Zaragoza, Alto Aragon
Zaragoza, Alto Aragon - Overview:
Zaragoza, Alto Aragon's capital city, is located at the Ebro river. It is one of the great monumental cities of Spain, set in an impressive landscape with picturesque villages, steeped in custom and tradition. Its historic heritage of Romans and Moors is documented in its museums. Zaragoza is Spain's fifth largest city. A bustling, modern commercial centre, it attracts few foreign visitors despite having several fascinating historic sites.
Zaragoza, Alto Aragon - History:
Zaragoza is one of the great monumental towns in Spain. It was founded some 2000 years ago, and Old-Iberians, Romans, Goths and Arabians equally left their heritage. Many of Zaragoza's important buildings are testament to the Spanish Baroque period.
Zaragoza, Alto Aragon - Sightseeing:
The 11th century Aljaferia Moorish Palace (which is now the base of the Aragonese regional government) was once home to the Catholic monarchs Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. It is one of the most fabulous examples of Moorish architecture in Spain after Granada's famous Alhambra Palace.
The Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar church is one of the most visited places of pilgrimage in all of Spain. It was consecrated to the Holy Virgin of Pilar, the patroness not only of this town but of all Spanish-speaking countries, so the annual festivities to celebrate the Day of Pilar, on October 12th, are of great importance.
The baroque building of 1681 is flanked by four towers. Some parts, such as the neo-classical main-facade, were added in later periods. Inside, wall-paintings in the cupola and the works of Goya and Bayeau are of particular interest. In the church's museum you can see a large collection mainly of religious arts.
The gothic Catedral de la Seo (which incorporates later neo-classical, baroque and plateresque architectural styles) was originally built in the 14th century on the site of an older Romanesque temple. Inside it consists of five naves with lateral chapels, a main-altar with splendid reliefs and a remarkable Mudejar-style apse. Among the lateral chapels (which are of significant artistic value) the 14th Century Capilla de Don Lope de Luna is an outstanding example.
La Lonja, the old stock exchange building, is a great Renaissance monument dating from 1541. Today it is used frequently to house exhibitions.
The splendid 11th century king's palace - Palacio de la Aljaferia - is one of a few remaining Moorish buildings from the Taifas dynasty. The mosque with its minaret and the original fortified Torre del Trovador still remain. Some other parts adorned with rich Mudejar-style ornaments were added during the Christian epoch. The Throne Hall in particular is a remarkable sight.
La Audiencia, in the street Conde de Aranda, was built in 1551 and served as residence to the Counts of Morata. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful palaces in Aragon. Palacio de Argillo, at Plaza de San Felipe, dates from the 17th century and has elements of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Inside you can visit the museum of Pablo Gargallo.
The Palace of the Counts of Sastago is well worth a visite specially to see its beautiful renaissance courtyard. It is frequently used to house exhibitions. The Patio de la Infanta has a great Renaissance courtyard too. Torreon de Zuda, the Tower of Zuda, is the only remaining section of a 10th century Moorish palace.
The Roman town walls from the 3rd century, are a landmark of Zaragoza. Mercado de Lanuza - the Central Market - is an outstanding example of modernist architecture. Its metal-construction was influenced by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The building is located at Plaza de Lanuza and is also known as Mercado de Lanuza.
The Museo Provincial, at Plaza Sitios, 6, was built in 1909 to house a Spanish-French exhibition. Most interesting are some pre-historic artefacts and great paintings including those of Goya.
Museum Camon Aznar, in Espoz y Mina, 23, is located in a great Renaissance building, Palacio de los Pardo, and houses a valuable private collection of paintings, sculptures and ceramics.
Museum Pablo Gargallo, in Palacio de Argillo, has an important collection of contemporary sculptures. Seo del Salvador, at Plaza de la Seo, was originally a Moorish mosque and later transformed into a Christian church. It was modified several times and so consists of elements of Romanesque, Gothic, Plateresque and Mudejar styles.
The Church of Santa Engracia has an extraordinarily beautiful plateresque facade. In its crypt there are preserved relics of martys. Close by is the town-gate Puerta del Carmen, built 1789 in a neo-classical style.
The church Iglesia de San Pablo dates from the 18th century, however its Mudejar-style tower is 14th century. The monastery of enclosure Cartuja del Aula Dei, in Barrio de la Montana, may be visited only by men. Inside they can enjoy of a collection of Goya's great frescos.
