Far away from the sea and midway between Barcelona and Madrid, Zaragoza – the capital of Aragon province – is seemingly unaware by many travelers. Many have never even heard of its name. However, Spain’s fifth-largest city is worth a detour thanks to its impressive heritage and monuments.
For the last 2,000 years, the Romans, the Moors, and then the Christian kings came and built their civilizations along the mighty Ebro River. There were rises and falls, but the vestige of the glorious past is still vivid in monuments, churches, and palaces around the city. For instance, the centuries-old Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar or the Moorish palace, Aljafería. These days, Zaragoza is Spain’s fifth-largest city and one of its most desirable living places, with great air quality, low density of population, and low living cost.
1. Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
Completed in 1754, Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar (in short El Pilar Basilica) is Zaragoza’s most prominent landmark. Standing next to the river, the multi-domed Cathedral in Baroque style was the first church devoted to honoring the Virgin Mary. It was groundbroken in 1681 but was consecrated as early as the first or second century.
Legend said that on the 2nd of January AD 40, the apostle Saint James the Greater was praying on the bank of the Ebro River when the Virgin Mary appeared to him. She gave him a small statue of herself and a column of Jasper. Then, she instructed him to erect a church called Our Lady of the Pillar on the exact spot.
As guided, Saint James built a chapel around the column. It was followed by a series of expansions, resulting in today’s enormous basilica. The building is home to several artworks. Yet the most valuable (and holy) object is the statue of Our Lady of the Pillar, located in the Holy Chapel.
First basilica devoted to the Virgin Mary.
2. Aljafería Palace
Hundreds of years under the Moorish rule, Spain was filled with many outstanding Islamic architectures. While most of them are gathered in the country’s southern part, Aljafería Palace was built in the northern state of Aragon. With ornate Arabic arches and intricate carvings, the palace is counted as Spain’s finest example of Moorish architecture outside Andalusia. The palace was originally designed as a residence for the Moorish rulers, reflecting the splendor attained by the taifa (an Arab Muslim state in Moorish Aldalucía) of Zaragoza at the height of its grandeur.
After being reconquered by the Christian army in 1118, Aljafería Palace became the residence of the Kings of Aragon. It underwent an extensive refurbishment which transformed the Islamic building into the palace of Catholic monarchs. New decorative features are attached, while many of the Islamic architecture was left intact, including the magnificent Golden Hall. This is a rare case because the conquerors spared very few Moorish-style buildings.
Tips for visiting Zaragoza
- Zaragoza is easily accessible by high-speed train AVE from both Madrid and Barcelone. The trip takes approximately 90 minutes.
- Located outside the city centre, Zaragoza’s central station is connected to the city by bus Nr. 34. It cost around 3€.
- Entry to the cathedral is free. However, the lift at the northern tower cost 3€.
- The admission fee to the Aljafería is 3€. It costs only 1€ if you can provide an international student card.
- As Spain’s fifth-largest city, Zaragoza boasts a vibrant nightlife. Restaurants, bars, and pubs are concentrated around Calle del Temple, southwest of the Plaza del Pilar.
Nice shot!
Thank you 🙂
Zaragoza indeed looks like a gem. Gorgeous photos Len!
Thanks a lot 😉
To tell the truth this is my first time hearing about this city but it looks amazing! And I didn’t know there was European countries where you DON’T have to wave for the bus driver 😀
I don’t know about other cities in Germany but in Hamburg and Berlin, you don’t have to wave them 🙂 For other countries, I haven’t tried yet because I mostly used Tram or Metro 😉
I’ve never even heard of this city! It looks so beautiful!
Many thanks 🙂
Wow! So pretty! Can’t wait to visit when I move to Spain.
And don’t forget to try some tapas there 🙂 I found it is more tasty and not so salty like Barcelona or Madrid
Nice pictures and a great idea for a short getaway! Zaragoza, it’s on my bucket list!
Thanks 🙂 Yeah, the city is small so one weekend is probably enough to visit all attractions.
I’ve never heard of Zaragoza. Aljafería looks beautiful. I’m going…thank you!
You welcome 🙂
Gosh, how often do you travel Len?? Your Master definitely keeps you on your toes doesn’t he? 😜👍
No no, this is material from last year 🙂 My resolution or I should rather say my obligation for the first half of 2017 is: “staying at home and finishing your damn thesis”. But there would be enough material for a dozen more posts 😛
Ahh that’s smart! What’s your thesis on? The joys of travel? 😁
Like you said, it is related to travel 😉 But travel for medical treatment, or so called “medical tourism”. It might be joyful, but can also be very painful 🙂
Wow, so beautiful photos Len! May I ask what camera you use? 🙂
Zaragoza looks like a hidden gem indeed, the architecture looks stunning! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks, Pooja! I am using… or I can say: Len is a Fujifilm X30 😉 A compact camera that fits (almost) any coat’s pocket haha.
