Category Archives: Streets and monuments

Parque Güell / The Güell Park (Barcelona)

guell park
The spellbinding Güell Park (Parque Güell) was designed, planned and built by the architect Antoni Gaudí Cornet (1852-1926), being constructed between 1900 and 1914. It is one of the most emblematic site of Barcelona. Its construction was ordered by the wealthy Eusebi Güell Bacigalupi, Earl of Güell (1852-1918), who died in his house of this park. The stunning park is located in a strategic place of  Barcelona – the Condal City, having a breathtaking views of Barcelona and its surroundings.

People who visit the beautiful Güell Park can enjoy strolling in its area, sitting down on its decorated benches or admiring its fantastic architecture and the perfection the artwork. Therefore, if visitors touch its scultures, they will realize the experience of feeling the shapes and the colorful of its artwork, such as the dragon, the 86 colums, the benches, the stairway, so on.

On the other hand, City Hall bought this park in 1922 to become a lively public park. Occupying more than 15 hectares the park has several buildings, a lot of plants and trees (palms, oaks, pines), by the way, the house in the park in which Gaudí lived from 1906 until 1925 is now a museum of furniture designed by Gaudí called Gaudí House Museum.

To sum up, The Güell Park is certainly worth a visit although it takes several hours to see the whole park. In fact, it is said that more than 3,000,000 people a year visit the park. To add, UNESCO declared the Güell Park a World Heritage Site in 1984.

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes. It is near city center. It takes 50 minutes on foot, 30 minutes by bus and 15 minutes in car or taxi to arrive at the park.

More monuments designed by Antoni Gaudí

Church of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia): It is a must for tourists that arrive in the Condal City see its outstanding architecture, design and sculptures.

Casa Mila: Popularly known as La Pedrera, Casa Mila is a unique modernist building located at Paseo de Gracia. The building was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí and built between 1906 and 1912.

 

More popular places to visit in Barcelona

Las Ramblas Avenue: Las Ramblas goes from Catalonia Square to the seaport, and it has a lot of cafes, terraces, pubs and discotheques. In the end of the street, there is the Cristobal Colon statue, one of the icons of Barcelona.

Columbus Monument (Monumento a Colón): One of the most famous statues of Barcelona city. It was built in 1888 for a Universal Exposition and it represents a statue of Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colon) above a pillar, pointing with his right hand to the sea.

La Barceloneta beach: In summer, you can sunbathe or swim in the beach of La Barceloneta, which is 5 minutes walking from Las Ramblas – Columbus Statue.

Paseo Independencia / Independence Avenue (Zaragoza)

paseo de la independencia

Indepedence Avenue, or as the locals call it Paseo Independencia, is the main street of Zaragoza. Beginning at the end of Gran Via Avenue, the avenue runs from Plaza Paraiso all the way to Plaza Aragón and Plaza España.

Halfway down the avenue, in Plaza Aragon, stands the statue of Juan de Lanuza, a famous magistrate who brought justice to the people of Zaragoza and was murdered by the government (under Felipe II) in 1591.

Construction of the avenue began in the 19th century and has been periodically updated. Most recently, the city added two tram stops to the avenue making it more convenient for tourists to enjoy the nearby museums and monuments.

 

Plaza Paraiso (Paraninfo)

plaza paraiso

 

Plaza Aragón

plaza aragon

 

Plaza España

plaza españa

 

What to do in Paseo Independencia (Zaragoza)

– To walk from Plaza Paraiso (popularly known as Paraninfo), to Plaza Aragón and Plaza España.
– To take a coffee in the terraces.
– To shop in the city centre.
– To visit other museums and monuments near there.

 

 

More places to visit in Zaragoza (Spain)

El Pilar (Pilar Square and The Pilar Cathedral): This cathedral is placed in the centre of the city, near the Ebro river and in the same square than “La Seo” Cathedral. The current cathedral was built in the XVII century, based in earlier constructions.

The Expo 2008 Zone Currently, the Expo Zone is open to all the visitors who want to see the area and enjoy its activities. Don’t miss it if you are visiting Zaragoza!

La Aljafería (The Aljafería Palace): A must for all tourists that arrive in Saragossa is to visit the stunning Aljaferia Palace, which is really the most visited historic site in Saragossa. This medieval islamic palace was built by muslims on the banks of the river Ebro in the 11th century.

Parque Grande: It has more than 15 fountains, a botanic garden, balconies, many terraces, paths and statues, a swimming pool and many more activities to do.

