Zaragoza (Saragossa)

Zaragoza is in the Zaragoza province in the region of Aragon.

Zaragoza is the fifth biggest city in Spain, has a wealth of Moorish architecture and roman remains and yet is relatively undiscovered by tourists. It is known as the city of four cultures due to its Iberian, Roman, Moslem and Christian past. As well as many monuments to see it is a vibrant city with good shopping, restaurants and night-life.

Roman Remains

Zaragoza was originally surrounded by Roman walls. These were 7m thick in some places and included more than a hundred defensive towers. Remains can be seen in various parts ot the city. The two most notable are the San Juan de los Panetes section in the Cesar Augusto Avenue and the Canonesas de Santo Sepulcro section which is in  Echegaray y Caballero Street.

Mudejar Architecture in Saragossa, Spain

Mudejar style architecture is very interesting and there are some wonderful examples in Zaragosa. The Mudejar-style is a result of Jewish, Christian and Muslim cultures living together and is a Western style given a Moorish influence and feel.

Aljaferia palace. This 11th century palace was built for the Moorish kings. It is situated on the edge of town and with its gardens, market gardens and sumptuous style it was known as the 'Palace of Joy'. It is one of the few remaining examples of this period of Moorish architecture. The mosque and its minaret and the Torre del Trovador are original, other parts were added later mixing gothic, renaissance and mudejar styles. The throne room with a ceramic floor and a ceiling containing lots of gold is particularly impressive.

The tower of Zuda was built on the Roman walls and was the headquarters of the Moslem governors. It was also a palace for the kings of Aragon after the reconquista. Later renovations have given it a Renaissance feel.

Cathedral of la Seo. This cathedral has a Gothic-Mudejar exterior and  a fabulous Mudejar-style apse. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Church of San Pablo. This church is an excellent example of the traditional style of Mudejar churches.

Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar in Zaragossa, Spain

Christian Architecture

Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar. This fabulous church is one of the main pilgrim sites in all of Spain. The building is Baroque, it has four ornate towers and a huge central dome surrounded by ten cupolas. Inside are paintings by Goya. The centrepiece of the church is a Pillar onto which the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared before St James.

Other

There are many other palaces, churches and sites of interest to make a visit to Zaragoza very rewarding.