate the museums, which feature famous paintings by Francisco de Goya, as well as works by contemporary artist Pablo Serrano and famous sculptor Pablo Gargallo.

With its soaring towers and grand presence along the banks of the river. The Ebro Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the city's most iconic landmark. This gem of Baroque architecture was built between the 17th and 18th centuries. The view of the basilica is most impressive from across the river, while the entrance is on the other side of the Plaza del Pilar, a spacious city square with a number of elegant historical buildings. Take time to admire the basilica's monumental exterior and then enter the impressive interior that houses the precious object of veneration.

The Basilica has the distinction of being the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is one of the most important pilgrimage churches in Spain after Santiago de Compostela. Since the Middle Ages, pilgrims have traveled here to venerate the image of the Virgin Mary and the Sagrada Columna (Sacred Column), a pillar of jasper stone associated with the appearance of Mariana.

According to legend, the holy Apostle James came to Caesaragusta, where he had a vision of the Virgin Mary in Jerusalem. During this vision, the Virgin gave James a figure of herself and a stone pillar, instructing him to build a church there. History reveals that St. James built a small chapel dedicated to St. Mary on the site, making it the first Marian shrine in Christendom.

Other churches were subsequently built on this site: the church in Visigoth and the Gothic church of the 16th century. The modern Baroque building has replaced the earlier churches with a much grander structure. Basilica shows a figure Virgen del Pilar(Our Lady of Pilar) behind the fireplace. This icon is taken out and presented to believers every year on January 2, commemorating the date of the appearance of the Mother of God.

Another sacred object, the Holy Column (also known as "El Pilar"), is now decorated with an intricate silver plating. Other valuable works of religious art and lavish Baroque monuments are found throughout the basilica. Of particular interest are the alabaster large altar and Goya's frescoes.

Location: Plaza del Pilar.

The Roman Forum Museum gives insight into life at Caesaragusta, an ancient Roman city from the 1st and 2nd centuries that once occupied modern Zaragoza.

Named after Emperor Augustus, who built the city, Caesaragusta was renowned for its greatness. The city had a theater, public baths and a wonderful square in the center of city life. This exhibition is located in the archaeological site surrounding Piazza Caesaragusta. The museum is located on the excavation site, under the Plaza de la Seo.

The exhibition contains details of the Roman forum, which dates back to the time of Emperor Tiberius. Visitors will find artifacts revealing details of the ancient market, shop walls, pipes and sewer system. The subjects are complemented by a lecture and an exciting audio-visual presentation.

Location: Plaza la Seo - 2.

Cathedral and Tapestry Museum

Dedicated to El Salvador, the Zaragoza Cathedral is known as the Catedral de San Salvador or Catedral de la Seo or simply La Seo. This cathedral was built in the 12th century on the site of the Roman temple of the Forum, which became an aristocratic church and then a large Muslim mosque during the Moorish era, before becoming a Romanesque church in the 12th century.

The minaret of the old mosque is the actual tower of the cathedral, and Romanesque elements are still visible in the building, in particular the appearance of the apses. La Seo Cathedral is a huge church with five naves, and the two apses retain their original 12th-century Romanesque character with graceful sculpted arcades. Moorish influence is seen in the chancel and in some of the arches, while the choir is Gothic in style and the Capilla del Santo Cristo is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Adding to the architectural melange are the neoclassical facade and baroque details on the tower.

The cathedral also has a magnificent tapestry museum. This collection of tapestries is considered one of the best in the world. At his disposal, the cathedral has 63 precious Flemish tapestries and six works of heraldic embroidery of very high quality. The range ranges from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and Baroque. The museum displays 11 tapestries, as well as other religious art, including metalwork and tomb busts. The Cathedral and Tapestry Museum is open to the public daily. The entrance fee includes both museums.

Location: Plaza San Bruno - 11.

In the heart of Zaragoza, the Aljaferia Palace was a fortified 11th-century Moorish castle. The formidable defenses are well preserved, with the remains of the huge towers that surrounded the castle. The castle was designed on a quadrangular plan around a courtyard and the towers are round, with the exception of one rectangular tower known as the Troubadour Tower.

Crystal ceilings and Islamic-style plasterwork add charm to the building. Today the Aljaferia Palace houses the headquarters of the Aragonese Parliament. The palace is open to the public daily from April to October and from Saturday to Wednesday the rest of the year. Guided walks.

Location: Calle de los Diputados.

An important example of the Aragon-Mudéjar style, this church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its amazing architecture and significance in history. The Church of San Pablo was built in the 13th and 14th centuries and was then located on the outskirts of the city.

During the 15th and 18th centuries the church expanded and expanded even further. An essential element of the Renaissance is the high altar dedicated to St. Paul, made of gilded wood by the sculptor Damian Forment in 1515. The most notable feature of this monument is its magnificent octagonal Mudejar tower with unique Moorish design details.

Location: Calle San Pablo - 42.

This magnificent 16th-century building stands in the large Plaza del Pilar, opposite the basilica. La Lonia is the historical market of Zaragoza, where merchants carried out trade and other commercial transactions.

The Juan de Sariñen project, created by Juan de Sariñen himself, is the best example of Aragonese Renaissance architecture. The building, built of brick, has a rectangular plan and a decorative facade with rows of uniform arched windows.

Location: Plaza Ntra. Sra. del Pilar.

The Pablo Serrano Museum is dedicated to the work of this accomplished Aragonese artist. The museum's collection spans the work of Pablo Serrano from his figurative period to his expressionist stage. The exhibits showcase 140 drawings and sculptures that reflect the evolution of the artist's creativity and innovation.

The museum also displays works by the artist Juan France's wife, contemporary graphic works and an assortment of paintings by Santiago Lagunas. To get the most out of your trip, take this excursion.

Location: Paseo María Agustín - 20.

This Renaissance church was once part of the Jerome Monastery of Santa Engracia, however the rest of the monastery no longer exists. Built in the 16th century, the church has a remarkable Platerian façade, considered a gem of Aragonese Renaissance architecture. The building was begun in 1511 by Gil Morlan, completed by his son in 1517 and restored in the 18th century.

