{"id":17259,"date":"2019-09-13T13:34:38","date_gmt":"2019-09-13T11:34:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/euroviajar.com\/?p=17259"},"modified":"2023-05-03T18:51:30","modified_gmt":"2023-05-03T16:51:30","slug":"11-reasons-to-visit-zaragoza","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/euroviajar.com\/en\/11-reasons-to-visit-zaragoza\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Reasons to Visit Zaragoza, Spain – The City of Four Cultures"},"content":{"rendered":"

Discover the unknown and unexpected reasons to visit Zaragoza<\/a>! The proud capital of the region of Aragon in Spain<\/a> boasts 2000 years of history<\/strong> and impressive heritage enlisted by UNESCO<\/strong>. Zaragoza, called The City of Four Cultures<\/strong>, was developed and influenced by Romans, Muslims, Jews and Christians.<\/p>\n

Its historical centre is perfectly walkable, making it easy to discover its fine architecture and excellent, vibrant tapas bars<\/strong> round every corner.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s plenty to see and do in Zaragoza, so let\u2019s start!<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

1. Magical Aljafer\u00eda Palace (UNESCO)<\/h2>\n
\"Aljafer\u00eda

Enchanting Aljafer\u00eda palace, rich in Muslim art<\/p><\/div>\n

Aljafer\u00eda is like a smaller sister of Alhambra. An exotic castle full of wonders<\/strong>, secret passages and elaborate arches makes a strong impression on every visitor.<\/p>\n

This fortified Islamic palace was built in the 11th century<\/strong> when Zaragoza belonged to an independent kingdom, so called-taifa, under Muslim Arab rulers. Together with the Alhambra of Granada and the Mosque of C\u00f3rdoba, the Aljafer\u00eda of Zaragoza is considered one of the three most important monuments of the Hispano-Muslim architecture, the taifa art.<\/p>\n

The palace was reconquested by Alfonso I of Arag\u00f3n, a Christian monarch, in the 12th century. Later on it was used as a royal residence and military fortress.<\/p>\n

Nowadays, the Aragonese Corts – the regional parliament<\/strong> for the autonomous community of Aragon, has its seat here.<\/p>\n

The Hispano-Muslim Art of Aljafer\u00eda<\/h3>\n

You can admire here the characteristic Islamic decorations including juxtaposed arches, arabesques<\/strong> and geometric motifs. The palace is vast, with lots of interesting parts: rooms, patios, passages, mosque, oratory, halls, Christian parts of the palace including the chapel, and Mud\u00e9jar Palace. The great advantage is that Aljafer\u00eda is never crowded (contrary to Alhambra!), permitting you to really soak its exotic atmosphere.<\/p>\n

2. Unique Mud\u00e9jar Architecture (UNESCO)<\/h2>\n
\"Geometric

Geometric patterns in Aljaferia palace in Zaragoza are an example of Mudejar art<\/p><\/div>\n

Mud\u00e9jar originally meant “domesticated” and referred to Muslims of the kingdom of Al-Andalus who stayed in the Iberian Peninsula in the late Middle Ages after the Christian Reconquista and were not forced (at least initially) to convert to Christianity. Islam was prohibited in the Crown of Aragon only in 1526.<\/p>\n

Aragonese Mud\u00e9jar Style<\/h3>\n

Due to particularly long history of tolerance of Muslims in the kingdom of Aragon, the unique Hispano-Islamic art and architecture style developed in this area. It is called the Aragonese Mud\u00e9jar art style, and it was created between the 12th to the 17th century. There are over 100 splendid architectural monuments<\/strong> preserved from this era.<\/p>\n

Mud\u00e9jar architecture for its uniqueness has been enlisted by UNESCO<\/strong>, which granted the World Heritage Site title to 10 most characteristic monuments. Three of them may be visited in Zaragoza: these are Aljafer\u00eda, La Seo Cathedral and Church of St Paul.<\/p>\n

3. Beautiful La Seo Cathedral<\/h2>\n
\"La

La Seo -the cathedral of Zaragoza is a splendid example of Mudejar art<\/p><\/div>\n

In the city of Zaragoza there are as much as 135 churches! Most of them are historical, and quite many are built in Mud\u00e9jar style, so be ready to explore and admire.<\/p>\n

A curiosity: Zaragoza is one of very few cities in the world which has two cathedrals: La Seo and Basilica del Pilar (below).<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Wonderful La Seo – the Cathedral of the Saviour – is a great example of the typical Aragonese Mud\u00e9jar art.<\/strong> Unfortunately, its interior cannot be photographed, so I am not able to share with you its glorious splendour. Let me just say that it is by far one of the most impressive and unique cathedrals I have ever seen.<\/p>\n

Roman Temple \/ Mosque \/ Church<\/h3>\n

La Seo has a fascinating history: the first building placed here was an ancient Roman temple<\/strong>. In the early Middle Ages, in the 8th century, during the Arab reign, it was substituted by a mosque – actually one of the oldest of Al-Andalus. After the Reconquista, the mosque was destroyed, and rebuilt to serve as a Christian church.<\/p>\n

Part of the tower preserves the old minaret shape. The cathedral has been rebuilt and redecorated in many subsequent styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Mud\u00e9jar, Renaissance and Baroque, but somehow it preserved quite a strong Mud\u00e9jar identity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The cathedral houses the Tapestry Museum<\/strong>, absolutely worth visiting. It displays a rich collection of exquisite historical tapestries from several countries – mostly Flemish.<\/p>\n

