Category Archives: Aragón

La Ciudadela de Jaca / The Jaca Citadel (The Pyrenees, Huesca)

January 7, 2014Emblematic buildings, Huesca, The PyreneesJorge

Located in Huesca province, Jaca is the biggest city of the Aragonese Pyrenees, and also the most touristic one. In Summer Jaca is always full of activity and people who want to camp nearby, make excursions through the valleys and mountains, or simply rest. In winter, Jaca is one of the capital cities of the sky in The Pyrenees.

The Jaca Citadel (La ciudadela de Jaca)

The Citadel is the main icon of Jaca. Its pentagram-star shape and its location, in the center of the city has turned it in a clear distinctive of the region of La Jacetania.

Its constructions started in the last years of the 16th century, ordered by Felipe II to defend this strategical city against the French army. Once finished The Citadel the next century, it had never been damaged or attacked (only in 1809 was taken by France after the capitulation of the city because the lack of people to defend Jaca. Nevertheless the fortress was recovered five years later, in 1814).

The complex is formed by a fortification with a trench bordering its exterior walls and a drawbridge at its entrance. Inside its five pointed star walls there is a pentagonal construction, a church and a courtyard.

Currently you can visit exterior area of The Citadel for free (its highly recommended to visit it at night). You also can buy a ticket to have a guided visit of its interior. Inside the citadel there is also a military miniatures museum.

Other remarkable places to visit in Jaca city

– The ice palace (Palacio de hielo): Jaca has two ice pavilions where people can do ice skating in its ice rinks all seasons of the year. Both pavilions are located together. The oldest one opened its gates in 1972; the newest one is an olimpic pabillion which was built in 2007 to improve and replace the older one.

– The pubs and restaurants area (Zona de restaurantes y bares): The restaurants and pubs zone of Jaca is located in the city centre, 4 minutes on foot from The Citadel. Thanks to the citizens and the visitors who come to Jaca to make excursions and enjoy the environment in Summer and ski in Winter, the zone is always full of activity.

– The surroundings of Jaca: Jaca is surrounded by many small towns, campings and mountains. Ideal for excursions!

More touristic destinations near Jaca

– Ainsa: With almost 2300 inhabitants, nowadays Ainsa is a touristic village in where many people who enjoy being in nature can visit its old centre and its castle, try the gastronomy of the Pyrenees towns and observe its astonishing landscape.

– The Pyrenees: In summer, many people camp in the Pyrenees for discovering its mountains, rivers and lakes, and for practicing sports in this environment. In winter, the Pyrenees ski stations are some of the most frequented places of Spain to ski (with Sierra Nevada at the south of the county).

The Pyrenees can be separated in five zones depending on what region are located: Aragon, Catalonia, Navarra, France and Andorra. The main sky stations of the Aragonese Pyrenees are these ones: Panticosa, Formigal, Candanchú, Cerler, Astún, Javalambre and Valderinares.

Ainsa: A millenary town in the center of the Pyrenees

January 3, 2014Beach, mountain and nature, Huesca, The Pyrenees, Tours and GuidesJorge

Ainsa (or L’Aínsa) is an historic town located in the Aragonese Pyrenees (Huesca province). It is placed in the Sobrarbe district, at the joining of the Cinca and Ara rivers, and near to The Ordesa and Monte Perdido Natural Park.

With almost 2300 inhabitants, nowadays Ainsa is a touristic village in where many people who enjoy being in nature can visit its old centre and its castle, try the gastronomy of the Pyrenees towns and observe its astonishing landscape. Also, it’s very common to travel to The Pyrenees (Los Pirineos) to make excursions in Summer, play sports, climb mountains, camp or to ski in Winter.

The old town of Ainsa

The old town of Ainsa is located uptown the village.

It is all stone made, with a lot of narrow streets and slopes. In this zone you will find the historic monuments of Ainsa (the church, the castle, the main square, many traditional houses…), some view points, restaurants and touristic shops with traditional food and gifts of Sobrarbe.

The view points

Ainsa surely has some of the most impressive balconies of the Pyrenees. From them can be seen Cinca River and Ara River, which joins just near the village.

Also can be seen the mountains and hills that surround the town, as the famous Peña Montañesa.

Santa Maria Church and the Main Square

St. Mary Church (Iglesia de Santa Maria) is a Roman church built between the 11th and 12th centuries. From its tower, the people who ascend it can discover a view of the whole village.

Beside the church is located the Main Square, where is the city hall, and from where can be seen the castle.