The façade is almost like an altar with its intricate reliefs, medallions and sculptures of various characters and saints. The four niches on the sides represent the parents of the Western Church. The upper niches depict Our Lady of the Blessed Virgin Mary and King Ferdinand, the patron saint of the church. The iconography also depicts St. Valero, St. Vincent, St. Jerome, St. Catherine of Alexandria, and St. John the Baptist. The crypt contains Paleo-Christian tombs from the 4th century.

Location: Calle Tomás Castellano - 1.

This amazing museum of fine arts presents a collection of works of art compiled by José Camón Aznar, professor, philosopher, art historian and collector of works of art. As the patron of this museum, the Spanish Savings Bank Ibercay acquired the house of Jerónimo Cozida in order to house the collection.

A superb aristocratic residence with three floors, designed around a wonderful courtyard, it is one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in Zaragoza. The permanent collection focuses on paintings from the 15th and 18th centuries, which are reproduced on the main floor. Key influences in this area include the works of Francisco de Goya, Blasco de Graen, Pedro Berruguete, Pedro de Campanha, Juan Antonio de Escalante and Gregorio Fernandez.

The 2nd floor is dedicated to Francisco de Goya with exhibits of his engravings. The 3rd floor features works by 19th-century painters inspired by Goya, such as Eugenio Lucas, Leonardo Alenza and Lucas Villamil. Some of the outstanding pieces of the collection are the painting Retrato de la Reina by Maria Luisa de Parma by Goya, San Francisco de Asis and Oración by Juan Antonio de Escalante and Retrato de Ena Wertheimer by Cecilio Pla and Gallardo.

Location: Calle Espoz y Mina - 23.

Visitors can explore the art, culture and history of the province of Zaragoza at the Zaragoza Museum. Housed in the pavilion of the 1908 Universal Exhibition, the museum houses a large and varied collection of objects in two sections: archeology and fine art.

The collection represents various historical and artistic periods, starting from prehistory through the Moorish period, continuing through the Gothic period and the Renaissance until the 21st century. Particularly noteworthy items from the archeology collection include ancient bronze tablets with Iberian and Latin inscriptions, a bust of Emperor Augustus and antiquities from the Alaferia Palace.

The fine arts section displays works of art from the 12th century to the modern period. The range of Gothic paintings is outstanding and the work of Francisco de Goya is a highlight. The museum has two annexes in Primo de Rivera Park: the Albarracin House with a ceramics section and the Ansotana House with an ethnology collection.

Location: Plaza los Sitios - 6.

This museum, housed in an impressive palace Arguillo XVI century, dedicated to the work of Pablo Gargallo, a brilliant architect who lived in the Aragon region. The museum presents the early works of painters in the field of sculptures made of marble and plaster, as well as the most recent works made of iron and other metals.

Visitors discover the artist's creative genius and artistic vision through images of sculptures, drawings, prints, caricatures and biographical information. Highlights of the collection include the Great Prophet, a portrait of Kiki de Montparnasse and statues of equestrians called the Olympic Salute.

Location: Plaza San Felipe - 3.

Dating back to the 1st century, the thermal baths of Caesaragusta were an important center of social life for the ancient Romans. Large bathing areas and public baths brought people together to play sports, read and listen to music or poetry. Typical public baths found in the ancient Roman Empire included hot and cold water baths.

Bathers could alternate between the two baths, but most began with a hot bath and then ended with a cold one. Men and women were separated in different areas of the baths or used them at different times. The city of Caesaragusta was well supplied with fresh water and operated bath services. Today, visitors can explore the history of the baths, as well as some of their remains, at this Public Bath Museum.

Location: Calle San Juan y San Pedro - 7.

The Church of St. Mary Magdalene was erected at the beginning of the 14th century in the area of ​​the old Roman cathedral and renovated in the 17th century with Baroque elements. The most characteristic feature of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene is considered to be the turret, inherent in the interests of Aragonese Mudéjar architecture, patterned geometric designs imitate the tower in the manner of the Almohads.

Decorative glazed pottery motifs add a Moorish feel. The interior has an unusual apse with overlapping arches and pointed windows, also characteristic of the Mudejar style. The main sanctuary is decorated with statues and drawings from the 18th century by José Ramírez de Arellano.

Location: Plaza la Magdalena.

Another magnificent Mudejar church, San Juan de los Panetes, sits among ancient Roman walls and the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar. The church was completed in 1725, replacing the Romanesque church of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. The strict baroque side has the image of San Juan Bautista and pilasters along the sides.

Like Santa Maria Magdalena, the most noticeable feature of this temple is the Mudejar tower. Its octagonal, reddish-brown tower with arched windows is reminiscent of traditional Moorish architecture. The interior offers an inspiring sense of spaciousness with a vaulted vault and dome at the crossroads.

Location: Calle Salduba - 3.

On the Caesaragusta Sightseeing Route, an ancient Roman theater was opened in 1972 and the attraction is now enclosed in a special exhibition area. Visitors will discover an important monument of great social significance to the ancient Romans in the 1st century AD.

Archaeological sites give a sense of the grandeur of the original theater and the way of life of antiquity. Also on display are interesting artifacts found during excavations, such as decorative candlesticks. There is an exhibition hall and a cafeteria on the square.

Location: Calle San Jorge - 12.

>Zaragoza

Zaragoza- the capital of the region and the province of the same name, located 325 km northeast of. This is a fairly large city with a population of over 600 thousand people.

Zaragoza for the province is like Moscow for Russia: the entire population is concentrated in Zaragoza, all other cities in the province are much smaller.

Zaragoza weather:

Getting around Zaragoza:

From the railway and bus stations you can walk to the city center in 20 minutes.

Zaragoza is located on a low hill near the Ebro River. On the northern, left bank there are new residential areas and parks; on the right is the historical center of the city, the El Tubo quarter, east of Avenida de Augusta (Augusta Street), where one of the most revered temples in Spain is located, dedicated to the Virgin Mary Pilar, the patron saint of the country.

