Zaragoza entertainment. Famous sights of Zaragoza: photos and descriptions
An amazing city of Moorish palaces and medieval monasteries is comfortably located near the Ebro River, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. It does not have the external shine and mad rush of Madrid, the liveliness of Barcelona, or the imposing condescension. Zaragoza captivates with the unhurried passage of time, solidity, and commitment to tradition. Tourists are provided with a wide selection of excursions to suit every taste.
Climate Features
The city is located in a zone of cold semi-arid climate. Many residents joke that they can survive anywhere on the planet, since winters are cold with frequent frosts, and summers are very hot and dry. The Gallego and Huerva rivers flow through the territory, but their waters do not bring the expected coolness, and rain is very rarely seen here.
Please note! In summer, the city streets become sparsely populated, residents tend to escape the heat to the sea or to the mountains, and cultural life almost comes to a standstill.
The best time for tourist trips is the off-season, which is from April to June and early autumn to mid-October. At this time, the weather is relatively warm without stifling heat, the winds almost subside and do not interfere with enjoying walks along the ancient streets and squares of the city.
The main attractions of Zaragoza
A city with a history of 2000 years preserves the memory of past centuries and events in the form of ruins of the Roman era, austere medieval temples and monasteries, luxurious palaces, and magnificent paintings by famous painters.
The first mention of the city dates back to 24 BC. It was a colony of Emperor Augustus, hence the name of the settlement. It developed quickly and became the cultural center of the valley. Later it was part of the Cordoba Caliphate, by the 12th century it became the capital of Aragon and acquired significant political influence. By the 15th century, the city became part of Spain and lost its leading importance in the political arena. Modern Zaragoza is a large industrial and cultural center of the country, ranking 5th among the cities of Spain. The attractions of Zaragoza attract a large number of tourists every year.
East and West in the sights of Zaragoza
Historically, the city managed to be ruled by caliphs and kings. This left a noticeable imprint on the architecture and layout of the historical part of the city. All major tourist sites are located in and around Plaza del Pilar. Most of the outings and sightseeing tours around the city start from here. For convenience, it is worth taking a booklet on the road, which contains photos with descriptions and names of Zaragoza attractions in several languages. Russian tourists are increasingly choosing Spain as their holiday destination, so the Russian language is beginning to gain importance when conducting excursions and serving guests in hotels and restaurants.
The list of things you should definitely see in Zaragoza includes the most interesting architectural and historical monuments, museums, and art galleries. Moreover, the eastern and western directions of art and architecture are equally represented.
Pilar Square or Cathedral Square
It becomes the main point of tourist visits. Along its perimeter there are 2 cathedrals and the Fuente de la Hispanidad fountain. It is known that in the Middle Ages there was a cemetery on the territory of the modern square, then the city began to grow, absorbing the suburbs, and the former outskirts became the center.
Hi all! Today I want to introduce you to one very nice and beautiful Spanish city of Zaragoza, which is the capital of the autonomous community of Aragon.
Unfortunately, this city is not as popular among Russian tourists as large cities in Spain. And in vain. Because for me it is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, at least in this part for sure.
Moreover, the city has a good location in the middle between Madrid and Barcelona (a little more than 300 km from each city). And it fits perfectly into the plan of independently visiting the main cities of Spain along the way.
Although today, when we were planning our independent trip in a rental car in Spain, we decided, on the contrary, not to go to Madrid and Barcelona, since we had already been there many times, but to drive through those cities that are nearby and were undeservedly deprived of the attention of tourists, in including ours. Therefore, they corrected their carelessness.
We stayed in Zaragoza for two days. We devoted the first day to a walk around the city, and on the second we decided to visit interesting places near the city. Which I recommend to you if you are just planning your trip.
And
City of Huesca Spain, Aragon - A beautiful historical city of Spain in Aragon, deprived of the attention of tourists (photo)
In Zaragoza we lived close to the historical center, a two-minute walk. And this gave us the opportunity to walk around the city both during the day and in the evening.
In the photo above you can see one of the main attractions of this city, the Puente de Piedra bridge, which is also called the Lion Bridge.
