Zaragoza archivos - VOLARE MAGAZINE

Whether you are a fan of heritage, history, culture or food, the Aragonese capital is bursting with attractions to delight even the most demanding of visitors. And if those are not enough, there’s a whole host of other fascinating places to visit just an hour’s or an hour-and-a-half’s drive from the city. There are so many to choose from, but here are a few of the highlights!

Countryside trips from Zaragoza

Trips from Zaragoza: Monasterio de Piedra

C. Afueras, s/n, 50210 Nuévalos, Zaragoza

Distance from Zaragoza: 1hr 20mins
How to get there: by car
What to see: an ancient monastery set within an idyllic landscape

Located near the municipality of Nuévalos, an hour and twenty minutes from Zaragoza, this Cistercian monastery is nestled in the heart of the Monasterio de Piedra Nature Reserve, with thousands of visitors flocking to enjoy its stunning surroundings each year. The monastery was founded in the Middle Ages by Cistercian monks, who chose this location because of its beautiful, peaceful landscape dotted with waterfalls, streams and caves. It’s a real oasis tucked away among the Sistema Ibérico mountain range.

The Iris Grotto, one of the most beautiful corners of the Monasterio de Piedra.

Trips to the prettiest villages around Zaragoza

Trips from Zaragoza: Tarazona

Distance from Zaragoza: 1hr
How to get there: by car or train (2-3hrs)
What to see: a picturesque historical town with a beautiful cathedral

For centuries, this picturesque town (one hour from Zaragoza) marked the border between the kingdoms of Aragon and Castille and played a major part in Spanish history. Many of the buildings that bear witness to Tarazona’s historic past are still standing, including the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Huerta – a magnificent blend of Gothic, Mudejar and Renaissance architecture –, the Bishop’s Palace, and the buildings of the Jewish quarter. Just 15 minutes away you will find the Monasterio de Veruela, which was once home to the Romanticist poet and novelist Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer.

Interior of the Cathedral of Santa María de la Huerta, Tarazona.

Trips from Zaragoza: Sos del Rey Católico

Distance from Zaragoza: 1hr 40mins
How to get there: by car
What to see: one of the prettiest towns in Spain, where you can lose yourself in narrow streets and discover treasures of bygone times

This little town in the Cinco Villas area, just an hour and a half from Zaragoza, owes its name to Ferdinand II of Aragon, who was born right here in the Sada Palace. Wandering through its labyrinth of streets, past beautiful buildings such as the church of San Esteban, the town hall and the Castillo de la Peña Feliciana, is like travelling back in time. The town is a member of the most beautiful towns in Spain initiative, and its streets so impressed Luis García Berlanga that he used it as the location for The Heifer, one of his most well-remembered films. Find out more: Sos tourist info

The streets of Sos del Rey Católico.

Trips from Zaragoza: Pueblo Viejo de Belchite

Distance from Zaragoza: 45mins
How to get there: by car
What to see: a testimony to the horrors of the Spanish Civil War

Belchite has gone down in history as the site of a bloody battle during the Spanish Civil War in which almost 5,000 people tragically lost their lives. After the war, with the battle having razed most of the town to the ground, the decision was made to build a new town nearby and to leave the old one as testimony to the terrible conflict. Nowadays, you can visit the ruins on one of the various guided tours run by the local council.

Ruins of the church in the Old Town of Belchite.

Trips to monasteries and castles around Zaragoza

Trips from Zaragoza: Monasterio de Rueda

Carretera Sástago a Escatrón, Km. 9, 50780 Sástago, Zaragoza

Distance from Zaragoza: 1hr
How to get there: by car
What to see: an interesting Cistercian monastery with a great restaurant

Located between Sástago and Escatrón, an hour and a half’s journey from Zaragoza, this abbey is the third Cistercian monastery on our list. It was built during the 13th and 14th centuries in the Gothic and Mudejar styles. The Aragon tourist board runs guided tours of its charming cloister, church and various rooms. It also has guest rooms and a restaurant with something to suit every taste.

Trips from Zaragoza: Castillo de Loarre and Alquézar

Castillo de Loarre, 22809 Loarre, Huesca

Distance from Zaragoza: 1hr 15mins
How to get there: by car
What to see: the best-preserved Romanesque fortress in the world and the town of Alquézar perched on the rocks

In the neighbouring province of Huesca, again only an hour’s drive from Zaragoza, is the spectacular Castillo de Loarre, a Romanesque fort dating from the 6th century that claims to be the best preserved in the world. The watchtower, where part of Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven was shot, offers breathtaking views over the Hoya de Huesca area. Huesca is also home to the medieval town of Alquézar, an hour and a half from Zaragoza in the Somontano area, whose picturesque houses are crammed onto an outcrop. Besides the castle and the lovely collegiate church, the town boasts impressive natural surroundings including the canyons carved by the Rio Vero.

View of the spectacular Castillo de Loarre, in the Province of Huesca.

View of the town of Alquézar, perched atop a hill in the Somontano area.

The best weekend trips from Zaragoza

By the end of this article you’ll certainly have realised that the province of Zaragoza and the region of Aragón as a whole are destinations full of treasures waiting to be discovered, and all just a short distance from the Aragonese’s city. From quaint towns and villages to stunning natural scenery, the diversity of opportunities for local trips is fabulous. With everything just one or two hours away, Zaragoza and its surrounding areas invite you to step out and discover all the charms this region has to offer!