Ainsa’s castle

Located in the historic centre of Ainsa, this castle is dated from the eleventh century.

Nowadays from its ruins (the entrance is for free), at the top of Ainsa, you can see the whole area: The town, the Cinca and Ara rivers and the astonishing mountains that surround Ainsa. It also has an eco-museum (Eco Museo).

Ordesa and Monte Perdido Natural Park (Valle de Ordesa)

This natural park is one of the preferred natural parks chosen by the Spaniards to make excursions and enjoy the nature. Its routes through the mountains offers a wide variety of experiences for all ages. Its highest mountain is Monte Perdido (3,350 metres).

In summer, many people camp in the Pyrenees for discovering its mountains, rivers and lakes, and for practicing sports in this environment.

Skiing in the Pyrenees

In winter, the Pyrenees ski stations are some of the most frequented places of Spain to ski (with Sierra Nevada at the south of the county). The Pyrenees can be separated in five zones depending on what region are located: Aragon, Catalonia, Navarra, France and Andorra.

The main sky stations of the Aragonese Pyrenees are these ones: Panticosa, Formigal, Candanchú, Cerler, Astún, Javalambre and Valderinares.

More Places to visit near Ainsa

– Boltaña: This town is placed only 6 km away from Ainsa. It is also an ancient village with a traditional Old Town and a castle in the top of a hill from where can be seen a very beautiful landscape.

– Jaca: This is the biggest city in the Aragonese Pyrenees. In Summer is always plenty of activity and people who want to camp, make excursions on the area or simply rest. In winter, Jaca is one of the capital cities of the ski sport.

– Aragon Region: Check here all our post about what to visit in Aragon.

The Mudejar Towers of Teruel / Torres Mudéjares de Teruel

December 17, 2013Emblematic buildings, Terueljulia

Situated in the south of Aragón region, Teruel (35.000 inhabitants) is an ideal city to live and enjoy its interesting museums, unique architecture, traditional festivals, delicious gastronomy, among other things. Therefore, Teruel attracts visitors from all over the world in order to see its beautiful Mudéjar Towers of Santa Maria, San Pedro, Salvador and San Martín , which were declared World of Heritage sites in 1986 by UNESCO.

One option to know Teruel’s Mudéjar towers is to take a stroll around its streets , above all, distances are very short and are counted in minutes from Torico square to the Mudéjar towers.

San Pedro Tower

The San Pedro Tower was built in 1238 and is the most old Mudéjar building of Teruel city, its construction with rajolas (bricks) and green and manganese colour (dark purple) glazed ceramic tiles is very similar to Santa María Tower in the shape and decoration of its facades. Do not forget to go up to the tower from where one can see a scenic view of the city and surroundings.

Tourists should not leave this place without seeing the stunning San Pedro church which was built in 1319 and admiring the famous mausoleum of The Lovers of Teruel, all of them are worth a visit.

Tower of the Cathedral of Santa María

The Mudéjar Tower of Santa María de Mediavilla Cathedral was constructed between 1257 and 1258 with rajolas (bricks) of green and manganese colours (dark purple) glazed ceramic tiles in the decoration of its facades. Moreover, the Cathedral an interesting 13th century building is worth visiting. In fact, its wooden techumbre (roof / ceiling ) has unique Mudéjar paintings. Being the most beautiful Mudéjar wooden techumbre ( ceiling /roof ) in Spain.

These paintings were also declared a World Heritage site in 1986 by UNESCO, dating in the 13th century.

San Martín and Salvador Towers

The San Martin Tower was built between 1315 and 1316 in Mudéjar style, being very similar to tower’s Salvador in its construction and decoration with rajolas (bricks ) and green and white glazed ceramic tiles in its facades. Actually, it is one of the most beautiful tower of the Mudéjar aragones art.

The Mudéjar Salvador tower, which is said that is the twins of San Martin Tower, was constructed in the 14th century with rajolas (bricks) and green and white glazed ceramic tiles in its fine decoration.

In addition, if visitors watch one tower when the rays of sun cover its facades, they can understand why the tower seems as if it is moving while the bright sunlight changes the colourway and the shadows of its decoration. It is said that the towers Mudéjares should be stared in different days to be able to enjoy its artwork.

Teruel is between Zaragoza ( 173 km.), Valencia( 140 km. ), Madrid (300 km. ) and Barcelona (409 km.). Teruel has about 36000 inhabitants. It takes about one day to visit this city on foot.

More places to visit near Teruel

– Plaza del Torico: The Torico square is the most famous landmark of Teruel. The city is not only popular with the tourists because its restaurants and surroundings but also its festivals, its typical porches, the beautiful buildings, its architecture, its museums, its gastronomy and so on.