It connects the two halves of the city, which are separated by the Ebro River, the historical and the more modern.
The symbol of Zaragoza is the Church of Nuestra Señora del Pilar. No matter how strange it may be, this large and beautiful cathedral in the city is not the main cathedral in the city, but only the second.
The first cathedral is considered to be the cathedral, it is in the photo above. It’s just that it was built first and converted from an old mosque, after the liberation of the city from Muslims.
A very beautiful cathedral, especially its facade on the other side.
This style is called Mudejar in Spain and is a fusion of Arabic and European styles.
Of course, the city itself is a continuous open-air museum; everywhere you look, there are masterpieces of ancient architecture everywhere.
But at the same time, Zaragoza can be interesting not only as a historical city with its attractions, you can do excellent shopping here, as it is full of large shopping centers and local shops.
I personally really enjoyed walking around the city and it was not in vain that we stayed here for two nights.
Yes, you can see for yourself the beauty of this city.
Central market of Zaragoza.
Roman ruins in the historical center. Since the city of Zaragoza is a very old city, it has preserved historical architectural monuments from the great Roman Empire.
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 into 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.
Fascinating beauty, absorbing the character and temperament of Iberian tribes, Roman warriors, Arab conquerors, Spanish defenders of the homeland, is not a resort area, but a tourist Mecca.
An ancient corner of Spain, in which every stone remembers and honors the centuries-old history of the people. If you are moving from Madrid to Barcelona, stop here for a day or two, you won’t regret it! The capital of the autonomy of Aragon, Zaragoza is ready to surprise you!
Zaragoza attractions (Zaragoza)
The Cordoba Caliphate “did” a lot to make Zaragoza today the way we see it. The Moors not only ruled this territory, but also implemented a lot of construction “projects” in the Mudejar style. Arabic and European notes intertwined and “wrote” their lines into the biography of Spanish architecture. As a result, we received those sights that the whole world admires today.
Castles, palaces and fortresses, city squares and fountains, natural parks and man-made gardening areas, towers and gates, bridges and arches, basilicas and temples... Silent witnesses of the rich and complex history of the local population today amaze with the skill of their execution, the professionalism of architects and architects , the imagination of painters and sculptors.
Today I, Eduard Surzhik, will try in my quick notes to introduce you to the amazing objects and places of Zaragoza and tell you which attractions of the city of Zaragoza (Spain) are worth seeing first.
Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar
If you come here, you have a chance to see the largest Spanish Baroque temple. It was built in the period 17-19 centuries. However, as usual, long before this there was a completely different religious building here. It was founded in the 2nd century. The ancient temple gave way to Romanesque, then Gothic, and now Baroque. Although, according to legend, this was not the case at all. Once upon a time, the Apostle James had a vision of the Mother of God. It was on the very spot where this happened that the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar was built. A Holy Column with a figure of the Mother of God was even installed in the cathedral.
The building is framed by four 90-meter-high towers. There are Moorish ornaments on 12 domes. The legendary Goya worked on creating the interior painting.
The impression of everything I saw was incredible. They say that during the hostilities of the Civil War, two enemy shells hit the basilica and did not explode.
You will find this basilica in Pilar Square, which I will talk about a little later. Next to the basilica is the famous Cathedral. More on that later too. I will only say that Our Lady Pilar is the patroness of the city and all countries with a Spanish-speaking population.
Natural Park Monasterio de Piedra
Amazing place. It takes about an hour to drive from the city center to this park. It is located in the Iberian mountains, dotted with numerous rivers and lakes, and beautiful waterfalls. Although the park is natural, that is, it should be clean, pristine, untouched, but everything is not quite like that. On the territory of Monasterio there is a fairly developed tourist infrastructure, including a hotel for visitors, a restaurant, a resort center and a lot of attractions.
In total, the length of all the paths and paths of Monasterio is almost 5 km. The air is clean. The landscapes are magnificent. The park is, so to speak, a walking one. No special shoes or clothing are required, but you need to dress and put on shoes so that you feel comfortable wandering around the park. It is especially good here during the hot season. Abundant vegetation provides pleasant shade, and waterfalls and lakes provide optimal air humidity.
