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Zaragoza's
origins date back to the Iberian settlement of Salduba,
but it is to the Roman Caesar Augustus, and Islamic
Sarakosta, that it owes both its name and the still
easily recognizable rectangular perimeter of its old
town. The capital of Aragon, has all the attractions of
a modern, populous city with excellent avenues, such as
that of La Independencia, Sagasta, Gran Via... and
squares, such as that of Basilio Paraiso, Los Sitios.
Zaragoza has always benefited from its strategic
location, a crossroads which traverses Madrid,
Barcelona, Bilbao and Valencia. The result is a dynamic
and modern town, continuously growing, yet with still
mostly walkable distances, with a legacy of splendid
buildings and monuments inherited from all the cultures
that have contributed to its development. Its Historic
centre, is one of greatest interest for visitors
since most of the important ancient monuments and
buildings are found here.
Places of Interes to Visit:
Basilica del Pilar: One of Spain’s greatest and most
revered religious building. It takes its name from a
pillar- the centrepiece of the church- on which the
Virgin is said to have descended from heaven.
La Seo Cathedral: recently reopened after
extensive restoration work, stands at the far end of the
Plaza del Pilar. Inside, the superb retable mayor
contains some recognizably Teutonic figures executed by
the German Renaissance sculptor, Hans of Swabia. The now
gleaming exterior is essentially Gothic-Mudejar, with
minor Baroque and Plareresque additions.
The Alfajeria: a beautiful Moorish Palace
built in the mid-eleventh century for the Beni
Kasim dynasty. Still showing the original design is a
tiny and beautiful mosque, adjacent to the entrance.
Further on is an original and intricately decorated
court, the Patio de Santa Isabella. |