As well as the traditional Christmas markets and the lights announcing the arrival of this special season, the autonomous region of Aragon and its capital, Zaragoza, offer plenty of activities for you to enjoy at Christmas as a couple, with friends or as a family.

Put the date in your calendar: Christmas in Zaragoza officially begins on 2 December, when, at 6pm, the lights are switched on, signaling for the festivities to begin. For over a month (until 8 January), the city on the river Ebro will be dressed in all its finery to celebrate this magical time of year, and its streets will be bright and colourful, full of events and activities.

Traditional Christmas events in Zaragoza

The Christmas lights

One of the city’s distinguishing features at this time of year is of course its Christmas lights, which shine particularly brightly in different parts of the city: a spectacular blanket of stars will greet you in the bustling Paseo de la Independencia, the Northern Lights await you in the Plaza de San Felipe and you can stroll along the shopping street of Calle Alfonso beneath a canopy of lights as you make your way to the Plaza del Pilar.

The Nativity Scene

Here you’ll find some of the most charming and appealing scenes and activities of these festivities. Coinciding with the switching on of the lights, which will officially take place here, the popular and traditional Belén de Judea will also be declared open. This nativity scene receives hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

Covering an area of more than 1,000m², and with its unique backdrop of the basílica del Pilar, this beautiful nativity scene is the largest in Spain (with life-size figures). It recreates some of the most iconic religious scenes (such as the Gate of Bethlehem, Herod’s Palace and the Souq), but also depicts some of Aragon’s traditional trades, amounting to more than a hundred life-size figures in total.

You can visit the nativity scene on your own or take a guided tour, which starts inside the basilica and explains the origins of the nativity scene tradition, and including a delicious tasting.

Zaragoza Christmas market and activities in the Plaza del Pilar

Also in the Plaza del Pilar, you can visit the Muestra Navideña, a colourful and lively market not only offering such delicious and festive products as roast potatoes, churros and crêpes, but also running numerous workshops that are free to attend (such as decorating biscuits or making Christmas decorations). You can also listen live to carol singing from different parts of the world or shop for Christmas gifts in some of the shops dotted around the square. There’s lots of fun for the little ones too, with puppet shows, street musicians and circus acts.

Still looking for more? Well, as in previous years, the Plaza del Pilar will also have a large indoor skating rink, a wishing tree where everyone can make their dreams come true and you can have heaps of fun going down a run on an inflatable toboggan! On 31 December, the square will also host the massively popular New Year’s Eve Party, from before the bells ring in the New Year until well into the early hours.

A WHITE CHRISTMAS IN ARAGON

At just over 200m above sea level, Zaragoza doesn’t often see snow (although some years a “miracle” does happen), but that’s not to say we can’t enjoy a “White Christmas” in Aragon. Luckily, the autonomous region has plenty of places where you can enjoy the snow, either practising one of the more traditional winter sports (downhill or cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing) or enjoying more unusual and alternative activities.

Skiing in Aragon

Aragon is a true paradise for winter sport lovers, as not only does it have six quality alpine ski resorts (Candanchú, Astún, Cerner and Formigal-Panticosa in the Huesca Pyrenees, and Valdelinares and Javalambre in the province of Teruel), but it also boasts numerous areas where you can go cross-country skiing, such as Llanos del Hospital (Benasque), Valle de Pineta or la Muela de San Juan (Sierra de Albarracín), to name a few.

Other mountain activities

But those aren’t the only ways of enjoying the snow in Aragon: in areas such as the Tena Valley, between the resorts of Formigal and Panticosa, you can go on excursions and guided rides on snow quad bikes, a thrill-packed activity which also allows you to explore some of the region’s most stunning scenery, out in the wilds.

There are also more relaxing options, for example a hiking route on snowshoes, through areas that can be seen from El Portalet, on the border with France, or the ibón (small mountain lake) of Piedrafita de Jaca.

Food lovers can opt for a mountainside dinner, as offered at the restaurant El Bosque, in a lodge at an altitude of over 2,000m, right in the resort of Cerler, and where you can savour some delicious local dishes from the Benasque Valley (including traditional desserts).

CHARMING ESCAPES

Another good way of spending your Christmas break in Aragon is to get out and about in the region and discover some of its most beautiful and picturesque spots, with all three provinces offering places steeped in charm.

The prettiest towns around Zaragoza

In the province of Zaragoza, it’s worth visiting the wonderful town of Daroca, just 74km from the capital and boasting an enviable heritage: its imposing city walls once had 110 towers and still hide gems such as the Puerta Baja (lower gate), considered one of the finest in Spain. Another of the town’s treasures is the colegiata de Santa María, a magnificent church with a combination of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles.