While walking here, you can become a spectator of fascinating shows with birds of prey. It is both spectacular and educational.
Well, perhaps you can’t leave the park without visiting the monastery that gave it its name. The date of foundation of the monastery is the 12th century. 13 monks decided to build their monastery on the remains of an Arab fortress. They decided, and the Spaniards had to complete the matter for six centuries. There is Gothic, Gothic Renaissance, and classical Baroque. The monastery ceased to exist in the mid-19th century. Then the king issued a decree disbanding the order of local monks. Unfortunately, today its building is destroyed. Tourists can only see its ruins and the remains of some decorative elements.
If you decide to visit all the sights of Zaragoza in 1 day, you are unlikely to have time to fully appreciate this natural park. He deserves special close attention and your leisurely time.
Monastery of San Juan de la Paine
Founding date: 10th century. It was built when Christians (Mozarabs) adopted the language and culture of the Arabs, converting to Islam. Whether they obeyed the will of the invaders or did it voluntarily is no longer known. But from that time not all such buildings have survived to this day. That is why the Spaniards are proud of this monastery, perhaps more than others. Behind the monastery walls the ashes of the first rulers of Aragon still lie. When you look for the monastery on the map, focus on the city of Jaca. The monastery was located next to it. This is a mountainous area in northern Spain (the Pyrenees massif). Of course, you will definitely need a map of Zaragoza with attractions in Russian. This object is classified as a Zaragoza attraction, although it is just a stone's throw from France, unlike the Spanish Zaragoza.
The building is made in the Romanesque style and is a beautiful example of it.
Alhaferia Palace
This is a real business card of the old part of the city. “Born” in the 12th century, this palace is quite well preserved. Islamic architects created a symbol of their power and wealth in stone. Later, as was the case almost everywhere in Spain, Spanish rulers set up their residence in the palace. Even later, Aljaferia became the dungeons of the Inquisition and a defensive fortress, having undergone restructuring and strengthening. Today it is the oldest architectural object in the old part of the city and a popular museum. The main styles are Mudejar and Gothic.
Just think, two hundred palaces of all kinds have been preserved in Zaragoza. And of this huge number, the greatest pride, of course, is Aljaferia.
The interior, according to tourists, is incredibly beautiful. Actually, like decorative elements. On Sundays admission to the museum is free, and on weekdays there is a fee of 5 euros.
Almenar Castle (El castillo de Almenar)
This castle is considered one of the largest in Spain. In the 10th century, Christians who converted to Islam strengthened themselves on this set. They were called Mozarabs. Times were turbulent, and people began to build defensive structures. We started with the watchtowers. And we ended with Almenar Castle. However, this castle was not such a castle. More likely, a large sentinel structure.
The main role of Almenar is sentinel and signal. The large and tall Almenar was convenient for signaling to other defenders about the situation outside the fortress walls from its highest point. These were mainly bonfires and other signaling signs. And only after almost five centuries, the Almenar patrol point began to be expanded and strengthened, giving it the appearance of a real fortress. Moreover, according to the plan, there should have been not only defenders, but also nobles. That is, a “residential” function was added to the defense function, so that nobles could stay here during their travels around the country. With the advent of the 20th century, part of the fortress premises was given over to police barracks. Today, on the palace walls hangs a plaque telling that a certain Leonor was born in Almenara. She was the daughter of a constable, and became the wife and muse of the famous Spanish poet Antonio Machado. This name most likely won’t mean anything to us, but the Spaniards, especially the Zaragoza people, are very proud of it.
Plaza de España
Almost every major Spanish city has its own Plaza de España. It is also available in Zaragoza. Not the most important, but one of them. Tourists know it by the monument to soldiers and local residents who died defending the city from Napoleon’s army. And near the monument there is a fountain.
This square is surrounded by modern business and administrative buildings, hotels and inns. There's even McDonald's. For this reason, Plaza de España can easily be classified as a modern attraction. The city has many public transport routes, which have a mandatory stop at Plaza de España.
