Zaragoza spain attractions. City of Zaragoza, Spain - “A beautiful historical city, between Madrid and Barcelona. Capital of Aragon. (lots of photos). Church of San Pablo

>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 train 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 (weekends in summer, 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 liberated 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.

The capital of the autonomous region of Aragon, Zaragoza, is located in northeastern Spain, in the middle reaches of the Ebro River. Zaragoza is an ancient city founded by the Romans before our era. The name comes from the transformed name of the Roman settlement Colonia Caesaraugusta ("Colony of Emperor Augustus"). The city is surrounded by mountains, so frosts, unusual for Spanish cities, are common in winter.

Attractions in the Cathedral Square area of ​​​​Zaragoza

Around the Plaza de Catedrales, otherwise known as Plaza del Pilar, are the main attractions of Zaragoza.

One of the most beautiful Christian churches in Spain overlooks Cathedral Square - Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, considered the first religious building dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Strictly speaking, this can be called the first building on this site.

Once in 40, St., the spreader of Christianity in Spain, prayed in these places. Jacob. The Mother of God, sitting on a column (pilar), came down to him, presented him with a miniature wooden figurine with her own image, and ordered him to build a church in her honor. In the II century. a chapel appeared on this site. In the 12th century. it was replaced by a Romanesque church, which burned down in a fire in the 15th century. The next Gothic church was replaced by the current Baroque pearl - the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar, built in the 17th–18th centuries. Its last two towers, 92 m high, were erected already in the 20th century.

Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar

During the Civil War, three bombs fell on the church, but none of them exploded. Two of them can be seen inside the basilica. The majestic basilica with four towers and 11 domes reaches 130 m in length and 67 in width. The smaller domes are covered with Azulejos ceramic tiles.

In the eastern part of the temple, in Capilla Santa, there is the same jasper column, on top of which is the above-mentioned figurine of the Virgin Mary and Child. Her attire is changed every day. She is crowned with a precious crown. The interior of the temple was painted by the famous artist Francisco Goya, who was born near Zaragoza. The frescoes “Queen of Martyrs” and “Glorification of the Name of the Lord” stand out. Noteworthy are the alabaster sculptures of the altar made by Damian Forment. They were preserved from the previous church building. The plots are dedicated to the earthly life of the Virgin Mary.

The Basilica is the second most popular pilgrimage site in Spain. Every autumn week leading up to October 12, it becomes the center of a festival in honor of Our Lady of Pilar, the patroness of the city. There is a museum attached to the basilica, where, in particular, decorations of the Pilar statue are exhibited - crowns, tiaras, several hundred robes, and drawings by Goya.

The Basilica is open to the public from 7 to 20:30 (on Sunday until 21:30). The museum is open daily, except Sunday, from 10 to 18 (on Saturday - until 14) hours with a break at 14-16. The entrance ticket costs 2 EUR. A fee of 3 EUR is charged for visiting the observation deck on one of the towers. You can go up there by elevator every day, except Fridays, from 10 to 18-20 hours with a break at 14-16. The southern façade of the Basilica overlooks the city square Plazadel Pilar or Plaza de Catedrales - one of the largest in Europe. You can get to the basilica by city buses No. 22 and 23.

Cathedral of San Salvador in Zaragoza

Zaragoza is one of the few cities that has two cathedrals that share the status of cathedral. In addition to the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the cathedral has this status Catedral del Salvador en su Epifanía, also briefly called La Seo or the Cathedral of the Savior. The cathedrals are located within a three-minute walk of each other, and overlook the same Plaza de Catedrales square. La Seo is part of the Arquitectura Mudéjar de Aragón World Heritage Site.

In ancient times, on the site of the current Cathedral of the Epiphany of the Savior there was a Roman forum. After the conquest of Zaragoza by the Moors, the main mosque of the existing Islamic state was located here. Its fragments were discovered during the restoration of the cathedral at the end of the 20th century. After the expulsion of the Moors in the 12th century, the mosque became a Christian church, however, it did not last long. It was destroyed and a new stone Romanesque cathedral began to be built. Two apses and several altar sculptures have survived to this day.