– Aragón: Read here more about this region, placed in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula and in the south of France.

What to visit in the Zaragoza Expo 08 Zone

December 11, 2013Saragossa / Zaragoza, Tours and GuidesJorge

In summer 2008, Saragossa received the international exposition Expo Zaragoza 2008, which was placed aside the shore of the Ebro River, in Pablo Ruiz Picasso Avenue.

The buildings, squares and structures were situated from the city center, behind the Pilar Basilic to Delicias Intermodal Station, the main train and bus station of the city.

The topic of the exposition was the water and the sustainable development, and 108 countries were presented in their pavilions. Also, three bridges, one skyscraper, an aquarium, a park and many more structures were built for the exposition. Finally, at the end of the summer, more than 5 million people visited it.

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!

To arrive at the Expo zone, you can go by bus using the Ci1 and Ci2 lines.

The Pavilions

The pavilions were once the heart of the exposition. Nowadays, most of them have been recovered and transformed in offices.

Around the pavilions, you will find sculptures, squares and green areas. An ideal place to walk, rest and take photos.

The Ebro River

The banks of the Ebro River were recovered and improved for the exposition. As a result, now you can take a walk from the Pilar Basilic and the Roman Bridge (Puente de piedra) to the Park of the Water.

During this walk you will see a lot of green areas, fountains and cafes, all the time bordering the river in one of the most nice and calm routes of the city.

The Bridges

Three bridges were built over the Ebro River in the Expo Zone:

– The Bridge Pavilion (pabellón Puente) where there are periodical expositions organized just over the river – literally 🙂 -,

– The Third Millennium Bridge (Puente del tercer milenio).

– The bridge of the volunteers (pasarela del voluntariado). A pedestrian bridge dedicated to the people who worked in the exposition.

The Aquarium

Also, you can visit the Fluvial Aquarium on the Expo Zone.

It is the biggest fluvial aquarium of Europe, and it is placed close to the pavilions.

The Congresses Palace

The Saragossa Congresses Palace (Palacio de Congresos de Zaragoza) has an auditorium, a multipurpose room and other dedicated spaces, where can be organized a wide variety of events and meetings.

It is placed in the Expo 2008 Avenue, just near the Third Millennium Bridge and the Alma del Ebro sculpture.

The Tower of the Water (La Torre del agua)

This skyscraper was one of the icons of the exposition. It is placed in the Park of the Water and climbing its stairs you will see a nice landscape of the whole city.

During the night, the Tower of the Water is illuminated by colorful light which gives you a unique sensation.

The Park of the Water (El Parque del agua)

Finally, you have to visit The Park of the Water (Parque del Agua Luis Buñuel). This park is nowadays the biggest park of Zaragoza. Inside it, you will find a lot of green areas and activities: A lake with boats, An artificial beach with swimming pools, a whitewater channel, a golf camp, horses and many more.

Here you have a map of the park and the Expo Zone which includes the principal important points:

Other interesting places to visit in Zaragoza

– 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.

– 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 Espana.

– 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 Saragosse. This medieval islamic palace was built by muslims on the banks of the river Ebro in the 11th century.

– Parque Grande: The park was built between 1913 and 1927, and it was inaugurated in 1929, since then it has been improved many times. Currently it measures more than forty hectares, it has around 15 fountains, a botanic garden, a view point, many terraces, paths and statues, a swimming pool (for summer) and many more activities to do.

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

Parque Grande de Zaragoza / The Main Park (Saragossa)

December 9, 2013Saragossa / Zaragoza, Streets and monumentsJorge

The Main Park of Zaragoza (popularly known as Parque Grande) is the most famous park of Zaragoza and one of the biggest ones of the city. It is placed at the beginning of Fernando el Católico Avenue, near the Romareda Football Stadium, and the university campus.

The park was built between 1913 and 1927, and it was inaugurated in 1929, since then it has been improved many times. Currently it measures more than forty hectares, it has around 15 fountains, a botanic garden, a view point, many terraces, paths and statues, a swimming pool (for summer) and many more activities to do.

As a curiosity, although most of the citizens call it as “Parque Grande”, the full name of the park is Parque Grande Jose Antonio Labordeta, since its previous name (Parque Miguel Primo de Rivera) was changed in 2010.

To arrive at The Main Park of Saragossa you can use the tram (Line 1 – Fernando el Católico / Parque Grande Tram Stop).