Another jewel is Sos del Rey Católico, a medieval town in the area of Cinco Villas. An hour and a half from the capital, it’s named after the Catholic King Ferdinand II of Aragon, who was born here, in the Sada Palace. Strolling through its maze of streets, you’ll encounter wonders such as the church of San Esteban, the Town Hall or the castle of la Peña Feliciana. It’s considered one of the Prettiest towns in Spain, and the beauty of its streets charmed the Spanish film director Berlanga, who shot one of his most memorable films here, La vaquilla (The Heifer).

sos rey catolico zaragoza — Sos del Rey Católico

In the province of Huesca, but only an hour and a half from Zaragoza, you’ll find the medieval town of Alquézar, a lovely place in the area of Somontano, whose charming houses huddle together at the foot of a hill, as if protecting themselves from the cold coming in from the peaks of the Pyrenees. As well as the castle and the beautiful collegiate church, the natural surroundings are stunning, with one of the highlights being the gorges of the river Vero.

Also in Huesca, although more to the west, you’ll find the magnificent city of Jaca. There are at least two must-sees here: firstly, the cathedral of San Pedro, a gem from the Spanish Romanesque period and a milestone on the Camino de Santiago, and secondly, none other than the ancient fortress known as the Ciudadela (citadel), built on the orders of Philip II himself.

Now in the province of Teruel, two towns rival each other in terms of beauty and individuality. The first is Albarracín, a majestic town with steep cobbled streets, reddish houses with a medieval air, a stunning city wall and sights such as the cathedral, the church of Santiago y Santa María and the casa-museo de los Pérez y Toyuela, the former home of these noble families and now a museum.

And just as beautiful is the quaint town of Valderrobres, in the area of Matarraña. As well as being one of the Prettiest Towns in Spain, this town in the province of Teruel is renowned for its wonderful medieval castle, its steep narrow streets and a beautiful stone bridge, the San Roque bridge, which leads you into the old town, one of the most charming in the whole of Aragon.

For more information: Christmas in Zaragoza

Ever thought of visiting Zaragoza during the summer time? If so, you’ve got the right idea because you’ll love it! If you like a holiday that’s a bit out of the ordinary, this really is the place for you! There’s a whole lot more to do here in the summer than just laze on the beach or explore the mountains. Attractions, swimming pools and water sports are great fun too. Keep reading to find out what Zaragoza has to offer in the summer for all ages.

Make the most of the summer with these five days out in Zaragoza

Let the good times roll! These summer activities in Zaragoza will keep you entertained, and you’ll learn a lot about this city on the banks of the river Ebro along the way. Let’s go!

Tour buses

The first thing to do when you get to Zaragoza is hop on one of the tour buses. Zaragoza has loads of interesting places to see and the easiest way to discover them is by taking a bus tour. There are three types of tour bus: daytime, evening and the Megabus.

Daytime tour bus

There are daily bus tours in July and August, departing from Calle Jaime I, near Plaza de la Seo, all day from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm. The tour lasts 90 minutes and has 16 stops. Take the tour without getting off the bus or get on and off as often as you like.

Throughout the tour you can use the earphones to listen to the narration available in Spanish, English, French, Italian, German or Chinese. The tour will give you the chance to get to know little-known spots around Zaragoza that aren’t in the guidebooks.

If you take the tour and get off at the same stop where you got on, I recommend you go down Calle Jaime I to Fantoba bakery. You’re going to love it because it’s been there since 1856 and hasn´t changed the décor. Treat yourself to an almond brittle, frutas de Aragon (chocolate coated candied fruits) or one of their original flavour ice creams. They even have peach and wine flavoured ice cream… it’s to die for!

parque labordeta zaragoza — José Antonio Labordeta park, one of the stops on the day bus

Megabús

Do you know Professor ZZ Jones, expert in “zaragozology”? Hop on the Megabus and laugh out loud at her side-splitting take on the city of Zaragoza. The Megabus runs every Saturday from June to September and the first half of July. In the second half of July and August, it runs daily.

The ticket price for both the ordinary tour bus and the Megabus is eight euros. There are discounts for pensioners, students, the unemployed, disabled persons, large families and groups. Children under five go free.

At the tourist office you can buy a combined ticket for the daytime bus or Megabus, plus admission to the aquarium. On top of that, with daytime tour bus or Megabus tickets, you get three euros off your entry ticket to the amusement park.

plaza del pilar de noche zaragoza — Plaza del Pilar evening tour. The tour buses depart from the bus shelter.

Evening tour bus

The evening tour to see the Zaragoza city lights starts at 9:45 pm, lasts just over an hour and has no stops. It runs every Saturday from July to August and some Saturdays in September. On the tours, you can plug in your earphones and listen the explanations in Spanish, English, French, Italian, German or Chinese.

The standard price is 11 euros. There are discounts for pensioners, students, the unemployed, disabled persons, large families and groups. Children under five go free. After your trip, don’t miss the great atmosphere in Zaragoza’s many bars and its local cuisine.

Amusement Park

Taking advantage of the tour bus offers, we just had to mention the amusement park, a great day out if you are a park fan.

You’ll find something for all the family. From rides for the tiniest tots to exhilarating high-speed rides that take you to dizzying heights, like Revolution or Gran Tikal. The park is also home to some of the locals’ best-loved attractions, like the Mississippi river boat and Magnetic House.

The amusement park opens from March to the end of October. In June, July and August it opens from Wednesday to Sunday. In the summer months, entry to the pool is included when you visit the park. It’s great for cooling off when it’s sweltering outside.

