|
Zaragoza,
the
province
and
city
are
within
the
region
of
Aragon
in the
northern
part
of
Spain.
The
region
offers
a wide
diversity
of
landscapes
and
architecture.
Also
known
as
Saragossa,
the
city
is the
capital
of the
region
of
Aragon
and is
the
most
important
city
in the
Ebro
valley.
The
city
is 200
metres
above
sea
level
and
has a
Mediterranean
climate.
There
are
more
than
600,000
inhabitants
in the
city.
The
city
dates
back
to
14BC
when
the
Romans
established
a
settlement
on the
banks
of the
River
Ebro.
The
old
part
of the
city
still
has
the
traditional
Roman
octagonal
shape.
Many
ruins
of
Roman
origin
can be
seen
in the
city.
Here
is a
city
of a
multitude
of
cultures
and a
vibrant
life,
day
and
night.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
The
most
dominating
features
of the
city
include
the
stone
bridge
(Puente
de
Piedra),
the
original
was of
Roman
construction,
although
re-built
several
times,
it
stands
proudly
over
the
River
Ebro
at its
widest
point.
Today's
bridge
was
last
built
in
1813
and
features
Italian,
Basque
and
French
architectural
features.
The
bridge
is one
of the
most
frequently
pictured
images
of the
city.
From
the
bridge,
impressive
views
of the
city
and El
Pilar
can be
had.
|
|
|
| |
|
 |
The
Basilica
of our
lady
of El
Pilar
(El
Pilar),
stands
at the
foot
of the
bridge
and is
the
most
important
structure
in the
whole
of the
region.
This
impressive
structure
was
built
in
1681
to
commemorate
the
legendary
appearance
of the
Virgin
to the
Apostle,
James,
on the
site
of a
previous
Visigothic
church
to
Santa
Maria.
From
the
outside,
the
Basilica
has
ten
domes
covered
with
coloured
tiles,
an
enormous
central
dome
and
four
tall
towers.
The
building
is
fronted
by a
large
square
that
oozes
life,
day
and
night.
Fountains
and
statues
are
plentiful.
Once
inside
the
Basilica,
you
will
be
dwarfed
and
intimidated
by the
splendour
and
size
of the
carvings.
There
are
many
different
chapels,
each
with
its
own
style. |
|
Look
up at
the
central
dome
to see
the
unique
paintings
by
Goya.
Tourists
are
welcome
at the
Basilica
and
conveniently
located
just
opposite
is the
tourist
office
who we
found
to be
most
helpful.
The
plaza
around
the
Basilica
features
several
important
statues
and
wonderful
water
features.
On a
Sunday
the
plaza
is the
perfect
place
to
meet,
enjoy
the
quiet
and
feed
the
thousands
of
birds
that
gather
there. |
|
The
best
way to
see
the
city
is by
bus or
foot,
not by
car or
even
treat
yourself
to a
horse
and
carriage
ride.
There
are
simply
hundreds
of
buildings,
churches
monuments
and
parks
to see
and
ample
cafes
and
bars
to
rest
in,
here
are
some
of the
best;
La
Seo
is a
cathedral
built
on the
site
of an
Arab
mosque.
It was
consecrated
in
1119.
The
Gothic
construction
comprises
of
three
naves
and
throughout
the
building
all
manner
of
styles
can be
found.
As
well
as
being
an
architectural
treasure,
the
Seo
contains
some
valuable
works
of
art.
The
Seo
Museum
is
packed
with
treasures
including
sculptures,
tapestries,
paintings
and
important
tombs. |
 |
The
Arab
Baths
are
situated
in one
of the
buildings
on el
Coso.
They
were
constructed
in the
13th
century.
Built
in
brick
with
stone
pillars,
it is
thought
they
may
have
once
been
Jewish
baths
due to
their
proximity
to the
synagogue.
The
local
law
courts
is a
former
16th
century
palace
and
has a
wonderful
facade.
The
main
door
is
flanked
by two
giant
figures
wielding
maces.
The
inner
courtyard
is
large
and
has
been
well
restored.
The
gallery
is
often
used
for
theatrical
performances.
This
ancient
palace
was
built
for
the
Count
of
Morata
and is
one of
very
few
stone
palaces.
The
bullring
is one
of the
most
impressive
that
we
have
seen.
It
still
plays
host
to
some
of the
most
important
coridas
in
Spain.