Cathedral of San Salvador

In the XIII–XIV centuries. The coronation, baptism, wedding and funeral service of the Aragonese monarchs took place in this cathedral. In the 14th century, after the formation of the autonomous Zaragoza archbishopric, the cathedral began to expand. In addition to the Gothic central naves with stained glass windows, there was a dome and an impressive entrance façade from the street. la Pabostría in Mudejar style. In the 15th century The collapsed dome was replaced with a new one in the shape of the papal tiara. In the next century, instead of the Mudejar one, a baroque bell tower appeared. Changes in subsequent centuries were minor.

The current Cathedral of the Savior has several entrances. First– from the side of the neoclassical western facade (in the photo - to the left of the bell tower),
second- from the side of the beautiful façade in the Mudejar style. la Pabostría,
And third entrance of St. Bartholomew from the eastern facade, through which tourists enter.

The modern cathedral is a five-nave church with six bays and ribbed vaults. The dome above the middle cross combines Mudejar, Gothic and Renaissance ornamentation. The two-level Dome consists of a lower rectangular and upper octagonal part. In the niches of the dome drum there are statues of Aragonese saints.

The first floor of the four-story bell tower, 90 m high, in the Baroque style, is stone, and the rest are brick. The second and third floors are decorated with allegorical figures made of limestone. It is interesting that the Italian architect who designed the bell tower never visited Zaragoza.

The interior of the cathedral is dominated by Gothic style. First of all, attention is drawn to the massive main altar, created from alabaster in the middle of the 15th century, perhaps the best in Europe.

The predominant Gothic style is interspersed with interior elements in the Mudejar style. They are found, in particular, in the dome and gilded roof. The 28 cathedral chapels are decorated in three architectural styles. In addition to those already mentioned, this is a renaissance. The chapels compete with each other in beauty.

As is customary in Spanish churches, in the center of the cathedral there is a Gothic choir with 117 seats. The decorative bronze grille of the choirs is decorated with sculptures of Jesus and the apostles Peter and Paul, made in the 18th century.

The door on the eastern façade leads to the sacristy of the cathedral. Its walls are decorated with paintings by Spanish artists. There is also a painting by Rubens - “The Judgment of Solomon”. The reliquary features a golden tabernacle, which took 218 kg of this noble metal.

In the Chapter Hall operates Museo de Tapices– a collection of 63 Flemish tapestries and six heraldic embroideries, one of the three best collections in the world. The oldest tapestries date back to the 15th century.

Entrance to the cathedral is free. It can be visited every day, except Monday, from 10 to 14 (on Saturday - until 13, and on Sunday - until 12) and from 16 to 18-19.

Fountain of Hispanidad in Zaragoza

In the center of the Plaza de Catedrales is the famous fountain, built to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus. The collection of 23 Spanish-speaking countries with a population of 400 million is commonly called Hispanidad. The structure resembles a waterfall rather than a fountain. On its surface is a map of Latin America. From the northern part of the complex hydraulic structure, powerful water streams rush into the reservoir of the lower part, the contours of which follow the continental ones.

Fountain of Hispanidad

The composition of Fuente de la Hispanidad includes three marble slabs located near the fountain, symbolizing Columbus's ships reaching America, and a large stone globe with its map according to medieval ideas.

On the same square there is an original sculptural composition of the monument to Francisco Goya and the frequent characters of his paintings - majo (majo) and maja (maja). Some tourists taking photographs next to them consider them to be separate city sculptures.