More popular places in Zaragoza

Read also  The best cities and destinations of Spain

 

Basilica del Pilar / Pilar Cathedral (Zaragoza)

el pilar zaragoza

The Pilar Cathedral (also called Basilica del Pilar) is the most famous icon of Saragossa (Zaragoza).

This church is placed in the centre of the city at Pilar Square (Plaza del Pilar), near the Ebro river and in the same square than “La Seo” Cathedral. The current Pilar cathedral was built in the XVII century, based in earlier constructions.

Inside the temple, there is a statue of the Virgin Mary, called “Virgen del Pilar”. This religious image is so famous that during the celebrations of the city the tradition establish that people can give flowers to the virgin, in a ceremony in which participates a huge amount of citizens of Zaragoza and Aragón.

The Pilar Basilica-Cathedral in Zaragoza

basilica del pilarThe Our Lady of the Pilar Basilica-Cathedral in Zaragoza popularly known as “The Pilar” (The Pillar) is the main attraction in Zaragoza city, it is not only a meeting point with the tourists and citizens because its beautiful building and its artworks but also its absolute devotion to the Virgin of the Pilar, so called because the image of the Virgin is on a pillar (columna).

The Baroque Basilica Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pilar has three 3 naves and is the second Cathedral in Zaragoza, (the first is the Gothic The Salvador Cathedral, also known as “La Seo” of five naves) both of them are situated in the Cathedrals square by the Ebro river, in the heart of Zaragoza city, so the Ebro City as is also known Zaragoza is the unique city in the world that has two cathedrals since 1675.

pilar cathedral insideThe current Baroque Basilica Cathedral building was begun its construction in 1680 on the site of the first chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is said that there had already been a Visigoth chapel in this place before constructing the Romanesque church when Alfonso I of Aragon known as the Batallador (1073-1134) reconquered Zaragoza on the 18th December 1118. Unfortunately, in 1434 the Romanesque temple was completely burnt down, and a beautiful Mudéjar Church was built on its ruins. Although this fine Mudéjar church was finished its construction in 1515 while Alonso of Aragon ( 1470-1520 son of the king Fernando II of Aragon 1452-1516) was the Archbishop of Zaragoza and it had important masterpieces, the Múdejar church was demolished to build a bigger one, it was the current Baroque Basilica Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pilar “ The Pilar”

techo el pilarThe Pilar of Zaragoza was finished its construction in 1872 except three of its four Baroque towers which were finished in 1907, 1959 and 1961 and each of them has a height of 92 metres. Measuring 130 metres in length and 76 metres in width, the building has a lot of masterpieces, some of them such as the impressive altarpiece in the main nave was sculpted in alabaster between 1509 and 1518 by Damián Forment; the remarkable choir-stalls of 124 seats in fine plateresque style dates about 1547, theses two masterpieces belonged to the previous Mudéjar church. Moreover, interesting paintings by Francisco de Goya y Lucientes (1746-1828), Francisco Bayeu Subías (1734-1795) and his brother Ramón Bayeu Subías (1746-1793), Antonio Gonzalez Velazquez (1723- 1794) among others can be seen inside. Obviously, the Pilar can not be missed during a visit to Zaragoza.

Inside the Basilica- Cathedal is the outstanding Holy Chapel where is venerated the Virgin of Pilar on the Sacred Columna by devout people, citizens and tourist. The Holy Chapel was designed and built masterfully by the architect Ventura Rodriguez ( 1717-1785) who managed not to change of place the Saint Column which had remained in the same place since the first temple built. By te way, under the Holy Chapel is the crypt where are the tombs of Saint Braulio (5th and 6th century), José Rebolledo de Palafox y Melci, known as the General Palafox (1776-1847 ) and other illustrious people. Tourists interested in visiting the crypt is open only on 2nd November every year.

pilar cathedral inside2The Virgin of the Pilar is a wood carving of 36 cm. in height, being dated in the 15th century, therefore this Gothic sculpture is other masterpiece of the previous church like the Sacred Column which is of jasper and measures 170 cm. in height and 24 cm. in diameter. Around of the column the Virgin wears a different cape each day, although it is said that the Virgin has more capes than days has a years, in fact, it must be more than 400 different capes, many crowns and other many things, all of them have been donated by people from all over of the world and the offerings can be seen in the Pilarista museum. By the way, the Virgin does no wear capes the days on 2nd, 12th and 20th every month.

pilar cathedral inside3In conclusion, The Pilar is more than a cathedral, a temple or a basilica, it is a place of pilgrimage and of devotion to the Virgin. Do not leave the Basilica of the Pilar without passing by behind of the Holy Chaple, you will be able to touch the Sacred Columna. However, children can really touch the cape o the Column opposite the Virgin.

