Category Archives: Saragossa / Zaragoza

What to visit in the Zaragoza Expo 08 Zone

expo 08 zone

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 expo 08 pabillionswere 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 banksebro river 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 Thirdpuente tercer milenio 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,acuario zaragoza 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 Saragossapalacio de congresos 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 water skycraperwas 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:

mapa parque del agua zaragoza

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)

parque grande zaragoza

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 fountainsof 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 botanicducks botanic garden 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.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.

landscape

 

The terraces of the park

It is very terraces parque grandepopular 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.

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.

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

Other popular parks in Spain: El Retiro (Madrid), Güell Park (Barcelona), Maria Luisa Park (Seville), Turia Gardens (Valencia).

Palacio de la Aljafería / The Aljaferia Palace (Zaragoza)

aljaferia
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 aljaferia 2the 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 interiorAljaferia 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)

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.

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)

Torrero cementery

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)

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.

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

Read also The best cities and monuments of Spain

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