Monument to Francisco Goya and his characters

Art lovers are well aware of two famous paintings by the artist - “Naked Macha” and “Dressed Macha”, painted at the very end of the 18th century. By that time, swings simply meant Spanish townswomen. And initially, men majos and women majas were called arrogant and cocky dandies from the common people, trying in every possible way to stand out from the crowd not only through songs and dances. Both of them had knives with them, sometimes even being used during a stormy public showdown. These are the characters depicted by the author of Monumento a Goya, Catalan sculptor Frederic Mares.

Oddly enough, by 1770 “Machaism” had become a craze in Spanish aristocratic circles. Over time, maja became synonymous with Spanish flu.

Museum of the Roman Forum

In ancient times, Zaragoza was a prominent Roman settlement. During archaeological excavations, the ruins of a Roman forum, theater, baths and port were discovered. La Seo operates on the site of the forum in the current square. Mini-museums are also organized at other Roman sites.

The modern entrance to the underground Museo del Foro Romano creates a certain architectural dissonance with the nearby La Seo Cathedral. But the inside of the underground museum is quite interesting. Near each object there are its models, recreating the appearance of Roman times. Streets, house walls, sewer pipes can be guessed.

Museum of the Roman Forum (Museo del Foro Romano)

Address: Plaza de la Seo 2. The museum is open daily, except Mondays, at 10–14 and 17–20 (except Sundays). The cost of a ticket giving the right to visit the other mini-museums mentioned above is 4 EUR.

Other city attractions

From the Moorish period of history in Zaragoza, several architectural structures remain, included in the UNESCO heritage site Arquitectura mudéjar de Aragón. The most noticeable of them is the perfectly preserved castle-fortress Palacio de la Aljafería.

Built in the 11th century. The palace of the caliph of the Muslim emirate of Zaragoza after the Reconquista (expulsion of the Arabs) served the Christian rulers of Aragon, then the Inquisition. After the restoration of the second half of the 20th century. The palace houses the Aragonese parliament, court and museum.

Castle-fortress of Aljafería (Palacio de la Aljafería)

The oldest part of the structure is the only rectangular tower of the Troubadour, widely known from Verdi’s opera of the same name. In the Middle Ages it was used as a place of imprisonment. Some fragments of the five-level tower were built in the 9th century. - long before the palace.

The palace's rugged exterior belies an impressive interior. Inside the Aljaferia Palace, the Moorish Golden and Throne Halls, vaults with stone carvings depicting the coats of arms of Aragon and Castile, a Gothic staircase with alabaster railings leading to the royal chambers, Moorish panels in the Hall of St. Isabella. Particularly striking is the carved ceiling of the Throne Room with gilded pine cones.

Palacio de la Aljafería interior (interior)

Church of San Pablo in Zaragoza

An integral part of the above mentioned heritage site is and. The Church of San Pablo is even unofficially called the “third cathedral of Zaragoza.” The church in a mixed Gothic and Mudejar style was built at the turn of the 13th–14th centuries, after which it was expanded and rebuilt several times. To the originally single-nave church in the 14th century. a bell tower in the Mudejar style was added, and in the next century two side aisles were added. Then chapels were added on the right side.

Church of San Pablo (Iglesia de San Pablo)

The tympanum of the Gothic portal depicts Christ sitting between the Virgin Mary and Saints John and Blaise (patron of Zaragoza). On the door of the portal there is a bas-relief of the apostles Peter and Paul. The visible part of the 66-meter octagonal bell tower with vaulted windows and arches is decorated in the Mudejar style.

In the interior of the church, the altarpiece of the main altar, made in the 16th century, attracts attention. Damian Forment made of gilded wood and embossed silver, a tabernacle from the 17th century, decorated with precious stones, and an organ from the 15th century.

The church is located in the center of the historical quarter at San Pablo, 42. During the high season, the church is open from Monday to Saturday from 9–12:30 and 18:30–20:30, and in the low season from 9–12:30 and 18: 00–19:30. Opening hours on Sundays and holidays are 9–13:45 and 18:00–19:30–20:30.

Zaragoza Museum

Located in a beautiful pavilion building built for the 1908 World Exhibition.

