Once a favorite haunt of the Romans, the delightful Spanish city of Zaragoza is awash with reminders of its former tenants. One of Spain’s most visited cities due to its high contingent of spectacular monuments of bygone ages, Zaragoza is also home to a thriving, modern and hip community. Add the superb continental climate, an excellent array of quality hotels and delicious tapas to the mix, and you have a great modern destination.
The Romans may have left Zaragoza quite a few years ago, but their influence is still clearly visible in this visually arresting and popular city. Zaragoza is full of monuments that have remained unchanged for generations, such as the intricate El Pilar Cathedral and the gargantuan Misericordia Bullring. Not just a place of historical interest, this delightful city is also home to the Zaragoza Museum, one of the most impressive art museums in the country, and Palacio de la Aljaferia, a magnificent Muslim palace.
The fantastic climate is a combination of hot and sunny days and cool nights, and the range of tapas on offer is as eye-catching as it is delectable. The nightlife in the trendy suburbs, particularly at the Bolivia La Paz, is relaxed and funky while the shopping options are a browser’s dream, especially between the Residencial Paraiso area of Sagasta and Plaza de Espana square.
Highlights
El Pilar Cathedral: one of Spain’s biggest and most beautiful cathedrals, with stunning views of the city from the summit of its two large towers.
Misericordia Bullring: this enormous and imposing bullring plays host to regular bullfights that pull in up to 10,000 baying locals.
Cathedral of the Savior: sharing cathedral status with nearby El Pilar, this magnificent Roman Catholic church has World Heritage status.
Zaragoza Museum: sculpture, fine art and archeological treasures all reside majestically in one of Spain’s best art museums. ****
Roman walls: check out the ruins of the walls that once shielded the shy and retiring Romans from the outside world.** **
Primo Rivera Park: this enormous and beautiful public space is full of flowers, fountains and ponds and is the ideal place for a picnic.****
Palacio de la Aljaferia: a 1,000-year-old Muslim palace, one of Zaragoza’s top attractions, is also the headquarters of the region’s governing body.****