Halfway between Madrid and Barcelona, Zaragoza is a city that surprises travelers who dare to stray from the beaten path. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon, bathed by the Ebro River and crowned by the majestic Basilica del Pilar, this city combines history, art, gastronomy, and hospitality with a authenticity that captivates those who visit.
For tourists arriving in Spain from Latin America, Zaragoza is the perfect getaway from Madrid: close, accessible, and with a personality as rich as it is unknown.
A city with more than two thousand years of history
Founded by the Romans as Caesaraugusta, Zaragoza has been a meeting point for civilizations: Roman, Muslim, Jewish, and Christian. This heritage is felt in every street and stone of the old town. The journey can begin at the Plaza del Pilar, one of the most beautiful urban spaces in Spain. Here stands the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a symbol of the city and one of the most visited Marian sanctuaries in the Spanish-speaking world. Its towers dominate the skyline, and from the tallest one, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Ebro River and the rooftops of Aragon.
Inside, the frescoes by Goya —the most renowned Aragonese painter— amaze with their strength and color. Very close by is the Catedral de la Seo, a gem of Mudéjar art (designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site), where mosaics and ceramics showcase the unique fusion of cultures that characterizes Aragon.
From Goya’s art to modern Zaragoza
Zaragoza is also the birthplace of Francisco de Goya, and visiting the Museo Goya allows one to discover the evolution of his genius: from his early portraits to works that foreshadow modern art.
Contemporary art has its place in the IAACC Pablo Serrano, a museum dedicated to one of Spain’s great sculptors of the 20th century. Its terrace offers one of the most beautiful views of the Zaragoza skyline.
For those who prefer the outdoors, crossing the Puente de Piedra over the Ebro leads to the Parque del Agua, a legacy of the International Exhibition of 2008. This natural space features lakes, paths, and green areas perfect for walking, cycling, or practicing water sports in the summer.
A stroll through the old town
The historical center is a friendly maze where one can get lost without a map. The terraces on Calle Alfonso I lead directly to the Pilar, and around the Plaza de San Felipe concentration galleries, designer shops, and small artisan workshops abound.
In the Tubo, the quintessential tapas district, the aromas of croquettes, Iberian ham, and Somontano wine blend together. Here, the liveliest spirit of the city thrives: high tables, spontaneous conversation, and that atmosphere that only exists where people enjoy life.
At night, the illumination of the Pilar reflected on the river turns the riverside walk into a postcard scene.
Roman and Muslim Zaragoza
Few know that Zaragoza preserves one of the best-documented Roman forums in Spain. The Museum of the Foro de Caesaraugusta, beneath the Plaza del Pilar, allows visitors to explore the remains of temples, baths, and theaters dating back to the 1st century B.C.
It is also worth visiting the Palace of the Aljafería, an authentic Arab palace from the 11th century that served as the residence of the taifa kings. Its plasterwork arches and interior gardens evoke Andalusian elegance. Today, it houses the Cortes of Aragon, but it remains one of the most significant Islamic monuments outside of Andalusia.
Culinary delights with an Aragonese soul
The cuisine of Zaragoza combines tradition and authenticity. Ternasco de Aragón, products from the Ebro’s orchards, artisan cheeses, and wines from Campo de Borja are essential parts of its identity. For a complete experience, the restaurants in the old town and the bars in the Tubo offer tasting menus and tapas ranging from the classic to the creative. If you visit the city in autumn, don’t miss the Pilar Festival, a celebration filled with music, flowers, and folk traditions.
Why it’s worth a visit
Zaragoza is not a city to be rushed through. Its charm lies in the details: a Mudéjar brick façade at sunset, the reflection on the Ebro, the aroma of coffee in a quiet square, the sound of the Pilar bells mingling with the murmur of the wind.
It is a place where visitors feel welcomed, where the past is embraced with pride, and where history interacts with modernity without artifice.
Just an hour and a half from Madrid by train, Zaragoza offers travelers an authentic Spain, less touristy and more real. It is the kind of city that is not forgotten because it is not just traversed: it is lived.
What not to miss
- Basilica del Pilar and the panoramic view from its tower.
- Catedral de la Seo and Mudéjar art.
- Museo Goya and the works of the Aragonese master.
- Palacio de la Aljafería, an Islamic jewel from the 11th century.
- El Tubo, for tapas among laughter and wine.
- Promenade along the Ebro and Puente de Piedra, especially at sunset.
- Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta and archaeological remains of the imperial past.
- Parque del Agua and the banks of the Ebro, for resting in nature.