Luis Buñuel Water Park

This is the biggest water park in Zaragoza, covering an area of more than 120 hectares. And it has a beach too. No, really, it does! Playas Zaragoza are swimming pools with white sand and a restaurant area. The “beaches” are open from June to early September.

Prices for Las Playas Zaragoza are €5.50 for over 14s from Monday to Friday and €6 on weekends. There are discounts for children, pensioners and disabled persons. Children under three go free.

Another thing to check out in the Water Park is the boating lake area. Rent a bike there or, in the summer, a kayak or a pedalo. You’ll find everything you need to keep cool and have a fun day out with your family.

Muel Park

Muel is a town 30 kilometres outside Zaragoza and offers a really refreshing day out. Its park is on the banks of the Huerva river, which has several waterfalls and a lake for a welcome dip when it’s hot.

There are swings for the children and picnic tables. Once you’ve spent some time in the water park, take a stroll and discover the church of Nuestra Señora de la Salud, which holds some of Francisco de Goya’s most famous paintings.

Water sports at Club Náutico de Zaragoza

If water sports are your thing, Club Náutico de Zaragoza is the place for you. The club offers rowing and kayaking courses from May to October for anyone over the age of eight.

Another sport available here is paddleboarding. There are paddleboard courses, scuba diving for beginners, excursions and trips. Talking of trips, Club Náutico also offers kayak trips on the river Ebro. And a good lunch on the banks of the Ebro is a must, at Tres Mares restaurant.

So, do you fancy going on one of these day trips in Zaragoza this summer? As you can see, you won’t get bored. If you have more time and fancy some more summer activities in Zaragoza visit this page to see what else you can do in the city to keep all the family happy.

The heritage of the Aragonese capital is rich in abundant examples of Mudéjar art, an architectural style unique to Spain, arising from the fusion of two artistic traditions during the Middle Ages: the Hispano-Islamic and Western Christian styles.

The term “Mudéjar” comes from the Arab word “mudayyan”, which means “the one who has been allowed to remain.” This was the name given in medieval Spain to all Muslims who decided to remain in the territories conquered by the Christians, yet stayed loyal to their faith and customs. Today, the word is used to define an artistic style with its roots in Christian Spain’s Hispano-Islamic tradition. For centuries, Muslim builders and craftspeople – and to a lesser extent the Christians and Jews who learnt their style and techniques – continued to employ the forms and characteristics of Spanish Islamic art to build and decorate Christian buildings, which still exist today as beautiful examples of a style that could be considered as exclusively Spanish. An artform which, as Aragonese historian Gonzalo Borrás said, “does not fit with either the history of Islamic art or of Western art, because it exists precisely on the border of both cultures.”

Aragon was one of the most important centres in the development of Mudéjar art in the whole Iberian peninsula and it’s still possible to see many of the jewels born from this fusion of cultures in Zaragoza today. A good place to start your visit is the Aljafería, a palace dating back to the Islamic era, which was extended and embellished following the Christian reconquest.

The Aljafería was a source of inspiration and a centre for the dissemination of the Mudéjar tradition in the region. This was the site of the first Mudéjar art workshop, and various monarchs – among them Peter IV of Aragon and the Catholic Monarchs – commissioned extensions and works of art in this style. Their influence is still to be seen in various parts of the building.

Not far away, in Calle de San Pablo, stands a 14th century church of the same name, often known as “Zaragoza’s third cathedral”. Elegant and distinct, it’s one of the most significant examples of Mudéjar architecture in the city. Its bell tower, which is built in the Almohad minaret style (formed from two towers, one enveloping the other), is decorated on the exterior with beautiful Mudéjar motifs. There is a stunning panoramic view of Zaragoza from the top.

Another building from the same era is equally renowned for its Hispano-Islamic style decoration: the recently renovated Church of Santa María Magdalena, one of the most outstanding examples of Aragonese Mudéjar architecture. Externally, its apse and tower, also inspired by Almohad minarets, boast intricate decoration in the form of combined arches, crosses with multiple arms and ceramic details, making this church an essential place to visit (free entry, guided tour €5).

Right in the heart of the capital’s old town you’ll find the Church of San Gil Abad (Calle Don Jaime), which was built in the second half of the 14th century. Unfortunately the church was subject to significant modifications during the Baroque era but now, once again, its bell tower displays all the characteristics of the original Mudéjar style, with its striking diamond-shaped decorations and intersecting arches.

Perhaps the jewel in the city’s crown – or at least our favourite – is the Cathedral of the Saviour, also known as La Seo. This building, constructed on the site of the former Great Mosque of Saraqusta – Islamic Zaragoza – is now a temple which blends numerous architectural styles, from the Romanesque to the Neoclassical. Some of its most beautiful features, however, have their roots in the Mudéjar style: including the three apses with their traditional Almohad decoration, and in particular, the external wall of the “parroquieta” (little parish church) of San Miguel.

Decorated with beautiful geometric patterns and multicoloured ceramics, this façade, commissioned by Archbishop Lope Fernández de Luna, is without doubt the crowning glory of Aragonese Mudéjar architecture.

