Zaragoza

Zaragoza is one of Spain’s most fascinating cities, sitting proudly on the banks of the wide Ebro River right at the heart of the country. It has been an important place for thousands of years — the ancient Romans built a major city here, and you can actually walk through its underground ruins today, stepping on the same stones where Roman citizens went about their lives two millennia ago.

What makes Zaragoza truly special is how many different cultures have left their mark on it. A stunning palace built by Islamic rulers in the eleventh century later became home to Spanish kings, and a grand cathedral that blends three completely different architectural styles tells the story of centuries of change in a single building. Watching over it all is the magnificent Basílica del Pilar, its colourful tiled domes gleaming beside the river. According to a remarkable legend, it is the oldest church in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Zaragoza feels like a living history book — ancient, layered, and endlessly surprising.

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Quick fact

Zaragoza sits at the crossroads of Spain along the Ebro River and was an important Roman city called Caesaraugusta, from which its modern name is derived.

Fun fact

Zaragoza's Basílica del Pilar is said to be the first church in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and legend says she appeared there on a pillar of jasper in the year 40 AD while she was still alive!

Landmarks

Basílica del Pilar

This magnificent baroque basilica with its colourful tiled domes sits right on the bank of the Ebro River and is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the whole of Spain.

Aljafería Palace

Built by Islamic rulers in the 11th century, this beautifully decorated fortress-palace later became a residence for the kings of Aragon and is a stunning example of different cultures sharing one building.

The Stone Bridge (Puente de Piedra)

Zaragoza's oldest bridge stretches gracefully across the wide Ebro River and is guarded at each end by stone lion sculptures that have watched over the city for centuries.

Museo del Foro de Caesaraugusta

Hidden beneath the modern city, this underground museum lets you walk through the actual ruins of the ancient Roman forum where citizens gathered 2,000 years ago.

La Seo Cathedral

This grand cathedral was built on top of an old mosque and blends Gothic, Mudéjar, and baroque styles together — it is like a history lesson in architecture all in one building.