Plaza Pilar
This square, like no other, is where Zaragoza residents love to stroll. But, if you are superstitious, then you are unlikely to set even one foot on Pilar. After all, this square was built in the 16th century on the site of an old cemetery.
Over the centuries, the square has changed both its shape and size. The cultural and political life of the Aragonese capital has always been in full swing here. Nowadays, it is a favorite place for holding all kinds of festivals and folk celebrations. There are incredibly many original, original and amazing buildings here. In the entire city you will not find a place where there are so many similar buildings and structures.
It is on this square that many of the attractions that I am telling you about today are concentrated. There is the Roman Forum, the Hispanidad fountain, and a host of other most popular sites among tourists.
Pilar has another name - Cathedral Square. Two cathedrals face here with their facades. One of them is Cathedral. I’ll tell you more about it a little further.
Fountain-waterfall Espanidad (Fuente-cascada de España)
One of the must-visit attractions of Zaragoza is Hispanidad. At first glance, this fountain stands out for its unusual shape, appearance, and scale. It was built for the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus. It is rather a waterfall, rather than a fountain in the usual sense of the word. The architects depicted a map of Latin America, giving the fountain the status of one of the most unusual on the planet. Streams of water fall into the gap between the platforms, forming a waterfall. Marble slabs standing vertically are a symbolic image of the three ships of Christopher. There is also a sculpture of the globe. Such an unusual fountain makes Zaragoza itself very unusual.
And the name of the fountain, Hispanidad, is a generalized name for more than 20 countries with a Spanish-speaking population.
You will find a fountain in Pilar Square, which I wrote about just above.
Stone Bridge (El puente de piedra)
Avid travelers have at least once heard about the existence of the legendary Stone Bridge in Zaragoza. It was this bridge crossing that connected local residents with other Spanish cities for a long period of time. You can find the bridge in the old part of the city. Construction date: 15th century. In the 17th century, the bridge survived a severe flood on the Ebro River, losing its strength and integrity due to the elements.
It had to be restored. And already in our time, in the early 90s of the 20th century, bronze lions were installed on the bridge. From that moment on, they began to call him Leo. Once in Zaragoza, you will definitely want to visit the Lions Bridge. And you will do the right thing. This is a beautiful example of bridge architecture.
Calle Alfonso
This street is known for its, so to speak, publicity and enchantment. Sort of like a local Rambla. Everything here is aimed at visitors who need to be entertained to the fullest. Well, they, in turn, leave their honestly earned money here.
Alfonso Alley can be found in the city center. In summer it is bright, noisy, colorful, with street cafes everywhere. In winter it is also bright and noisy, plus Christmas garlands and colorful lights everywhere.
Of all the streets in Zaragoza, this is perhaps the most beautiful. There is so much antiquity around here that every now and then you feel the breath of one century, then another. If you want to have an idle time, literally and figuratively, come to Calle Alfonso. Flowers, souvenirs, restaurants, street performers, shops and boutiques - you won’t notice how the day flies by.
Museum of the Roman Forum (Museo del Foro Romano)
On the site of modern Zaragoza, there was once a Roman colony. A fairly developed and prosperous colony. Now there are only ruins of its former power and luxury. The former forum was turned into a museum. Tourists can look at the remains of ancient buildings and structures: a theater, a square, and various buildings. Next to each “exhibit” there is a special plaque with information about the object and its original image. Plus - samples and models of Roman household items, dishes, water pipes, sewer systems, and so on.
Everything that archaeologists found during their excavations was combined into a kind of open-air museum.
Zaragoza Museum (El Museo de Zaragoza)
This museum belongs to the category of local history museums, as we usually say. That is, it contains everything that can tell guests about the history of the city and the life of its citizens over the centuries. Ethnographic, archaeological, artistic exhibits, a library, a restoration department, Roman mosaics, furniture and other interior details of the Aljaferia Castle, paintings by representatives of the Renaissance, sculpture by Romanesque authors and much, much more - all this is the Zaragoza Museum. This museum is the largest in the entire province of Aragon. Well, or almost the largest.