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, the Cathedral of La Seo, the Aljafería Palace… Zaragoza, just like other cities, has a list of must-see places that travellers shouldn’t miss. But as well as these famous landmarks, numerous museums and other places to visit, this provincial capital on the banks of the river Ebro has several hidden corners that, being less well-known, are real treasures waiting to be discovered by visitors. Here are just some of the many hidden gems concealed within the city:

* ARCO DEL DEÁN (DEAN’S ARCH)

Located in a tiny side street at the back of the cathedral, this archway is every bit as magnificent as some of the cathedral’s more obvious features. Approaching the archway, you will find yourself opposite a walkway built as long ago as the 13th century, used as a passageway to connect the La Seo building with the Dean’s (or Prior’s) House. It was restored in the 16th century, with the addition of a beautiful viewing point through a series of arched windows built in Plateresque-Mudejar style. This architectural marvel will take you back to centuries gone by.

* REAL MAESTRANZA DE CABALLERÍA (ROYAL CAVALRY ARMOURY)

Passing beneath the beautiful Arco del Deán and continuing along Calle Pabostria right to the end, you’ll come to a true Renaissance-style Aragonese mansion. This building, now known as the Real Maestranza de Caballería (Royal Cavalry Armoury) because it houses this Zaragozan organisation, was originally the mansion of Miguel Donlope, a convert and wealthy lawyer who commissioned the building in the early 16th century. Its facade is a good example of this type of building, with its rounded arch at the entrance and attractive wooden eaves. The interior is also striking, with its eye-catching wooden dome above the stairwell, attractive plaster decorations, and coffered ceilings in the noble rooms. It is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays between 11:00 and 14:00.

Facade of the Real Maestranza, seen from Calle Pabostria.

* LA LONJA

Often overlooked, this building is located in the centre of the Plaza del Pilar, next to the town hall and just a few steps away from La Seo. Although many visitors stop to admire the architectural lines of its exterior, few of them pass through its doors to discover the hidden gem that the building conceals. This beautiful Renaissance-style civil building, built in the 16th century, now hosts different temporary exhibitions (always free) throughout the year. However, they don’t impinge on the view of its magnificent stellar-vaulted roof.

Roof of La Lonja.

* PATIO DE LA INFANTA (THE INFANTA’S COURTYARD)

The Zaporta family’s mansion was originally located in the central street of Calle San Jorge, where it stood for over 300 years. However, in the late 19th century, the building was in such poor condition that the decision was taken to demolish it. Fortunately, the Patio de la Infanta — the interior courtyard of the building — was salvaged from the ruins and, having been dismantled piece by piece, was acquired by a French antique dealer. Temporarily exiled on French soil, in 1957 this exquisite piece of Renaissance art was returned to Zaragoza where it found a new home: the headquarters of the bank Ibercaja (at 16 Calle San Ignacio de Loyola). It remains there to this day, hosting temporary exhibitions, conferences and other cultural events.

View of the Patio de la Infanta.

* PALACIO LARRINAGA

In common with many other European cities, in the early 20th century large numbers of modernist buildings began to appear in Zaragoza. Unfortunately, many of these buildings disappeared several decades ago, having fallen victim to property speculation and poor decision-making on the part of the authorities. Of those buildings that managed to escape the dreaded wrecking ball, the Palacio de Larrinaga (123 Calle Miguel Servet) is of particular note. It was built in the early 20th century, having been commissioned by the Basque shipowner, Manuel Larrinaga. The palace is decorated with numerous symbols alluding to its owner’s livelihood, and has richly decorated rooms that visitors can see on one of the guided tours that take place every Tuesday between 09:30 and 11:00.

* MUSEO DE LA TORRE NUEVA (MUSEUM OF THE LEANING TOWER OF ZARAGOZA)

Until the late 19th century, an enormous Mudejar tower standing over 80 metres tall loomed above Zaragoza’s historic centre. It was one of the city’s most visible landmarks, located in what is now Plaza de San Felipe, just five minutes away from Plaza del Pilar. The Torre Nueva (or ‘New Tower’), as it was known at the time, began to lean shortly after it was built in the early 16th century. Although this tilt did not appear to be dangerous, in 1892 the authorities took the decision to tear it down. As a memento of the tower that so captivated visitors to the city, it is now possible to discover its secrets at the museum dedicated to its memory. The museum is housed in the former wine cellar of Montal, a character-filled establishment that is also located in Plaza San Felipe. The museum includes a large collection of prints, photographs, plans and other documents that reveal the past and the hidden story of this magnificent building, now sadly disappeared. It also houses a real gem: the machinery of the tower’s clock, salvaged from the remains of the tower.

Trompe l’oeil painting of the Leaning Tower of Zaragoza, in a street close to the site of the former tower.

Just passing through, with only a day to explore the Aragonese capital? Follow our express itinerary around the city’s unmissable spots.

08:30 Any visit to Zaragoza has to start in Plaza del Pilar – this square is the epicentre of tourism in the city and home to some of its main sights. But before you do anything, make sure you fill up on a decent breakfast somewhere like Café Botánico (C/ Santiago 3), a welcoming café offering a varied and delicious selection of homemade cakes and “pulgas” (mini sandwiches).

09:30 The Basílica del Pilar (Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar) is the city’s most iconic landmark whose history has made it one of the world’s most important shrines to the Virgin Mary. As well as its spectacular façade, and its eleven domes and four towers (a lift takes visitors up one of them to enjoy the views), it is worth going inside to see the Holy Chapel designed by Ventura Rodríguez, the Main Altarpiece by Damián Forment and the paintings by Goya on one of the domes.

Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar

10:30 On the other side of the square is the Cathedral of San Salvador, known by locals as La Seo. The origins of this church date back to Medieval times (it was built on the site of the former mosque) and traces of Romanesque, Mudéjar, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical architectural styles are still visible. One of its most beautiful features is the Mudéjar wall of the Parroquieta, on one of the sides of the cathedral. Inside the cathedral, visitors can see the striking Main Altarpiece, while the Tapestry Museum, housing one of Europe’s best collections, is also well worth a visit.

La Seo

11:30 As soon as you leave La Seo, you’ll see the eye-catching cube-shaped building that is the entrance to the Caesaraugusta Forum Museum. This space is part of Zaragoza’s Roman Route, with another of its landmarks, the Caesaraugusta Theatre, located just a ten-minute walk away. These two tourist attractions are essential for gaining an insight into what the city was like at the time of its founding by the Emperor Augustus Caesar.

12:30 A short stroll to Calle Espoz y Mina will take you to the Goya Museum. Francisco de Goya was Aragon’s most famous artist, and the museum displays a large number of his works. As well as its remarkable selection of paintings, it also has an outstanding complete collection of his prints.

Statue of Goya

14:00 Time for a break to rest your legs and enjoy the delicious local gastronomy. A great place for lunch is Restaurante Montal (Plaza San Felipe), a restaurant which also has a shop selling gourmet products and a tasting area (La Despensa). The kitchen at Montal specialises in cooking with fresh, seasonal market produce, all served in the superb setting of an old 15th-century Renaissance palace.

16:00 After a satisfying lunch, you can move on to explore the Aljafería Palace. Dating back to the time of Saraqusta (Muslim Zaragoza), the origins of this building lie between the late-9th and mid-10th centuries, although over the years it has undergone numerous modifications. Inside, it houses a small Alhambra, containing fascinating remnants of the Islamic era, as well as halls from the Christian period decorated in Mudéjar and Renaissance styles.

The Aljafería Palace

18:00 There’s still time to visit another museum, and two of the city’s most interesting ones are close to the Aljafería. The first of them is the IAACC Pablo Serrano. As well as its collection of sculptures by the Aragonese artist and other creatives, the museum hosts a programme of temporary exhibitions. Just ten minutes from there is Caixaforum Zaragoza, one of the city’s most avant-garde buildings. This space holds renowned temporary exhibitions and a wide range of cultural events, including conferences and concerts.

The Terrace at IAACC

20:00 You can’t leave the city without trying some of its delicious tapas and pinchos, and the best place to do this is in the famous quarter known as El Tubo. This picturesque area of the historic old town is full of tapas bars that are sure to satisfy even the most demanding of palates, such as Doña Casta, El Meli del Tubo and Bodegas Almau.

The capital of the Autonomous Community of Aragon has an abundant range of museums and galleries on offer, in which visitors can not only discover the city’s exciting history though impressive archaeological artefacts, but also enjoy works of art by prominent figures such as Francisco de Goya.

The ideal place to start a tour of the city’s main cultural venues is the Museum of Zaragoza, whose doors opened for the first time in 1836 and which today boasts Aragon’s largest museum collection. The museum’s galleries include artefacts dating from the prehistoric age right up to the 20th century. The collections feature archaeological artefacts and works of art from Caesaraugusta (the Roman name for Zaragoza), paintings from the Aragonese Gothic period, Renaissance works of outstanding quality, and 19th-century artwork, to name but a few.

Another must-see for any visitor is the Goya Museum, close to the Plaza del Pilar. As the name suggests, the museum is dedicated to the genius that was Goya, who hailed from the Aragonese town of Fuendetodos. Although the artist’s most valuable works are housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, this Zaragoza-based art gallery also has a collection of works of outstanding significance and quality. As well as a large number of Goya’s works on canvas, visitors to the galleries can also see complete sets of his famous engravings such as Los Caprichos (The Caprices), Los Desastres de la Guerra (The Disasters of War), and Los Disparates (The Follies), in addition to a selection of paintings by Goya’s contemporaries.

Not far from there, in the central Plaza San Felipe, is the Argillo Palace, a Renaissance building which has housed the Pablo Gargallo Museum since 1985. This beautiful palace — a magnificent example of Aragonese Renaissance architecture — is worthy of a visit in itself, even before you consider the collection of works by this Zaragozan artist, who became one of the early 20th century’s best-known sculptors, achieving international fame and prestige.

Pablo Gargallo Museum

Another renowned Aragonese sculptor was Pablo Serrano, whose considerable range of works — sculptures, drawings and prints — fill the many floors of the IIAAC de Zaragoza (the Aragonese Institute for Contemporary Art and Culture in Zaragoza), alongside works by other artists from Aragon and elsewhere in Spain. The IIAAC, which was renovated and extended just a few years ago, is also known for its continuous programme of temporary exhibitions, as well as other cultural events. These include the concerts that take place on its modern terrace, from where visitors can enjoy magnificent views over the city.