4. Iconic Basilica del Pilar<\/h2>\n
\"The

The symbol of Zaragoza – Basilica del Pilar<\/p><\/div>\n

Basilica del Pilar<\/h3>\n

The city is dominated by the fairytale silhouette of the Cathedral – Basilica de Nuestra Se\u00f1ora del Pilar<\/strong> (Our Lady of the Pillar). With its multiple towers and colourful domes and cupolas with a harmonious geometric pattern, it is truly unique. It\u2019s rare to find so many domes and turrets on a single church!<\/p>\n

Points of view<\/h3>\n
\"Spectacular

Spectacular view from the tower of Basilica del Pilar<\/p><\/div>\n

What makes it even more spectacular, is the multitude of sides and angles from which you can admire and photograph it. The most emblematic image is its subtle reflection in the Ebro River, which is best admired from the Puente de Piedra bridge. By night, it\u2019s a truly magical sight<\/strong>, and the atmosphere it creates is just unreal. Another fascinating viewpoint is one of the towers of the Basilica, where you can appreciate its colourful tiles closer than from anywhere else, and you see its entire structure from above, at the background of the turquoise river and the old town. Splendid!<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss the view from another tower \u2013 Zuda, where you see the Pilar towers in between other church towers of the city. By day, by night, from the front, sides or from behind \u2013 the Basilica del Pilar never fails to impress with its subtle beauty<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Plaza del Pilar<\/h3>\n
\"Plaza

Plaza del Pilar, Zaragoza<\/p><\/div>\n

The spacious square in front of the Basilica of the same name, called Plaza del Pilar, will keep on surprising you with its wonders, every step you take. It\u2019s literally filled with monuments, fountains, sculptures and pleasant bars for a drink with a great view.<\/p>\n

Fuente de la Hispanidad<\/h3>\n
\"Fuente

Fuente de la Hispanidad, Zaragoza<\/p><\/div>\n

Don\u2019t miss the unique fountain Fuente de la Hispanidad (Fountain of the Spanish-speaking world), shaped like a waterfall and a cracking glacier<\/strong> \u2013 it\u2019s truly spectacular! You may not notice it immediately, so take a second look: it is shaped in the silhouette of South America. This beautiful and creative landmark, popular with the locals and tourists, is located on the northern part of Plaza del Pilar, in front of the baroque San Juan de los Panetes church.<\/p>\n

5. 100% authentic Spanish experience without other tourists<\/h2>\n
\"In

In the evening the squares of Zaragoza are filled with people<\/p><\/div>\n

Zaragoza is the fifth biggest Spanish city, yet it offers you something that none of the biggest four gives you: the truly genuine Spanish experience all for yourself, without crowds of other tourists, without hearing languages other than Spanish for most of the time, without kitsch plastic tourist shops (well, except for religious souvenirs). Amazing!<\/p>\n

Zaragoza has plenty of attractive monuments<\/strong>, great tourist offices with well prepared materials, enough hotels and hostels and restaurants \u2013 in other words \u2013 all you need, without the crowds<\/strong> (just think about La Rambla in Barcelona), queues (I still remember 50 mins spent in the queue under the scorching sun of Seville to get to Real Alc\u00e1zar), and unauthentic tourist-trap restaurants. That\u2019s priceless. Eat tapas surrounded by the locals, observing them and learning a thing or two about the Spanish culture. Enter the most emblematic city landmarks almost immediately, without waiting.<\/strong> Have entire museums mostly for yourself, how comfortable is that? See the authentic lifestyle of local people in their real everyday life. Personally \u2013 I loved it.<\/p>\n

Plus, it\u2019s a safe city with friendly, warm people \u2013 it feels good to be here.<\/p>\n

6. Rich art collections, including Goya<\/h2>\n
\"Imaginative

Imaginative sketch by Francisco de Goya in Zaragoza City Museum<\/p><\/div>\n

Zaragoza has an impressive museum offer. Its rich, varied and interesting art collections<\/strong> can be envied by many cities. There is so much to see that the art itself must be counted among good reasons to visit Zaragoza.<\/p>\n

Euroviajar’s Tip: Many museums of Zaragoza have free entrance on a specific day of the week or… always!<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Goya Museum<\/h3>\n

The highlight of Zaragozan art is its most famous painter: Goya, or to be precise: Francisco de Goya y Lucientes. He was born, raised and started his career here. Therefore, you may count on a particularly rich collection of masterpieces by Goya<\/strong>. The most curious ones include a huge display of his etchings, showing both extraordinary skills and strong imagination.<\/p>\n

There is\u00a0Goya Museum<\/strong> dedicated to the great Zaragozan master.<\/p>\n

Zaragoza City Museum<\/a><\/h3>\n

And we strongly recommend the very interesting Zaragoza City Museum<\/strong> (Museo de Zaragoza), which also presents Goya drawings. Moreover, it has great exhibitions of prehistoric, Roman and Muslim archeaological items, and fine arts from the 12th century till the modern times.<\/p>\n

7. Fiestas – Holy Week, Fiestas del Pilar<\/a>, Chrismas Market<\/h2>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div>\n
\n
View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

A post shared by Federico Ram\u00edrez Mosquera (@el_vecino_del_gancho)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n