The fountains

One of the most famous things of the park are its fountains. The most visited are in San Sebastian avenue, between the main entrance and the stairs. They are famous because they make the water swing like a dance.

Also, during the afternoon and night, the fountains are illuminated with dynamic colorway lights which dance with the rhythm of the water.

The botanic garden

The botanic garden is placed in the centre of the park. Inside it, you can discover a variety of plants, a lake with ducks and birds.

The entrance to the botanic park is free, although visitors should take into account that it is closed during the night.

The statue of El Batallador and the panoramic view points

Climbing the stairs of Parque Grande you will arrive at the statue of El Batallador.

This statue represents to Alfonso I the King of Aragón, called “El Batallador” because its conquests. Alfonso I reconquered Saragossa from the Muslims in the 12th century.

Near the statue there are balconies where you will be able to enjoy a nice landscape of the city.

The terraces of the park

It is very popular among the citizens to rest and take drinks in the terraces of the park in summer. There are several bars inside the park, and also a swimming pool on summer near the main entrance.

By the way, there is a unique traditional train which runs around the park. It is not expensive and children will enjoy it a lot. Also, you can rent bikes and pedal cars in the stands to cycling on the paths.

More places to visit in Zaragoza

– Gran Via: Gran Via avenue of Saragossa is one of the most important streets of the city. It communicates Plaza Paraiso and Goya Avenue – Fernando El Católico Avenue.

– 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 Espana.

– 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!

Plaza del Torico / Torico Square (Teruel)

October 9, 2013Celebrations, Streets and monuments, Terueljulia

Teruel is a small aragonese city of 36.000 inhabitants. It is between Zaragoza (173 km.) and Valencia (173 km.).

The Torico Square of Teruel (Plaza Carlos Castel, popularly known as “Plaza del Torico”), is the most important meeting point of the citizens in Teruel, and it is so called because of its history and customs. In fact, the King Alfonso II de Aragon and Earl of Barcelona, “El trovador” ( 1157-1196) founded Teruel in this point in 1170, since a black bull with a fire torch on his head appeared in this place after conquering the site. In this lively square there is a drinking water round fountain built in 1858, and in the middle of the fountain there is one high column with a tiny black statue of a bull on its top. This lovely square with an outstanding design is the icon of local people.

Being the heart of Teruel, the Torico square is ideally situated at the crossroad of seven traditional streets which go to the main places of the city. The Torico Square and its statue are the most famous landmarks of Teruel. It is not only popular with the tourists because its restaurants and surroundings but also its festivals, its typical porches, the beautiful buildings, its architecture, its museums, its gastronomy and so on.

It takes about one day to visit Teruel on foot. Visitors interested in culture should not miss the four mudejar towers, they were declared a World Heritage site in 1986 by UNESCO. Also, don’t forget the spellbinding unique Territorio Dinópolis.

Teruel celebrations: “The Angel Festival”

Most tourists to Teruel want to enjoy the “The Angel Festival” (or “Fiestas del Angel / Fiestas de las Vaquillas”) on 5th of July. During a week the Torico square comes alive with thousands of people who wear the traditional red cachirulo (a red neckerchief). They can run around the bulls, dance all the night, listen to the live music, drink regional wine, taste the delightful ham of Teruel in the Torico square and in the area. By the way, they can also see the citizens climbing the column and put a small red cachirulo to bull statue, watch fire bull (toro de fuego) (a bull with a fire torch on his head) running through the streets of Teruel.

Another interesting festival in Teruel: The Weddings of Isabel de Segura

People interested in medieval Festivals must not miss the Weddings of Isabel de Segura festival which is performed in the streets of Teruel by local people who wear medieval clothes style. Furthermore, the character of Isabel really comes alive during the representation of the Lovers of Teruel, and markets, taverns and all sorts of performs go back to 13th century.

In fact, Teruel becomes a medieval city where tourists and citizens can enjoy it together in February every year.

More places to visit near Teruel

– Mudejar Towers of Teruel: Teruel attracts visitors from all over the world in order to see its beautiful Mudéjar Towers of Santa Maria, San Pedro and Salvador and San Martín , which were declared World of Heritage sites in 1986 by UNESCO.

– Aragón: Read here more about this region, placed in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula and in the south of France. Read also our post about the Top cities and monuments of Spain

Palacio de la Aljafería / The Aljaferia Palace (Zaragoza)

September 20, 2013Emblematic buildings, Saragossa / Zaragozajulia

A must for all tourists that arrive in Saragossa is to visit the Aljaferia Palace, which is really the most visited historic site in Saragossa / Zaragoza. This medieval Islamic palace was built by Muslims on the banks of the river Ebro in the 11th century. Abu Ya far Ahmad, known as Al-Muqtadir, king of Saraqusta ordered its construction and it was called Qasr al -Surur (The Joy Palace).