The
ring
has a
cover
over
the
arena
that
can be
retracted.
The
atmosphere
here
can be
electric.
The
bullring
area
is the
location
for
the
Sunday
flea
market
of
huge
proportions.
Here
you
can
buy
anything.
The
Zuda
Tower
is a
Mudejar
turret
and
the
last
remaining
part
of the
Zuda
Palace
built
in the
10th
century
using
pieces
of the
former
Roman
wall.
Within
this
area
there
are
new
excavations
of
Roman
ruins. |
|
 |
Fabulous
churches
in the
city
include
San
Juan
de los
Panetes
on the
banks
of the
Ebro,
Santa
Isabel,
home
of the
Semana
Santa
celebrations
and
San
Pablo,
the
third
city
cathedral
and
one of
the
most
impressive
in the
region.
The
Town
Hall
,
located
in the
Plaza
del
Pilar
is an
outstanding
example
of
local
architecture.
The
Puerta
del
Carmen
is of
18th
century
origin
and
was
once
part
of the
old
city
walls.
It has
been
declared
a
national
monument
and
still
bears
the
scars
of the
battles
of
Saragossa
in
1808
and
1809. |
|
|
Among
the
museums
and
galleries
is the
fine
arts
museum
in the
Plaza
de los
Sitios
with
its
wonderful
collection
of art
and
the
Pablo
Serano
Museum
which
makes
for an
interesting
visit.
For
peace
and
quiet
in the
city,
try
the
Primo
Rivera
Park
with
its
wide
avenues,
extensive
green
areas
and a
multitude
of
sports
facilities.
Keep
the
young
ones
happy
with a
visit
to the
Science
Museum
or the
amusement
park. |
|
More
detailed
reports
on:
La
Lonja
(The
Exchange)
Folklore
and
tradition
Saragossa
is one
of
Spain's
richest
regions
when
it
comes
to
folklore
and
still
retains
many
of its
ancient
costumes
and
traditions.
It is
famous
for
its
local
dance,
the
jota,
a
dance
in
pairs
to
accompaniment
of
guitars,
tambourines
and
lutes.
The
Fiesta
Mayor
is the
big
annual
celebration
that
takes
place
in
October.
Large
headed
giant
figures
are
paraded
through
the
city. |
 |
Arts
and
crafts
Aragon
is
well
known
for
its
decorated
ceramic
work,
much
of
which
has
applied
motifs
in
bright
colours.
Wrought
iron
and
linen
is
also
popular.
Gastronomy
Fresh
grown
fruit
and
vegetables
feature
highly
in the
local
cuisine,
as do
various
rich
meats.
The
most
popular
local
dishes
include
rabbit
and
chicken.
Wines
include
the
reds
of
Carinena
and
Campo
de
Borja,
both
world
famous. |
|
|
 |
Our
visit
The
drive
to
this
part
of
Spain
is a
labour
with a
pot of
gold
at the
end.
The
countryside
varies
from a
wild
wilderness
of
sand
and
rock
to
lush
green
pastures.
As you
approach
the
city
the
roads
narrow
and
become
heavily
congested.
The
one-way
system
tests
the
strongest
of
nerves.
We
found
the
city
overwhelming
and to
get
the
most
from
it you
have
to
plan
well
in
advance,
just
exactly
what
you
wish
to
see.
On
every
street
corner
you
will
find
something
of
interest.
We
found
the
local
people
friendly
and
helpful
and
interested
in our
travel
stories.
There
is no
shortage
of
hotels,
bars
and
restaurants
of
every
grade,
although
the
best
value
can be
had
outside
the
city
limits.
A
couple
of
days
is the
minimum
you
need
in
Zaragoza,
a week
would
have
been
better.
|
|
|
We
were
sad to
leave
but
the
awe
continued
as we
explored
the
small
towns
in the
surrounding
countryside.
One of
the
most
interesting
was
the
ancient
city
of
Calatayud
to the
south.
We
returned
to
Zaragoza
three
years
later
to
fill
in the
gaps
in our
research
and
try to
see a
little
more.
The
sheer
size
of El
Pilar
again
dominates
all
your
views
and
impressions
of the
city,
something
that
will
remain
with
us
forever.
We did
find
that
in
February
it was
bitterly
cold
(apparently
quite
normal),
however
nice
sunny
days
are
almost
always
guaranteed. |
|
| |
|
| |
