Hotels in Zaragoza & Surrounding Area - Aragón, Spain

Zaragoza is the fifth largest city in Spain and capital of the Aragon region. It is situated in the northeast of Spain, roughly halfway between Madrid and Barcelona. The city has been relatively untouched by tourism, although this is now likely to change with the recent opening of a new high-speed rail link from Madrid. Zaragoza has some notable historic monuments, including a Moorish palace and several fine churches. There are also many tapas bars, cafes and restaurants, while Zaragoza's 40,000 students help to give the city a lively feel. The Romans founded Zaragoza around 2,000 years ago, and the city takes its name from the Roman emperor Caesar Augusta. Zaragoza was ruled by the Beni-Hud dynasty in the 11th century. Despite having a reputation as a Christian hero, the legendary El Cid was in fact a mercenary leader who fought for the Islamic Beni Huds during this time. The city is also famous for resisting Napoleonic forces during the great sieges of the early 19th century. The majority of Zaragoza's tourist attractions, including La Lonja, El Pilar and La Seo cathedral, are situated around the Plaza del Pilar. Between this large public square and the River Ebro is the huge Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar. This impressive Baroque church has a large central dome surrounded by 10 smaller domes, with four tall towers in each corner.

Zaragoza Card Duration: 24, 48 or 72 hours - Zaragoza is a city rich in history, traditions and culture. The architecture has strong Baroque influence as well as Roman, Gothic and Arabian. Your Zaragoza Card is your key to the city during your stay....

Basilica of Nuestra Senora Del Pilar at Sunset, Zaragoza Buy at AllPosters.com

It was built to honour the Virgin of the Apostle who, according to legend, appeared before St James on this site in AD40. The basilica's interior is notable for its carvings and elaborate frescoes, with the highlight being a series of paintings by Francisco de Goya within the central dome. One of Spain's best-loved painters, Goya was born in 1746 in a small village just outside Zaragoza.  A couple of bombs were dropped on the church during the Spanish Civil War but fortunately they failed to explode. The Gothic cathedral of La Seo was built on the site of Islamic mosque. Its museum contains many treasures, such as paintings, tapestries and sculptures. A short distance from La Seo is the Renaissance exchange of La Lonja, constructed from thousands of small bricks. La Lonja's interior is notable its magnificent stone ornamentation.

The Palacio de la Aljaferia, built during the 11th century, is located to the west of the city centre. Although it has been modified many times over the years, this Moorish palace still retains its original mosque and courtyard. The elaborately carved ceiling on the first floor contains images of the Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella.

There are some great views of the city from the much-photographed bridge, Puente de Piedra, which spans the River Ebro. Constructed in 1813, the bridge contains elements of Basque, French and Italian architecture. Other historic attractions in Zaragoza include the 18th century Puerta del Carmen, once part of the city walls, and the Arab Baths dating from the 13th century. Children will enjoy the science museum and the amusement park, which is set within attractive pine groves.

Zaragoza is the regional capital of Aragon - the 'bread basket' of North East Spain. It resides of the River Ebro, which flows from the mountains to the north of the La Rioja wine region and out into the Mediterranean at the Costa del Azahar. The city is a beautiful place to visit no matter what the time of year. It also has some rather unusual attractions.
 

La Seo La Seo is a spectacular multi-turreted cathedral that was built on top of an Arab mosque in the 12th century. It is one of Spain's architectural wonders, its three naves revealing a multitude of styles including additions and alterations of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance and neo-classical design. The outer Mudejar wall and the detail it supports is well worth the visit alone! Arab Baths Arab Baths are found all around Spain. The ones at Zaragoza though have a unique history. It is thought by scholars that they were built on the site of Jewish Baths. The Baths' proximity to the Zaragoza synagogue seems to support this theory.

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The Bullring - La Misericordia

Bullrings are undeniably one of Spain's most recognisable symbols, and there are certainly more famous bullrings than the bullring in Zaragoza. No other bullring though is likely to match the one at Zaragoza for its sheer drama and architectural magnificence. If you're not impressed by the retractable Teflon roof over a structure that draws parallels with the Coliseum in Rome, I'll eat my hat!
 
 

Wind Farm, La Muela, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain Buy at AllPosters.com

Zuda Tower Zuda Tower is the only surviving piece of the magnificent Zuda Palace from 10th century Zaragoza. It was built on the site of the Roman wall, and built from Roman materials. Many of Aragon's kings have resided at Zuda Palace down the centuries. Today Zuda Tower is a tourist office. La Lonja La Lonja is an important addition to Zaragoza's architectural heritage. Built between 1541 and 1551 it was originally designed as an exchange (contracting exchange) in which farmers, growers and dealers would meet to trade agricultural produce. At the time it was undoubtedly one of the most important buildings in all of Aragon.

On entering La Lonja you will find an impressive building that oozes Gothic and Renaissance charm. The vaulted ceilings are truly magnificent and the detail in the carvings on the columns and on the walls of the Exchange exquisite.

Getting to Zaragoza

Zaragoza airport is situated some 12km from the city centre.