Zaragoza, spain
Attractions Guide

Zaragoza is an Aragonese city in Northern Spain, located about halfway between Madrid and Barcelona. This beautiful city features many stunning Muedjar (Moorish-Gothic) syle structures, as well as ancient Roman ruins. Several of the city's top attractions are UNESCO world heritage sites.

Most of Zaragoza's main attractions sit within its Casco Antiguo historic center, which was surrounded by ancient Roman walls. A small portion of these walls, known as the Murallas Romanas still stand on the western side of the old town.

Within Zaragoza's historic center is the city's largest public square, the massive Plaza del Pilar. On the western end of the plaza you can admire the striking Fuente de la Hispanidad fountain.

Towering above the plaza is the magnificent Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar, a vast basilica with four giant towers built alongside the river. The basilica is the centerpiece of the city's skyline and beautifully combines a baroque style with regional Muedjar architecture. The church's opulent interior also contains frescoes by the famous artist Francisco Goya. 

You can go to the grand basilica's northwestern tower and take the elevator leading to an observation deck. From the top of the tower you can enjoy incredible panoramic views over the city and river.

On the eastern end of the plaza is the highly ornate 14th century Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza. Be sure to see the different sides of this cathedral, as its facades show many different styles.

Just north of the Plaza del Pilar is the medieval Stone Bridge, a long bridge spanning the Erbo River which flows through the city.

From the Balcon de San Lazaro balcony on the other side of the bridge you can enjoy picturesque views of the bridge, framed in front of the Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar. Be sure to enjoy this view at night as well when the bridge and basilica light up. 

Zaragoza's most popular sight it the 11th century Aljaferia Palace, which sits to the northwest of the city center. This fortified palace showcases brilliant medieval Islamic architecture, with highly detailed elements throughout its interior. The palace was later the seat of Catholic monarchs, whose influence can be seen in later rooms within the palace complex.

On the Plaza del Pilar you'll find the Caesaraugusta Forum Museum, a contemporary structure containing the ruins of an ancient Roman forum. The museum also contains artifacts from the site and related exhibits.

To the south of the Plaza del Pilar is the Goya Museum, which features many of the famous artists' works, as well as the works of similar artists. Nearby is the Museum of the Theatre of Caesaraugusta, a museum which houses the remains of an ancient Roman theater. A bit further south is the Zaragoza Museum, which houses a diverse range of exhibits in fine art, archaeology, and more.