Zaragoza

Zaragoza

　 Introduction: Zaragoza is the capital of the Aragon region and a renowned university city in Spain. It was once a settlement for both Moors and Christians, leaving behind a wealth of cultural heritage. The city is also the hometown of Spain’s national treasure painter Goya and a major center for the veneration of the Virgin Mary in Spain.

The main attractions in the urban area are all concentrated near Plaza del Pilar and can be explored on foot.

Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar (La Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar): This is the iconic landmark of Zaragoza. The church, composed of 11 domes and 4 tall towers, is extremely majestic. The frescoes on the church domes were painted by Goya. The Basilica Art Gallery displays decorations and artworks that were originally housed in the church. Legend has it that in 40 AD, the Virgin Mary appeared to Santiago (St. James) here and gave him a pillar (Pilar), instructing him to build a church on this site — the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. A grand festival is held in early October every year, featuring dancing and bullfighting among other activities.

La Seo Cathedral (La Seo): Originally a Gothic church, it incorporated artistic styles such as Mudéjar and Baroque during various phases of expansion, renovation, and decoration. The church was completed in the 14th century, with its central altar screen dating back to the 15th century, and the tapestry depicting the Passion of Christ created between the 15th and 16th centuries.

Aljafería Palace (Palacio de la Aljaferia): Built in the 11th century as an Islamic palace, it became the court of Christian kings after the Kingdom of Aragon established its capital in Zaragoza in the 12th century. Here, you can see unique Islamic architectural features such as arches, small mosques, and wall openings facing Mecca. Later additions feature elaborate Mozarabic and Visigothic styles.

Tower of the Zuda (Torreon de la Zuda): A tower from the city walls dating back to the 10th century, it once served as the residence of the Moorish governor. During later renovations, it blended Mudejar and Visigothic styles.

Hometown of Goya: About 50 kilometers south of Zaragoza lies Fuendetodos, the birthplace of Spain’s national treasure painter Goya. His first project upon returning from Italy, where he studied painting, was to create the frescoes in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. Currently, Goya’s former home is open as a museum. You can also view Goya’s works at the Church of Muel and the Goya Engraving Museum. Transportation: From Madrid to Zaragoza: Take the -E high-speed train, about 1.5–2 hours, with tickets around €50; slower trains run once daily from 10:30–14:00, with tickets at €22.

From Barcelona to Zaragoza: Take the -E high-speed train, about 1.5–2 hours, with tickets around €60; slower trains take at least 3 hours but cost only €20–30.

From Zaragoza to Fuendetodos: First take a train to Muel, about 20 minutes. From Muel to Fuendetodos, you can take a taxi, which also takes about 20 minutes.

Tickets/Opening Hours: Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar: Tickets: Free entry to the church; €1.5 for the Basilica Art Gallery. Opening Hours: Church – Summer: 6:50–21:30, Winter: 6:50–20:00; Gallery – 9:00–14:00, 16:00–18:00.

La Seo Cathedral: Tickets: €1.5 for the church, €1.5 for the museum. Opening Hours: Summer – 10:00–19:00; Weekdays 14:00–16:00, Saturdays 13:00–16:00, Sundays 12:00–16:00 (closed); Winter – 10:00–18:00, with the same midday break as in summer. Closed every Monday.

Aljafería Palace: Tickets: €3. Opening Hours: 10:00–19:45, closed 13:45–16:30; from January to Holy Week, closed 16:00–18:30; closed every Sunday afternoon.

Goya’s Home and Goya Museum: Tickets: €1.8, valid for both museums. Opening Hours: 11:00–14:00, 16:00–19:00.

Church of Muel: Tickets: Free. Opening Hours: 9:00–20:00.

Spain Barcelona