The Pilar Cathedral is open every day, and of course it is free to visit it and touch the Column.

 

pilar rio ebro

 

 

Pilar Square and surroundings: the Old Town of Zaragoza

plaza del pilarHere you have some ideas about what to do in Pilar Square (Plaza del Pilar):

– To visit Pilar Basilic and La Seo Cathedral.
– To see the fountains of the square.
– To see the City Hall building and La Lonja, at the right of Pilar Basilic.
– To visit the museums around this place.
– To visit the Roman Wall (Murallas Romanas).
– To see the Ebro River and its bridges, behind Pilar Cathedral.
– To eat and drink in the Casco Viejo area and La Magdalena neighborhood.
– To take the Touristic Bus.

 

More places to visit in Zaragoza (Spain)

Pilar Square: Located in the very heart of Saragossa city and near the Ebro River, the spectacular Pilar Square is a site of significant historic heritage that is enjoyable and accessible by citizens and visitors.

La Aljafería (The Aljafería Palace): A must for all tourists that arrive in Saragossa is to visit the stunning Aljaferia Palace, which is really the most visited historic site in Saragossa. This medieval Islamic palace was built by Muslims on the banks of the river Ebro in the 11th century.

The Expo 2008 Zone In summer 2008, Saragossa received the international exposition Expo Zaragoza 2008, which was placed aside the shore of the Ebro River. Currently, the Expo Zone is open to all the visitors who want to see the area and enjoy its activities.

Parque Grande: It has more than 15 fountains, a botanic garden, balconies, many terraces, paths and statues, a swimming pool and many more activities to do.

Paseo Independencia (Independence Avenue): The main street of Zaragoza. Beginning at the end of Gran Via, the avenue runs from Plaza Paraiso all the way to Plaza España.

La Seo Cathedral: Salvador Cathedral (popularly, La Seo), in Zaragoza was declared a World of Heritage site by UNESCO as one of the most representative Mudéjar architecture of Aragón.

What to visit in Zaragoza: Read here our two-days tour in Zaragoza.

Read also More popular places in Zaragoza and The best cities and destinations of Spain.

Gran Via Avenue (Zaragoza)

gran via zaragoza avenue (2)

Gran Via Avenue of Saragossa is one of the most important streets of the city. It communicates Paraiso Square (at the beginning of Paseo Independencia)  and Goya Avenue. Once passed the cross with Goya Avenue, the street changes its name to Fernando El Católico Avenue.

In 2011gran via zaragoza avenue (1) the new tram of the Saragossa began to work through this avenue, and the sidewalks were extended to enable the people can go from The Romareda Stadium and Parque Grande to Plaza España on foot.

 

What to do in Gran Via Avenue

– To walk from Parque Grande, near the Football Stadium “La Romareda” to Plaza Paraiso  (starting in Fernando El Católico Avenue and continuing in Gran Via).

– To arrive at Paseo Independencia, the main avenue of Zaragoza, and then go to El Pilar.

– To visit Plaza San Francisco and the University Campus.

 

 

More places to visit in Zaragoza (Spain)

Paseo Independencia (Independence Avenue): The main street of Zaragoza. Beginning at the end of Gran Via, the avenue runs from Plaza Paraiso all the way to Plaza España.

El Pilar (The Pilar Cathedral): This cathedral is placed in the centre of the city, near the Ebro river and in the same square than “La Seo” Cathedral. The current cathedral was built in the XVII century, based in earlier constructions.

Parque Grande: It has more than 15 fountains, a botanic garden, a view point, many terraces, paths and statues, a swimming pool and many more activities to do.

The Expo 2008 Zone Currently, the Expo Zone is open to all the visitors who want to see the area and enjoy its activities. Don’t miss it if you are visiting Zaragoza!

La Aljafería (The Aljafería Palace): A must for all tourists that arrive in Saragossa is to visit the stunning Aljaferia Palace, which is really the most visited historic site in Saragossa. This medieval islamic palace was built by muslims on the banks of the river Ebro in the 11th century.

More popular places in Saragossa.   Read also our post with the best cities of Spain