IIAAC

Just five minutes’ walk from there, very near to the old Portillo station, is the city’s newest museum: Caixaforum Zaragoza. Opened in June 2014, this building designed by the architect Carme Pinós is one of the city’s most modern, unique constructions with its two remarkable large geometric shapes. In common with the other Caixaforum venues across Spain, Zaragoza’s version hosts high-profile temporary exhibitions. To date, it has exhibited works by renowned artists such as Giorgio de Chirico, Dalí, Goya, Robert Capa and Fortuny, to name but a few. Its facilities also host a range of cultural events such as conferences, concerts and screenings.

These a just a few of the superb museums this city has to offer; Zaragoza has many other exhibition spaces displaying interesting permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. Some of the city’s other museums and galleries that are worth a visit include the Patio de la Infanta courtyard, the Sástago Palace, the Centro de Historias (History Centre), the Paraninfo (assembly hall) and its Museum of Natural Sciences, and the Lonja de Zaragoza building. Each one has its own full and fascinating programme of activities and exhibitions; the perfect accompaniment to a cultural scene to rival that of other Spanish and European capitals.

More information: Museums in Zaragoza

Walls, abandoned plots, buildings and parks have become canvases for hundreds of Spanish and international artists who, since 2005, have been turning Zaragoza’s streets into a giant open-air gallery that’s unique in Europe.

It all started 14 years ago, and hundreds of surprising, colourful pieces of graffiti, stencils, stickers and other kinds of street art have been spreading across Zaragoza ever since. Not only has it given residents and visitors a fascinating, unique street gallery that’s become an international reference point for students and lovers of this type of artistic creation, but it is also helping to renovate and recover some of the most deprived areas of Aragon’s capital.

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Zaragoza has a close and long-standing relationship with the world of graffiti that goes back to the 1990s, when the presence of the (now closed) US military base brought the city into contact with elements of hip hop culture like break dancing, rap and street art. From then, and for many years, a raft of spray paint virtuosos decorated the city’s walls in secret, laying the foundations for a recognised scene for this often-controversial form of artistic expression.

Everything changed in 2005 with the first Festival Asalto, a cultural initiative that aimed to exhibit new forms of artistic expression in the streets, at the same time as improving the aesthetic and surroundings of a historically deprived neighbourhood, El Gancho. The first artwork was a joint effort by Spanish collective Boa Mistura, but the event also saw the participation of 25 other artists, both Spanish and international, and their creations. The festival was a hit, and its urban exhibits -not just graffiti, but also stencils, sculptures and other types of art- multiplied each year, spreading to other areas further out from the city centre and making it possible to follow a street art trail that takes in most of Zaragoza.

Sebas Velasco

Nicolas Barrome & Amandine Urruti

Isaac Mahow

The best way to discover this “urban gallery” is to visit the festival’s website, where you’ll find an interactive map with the exact location of the artworks, as well as several pre-set routes that guide you through the different artistic settings. In the city’s historic centre, you’ll find a good proportion of the creations from the first festivals, with pieces by artists including Isaac Mahow, Roa, Blu, Stook, and 100 Pression among many others. In recent years, the festival has swapped its traditional setting in the centre for other neighbourhoods, including Delicias, Valdefierro and Oliver, inviting the world to interact with the city and its different districts while involving local residents and energising the streets with a project that’s the oldest of its type in Spain and that’s given Zaragoza a higher number of works of street art than any other city in the country.

This multi-award-winning competition normally takes place every September, making it the ideal time to visit and even participate in the creative processes of the different artists and groups. That said, its open, free and urban nature mean that any other time of the year is great for discovering this giant open-air gallery that’s brought radical change to the streets of Zaragoza, giving an innovative and original slant to contemporary artistic expression. Unmissable!

More information: Festival Asalto

ASALTO 2016 from Asalto ORG on Vimeo.

Grab your best toga, slip on some sandals and prepare to hit the streets of Zaragoza as the star of your own epic. Ready to follow in the footsteps of the Romans on the banks of the Ebro?

More than 2,000 years ago, at the end of the first century B.C., Caesar Augustus travelled to the Iberian peninsular to wage the Cantabrian Wars. Following his victory, the Emperor decided to reorganise the provinces of Roman Hispania. Augustus founded several cities that were christened in his honour, including Caesaraugusta, as Zaragoza was known in Roman times. More than two millennia have passed since then, but the footprints of that imperial city, founded in 14 B.C., are still visible in Aragon’s capital.

Statue of Caesar Augustus and the ruins of the ancient Roman wall.

Caesaraugusta was protected by a robust wall measuring three kilometres long and boasting more than 100 towers. Most of this magnificent defence structure was destroyed or buried under the city’s modern streets, but there are still some fragments to be admired. The biggest is in Avenida de César Augusto, between the Zuda Tower and the Central Market. This chunk of wall, several metres long, is watched over by a statue of the Emperor, a bronze copy of the famous Augustus of Prima Porta that was gifted to the city by Mussolini in the 1940s.

Forum Museum

Archaeological remains at the Forum Museum

Underground tunnels from the Roman era, Forum Museum

Very close by, in La Seo Square, is the Forum Museum, hidden from tourists by an enormous cube of marble. The forum was the most important public space in Roman cities because it was the home of political, administrative, religious and commercial life. Caesaraugusta’s forum covered around 33,000 m² and was positioned towards the River Port, which was of huge importance and now also has its own must-see museum.

