Saragossa
Although Saragossa is one of Spain’s largest cities, it is still ignored by many travellers and is often considered rather inconsiderable. In our opinion, this is unfair, as the city has a lot to offer.
First and foremost is the Basílica del Pilar, which, with its towers and colourful domes, is one of the most impressive cathedrals we have seen in Spain. It forms the centrepiece of a charming old town where there is plenty to discover.
A lovely contrast to the hustle and bustle of the old town is the Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta. Here, you can enjoy a wonderful stroll surrounded by numerous fountains and statues.
In the evening, Saragossa delighted us with its culinary diversity. Especially in El Tubo, where countless small tapas bars line the narrow streets side by side. But even away from the old town, you’ll find plenty of great and varied restaurants.
The ideal time to visit Saragossa is October, when the famous Fiestas del Pilar transform the entire city into a lively festival setting and create a very special atmosphere with numerous events, music and traditions.
Our highlights in Saragossa
Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar forms the heart of Saragossa’s old town and made a lasting impression on us from the very first glance. With its towers and colourful domes, it is the city’s landmark. But the basilica is not just a highlight from the outside. Inside, too, visitors are greeted by impressive décor. Of particular significance is the eponymous statue of the Virgen del Pilar, one of the most important Marian figures in Spain and a key place of pilgrimage for many believers.
The entry to the basilica is free. Those who wish can purchase an additional ticket to take the lift up one of the towers. From up there, you have a wonderful view over Saragossa.
We prefer to approach the Basilica from Calle de Alfonso I. Even on the way there, the view of the imposing facade opens up. But the cathedral also shows itself at its best from the river side, for example from the Puente de Piedra. Especially in the evening, when it is illuminated and reflected in the waters of the Ebro, it creates a truly special sight.
Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta
For us, the Parque Grande is Zaragoza’s green oasis. At any time of day, you’ll find people here enjoying the sun, going for a jog or simply taking a leisurely stroll through the extensive grounds.
As you stroll through the park, you’ll keep discovering new fountains and sculptures. The Monumento al rey Alfonso I el Batallador, situated on a hilltop, is particularly striking. From up there, you have a fantastic view over the city.
The park reveals its very special charm in the evening: when the fountains are illuminated in different colours, it creates a magical atmosphere.
Aljafería
The Aljafería is one of Saragossa’s most significant buildings and a fascinating testament of the city’s Moorish past. Built in the Mudejar style, the palace is considered the nothernmost of its kind and impresses with its extraordinary architecture and history.
A tour of the Aljafería takes you deep into Saragossa’s eventful history. It vividly illustrates the influence of Islamic architecture on Spain. At the same time, you can also discover later extensions dating from the Chistian period.
Today, the Aljafería fulfils not only a historical but also a political function. It is the seat of the Cortes de Aragón, the parliament of the autonomous region of Aragón.
Roman Museums
Anyone wishing to delve deeper into the history of Saragossa should definitely visit the four Museos de la Ruta de Caesaraugusta. They take visitors on a journey into the city’s Roman past, when it played a significant role in the Roman Empire under the name Caesaraugusta.
Each of the four museums is dedicated to a different part of the ancient city: the thermal baths, the forum, the harbour and the theatre. Here, you gain fascinating insights into the everyday life of the Romans and can view impressive excavations right where they were originally found. This brings the history of the former Roman city vividly to life.
As all four museums are located in the historic centre, they can easily be visited on foot. It is particularly handy that a combined ticket grants entry to all four museums.
La Seo
As well as the Basílica del Pilar, Saragossa is home to a second impressive cathedral, La Seo, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the Basílica del Pilar.
Particularly worth seeing at La Seo is the significant collection of historical tapestries, which ranks among the most important of its kind. The intricately crafted tapestries depict biblical and historical stories.
Acuario de Zaragoza
The Zaragoza Aquarium is the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe and is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the fascinating wildlife of rivers.
The aquarium takes its visitors on a journey around the globe. The various themed areas showcase major river systems from each continent, including the Amazon, the Nile and the Mekong. Along the way, you’ll encounter an impressive variety of fish, reptiles and other aquatic creatures.
We found the aquarium’s breeding centre particularly interesting. Here, endangered species from the local River Ebro are bred in captivity. In this way, the aquarium makes an important contribution to the conservation of regional biodiversity.