Zaragoza is worth visiting for those who are interested in the work of Francisco Goya - the artist spent his youth here, and several of his works have been preserved in the churches and museums of Zaragoza. The province of Aragon will be of interest to those who love Romanesque art: in the Pyrenees near Zaragoza there are several very valuable Romanesque monasteries.

When is the best time to come to Zaragoza:

Locals joke that Zaragoza residents could live anywhere, since it is monstrously cold in winter and monstrously hot in summer. In winter, the problem is not even the temperature, but the strong icy winds. So it’s better to come here sometime in the off-season.

Tourist Office of Zaragoza:

  • Plaza del Pilar, 976 39 35 37,
  • 10.00-20.00,

How to get to Zaragoza:

Airport

  • 10 km from the city, buses from Plaza de Aragon, 976 71 23 00.
  • (daily), Barcelona (daily, except Sun), Frankfurt (Germany) and Palma de Mallorca.

Estacion de Portillo railway station

Avenida Anselmo Clave

  • (up to 14 times a day, 3 hours, 20.50-28 €);
  • Barcelona (up to 14 times a day, 3 hours 45 minutes-5 hours 45 minutes, 18.10-28.50 €);
  • Valencia (5 hours 45 minutes, 15.80€),
  • Huesca, Jaca, Teruel.
  • Bus service to more than 20 cities in Spain.
  • There are more than 10 bus stations in the city.

Zaragoza main bus station

  • Paseo de Maria Augustin, 7, 976 22 93 43.
  • (15 times a day, 3 hours 45 minutes, 15.50 €),
  • Barcelona (15 times a day, 3 hours 45 minutes, 10.75 €),
  • Huesca (8 times a day, 1 hour, 4.60€),
  • Haka (2h. 15 min., 9.60 €),
  • Lourdes (France) via Huesca and Jaca (in summer on weekends, 6 hours 45 minutes, 24 €).

By car to Zaragoza

  • Highways E804 (A68), E90 (A2), A123, N232.


History of Zaragoza

  • 20-10th BC On the site of the Celtic settlement of Sadduba, the Romans founded the colony of Caesaraugusta; it was inhabited by approx. 25 thousand people
  • 710s. Zaragoza was captured by the Moors; it became the capital of a small border Arab state.
  • 1118. Alfonso I freed Zaragoza from Arab rule and proclaimed it the capital of Aragon.
  • 1480s. After the marriage of King Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, Aragon becomes part of a united Spain.
  • 1809. Zaragoza put up serious resistance to Napoleonic troops, who were able to capture the city only after a long siege. Many historical monuments were destroyed.
  • 1936. Zaragoza became an important stronghold for the Falangists.

Sights of Zaragoza:

All the sights of the city of Sarogosa can be seen in about 1 day, and on foot (but you will have to walk around, yes - the Arab castle is generally located somewhat away from the city center).

Zaragoza is a medium-sized city (that is, public transport is quite useful here, if you are here for a conference, it is worth taking advantage of), but most of the attractions are concentrated more or less in the center, in the vicinity of the cathedral.

Tourist route around the city of Zaragoza

We recommend starting your acquaintance with Zaragoza with PlazaCesarAugusto(Cesar Augusto Square); the name of which is associated with the surviving small fragment of the Roman fortress wall. The square is located on the banks of the Ebro near the Santiago Bridge (Puente de Santiago), adjacent to it is the Plaza del Pilar (Pilar Square) - here stands the main temple of Zaragoza with eleven domes Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar(Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar, 05.45-20.30).

Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar in Zaragoza

It is the second pilgrimage center in Spain after the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Virgin Mary Pilar is considered the patroness of the entire country. On January 2, 40, the Virgin Mary appeared to the Apostle James standing on a marble column (Spanish: “pilar”). After the vision disappeared, the column remained; it soon became a place of worship for the first Spanish Christians. They built a small chapel around the column; in the 8th century the chapel was replaced by a church in the 12th century. after the liberation of the city of Zaragoza from the Moors - the cathedral.

In 1681, according to the project of architect. F. Sanchez y Herrera) a new baroque temple was founded (but it acquired its current cathedral only in the 18th century (architect V. Rodriguez). Towers decorated with multi-colored tiles appeared at the beginning of the 20th century.

Holy Chapel:

The main shrine, a marble column, constantly surrounded by believers, can be seen in Saintchapel(Capilla Santa), in the eastern part of the temple. It is crowned by a luxuriously decorated statue of the Virgin Pilar, whose precious clothes are changed by the servants every day.

All the paintings of the cathedral are naturally connected with the life of the Virgin Mary; Pay attention to the northern dome - one of F. Goya’s early works, “Queen of the Martyrs,” has been preserved here. The artist created this fresco in 1780-1781, in 41 sessions. Another of his paintings has been preserved in the chapel opposite the Holy Chapel - here Goya painted a ceiling with the subject “Adoration of the Angels in the Name of Jesus.”

Other attractions of the city of Zaragoza:


Ayuntamiento de Zaragoza

There is a building next to the basilica city ​​administration (Ayuntamiento de Zaragoza, Plaza del Pilar, 18), followed by a Renaissance building exchanges(Lonja, XVI) - a symbol of the trading power of Zaragoza. The medallions on the facade depict the kings of Aragon and historical figures. Now an exhibition hall is open here.

Museum of Caesar Augustus

The site of the Plaza del Pilar was the site of the city center in Roman times; reminds me of this Museum of the Forum of Caesar Augusta(Museo del Foro de Caesareaugusta, Plaza de la Seo, Tue-Sat 10.00-14.00, 17.00-20.00, BC 10.00-14.00, closed Mon. Ticket includes admission to Museo Puerto del Fluvial and Museo Termas Publicas). Behind the modern entrance lies a whole underground world: you can walk along ancient Roman streets, see the remains of the former Roman forum and water supply system.

