Zaragoza (Saragossa)

General information

It is the capital of Aragon and the city of the Valley of the Ebro. The climate is Mediterranean and the population is over 702.000 inhabitants.

History

It was created by the Romans in 24 before JC. It was a fortified city as a defensive territory for the Visigoths. The Muslims arrived in 714 and just after the independence, the city became the capital of the kingdom of Taifas in 1017. The king Alfonso I of Aragon conquest the city in 1118 and got new privileges for its population. During the French invasion, Placa de Saragossa was besieged, these events are knows as Sitios de Saragossa. Fernando VII abdicated and a revolution began until the Aljaferia Castle siege. When the French army tried again to invade the city, it had to face a strong resistance. The city is almost destroyed.

 

Monuments of Zaragoza

Arco de Dean: It is a typical example of the Aragon gothic architecture. It serves to connect the old part of the city to the cathedral.

Puerta del Carmen: It was built in 1789, neoclassic style, it was one of the front door in the city. Today, it is still a memory of the Sitios de Saragossa (French army invasion).

Provincial Museum: Built in 1909, it shelters prehistoric and archeologic ruins. You can also discover paintings of Goya. .

Camon Aznar Museum:  ; It is in the Pardos Palace. There is a private collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings and ceramics.

Nuestra Señora del Pilar Basilic: It is one of the most famous sanctuaries in the world. Pilar Virgen is the St Patron of the city and of all Hispanic countries. The actual temple is a baroque monument built in 1681. Inside, you can discover the wall paintings of the cupola, work of Goya and Bayeau.

Seo Cathedral: It is a gothic temple decorated in a baroque style. You should observe the front wall, the lateral chapels, the Tapestry Museum.

Aljafería Palace: It is one of the most important monument in Europe. It used to be the Muslim monarchs residence of Saragossa. Muslim and Christian styles are mixed.

The Roman Walls: It is one of the most typical element of the historic wealth of the city. They are cylinder-shaped cubes on stone pillars.

Fiestas del Pilar: They are the most famous festivities of the city. These are the most famous festivities of the city. Since it coincided in 1492 with the discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus, that day is also celebrated as Hispanic Heritage Day by Spanish-speaking people worldwide. Some of the most important features are the Ofrenda de Flores (Flower offering) to the virgin on the 12th, when an enormous cloak is made of the flowers.

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