The history of the Palace

When the king Alphonso I of Aragon (1073 – 1134) ,well known as the Batallador, conquered Saragossa on the 18th December 1118 this fortified palace became the residence of the kings of Aragon. This islamic palace has a spellbound garden called the Courtyard of Saint Isabella (mudejar style) because Isabella of Aragon (1271-1336), daughter of the king Peter III of Aragon ( 1240- 1285), was born in this fortified palace, however, she is also known as Saint Isabella of Portugal since she got married to the king Dionysius I of Portugal (1261-1325) when she was 12 years old.

It is said that the famous Saint Grial was watched over in a chapel of this mudejar palace as soon as the prior of Saint John of the Peña, the brother Bernard, gave it to the king Martin I the Human (1356-1410) on the 26th September 1399.

The Catholic Kings, Isabella (1451- 1504) and Ferdinand ( 1452-1516) lived and built an upmarket mudejar palace in the Aljaferia between 1488 and 1493. On the other hand, there was a prison cell during the inquisition in this medieval castle and Antonio Perez was locked up in it when the king Philips II ( 1527- 1598) ordered his arrest.

What to see in La Aljafería

Aljaferia Palace is more than a fortified castle or an islamic palace, it is a mudejar monument and its extraordinary architecture is unique, its great richness and beauty in its decoration impress visitors, so one can stare at the best mudejar and contemplate The Courtyard of Saint Isabella, The Throne Room, The Mosque, the Church of Saint Martin, the mudejar palace of the king Peter IV and The Troubadour Tower which is one of the oldest construction of the palace about 10th century.

This medieval islamic mudejar palace has suffered continuous alterations in its construction for many years. Nowadays it contains the Cortes of Aragon and is the most beautiful and important building in Saragossa.

To add, UNESCO declared the Aljaferia palace monument patrimony of humanity in 2001 as one of the most representative mudejar architecture .

It takes about 3 hours to visit the palace. It is very easy arrive at the Aljaferia on foot or by bus. It is in the city centre.

More places to visit in Zaragoza (Spain)

– 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, terraces, paths and statues, a swimming pool and many more activities to do.

– More popular places in Saragossa

– What to visit in Zaragoza: Read here our two-days tour in Zaragoza. Read also our article about The best cities of Spain

Cementerio de Torrero / The Old Torrero Cemetery (Zaragoza)

September 17, 2013Emblematic buildings, Saragossa / Zaragozajulia

There are a lot of wonderful, beautiful and interesting places in Saragossa where people can sightseeing, however, there is a special and unforgettable place that tourists are not used to visiting, it is the ancient Torrero Cemetery which was built between 1832 and 1834. If you visit this cemetery you can find stunning graves with stone statues which were made by famous sculptors, such as Ponciano Ponzano and Gascon, Enrique Clarasó and Dauli, Dionisio Lausén Ferrer, Jose Bueno Gimeno, Carlos Palao Ortubia and others.

Nowadays, if tourists visit this spellbound place in the morning or in the evening they can see the graves where famous and important citizens were buried devotedly, for instance: Joaquin Costa, Tenor Fleta, Pilar Bayona, José Camon Aznar, and others. Who would not like to listen to Jose Oto singing a jota? How about feeling the best voice of Aragon when Fleta sings a song? Sensitive people could imagine Pilar Bayona playing the piano during the mystery tour. Moreover if tourists are keen on visiting cemeteries, they can require a guided tour with candles and music during the night on Saturdays.

On the other hand, gossipy visitors might like to read the most unbelievable epitaphs written on many graves and know more about these burial places. To sum up, visiting this cemetery can be other way to enjoy the holiday wandering and walking through its mysterious and quiet streets with an unique landscape of tall straight cypress trees. Besides, people can have a real and full view of this friendly and lively city and the lifestyle of its citizens.

One can go by bus 34 and C1, the C4 get off before arriving at Venice Port. It takes 30 minutes on foot if one likes to walk along Sagasta and America Avenue. Also, Hispanidad Avenue is another road to arrive at cemetery.

More places to visit in Zaragoza (Spain)

– The Expo 2008 Zone: Currently, the Expo Zone is open to all the visitors who want to see the area and enjoy of 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, a view point, 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.

– More popular places in Saragossa