Ranked the 5th 24-hour city in a recent study by Badoo, Zaragoza is a warm, stunning city located midway between Madrid and Barcelona, which, though still uncovered by mass tourism, might be the hidden gem of Spain, with more Spanish feel to it than the more popular cities and coastal resorts.
Backed up by a long history of almost two millennia, Zaragoza is a city that looks to the future. And with fascinating art and architecture, outstanding museums, unique churches and palaces, picturesque villages, a wealth of shops and pleasant corners, plenty of streets full of bars, pubs and clubs for all tastes and wallet, and a calendar full of cultural and musical events, it’s quite clear why more and more people flock to this lively getaway year after year to enjoy great Spanish vacations.
Whether it’s your first visit to Zaragoza or not, you will always find new attractions and activities to be busy with. Here are some of them that are always worth visiting or taking part in.
Historic Center
A must see attraction that has always been in the center of attention of most visitors to Zaragoza, the historic center is packed with historical information, presenting the evolution of the city thematically, at the same time bearing very much in mind the city’s future perspectives.
One of the highlights of the historic center is Aljaferia Palace, a majestic Moorish castle surrounded by a moat and gardens, which is considered the most prominent symbol of Zaragoza, dating back to the 11th century. And though the palace is not as ornate as others like it in Granada or Seville, the palace still never fails to entice. Another highlight of the historic center is its wealth of bars and restaurants, where you can sample tapas and drinks and have a wonderful time in a lively atmosphere.
Take Part in Las Fiestas del Pilar
Each year by the 12th of October Zaragoza becomes the center of the national and international attention. This is because the city proudly celebrates a beautiful event, called Las Fiestas del Pilar, during which it multiplies by three its population, hosting over five hundred cultural and lucid acts for young and old, with activities for everyone. Performances, concerts, shows for children and adults, bull fighting, craftwork exhibitions, as well as such traditional events as the Flowers and Fruits Offering, and Crystal Rosary and many other events are held in Zaragoza, turning it into a colorful and diverse space for fiesta.
La Pilar Cathedral Zaragoza
Zaragoza is an important pilgrimage destination for religious pilgrims who have journeyed here for centuries to worship at the Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar. The pride of the city, the Pilar cathedral, is a jewel of Baroque art built between the 17th and 18th centuries. Besides being a beautiful architectural wonder with great exterior and interior, the cathedral is also a first-rate art center, housing a collection of valuable objects from different periods. Inside the church, the walls and ceilings are full of frescos from famous Spanish painters. Inside, visitors will find the exclusive Santa Capilla, work of Ventura Rodriguez, where and image of the Virgen del Pilar is found.
Zaragoza Amusement Park
If you are planning a family vacations to Zaragoza, make sure to take your kids to Zaragoza Amusement Park found within a very short distance from the city center. There are typical fairground rides, swimming pools and playgrounds for children, as well as a number of cafes and restaurants, serving mouth-watering Zaragozan dishes.
Staying at one of many hotels in Zaragoza can give you a more intimate experience of the country.