Cathedral of San Salvator

San Salvador

It was on the site of the Roman Forum that the Arabs built a mosque, which Christians rebuilt into a temple, which became the main cathedral of Zaragoza, San Salvador(La Seo de San Salvador, July-Aug. Tue-Fri 10.00-14.00, 16.00-19.00, Sat 10.00-13.00, 16.00-19.00, Sun 10.00-12.00, 16.00-19.00, Sep.-June until 18.00, Mon closed .). Its construction began in the 12th century, but ended only in the 17th century, so all styles were mixed in the architecture of the cathedral - Romanesque, Gothic, Moorish, and Baroque. The northwestern facade, which was built by the Mudejars (Moors who remained to live under Christian rule), is especially interesting: it is lined with brick, multi-colored tiles and is very elegant. The cathedral is open Tapestry Museum(Museo de Tapices).

Museums of Zaragoza:

From the northern facade of the Zaragoza Cathedral, on the Plaza de San Bruno (San Bruno Square), near the former pier on the Ebro, the ruins of another monument of the Roman era - a river port - have been preserved; it's open now River Port Museum(Museo del Puerto Fluvial).

On the other side of the cathedral, on Calle de San Juan at San Pedro (San Juan y San Pedro street) are the remains of Roman public baths; there is also a small one open there Roman Baths Museum(Museo de las Termas Publicas). You can visit all “Roman” museums with a single ticket.

Roman theater ruins

If you go towards Plaza San Pedro Nolasco (San Pedro Nolasco Square), then on Calle Veronica (Veronica Street) there are ruins Roman theater(Teatro Romano) - and the life of the Roman colony of Caesar Augusta will appear before you from all sides.

In addition to Roman and Baroque buildings, traces of the Arab presence have also been preserved in Zaragoza. Although in the 12th century. the city came under the rule of Christian rulers until the end of the 15th century. there was a large Arab community here; its craftsmen were considered excellent masons, and in their buildings, of course, features of Moorish architecture predominate.

For example, admire Church of San Gil (Iglesia de San Gill) not far from the Roman theater, on Plaza Jose Sinues with a Mudejar bell tower of the 14th-15th centuries; a little to the south, on Calle San Miguel, rises a similar churchSanMiguel with the same bell tower.

After a short walk along Paseo La Mina, you can visit Zaragoza Museum(Museo de Zaragoza, Plaza de los Sitios, 6, Tue-Sat 10.00-14.00, 17.00-20.00, BC 10.00-14.00, closed Mon), where archaeological finds and works by F. Goya are exhibited. His paintings can also be seen in the exhibition hall Courtyard of the Infanta(Patio de la Infanta, Calle San Ignacio de Loyola, 16, Tue-Sat 9.00-14.00, 18.00-21.00, Sat 11.00-14.00, 18.00-21.00, Sun 11.00-14.00).

Having reached one of the main transport arteries of the city, Avenida de Augusto (Avenida de Augusto) and following it towards the river, turn onto Calle de San Pablo, where Church of San Pablo(Iglesia de San Pablo), also decorated with a 14th-century Moorish bell tower. from the 16th century retablo (July-October 10.00-13.00).

Aljaferia Palace


Aljaferia Palace

In the same part of the city, on Calle de los Diputados (Diputados Street), the only monument in Zaragoza from the era of Arab rule has been preserved - Aljaferia Palace(Palacio de la Aljaferia, Calle de los Diputados, Apr.-Oct. Sat-Sun 10.00-14.00, 16.30-20.00, Fri 16.30-20.00, Nov.-March Mon.-Wed., Sat: 10.00-14.00, 16.30-18.30, Sun 10.00-14.00, Fri 16.30-18.30, closed Thu). It was erected in the 11th century. for the caliph, two centuries later it was rebuilt for Christian kings. In 1490, the palace became the residence of kings Ferdinand and Isabella.

Zaragoza is a city in north-eastern Spain, which is located on the banks of the Ebro River and is the capital of the autonomous region of Aragon. Zaragoza is the fifth largest city in Spain and has a rich, centuries-old history. We offer you a selection of the best attractions of Zaragoza with photos and descriptions that will help you not to miss the most important tourist spots in the city.

In the 1st century BC, during the colonization of the Iberian Peninsula, a new settlement was founded by the Romans on the site of present-day Zaragoza. It was called Colonia Caesaraugusta or Colony of Emperor Caesar Augustus. This is where the modern name of the city comes from. By the way, among the attractions of Zaragoza there are also ancient Roman monuments. In 712-713, Zaragoza was conquered by the Arabs and was only recaptured by the Spaniards in 1118 during the Reconquista.

Sights of Zaragoza

The most impressive landmark of Zaragoza, for which many people dream of visiting this city, is the Cathedral of Our Lady of Pilar (Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar). This is the main temple of the city and one of the largest cathedrals in Spain in the Baroque style. Its length reaches 130 meters in length and 67 meters in width. The building of the Cathedral consists of 4 towers and 11 domes, so it impresses with its monumentality and grandiose size. The basilica is considered the first shrine in Christian history to be dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In the center of the cathedral there is a statue depicting Mary holding a child in her arms.

Several centuries earlier, a Romanesque church was built on the site of the Cathedral in honor of the liberation of the city from Muslims by the troops of King Alfonso I, but it was destroyed by fire in 1434. Construction of the modern temple building began at the end of the 17th century and continued for 200 years. In this regard, the architecture of the basilica includes elements of several directions: Rococo, Baroque and Neoclassicism. The cost of visiting the Cathedral is 2 euros, a ticket to visit the towers is 3 euros.

(Plaza del Pilar), home to the Cathedral of Our Lady, is one of the busiest tourist spots in Zaragoza. This square is also called the city hall because public performances often take place here. In addition to the Basilica, Pilar Square houses the Town Hall, Cathedral of San Salvador(we will talk about it in more detail below), g city ​​courts, monument to Francisco Goya, as well as the Exchange building (La Lonja de Zaragoza), built in the first half of the 16th century as a place for trading activities.