Pablo Gargalo Museum
Gargallo is an avant-garde sculptor who in Spain is considered the founder of avant-garde art. The museum that today displays his work is the Arjillo Palace. It dates back to the 17th century. This painter is probably not known to the general public. In any case, he is far from the glory of Picasso. But he made a very impressive contribution to world art. In Barcelona, for example, many buildings are decorated with his works. Therefore, in Zaragoza this museum is included in many excursion routes for tourists and city guests.
Gargallo lived most of his life in the French capital. He was friends with outstanding artists of the time. He even became friends with Picasso and created his bust.
Francisco Goya Museum
The exhibition of this museum is dedicated to none other than the celebrity named Francisco Goya. He is known and respected by the whole world, at least by the art world. The museum began with a private collection of spouses who valued the work of this painter. Then Goya's admirers donated everything they collected to the local community. As it soon turned out, not only local, but also global.
Over time, in addition to the works of Goya himself, the museum also began to exhibit works by the outstanding artist’s contemporaries.
By the way, in addition to the paintings themselves, tourists also admire the architecture of the museum building. Once upon a time, the creators of the museum bought a beautiful Renaissance building, the Koshida House, to store the collected paintings. He was a nobleman of not the highest levels of the social hierarchy. Construction of the house began in the mid-16th century. The architectural style of the buildings is Moorish. At that time, the buildings that were part of the estate of this nobleman were akin to a revolution in local architecture.
Today, museum workers store a total of five hundred exhibits. 15 paintings by Goya, plus a collection of his prints, are considered the most valuable. Everything else is paintings and engravings by artists who worked almost at the same time as him.
La Seo Cathedral and el Museo de Gobelins
The Cathedral of La Seo is the most significant of all religious sites in Zaragoza. As elsewhere in Spain, here architecture has absorbed various directions, combining them in a bizarre way. First there was a Roman forum, then an Arab mosque, and now a Christian church.
Initially, the architects worked in the Romanesque style. When the cathedral began to be expanded and completed, Gothic “intervened” in the matter. A couple of centuries later, the Baroque style also contributed to the appearance of the Cathedral, embodied in a tall tower.
The three levels of the cathedral rise to the sky very gracefully and majestically. Reviews from tourists about this object are the most positive.
The decoration of the cathedral is also impressive, befitting its status as the most important institution for Zaragoza Christians.
It is on the territory of the Cathedral that the Tapestry Museum also operates. Therefore, when you come here, you will see two outstanding local attractions at once. The museum is full of tapestries. Flemish craftsmen did their best to produce such thin, beautiful carpets. The sizes of most carpets are impressive. The age reaches several centuries. And all this - manually!!! In addition to carpets, in the museum you can also see all kinds of religious exhibits, exquisite jewelry and works of sculptors.
About the weather
Zaragoza itself is located at 200 meters above sea level. This leaves its mark on its climatic conditions. In winter it is cold here (about zero degrees), and in summer it is usually hot (on average 40 degrees).
If you are going to Zaragoza in the summer to see people and show yourself off, then this season is not the best for traveling. Due to the heat, local people leave their apartments/houses whenever possible and move closer to the sea or to the mountains. In June there is generally continuous rain. The optimal time for the trip is April-May. It’s relatively dry and warm, and all the people are there.
The capital of the Spanish autonomous region of Aragon and the province of Zaragoza, the city of Zaragoza is located in the Ebro Valley, where the Huerva and Gallego streams connect. The area in which it is located is characterized by a variety of natural areas - from high mountains and green forests to the fields and desert of Los Monegros.
The capital of Aragon has approximately 700,000 inhabitants. Zaragoza is an important transport hub - several state highways intersect here. The city is located at the same distance from Valencia and Toulouse.
The climate here is hot, continental. Summer is sunny and dry; Most precipitation falls in winter. In cold weather, fogs are common, the predominant wind direction is northwest (Cierzo).Sights of Zaragoza
In the 2nd century BC. e. A Celtiberian settlement was located along the banks of the Ebro. Later, the Carthaginians founded a military camp in this place. The Romans came here in 24 BC. e. The Roman colony of Caesaraugusta became part of the province of Near Spain within the Roman Empire. Caesaraugusta was a thriving city.
