Zaragoza Things to Do

The most dominating features of the city include the stone bridge (Puente de Piedra), the original was of Roman construction, although re-built several times, it stands proudly over the River Ebro at it's widest point. Today's bridge was last built in 1813 and features Italian, Basque and French architectural features

The rests of the Roman fortifications, of 3rd century, are a landmark of Zaragoza. Very well conserved parts you can find close to the Tower of Zuda and to the church Iglesia de la Magdalena, alongside Ebro river.

The mosque with its minaret and the Torre del Trovador, a fortificated tower, are left of the original construction. Some other parts with rich Mudejar-style ornaments were added in the Christian epoch. The Throne Hall in particular is remarkable

This church is one of the most visited places of pilgrimage in all Spain, consecrated to the "Holy Virgin of Pilar", patroness not only of this town but of all Spanish-speaking countries. So the annual celebrations to the "Day of Pilar", at October 12th, are of great importance.
The baroque building of 1681 is flanked by four towers. Some parts, as the neoclassical main-facade, were added in later periods. In its interior the wall-paintings in the cupola, works of Goya and Bayeau, are of particular interest. In the churche's museum you can see a large collection mainly of religious arts.

This is the one and only (litterally) thing to do in Zaragoza.

We spend three whole days in Zaragoza because we had to pay in advance at a hostal beacuse it was Virgen del Pilar (most important festival in Zaragoza). We eventually didn't know what to do, so we just sat down in the sun, drank wine and ate lots of tapas and that was great too in the end ;-))

The Roman city Caesaraugusta (today's Zaragaza) was strongly walled. The walled perimeter exceeded 3000 meters and it was reinforced in the 3rd century during the Barbican invasions. All parts of Roman Walls that are visible today are preciselly from that time.

The Basilica of the Pilar has different construction and ornamental styles. It was raised on an original Mozarabic church and was converted into the Romanesque temple, of which only a little part remains.
The Cathedral can be seen from almost any place in the city and it looks just amazing when you enter Zaragoza, especially from east when you're crossing the river.

This center of the old town (the Casco Viejo) is beautiful and contains a Basilica dedicated to the Virgin of Pilar. The story goes that Mary once appeared to the people of Zaragoza on top of a pillar of gold. After she disappeared, the pillar remained, and the Basilica was built around it. You can touch or kiss (it's custom) the pillar when you visit the Basilica.