On Pilar Square there is another interesting landmark of Zaragoza - the futuristic fountain-waterfall Hispanidad (Fuente de la Hispanidad). The fountain was built in honor of the Spanish-speaking community called Hispanidad. The shape of the fountain represents a map of Latin America. At the top, the waterfall forms a map of the Yucatan Peninsula and Central America. The waterfall flows into a small pool that imitates the shape of South America and Tierra del Fuego.

Another unique symbol and the most important attraction of Zaragoza is the Aljaferia Palace (El Palacio de la Aljaferia). The exceptional significance of the palace lies in the fact that it is the only architectural structure that has survived from the reign of the Muslim Emirates of Taifa. The fortified Aljaferia Palace was built in Zaragoza in the second half of the 11th century on the initiative of Emir Ahmad al-Muqtadir as a residence. This palace (called the Palace of Happiness at the time) reflects the prosperity and splendor that the Emirate of Taifa achieved during its period of political and cultural prosperity.

Over several centuries of existence and changes of rulers, the Aljaferia Palace has been reconstructed many times. Significant restoration work was carried out in the second half of the 20th century. In 2001, the Aljaferia Palace was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The cost of visiting this Zaragoza attraction is 5 euros.

(La Catedral del Salvador de Zaragoza) It is the second cathedral of the city in importance, but the first in antiquity. The second name of this historical landmark of Zaragoza is La Seo Cathedral. It was built on the site of an ancient Roman square to replace the oldest mosque, the minaret of which was converted into the main tower of the cathedral. The temple began to be built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style; it underwent numerous reconstructions over several centuries and was completely completed only in 1704, when a Baroque spire was installed on the cathedral tower.

The architecture of the cathedral has absorbed a wealth of styles from different eras, including Baroque, Gothic, Mudejar. The main building material was brick, which became especially common in Aragonese architecture. The Cathedral of San Salvador is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to the temple costs 2 euros.

Alfonso Street (Calle Alfonso) is the main pedestrian street of Zaragoza, which is located in the historical center of the city near Pilar Square. The street is distinguished by beautiful historical buildings, modern fashion shops, small tourist shops and cozy atmospheric cafes. This landmark of Zaragoza is not a unique object, but this street definitely has its own charm.

Calle Alfonso offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Basilica del Pilar, so you can take some very impressive photographs of Zaragoza from here. The street was built in 1865 to improve the urban landscape, and is now the main main street of Zaragoza.

The Pablo Gargallo Museum is a monographic museum dedicated to the work of the famous Aragonese sculptor Pablo Gargallo (1881-1934). It is located near Alfonso Street, in the building of the palace of the Count of Arguillo, which was built in 1661. The palace has an open central courtyard, a ground floor with an internal gallery and several rooms where the most important part of the exhibition takes place. The museum opened its doors in 1985.

The museum houses more than 170 works by the outstanding sculptor, including paintings, sculptures and numerous working documents. Among the exhibits is the famous Prophet, located in the courtyard, as well as two horsemen made for the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona in 1929 as a welcome to visitors.

Another important historical landmark of Zaragoza is the stone bridge in the center of Zaragoza (Puente de Piedra), which passes over the Ebro River, the deepest river in Spain. Its second name is Lions Bridge, since on both sides of the bridge there are columns with statues of bronze lions, symbolizing the city.

They tried to build the bridge at the beginning of the 12th century, but construction began only in 1401 and was completed only 40 years later. Due to floods and other disasters, the bridge has been reconstructed many times. Zaragoza's stone bridge is a great place for a walk, as well as colorful photos with the sunset and the wide Ebro River as a backdrop.

(Mercado Central de Zaragoza) was designed in 1895 by Aragonese architect Félix Navarro Pérez. It was intended to replace the traditional open-air market, which was located in the market square. Its construction was completed in 1903, and in 1978 the Central Market was designated a National Historic Landmark.

The Central Market building is made in a modern neoclassical style with a glazed facade and two arched entrances on the sides. Inside you will see stalls with a variety of meat, fish, seafood, local fruits and vegetables. Prices for food cannot be called affordable; this place is designed mainly for generous tourists. It is likely that the external design of the building will impress you much more than the retail space itself.

The main ancient attractions of Zaragoza include the Roman Walls (Muralla Romana de Zaragoza), which take us back to the era of Ancient Rome. During this period, Zaragoza was a prosperous colony of Emperor Augustus, Caesaraugusta, from which its current name comes. The Roman walls of Zaragoza were built between the first and third centuries AD, their length reached 3,000 meters and included 120 defensive towers. At that time, stone walls completely surrounded the city and protected it from enemies.

To date, only a small part of the wall has been preserved, but even this allows you to touch the ancient history. The longest section of the wall, which reaches a length of 80 meters, is located on Avenida de Cesar Augusto. The wall ends at the Torreon de la Zuda, another prominent Zaragoza landmark that was part of the city's fortifications. The tower offers a magnificent panoramic view of the city.

(Teatro romano de Zaragoza) is the oldest attraction in Zaragoza, the age and value of which is quite comparable to the Roman Wall. The theater was built in the first half of the 1st century AD, during the Roman Empire. The ancient theater seated about six thousand spectators; the Theater of Marcellus in Rome was used as a model during construction. It is certainly inferior in scale to ancient Italian buildings, especially since the building has barely survived.

Until the third century, the Roman theater was used for its intended purpose, but gradually fell into disrepair, and the materials of the building began to be used for the construction of other architectural structures. Over time, the theater was covered by other buildings, and was discovered by archaeologists only in 1973.

The River Aquarium (Acuario de Zaragoza) is another popular attraction in Zaragoza that is worth checking out. It was opened in 2008 for the World International Exhibition and became the largest river aquarium in Europe. The architect of the building was Alvaro Planjuelo. The area of ​​the aquarium is 8,000 m2, it contains 120 freshwater species of animals (more than 1,200 individuals). The central tank is 9 meters deep and over 47 meters long, making it the largest freshwater aquarium in the world.