The exhibition in the main building of the Zaragoza Museum is divided into archeology and fine arts.

The first section presents archaeological finds spanning the period from Roman times to Moorish rule. Here, in particular, you can see artifacts found near the walls of Aljafería. The most valuable exhibits are a fragment of a mosaic depicting Orpheus, which decorated a Roman villa of the 2nd-3rd centuries, and a bust of Emperor Augustus of the 1st-2nd centuries. Also interesting are the alabaster sculpture of the Guardian Angel of Saranosa from the 16th century, and the icon of the Madonna and Child from the 16th century.

The art section displays paintings from the 12th century. to the present day. Particularly interesting are the Gothic paintings and a separate room with numerous works by the great Spanish artist Francisco Goya. The Museo de Zaragoza also includes sections of ethnography and ceramics, located in two mansions of the Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta.

Address of the main building: Plaza de los Sitios, 6. The museum can be visited for free every day, except Mondays, at 10–14 and, except Sundays, at 17–20.

Francisco Goya Museum in Zaragoza

In 1979, a private collector, Professor Aznar, donated his collection of paintings by Francisco Goya to the state. The private collection was housed in a beautiful 16th-century mansion. - Jeronimo Cosida's house. Since 2015, the museum began to be supervised by the Ibercaja Foundation for the protection of cultural heritage. Today's Museo Goya–Colección Ibercaja- at the same time the leading Aragonese center for studying the work of the great Spanish artist.

Francisco Goya Museum (Museo Goya–Colección Ibercaja)

In the museum's exhibition you can see paintings by the famous artist and his contemporaries. Of particular value, of course, are Goya's paintings, drawings and engravings. Modern information materials provide visitors with detailed information about the artist's three hundred works in Spanish, English and French.

Address: Calle de Espoz y Mina, 23 (in the city center, 10 minutes walk from La Seo Cathedral). Opening hours: daily except Mondays, 10–14 and 17–21 (except Sundays). Ticket costs 4 EUR, with an audio guide – 5, and with a tablet – 6 EUR. Admission is free on the second Sunday of the month.

A stone bridge

225 m long across the Ebro River, built in the 15th century, it was partially destroyed by a flood in 1643, but then rebuilt. In the 18th century On the banks of the Ebro, protective fortifications were built to prevent new flooding.

In 1906, a tram was launched across the bridge (later the tram lines were dismantled). Two years later, the bridge was expanded on both sides with pedestrian crossings. Since 1991, four bronze figures of lions, symbols of Zaragoza, were installed at the entrance and exit, and therefore the bridge began to be called the Lion Bridge.

Park Grande José Antonio Labordeta in Zaragoza

The most beautiful city park in the south of Zaragoza was designed at the beginning of the 20th century. on the initiative of the city council with the participation of the former Spanish dictator Primo de Rivera, after whom it was named. In 2010, after the death of the Spanish politician, poet and singer and native of Zaragoza, the park began to be called.

Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta

On the main alley of the Paseo de San Sebastian park, reminiscent of Versailles with its fountains and gardens, stands a grandiose monument to Alfonso I the Warrior, who liberated Spain from Moorish rule. The monument was erected in honor of the 800th anniversary of this event.

Monument to Alfonso I the Warrior

As noted above, two branches of the Zaragoza Museum are located in two mansions in the park. On the territory of the park there is a city botanical garden, founded in the 18th century. In 1928, on the centenary of Goya’s death, the Rincon de Goya pavilion was built in the park, intended to serve as his museum. There are many monuments and busts of famous Spaniards in the park. The surfaces of some benches are lined with beautiful tiled mosaics.

Conclusion

The sights of Zaragoza, especially both cathedrals, are impressive even after visiting Barcelona and Madrid. And it shows how the city residents know how to have fun.

One of the largest and most populous cities in Spain - Zaragoza - is not known to all tourists, but among the inhabitants of the country this city bears the glory of one of the most beautiful and ancient. And not in vain, because almost every building and structure in Zaragoza is a kind of monument, an architectural masterpiece, an unusual landmark reflecting the features of many eras.