The Forum revolved around a large open space surrounded by several porticos leading to the most important buildings: the basilica, dedicated to legal matters; the curia, used for politics; the main temple, the remains of which are buried under the La Seo Cathedral; and the taverns, home to businesses. Strangely, this layout remains almost exactly the same today.

A short stroll takes us to our next stop: Calle de San Juan y San Pedro. This was where the remains of the Roman Baths, dating from around the first century B.C., were discovered in 1982, and where today the fascinating Public Baths Museum can be visited. Unfortunately, only part of the pool is still standing, as well as the remains of the bases of columns and the five-metre porticos that surrounded it. Nevertheless, it’s still worth a visit to find out about some of the customs and luxuries enjoyed by Zaragoza’s inhabitants during that period.

View of Caesaraugusta’s Roman Theatre

Our stroll through Caesaraugusta now takes us to the magnificent Roman Theatre and its museum, located close by in Calle de San Jorge. While you explore the different parts of the Theatre, it’s not hard to imagine the shows that were put on there from the first century A.D. Different archaeological digs have unearthed beautiful fragments of columns, sculptures and cornices, among others, some of which can be seen here or at the Museum of Zaragoza, which has a good selection of artworks from the Roman era.

The last stop on our journey through Caesaraugusta is Santa Engracia Church, built in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries on the site of the ancient Roman Christian necropolis. Its crypt houses two magnificent early Christian sarcophagi, dating from the fourth century and decorated with beautiful reliefs showing themes from the Old and New Testaments, a fabulous example of art from the end of the city’s Roman era.

Giant replica of a statue of Caesar Augustus in the Puerta Cinegia gastronomic market, Zaragoza.

More information: Roman Route (Zaragoza Tourism)

Gourmands of the world: the epicurean capital has an enviable gastronomical offering, whether you’re seeking the perfect tapas or the comfort of fine dining. Zaragoza and its open kitchens are ready to welcome you and delight your palette.

Like other Spanish cities, Zaragoza has a deeply-rooted tapas tradition, in fact it’s almost a religion. Although, unlike other places on the Spanish Peninsula, you don’t usually get free tapas when you order a drink here, portions are usually generously-sized and beautifully well made. And if the tapas tradition is almost a religion, there needs to be a decent number of “temples” where people can worship at the altar of this delicious custom.

The best place to enjoy quintessentially good tapas is in the historic quarter, near Calle Alfonso and the Basilica del Pilar, in an area known as “El Tubo”, a crossroads where the streets are filled with bars and restaurants. Some of the most traditional establishments are to be found in and around the crossroads where Calle Libertad and Calle Estebanes meet. Good examples are: Doña Casta, famous for its croquets including such delicious combinations as porcini with liver, cod with wild asparagus and chicken with chocolate; El Champi, who -rather successfully- place a strong emphasis on griddled mushrooms, and Bodegas Almau, a must-visit for anchovy-lovers as they prepare them in highly original ways: with cheese and chocolate, with honey and moscatel or with avocado, mint and almond.

As well as these traditional locales, there’s no shortage of more contemporary places, with equally attractive menus. This is definitely the case with El Melí del Tibo (Calle Libertad 12), two floors with contemporary decor where you can enjoy exploring its cocktail menu and a generous selection of creative tapas: ceviche bonarense, chupa-shups de ternasco (suckling lamb lollies), or hamburguesa de rape y gambas (monkfish and prawn hamburger), among others.

Although El Tubo is the most popular area to go for tapas, it’s not the only place where you can enjoy these culinary marvels. Almost all neighbourhoods have establishments where exquisite tapas are served. This is certainly the case in Bar Cervino (Calle Ainzón 18), in Almozara, a little place which is always full thanks to its top quality fare. Back in the centre, another area worth visiting is the area around Calle Mayor and Calle Heroísimo, where Thursdays are very special thanks to a special deal called juepincho (tapas and drink for two euros). Not far from there, at no. 6 Calle Cadena, we find another unmissable establishment: Casa Pedro, serving their signature tapas which have won a multitude of prizes, the most recent being first prize in the National Tapas Competition.

But Zaragoza is so much more than finger foods and snacks. If you’d like to enjoy a pleasant brunch in elegant surroundings, with music and a modern ambience, head to Garbo Gentlebar (Plaza de los Sitios 18), one of the city’s trendy locales, where you can taste their delicious cocktails before sitting down to dine on some fantastic Eggs Benedict, or stuffed brioches. There’s also no shortage of locales “crowned” with prestigious Michelin stars, like La Prensa (Calle José Nebra 3), or Cancook (Calle Juan de Aragón 5), both with tasting menus and prices of around 65 to 95 euros per head.

Ultimately, the gastro offerings of the Aragonese capital are more than capable of satisfying even the most demanding palette. One last point: make sure you try the ternasco (baby lamb meat), it’s traditional local produce and is prepared in many different ways, in tapas -such as the highly delicious madejas (rolled lamb), for example-, as well as in bocadillos (baguettes) or chuletillas (roasted cutlets)…. And don’t forget to try some of our Aragonese Denominación de Origen wines: Somontano, Cariñena, Borja and Calatayud. Cheers!