The Aquarium of Zaragoza includes 5 largest river ecosystems: Nile (Africa), Amazon (South America), Mekong (Asia), Murray (Australia), Ebro (Spain). The popularity of this Zaragoza attraction is growing every year. For example, the number of visitors in 2016 reached 85,000 people - against 40,000 people in 2012. The cost of visiting the Zaragoza Aquarium is 16€.

One of the most striking and interesting attractions of Zaragoza is the entertainment center Puerto Venecia. This is not just a banal shopping complex for shopping lovers. Puerto Venice is a huge entertainment park that includes shops, restaurants, attractions, playgrounds, a cinema and even a picturesque lake.

Puerto Venezia has over 156 shops and 40 restaurants. This is a great place where you can have a fun and eventful time with the whole family. The complex is popular among both tourists and local residents; in 2014, about 18 million people visited it. By the way, not far from the Puerto Venice entertainment center there is a small amusement park in Zaragoza (Parque de Atracciones de Zaragoza).

Another important tourist and historical attraction of Zaragoza is the Church of San Pablo (Iglesia de San Pablo), which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is called the third cathedral of Zaragoza. The church was erected in the first half of the 14th century, but over the next two centuries the temple underwent consistent expansion and reconstruction. This was due to demographic growth in the area around San Pablo, where the church was located. Already in the Middle Ages, as many people lived here as in the historical walled center.

The Church of San Pablo combines the Gothic and Mudejar architectural styles. The church originally consisted of a polygonal nave, which was flanked by chapels on either side. In the 15th century, two additional naves were added, and the church continued to be reconstructed until the 20th century. In the interior, the main altar, made by Damian Forment in the 16th century, stands out. The cost of visiting the temple is 2 euros.

(Basílica de Santa Engracia) was built between 1891 and 1899 on the site of the Catholic Jeronimo monastery, which was destroyed during the siege of Zaragoza at the beginning of the 19th century. The monastery, in turn, replaced the ancient Roman Christian crypt, which housed the remains of Saint Engracia and other great martyrs of the third and fourth centuries, executed for their faith by order of Emperor Diocletian. Due to its sad history, this magnificent historical landmark of Zaragoza sometimes leaves a painful impression on tourists.

The Basilica of Santa Engracia is one of the earliest and most outstanding architectural works of the Renaissance. It consists of one nave and two side chapels, the façade is in Baroque and Mudejar style. The crypt of the Basilica of Santa Engracia contains two early Christian marble sarcophagi from the 4th century, found on the site of an ancient necropolis. The remains of Saint Engracia are placed in a simple chamber urn to protect the ancient relic from theft or desecration.

(Museo Goya / Museo Camón Aznar) is a museum of fine arts in Zaragoza. The museum houses more than a thousand paintings, of which the most significant half are on permanent display. Most of the paintings are from the legacy of the outstanding professor, academician, critic and collector José Camon Aznar from Zaragoza. If you love museums, then this Zaragoza attraction is definitely worth a visit for cultural enrichment.

The museum was opened in 1979 and is located in a Renaissance palace built in the historical center of Zaragoza. The museum's exhibits are distributed on three floors. The cost of visiting the museum is 4 euros.

If you plan to spend more time sightseeing in Zaragoza, be sure to visit the Monastery of La Piedra. It is located 120 km from the city, but this place is worth your attention. The Monastery de la Piedra was founded in 1194 by thirteen Cistercian monks. It is a national monument of Spain and one of the most visited tourist destinations in Aragon.

But this place received the status of the most beautiful attraction of Zaragoza due to the picturesque natural park near the monastery (Parque Natural del Monasterio de Piedra). The Piedra River forms a unique landscape with many waterfalls that attract tourists to enjoy a real miracle of nature. The highest waterfall in this park was the waterfall

The appearance of modern Zaragoza began to take shape during the Cordoba Caliphate, when the Moors reigned supreme over almost the entire territory of the Iberian Peninsula. It was during this period that the luxurious Mudejar architectural style flourished, harmoniously combining Arab and European motifs.

History has left to descendants the luxurious temples of Nuestra Señora del Pilar and La Seo, the Muslim fortress of Aljafería, which looks like it was built in our time, and picturesque squares in the historical center of the city. Zaragoza still remembers the presence of the crowned Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, carefully preserves the cultural heritage of the talented Francisco Goya and Pablo Gargallo, hospitably opening its gates to tourists.

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What to see and where to go in Zaragoza?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

The largest baroque temple in Spain, built in the 17th-19th centuries. The first religious building on the site of the existing church appeared in the 2nd century, then it was successively replaced by Romanesque and Gothic churches. The modern building makes a strong impression: along the edges there are 4 towers of 90 meters in height, 12 domes are covered with Moorish ornaments, the interior painting was done by Francisco Goya himself.

In ancient times, on the site of the temple there was a forum (the center of the Roman city), during the period of the rule of the Moors - the mosque of Saragusta al Baida. In the 12th century, after the liberation of Sagagosa, they began to build a Christian one instead of a Muslim temple. Since the beginning of the 13th century, coronations, weddings and burials of Aragonese rulers took place in La Seo. The cathedral was built in the magnificent Mudejar style. Craftsmen from Seville took part in its finishing.

Moorish fortress of the 11th century. It was built after the collapse of the Cordoba Caliphate, when Zaragoza became the capital of an independent emirate. After 1384, Aljafería became the residence of the Catholic kings Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon. At this time, the building was rebuilt in the Mudejar style with Gothic elements. Since the 15th century, the dungeon of the Inquisition was located here, then barracks. After restoration in the 20th century, the fortress housed a museum, court and legislative assembly of Aragon.

Another name for the square is Cathedral Square, since the facades of two cathedrals overlook it. The first mentions of this place are found in documents of the Early Middle Ages. It is believed that until the 16th century there was a cemetery here. The square acquired its modern appearance only in the 1940s after restoration. One of the main attractions besides the cathedrals is the Fuente de la Hispanidad fountain, symbolizing Latin America.