At the beginning of the 8th century, Zaragoza was conquered by the Arab army. Musa Ibn Nusair. The city was named Medinat Saragusta. It was surrounded by a fortress wall made of white stone (hence the name “white city”). During the years of Moorish rule, Medinat Zaragusta reached its peak and could be compared with Merida, Cordoba and Toledo. (It was later included in the Cordoba Caliphate and was considered the largest and most powerful Arab city in the Spanish North.)
When the Cordoba Caliphate fell, numerous small states were formed in its former territories. They were called "taifs". Among these “taifas” was Zaragoza from 1018 to 1118.
The Moors were expelled from Zaragoza by the king Alfonso I of Aragon. Since 1118, the city became the capital of the Aragonese kingdom.
Ferdinand II- The Aragonese king - in 1469 married the Queen of Leona from Castile - Isabella. Their lands united, and Madrid became the capital. Zaragoza's privileges were lost.
In 1808-09 Zaragoza resisted the siege of Napoleon's army for two months. Residents throughout Europe knew about the courageous resistance of the city’s defenders. Zaragoza was awarded the title "Always Heroic"; the highest award of the Spanish kings appeared on its military banner. More than 55 thousand inhabitants died during the siege. The monument to the brave Zaragoza citizens was erected on Plaza de España. (The monument is made in the form of a tower, on top of which stands an angel holding a wounded Aragonese in his arms.)
In the 20th century Plants and factories began to be built intensively. The population has increased. Today, in Zaragoza and its suburbs there are many enterprises in various industries (agriculture and mechanical engineering, woodworking and food, chemical industries). In 1982, a branch of General Motors Opel was opened. Subsequently, other subsidiaries of foreign companies appeared here: CAF (railway locomotives); Balay (household appliances). With the local agricultural sector stagnating, foreign enterprises have become the economic backbone of the region.
Zaragoza is a university city. opened back in 1542. This is one of the oldest educational institutions in Spain - more than 40,000 students study there. A research center has been opened at the university.
Most of Zaragoza's attractions are located in the city center, which stretches along the banks of the Ebro. The layout of this part of the territory has been preserved since the reign of the Romans. Here it is Plaza del Pilar (Plaza del Pilar)- a beautiful old square. It contains several architectural masterpieces: Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar (Catedral-Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar) (XVII century), courthouse tower — Torreon de la Suda ( Torreón de La Zuda) (XV century) and the Cathedral of Salvador (Catedral del Salvador (La Seo)).
The entire history of Zaragoza is closely connected with the development of Spanish Christianity. The Cathedral of San Salvador was built on the site of a former Arab mosque in 1541-51. The architecture of this temple is an example of early Spanish Gothic of the 16th century.
Zaragoza has more than two hundred palaces built in the 16th century. and earlier. The most interesting from a historical perspective are considered palaces of Los Condes de Argillo (Palacio de los Condes de Argillo) And Los Condes Sastago. The most outstanding architectural monument is the Moorish Aljaferia Palace(XI century). The palace was a residence for some time Pedro I.
The Church of Nuestra Señora del Pilar has become a symbol of the city. In Zaragoza, the Holy Virgin Mary appeared to the people on a marble column. At the site of a divine miracle, which dates back to 40 BC. e., a memorial pillar was laid. The first Christians erected a chapel there, and construction of the basilica began in 1681. On October 12, throughout Spain they celebrate the feast of the appearance of the Holy Virgin - Las Fiestas del Pillar. It coincides with another event - the day Columbus discovered America (1492).
Columbus Feast is called Happy Spanish Day and is celebrated in many Spanish-speaking countries. In Zaragoza this action lasts 9 days. Mass celebrations with folk dancing, bullfighting and theatrical performances take place on the city streets. At night, the streets are lit up with light and sound shows and fireworks. The ritual of offering flowers to the Holy Virgin becomes the culmination of a multi-day holiday.
