Far away from the sea and midway between Barcelona and Madrid, Zaragoza – the capital of Aragon province – is seemingly unaware by many travellers. Many have never even heard of its name. However, Spain’s fifth-largest city is definitely worth a detour thanks to its impressive inheritances and monuments.
For the last 2,000 years, the Romans, the Moors, and then the Christians 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 the monuments, churches and palaces around the city, including the centuries-old Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Pilar or the Moorish-styled palace, Aljafería. Today, Zaragoza is Spain’s fifth-largest city and one its most desirable living place, with great air quality, low density of population and low living cost.
Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
Completed in 1754, Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar (better known simply as El Pilar Basilica) is Zaragoza’s most prominent landmarks. Standing next to the river, the multi-domed Cathedral in Baroque style was the first church devoted to honouring the Virgin Mary. It was ground broken 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 and instructed him to erect a church called Our Lady of the Pillar on the spot. As instructed, a chapel was built around the column, followed by a series of expansions, cumulating in the enormous basilica. Inside there are a number of artworks, however, the main attraction is the famous statue of Our Lady of the Pillar, located in the Holy Chapel.

Aljafería Palace
800 years under the rule of the Moors, 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 for Moorish architecture outside Andalusia. The palace was originally designed as a residence for the Moorish rulers, reflecting the splendour attained by the taifa (an Arab Muslim state in Moorish Aldalucía) of Zaragoza at the height of its grandeur.



After reconquered by the Christians 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 very few Moorish-style buildings were spared by the conquerors.
Practical Information
- 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 🙂
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!