One of the central squares of the city, where there is a monument to the inhabitants of Aragon who died for their fatherland, who bravely resisted Napoleon’s army for two months. The jets of a fountain gush near the monument. As a result of the latest restoration, the place acquired a fairly modern appearance - it was surrounded by the facades of hotels, business centers and administrative buildings.

A typical walking street with many tourist-oriented shops and restaurants to suit every taste. Probably every Spanish city has one. The alley is located in the very center and stretches from the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar. In winter, on Christmas Day, the street is decorated with ceremonial garlands; in summer, people sit at the tables of street cafes, enjoying lunch and wine.

Crossing the Ebro River, built in the mid-15th century. Two centuries later it was destroyed by a flood, but a few years later the structure was restored. Quite often the structure is called the Lions Bridge, since at the entrance there are four bronze figures of lions created by sculptor F. R. Lajos in 1991. The noble king of beasts is considered the symbol of Zaragoza.

In ancient times, Zaragoza was a prosperous Roman colony. Today, on the site of the ruins of the former forum, there is a museum where you can look at what remains of the ancient square, theater, baths and other buildings. Near each object there is its original image, since it is not always clear from a pile of stones what the structure actually looked like.

The collection consists of ethnographic, archaeological and artistic exhibits; the museum also has a library and a restoration department. Here you can see examples of Roman mosaics, interior items from the Aljaferia fortress, Renaissance paintings, Romanesque sculpture and much more interesting things. The Zaragoza Museum is considered one of the largest in the province of Aragon.

The exhibition is dedicated to the work of P. Gargallo, an avant-garde artist who is considered the founder of this movement in Spain. The master's works are exhibited in the 17th-century Arjillo Palace. Although the painter is not as famous as Pablo Picasso, his contribution to art is difficult to overestimate. Many buildings in Barcelona are decorated with his works, among the most famous are the Santa Creu and Sant Pau Hospital and the Palace of Catalan Music.

The museum is located on the territory of La Seo Cathedral. The collection of tapestries consists of skillfully executed panels, which depict scenes from the lives of monarchs, aristocrats and townspeople. Each canvas is quite large in size, it depicts an incredible number of characters and details, which makes you admire the skill of the people who created this magnificence.

The collection is dedicated to the work of the famous painter, who, thanks to his talent, received recognition throughout the world. The museum opened in 1979 on the initiative of Professor J.C. Aznar and his wife M.L. Alvarez Pinillos. The couple collected Goya's works for a long time and decided to make their collection public. Today, in addition to the artist’s paintings, the museum exhibits engravings and paintings by his contemporaries.

The center is located in a building of modern architecture, shaped like two intersecting cubes. The building was designed by the architects of the Estudio Carme Pinos bureau. They were faced with the task of creating something unusual using advanced technologies. CaixaForum consists of exhibition galleries and concert venues, as well as a restaurant, observation deck and shop.

Historical building from the 16th century in Plaza Pilar, built on the initiative of the Aragonese bishop Hernando. Today, under its high arches there is an exhibition hall, so you can get inside only during some opening day. In the Middle Ages, the exchange building often became an architectural decoration of the city and a symbol of its financial power.

The market appeared in Zaragoza back in the Middle Ages. Today, retail space is located in a picturesque two-story building. Here you can buy products from local farmers, Spanish delicacies, sweets and seasonings. In addition to food, the market sells clothes, jewelry and antiques at very affordable prices. In small cafes located right on the territory, visitors are offered to taste national cuisine.

The City Aquarium specializes exclusively in river species, making its collection quite unique. The basins are home to representatives of the fauna of the African Nile, Spanish Ebro, Brazilian Amazon, Vietnamese Mekong and Australian Darling Murray. During a tour of the aquarium, guests are told interesting facts about river inhabitants and ecosystems.

The fountain decorated Pilar Square in 1991. It was built in honor of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America. It is made in the form of a split niche into which streams of water flow. Next to the fountain there is a figure of the globe. Hispanidad is the collective name for the 23 countries where Spanish is spoken. They are united by common cultural roots thanks to the Age of Discovery.

A large shopping and entertainment complex where you can shop in numerous stores, try delicious dishes in restaurants and just have a good time watching a movie in one of the cinemas. In the center there are fountains and an artificial lake, the banks of which are bordered by green spaces. The place is more reminiscent of some kind of seaside resort than a shopping mall.

The oldest park in Zaragoza, where many interesting attractions are located. The monument to King Alfonso I the Warrior, two branches of the city museum, the botanical garden of the 18th century, monuments to the actor P. C. Soria and the opera singer M. Fleta, the Rincon de Goya pavilion. The park received its modern name in 2010 in honor of the politician and part-time poet H. A. Labordeta.

The Ebro is the second longest waterway of the Iberian Peninsula after the Tagus, and also the deepest in Spain. It is believed that the name of the river was given by the ancient Iberians. The Ebro originates in the Cantabrian mountains, crosses the Aragonese plain and flows into the Mediterranean Sea. There are several settlements on its banks, including Zaragoza. The river is not suitable for navigation, but its waters are used to irrigate vast agricultural lands.

Between Barcelona and Madrid lies the ancient city of Zaragoza. It differs from Spanish megacities in its measured pace of life with its characteristic provincial tranquility. Perhaps this is where the differences end. Zaragoza is not inferior to other resorts in hospitality, level of infrastructure development and the number of places against which you want to take a photo. Sagarosa is called the industrial center of Spain. You can also do some great shopping here.

Weather

Zaragoza is located at an altitude of 200 meters above sea level. That is, winters here are usually cold and summers are hot. In degrees this is expressed as follows: in August +40, in January – about zero. But even if you like to “smoke” in the sun, we do not advise you to visit Zaragoza in the summer months: the streets are empty at this time, local residents go to the coast or to the mountains, bars and restaurants are closed. But in April it’s just right: warm, fresh, pleasant. And so on until June - the rainiest month. Although rainfall in our understanding is completely different from what drips from the sky in Zaragoza during this period. So we can go.

At first glance, the city of “five cultures” may seem boring. There is no atmosphere of “spoiled relaxation” here, as in coastal resorts. The local population works at local factories strictly according to schedule. And their weekends are spent with the family in some shopping center.