Zaragoza is a unique city that contains the culture of several countries and eras. When traveling around Spain, you should definitely visit this city - you can get to it from Barcelona or Madrid by any type of transport: plane, train, bus or car.

Those who have been to Zaragoza remember other cities that resemble the atmosphere. , and , really complement the picture of ancient streets and the spirit of the city going back centuries.

The Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar is not just a sacred temple and the main attraction of the city, but also an important historical and architectural monument of Spain. The temple is the largest in Zaragoza and one of the largest and most beautiful in all of Spain. Every year, a huge number of tourists make a pilgrimage to these places - only Santiago de Compostella is a more popular destination in Spain.

The temple was built in honor of the Virgin Mary and is considered the first in the world dedicated to her. According to legend, more than two thousand years ago, on the banks of the Ebro River, the Mother of God appeared to a praying saint with instructions to build a church on this site. Soon her instructions were carried out. The temple went through many events, several destructions and reconstructions, which left their mark on its architecture and design elements.

Every autumn, on October 12, the city hosts a large-scale festival dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This period is called a fiesta and lasts 9 days, filling the streets of the city with fresh flowers, musicians, street actors and dancers

In the period before the fiesta in honor of Our Lady of Pilar, it is worth booking hotel rooms in advance, because the number of tourists staying these days is simply off the charts.

Address: Plaza del Pilar, s/n

Operating mode: Tue - Sun - from 7:00 to 20:30

Price: for free.

Aljaferia Palace is a unique historical monument, one of the few buildings that has survived from the times of Muslim rule. It was built in the 11th century as a residence for Muslim rulers. The architecture of the palace surprisingly combines elements of two different cultures - Arab and European.

In past times, the palace served as a fortress, which left its mark on its appearance - thick and durable walls give it a harsh look. You can get inside only through one entrance - it leads to the internal buildings and courtyards of the castle. Most of the area is occupied by green spaces and tangerine trees, which surround the halls located inside.

The most beautiful rooms are located in the northern part of the castle - the Golden Hall, the mosque, the chapel, and the royal chambers. Each of the halls will be of interest to tourists, as they present an amazingly luxurious and rich spectacle.

The history of Zaragoza is such that many of the historical monuments preserved in it reflect elements of culture that are completely different from those familiar to the West. La Seo Cathedral is no exception - it was originally built by Arab conquerors as a mosque and has retained some of this architecture to this day. Another name for the cathedral is San Salvador. It houses a local shrine - the grave of Archbishop Oscar Romero, killed during the civil war.

The appearance of the cathedral amazes and attracts tourists, but the real spectacle awaits them inside the building: vaulted ceilings, walls decorated with gold and painted with frescoes, and sculptures on which outstanding masters once worked. In general, the architectural style of the cathedral, like many buildings from medieval times, is a mixture of several elements. This includes Baroque, Classicism, Gothic and Romanesque styles.

Zaragoza is one of the few cities in which the competition between two cathedrals for the title of cathedral led to the assignment of this status to both churches. The Cathedral of La Seo shares this title with the Cathedral of Del Pilar.

Address: Plaza de la Seo, 4

A small town on the outskirts of Zaragoza, Daroca, with a population of just over 2,000 people, allows tourists to immerse themselves in ancient times for at least a few hours and take a break from the bustle of Zaragoza. The city is also part of the Moorish heritage, and there are ruins around it that were once huge, powerful fortification walls. The roofs of the city and its location fit into the surrounding landscape so much that it is difficult to distinguish them from the surrounding area.

The city is ideal for tourist walks, relaxing holidays and enjoying historical monuments. There are very few permanent residents (mostly they come here only for one season), so Daroka is a quiet and peaceful place, devoid of bustle and noise.

