What to see in Zaragoza: Top 5 places not to be missed

What if we told you there was a city where you could have breakfast next to a Roman forum, eat in a dreamy Arab palace and watch the sunset next to a church as big as an ocean liner? Such a city exists and it's called Zaragoza.

Welcome to the city of the «four souls», a place where the legacy of Caesars and Emirs coexists with the memory of the heroic resistance against Napoleon. Here, a wind with a name of its own, the Cierzo, accompanies you as you walk through its streets, combing the rooftops and whispering stories of kings, artists and stubborn heroes.

Forget about impersonal routes, because you are about to discover the secrets of Zaragoza as a «maño» would: with proximity, with sparkle and getting to the point of what really matters.

We begin this journey through the five jewels that make this city an unforgettable place.

The Basilica del Pilar, the soul of the city

Like an immense ship anchored on the banks of the Ebro, the Basilica del Pilar is the image that defines Zaragoza. Its colossal scale, with its coloured domes and four towers, dominates the skyline. But its true magic lies in its interior.

Come to the Holy Chapel to contemplate the small carving of the Virgin on the jasper column, the pillar where, according to tradition, it all began. Then he looks up and searches for the mark of a genius, Francisco de Goya, in the vibrant frescoes that he painted on the vaults, such as the spectacular Regina Martyrum. And don't leave without discovering the two bombs that fell on the temple during the Civil War and never exploded, silent witnesses to the faith that protects this place.

The Pottery Palace, a journey to the Thousand and One Nights

Get ready to discover Zaragoza's most dazzling jewel. The Palacio de la Aljafería is a «palace of joy», conceived in the 11th century by Muslim kings to be a paradise on earth.

Step into the magical Courtyard of Santa Isabel, where the murmur of water accompanies the contemplation of its delicate poly-lobed arches and its plasterwork, which resembles lace carved into the wall. Then discover the sumptuous palace that the Catholic Monarchs built on top of the Muslim rooms and marvel at the spectacular gilded wooden ceiling of the Throne Room.

Today, this living palace houses the Cortes de Aragón, a place where the past and the present dialogue every day.

La Seo del Salvador, the historical soul of Zaragoza 

Next to the bustling Pilar Square is the city's other great cathedral, La Seo. If El Pilar is baroque devotion, La Seo is the historical soul, a fascinating journey through time. Built on the site of the ancient Roman forum and the Muslim mosque, its exterior is a puzzle of styles. Stop to admire the wall of the Parish, The church, a masterpiece of Aragonese Mudejar art, has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its interior houses treasures such as the Gothic High Altarpiece, The museum is also home to one of the most important collections of Flemish tapestries in the world.

Plaza del Pilar, the great hall of the city 

You are stepping on the Plaza del Pilar, the beating heart of Zaragoza, an immense stone canvas known as «the living room of the city». It is the largest pedestrian square in Europe and the only one in Spain to house two cathedrals. Head towards the Fuente de la Hispanidad, a brilliant allegory of the discovery of America where the pond draws the map of Central and South America. Nearby, the bronze figure of Goya watches you, meditating on art and reason in the city where he was born as an artist.

El Tubo, the labyrinth of flavours

The best way to end a day of exploration is to immerse yourself in the gastronomic soul of Zaragoza. The Tube is a labyrinth of narrow streets where the rule is simple: go from bar to bar tasting each one's speciality. Every bite is a new experience and every bar a new discovery. It is the perfect place to feel the social pulse of the city and recharge your batteries.

Zaragoza is a city to walk around, to be surprised by the history that awaits around every corner and to enjoy it without haste. It is a destination that will win you over with its nobility and unique character. To discover all its secrets and corners, the most complete guide awaits you at Aumentur, where you can explore the city at your own pace, with the most interesting information so you won't miss a thing.

Here you can download the Guide to what to see in two days in Zaragoza.

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