Nevertheless, Zaragoza throws new artifacts at archaeologists every year. Perhaps in the future this city will take its rightful place in the top of the most interesting historical and cultural places in Spain. Today, all the beauties of Zaragoza can be explored on foot in a couple of hours. If you're in a hurry, of course.

To catch the “spirit” of the city, you need to stay at least a couple of days. We recommend starting the tour from the historical center of Casco Viejo and Pilar Square. There is the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar or in other words the Cathedral of Our Lady. By the way, this Cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Spain. Its walls are painted by the hands of Francisco Goya himself. Zaragoza is the birthplace of this great and strange painter. The temple itself houses a priceless statue of the Virgin Mary, after which the majestic Baroque structure was named.

The Cathedral is the main symbol of Zaragoza. You can visit the holy place for free. But if you want to get into the museum at the temple, you need to pay a symbolic amount of € 3.

Just a few steps away is the Cathedral of the Savior. Once upon a time there was a mosque in its place. After the expulsion of the Arabs from Christian lands, the Muslim building was hastily converted into a temple. But after several years they decided to destroy the mosque, leaving no memories of the past. This is how the beautiful and consecrated Cathedral of the Savior appeared. It has a museum containing many interesting exhibits, including works by Rubens and Flemish tapestries. The collection of tapestries collected here is considered the best in the whole world. The cathedral is included in the UNESCO list. Entrance to the temple is free.

The heritage of Muslim culture is the Aljaferia Palace. This is the former residence of Arab rulers and later Catholic kings. By visiting it, you will learn what romantic story formed the basis of the famous opera “Il Trovatore” by Verdi. On Sundays, entry to the Aljafería is free. On other days – € 5, children and seniors have discounts.

The Zaragoza Stone Bridge is a famous and popular landmark of the city. This is a great place where you can indulge in romantic dreams and watch the sun set over the horizon. The “stormy temper” of the Ebro River demolished the wooden and later the stone structure of the bridge many times. Finally, the last built version of the “lion” bridge (its other name) turned out to be resilient and withstood the flow of the deepest river in Spain.

The Piedra Monastery, or rather its natural park, deservedly bears the name of a historical monument. It is located an hour's drive from Zaragoza, among the mountains, in one of the most beautiful places. The mixture of architectural styles, rich history, lush greenery and a hotel specially built for visitors have turned the quiet monastery into a popular tourist attraction.

The oldest building in Zaragoza is the Lonja Exchange. It was built back in the Renaissance. An interesting fact: the building attracts tourists not because of its external splendor. What then? Inability to count floors. To solve the puzzle created by a clever architect, you need to get inside. Nowadays, various exhibitions, mainly art, are held in the exchange halls. There are many bars and cafes nearby, where you can sit and admire the special illumination that beautifully illuminates the ancient landmark in the evening.

An hour's drive from Zaragoza lies the clear Lake Esa. Although it was created by human hands, its beauty attracts absolutely everyone. There is enough entertainment concentrated here to comfortably relax on the shores of the reservoir, stretching out in the sun, or have fun.

Children will surely enjoy the Zaragoza amusement park with its many rides and play areas. You can take your family to the aquarium and feed the local fish with special food purchased here. Golf lovers will definitely enjoy the high-quality golf course where they can hit their balls. And for those who prefer to have fun at night, Zaragoza offers a variety of discos and clubs to choose from.

Shopping

The most beautiful in the city: Alfonso Street - a kind of corridor of time. Buildings made in different architectural styles, as well as countless stores of branded clothing and souvenirs, coupled with good restaurants, will fill you with large-scale impressions and more.

Actually, Zaragoza is a shopping city. You can “shop around” on almost any street and in many shopping centers. True, the sales time does not coincide with the high season: January-February, July-August. But here there are always reasonable prices and high quality.

Nutrition

If anywhere it is appropriate to use the combination “haute cuisine,” it is in Zaragoza. Exotic lovers will be able to discover interesting dishes. Although, in fairness, it must be said that budget tourists will also like it here.

Almost every restaurant offers national cuisine. The specialty of some of them is meat cooked over charcoal. Add a fresh salad and a glass of Spanish wine. Seafood lovers also have a place to roam. A chain of fish restaurants is always at your service. You can try French, Jamaican, Basque and, of course, Spanish cuisine. Peaches in wine are a divinely delicious dessert that is not so easy to order. The fact is that not every restaurant has it. But it's worth trying to look.

Local tapas bars differ from other resorts by being particularly filling. Despite the fact that this is just an appetizer for a drink, in terms of volume it can be called a full dinner, consisting of hot food, salad, almost soup, sauce and a piece of omelette with cheese... Real tapas bars are not the ones that appear when you enter associations with fast food - opens in the late afternoon, after six. Prices are low, for example, a glass of beer costs about € 2. Breakfast consisting of juice and coffee with a croissant will cost the same.

Where to stay

There are up to hundreds of hotels in the city. These are mainly budget “low-star” options. There are discount hotels and non-smoking hotels. You can easily rent an apartment, either in the city center or further away. But let us remind you that the main attractions of Zaragoza are concentrated around the central square Pilar. In addition to hotels, you should pay attention to hostels and apartments.

Accommodation prices are quite reasonable. This is explained by the fact that the city is not very spoiled by tourist influxes. Except, perhaps, in the autumn period. In October, the main holiday in Zaragoza takes place - a large festival in honor of the Virgin Mary, the patroness of the city. At this time, tourists from all countries and neighboring resorts come here. Therefore, it is advisable to book a place to stay overnight in advance.

How to get there

There are no direct flights to Zaragoza yet. Therefore, it is best to first head for Madrid or Barcelona. Then transfer to a bus, car or train and thus get to your destination. The bus ride will take about four hours. This pleasure costs €20 from Madrid or Barcelona - it doesn’t matter. By train it's twice as fast: 1.5 hours. But for the opportunity to ride like a breeze you will have to pay €50-60.

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