Along the narrow streets of the city you can browse the many sweet shops where this type of industry thrives, as well as visit a beautiful Gothic church and several restaurants serving unusual local dishes.

A beautiful love story is also connected with the city: according to legend, the ghost of a beautiful girl, once thrown into a well by a jealous husband, still wanders its streets.

Since Zaragoza is located near the Ebro River, the bridge connecting its two banks and located in the center is an important part of the city. There are pedestrian paths and tram tracks on it, and from the bridge to the main attractions of the city it is just a stone's throw away.

The significance of the bridge is also due to the fact that many historical events took place on it - this makes the bridge a pride and important asset of the city. The idea to build it arose at the beginning of the 12th century, as it was important for establishing trade and economic ties with other countries and cities. However, all the bridges that were built were destroyed over time: by floods and wars, and only the stone bridge has survived to this day. Thanks to him, the city continued to be supplied with food, water, various goods and maintain economic relations with other cities.

The second name of the bridge is Lion. This is due to the fact that on each of its sides there are sculptures of the city’s symbols – lions – on the columns. The sculptures are made of bronze and were made in 1991.

Address: Puente de Piedra

The city of Zaragoza was originally founded as a Roman city and was named after the ruler Augustus. Some elements of the Roman style have survived to this day - these are the remains of those buildings and structures that were built several centuries BC.

The ruins of the Roman forum were discovered during excavations and were united as a kind of museum, which everyone can visit. The museum consists of several parts: a forum, a theater, a port and a thermal bath. Of course, nothing has survived in its original form, but next to each object there is a picture or photograph depicting exactly what this or that object looked like in ancient times.

The museum presents unusual exhibits: there is a model of the Roman forum, approximate examples of dishes of those times, water pipes, a sewerage system with a demonstration of the principle of its operation, and much more.

Address: C/ San Jorge 12

On the territory of the La Seo Cathedral there is another amazing attraction of the city of Zaragoza - the Tapestry Museum. As the name implies, the main part of the museum’s exhibits are finely crafted carpets (tapestry), made mainly by Flemish craftsmen.

Most of the exhibits are huge in size and well preserved, despite the fact that they were made several centuries ago. The main time period for the production of all the tapestries presented is the 15th-18th centuries. Tourists are impressed by these works: it’s hard to believe that they were all made by hand, without the use of modern equipment. The collection of this museum is one of the largest and rarest in the world.

In addition to tapestries, the museum has many other exhibits. These are mainly objects of art with religious themes, as well as beautiful jewelry and sculptures.

Address: Plaza de la Seo, 4

In 1991, in honor of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America, a beautiful symbolic waterfall appeared in Zaragoza. It is a split niche into which streams of water flow. The peculiarity of the waterfall is that the niche symbolizes Latin America - it is made in the form of a map of the continent.

Next to the fountain is a stone sculpture depicting a globe, as well as three large marble slabs. Each of the plates is the ship of Christopher Columbus, on which he reached the shores of America.

Address: Plaza Nuestra Señ ora del Pilar

The Trade Exchange is another large historical building dating back to the 16th century. At the time of its construction, it was the largest construction project not only in the city, but throughout the entire district. Initially, the exchange was used for trading purposes, but now it only reminds of former times with the beauty of its architecture and is a venue for many exhibitions. It mainly displays photographs and other artistic works. You can visit such an exhibition every Sunday - it will be completely free.

Externally, the building is divided into floors, but the interior design is slightly different. It is a huge hall, which is divided by large ribbon columns. Gradually these columns turn into an arched vault.

Zaragoza is an amazing city that, due to its historical features, combines elements of opposing cultures - Western and Eastern. Many of the city's main monuments also contain a similar architectural mixture of styles, making them unusual and interesting for tourists.

Many of the most beautiful and historically valuable objects are located in the city center, so almost all the sights can be seen one after another - the stone bridge, cathedrals and temples, museums and fountains.

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 wonderful 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 halls of the exchange. 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 shops 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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