Amazing photos…
It is indeed one of our gems, but I wouldn’t say it’s hidden, hehehe. We’re very proud of this city and “la Virgen del Pilar” is one of the two Saint Patrons of Spain!! We celebrate our national day on her day, October 12th.
Anyway, I’m glad you like this great city from my country! You took really nice photos there! 🙂
Many thanks! As Spain’s fifth largest city, I don’t think Zaragoza can be hidden as well 😉 But when I speak to my friends (mostly Asian), many have asked where it is. They know about Barcelona and Madrid, some can tell the name Seville, but most have never heard of the name Zaragoza. They don’t even know that they have missed a huge gem 🙂
Wonderful post. I, too, haven’t heard of it. But now that I have, it is on my list. Thanks for introducing us to this fascinating city.
My pleasure! 🙂 Although it’s not popular among tourists, Zaragoza is definitely worth a detour. Another advantage of being unpopular is the price Everything is much more affordable than in Barcelona or Madrid.
Actually, I hadn’t heard of this city but it looks so beautiful. Thanks for the virtual tour.
My pleasure! 😀 I was surprised by its beauty as well.
Amazing photos! I definitely will add this to the bucket list when visiting Spain!
Highly recommended! Aside from the beautiful architecture, food in Zaragoza is delicious. In fact, the best tapas I have ever tried was in the city. The price is also more affordable than in Barcelona or Madrid 🙂
I didn’t realize that Moorish palaces existed in this part of Spain. I love the architecture…reminds me of the Alhambra in Granada. I definitely want to go back to Spain. There’s so much to see in the beautiful country. Great photos!
Totally agree! I really want to see the palaces in Andalusia. I guess they must be more impressive than Aljafería in term of scale and style. Thank you for your compliment 🙂
I had to take another look at your beautiful post. It’s making me dream of international travel. I’ve only scratched the surface of Spain on our trip to Andalusia. Zaragoza is definitely on my list. The Alhambra in Granada may be larger and more famous, but as far as style goes, Aljaferia looks equally impressive based on your great photos.
Another plus point of Aljaferia is the crowd. Even before the pandemic (and on weekend), I only saw a handful of visitors 🙂
Such gorgeous pictures… thanks for sharing…
Glad that you like them 😉
Gorgeous pictures and the lighting is perfect! There’s so much history packed in each of your explorations. 🙂
Your words make my day! Thank you 😀
What a wonderful post. Thanks for bringing me to my motherland 🙂
It seems that Zaragoza treated you well.
It certainly did 😀 Thank you for your compliment!
Aha, found your post on Zaragoza. 🙂 🙂 Your photos are fab. I was there on a gloomy winter’s day. And photos of it are not so brilliant. Cheers.
Thank you 🙂 Have a nice weekend!
You too friend!
Whatever else Zaragoza may have to offer it seems to me that it is worth visiting just for these two magnificent buildings.
Alison
Well, the food scene in Zaragoza is also very good 😛 And less pricey than overhyped Barcelona.
Btw, happy new year, Alison! Wish you and Don a healthy 2022 🙂
Same to you 🥳😁
Beautiful pictures, however I feel the need to make a correction. You say that the Moors where in Spain for 800 years, but that’s incorrect. They only remained in the very southern city of Granada for 800 years. The north, Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, was never conquered and remained Christian. Navarre and La Rioja and Castilla-Leon were under a very short Moorish control, ranging from 50-100 years. Catalonia (where Barcelona is located) was under moorish control for a mere 70 years then it became part of the Frankish Kingdom. The central areas of the peninsula (Madrid, Toledo, etc) where under Moorish control ranging from 200-300 years. It’s only in the south (parts of Andalucia) that the Moors remained in control. Not trying to be obnoxious or anything but Spain back then wasn’t the Spain we know of today so you one can’t just generalize and say the whole country was under Moorish control for 800 years when in fact it wasn’t. Zaragoza is indeed a beautiful city with great food. Cheers.
Thanks a lot for correcting me, Charles! I really appreciate this information. I couldn’t find the exact period when Zaragoza was under Moorish control. But as you said, it might be the same time with other central cities, from 200 to 300 years.