The splendid beauty of the Spanish city of Zaragoza, whose attractions keep traces of past eras, has never been a resort area, but tourists have been choosing it for their travels for many years. The ancient corner, where everything breathes history, is unusually rich in architectural monuments.
Nestled between Madrid and Barcelona, it differs from the bustling metropolises with an unhurried lifestyle and peaceful atmosphere. A city with ancient history carefully preserves its cultural heritage, and therefore no one will argue that its main attractions appeared many years ago. Zaragoza, in the form of which medieval monuments peacefully coexist with modern buildings, is the capital of the autonomous Spanish region of Aragon.
A bit of history
The settlement was founded by Iberian tribes, and later Roman soldiers came to the fertile land. From the year 24 BC, the story begins of the history of the charming Spanish pearl shared by Arabs and Christians. Called Cesaraugust, the city was the capital of the independent kingdom of Aragon.
With the advent of Napoleon, who was trying to conquer Zaragoza, the inhabitants withstood a heavy siege, displaying fierce resistance to the enemy. The feat of 54 thousand Spaniards is immortalized in the obelisk to fallen soldiers, located on the main square. A righteous war was sung by descendants, and the local population still keeps a memory of this event.
Cultural heritage
Now about 700 thousand inhabitants live in the capital of Aragon, welcoming all tourists who are in a hurry to see the most famous city sights. Zaragoza, taking care of its heritage, deserves the attention of all connoisseurs of architectural masterpieces, giving the village a special flavor.
The oldest building of Zaragoza
The hallmark of the ancient corner is rightfully considered Alhaferia Palace, perfectly preserved from the XII century. A wonderful example of Islamic architecture, which has become a symbol of Muslim power and luxury, has become the residence of the Spanish kings, and was later rebuilt into a defensive fortress. Located in the center of the Palacio de la Aljafería is of particular value as the oldest building of the country's industrial center.
Not a single tourist passes by this majestic attraction. Zaragoza, with about 200 palaces erected in different eras, is extremely proud of its treasure, which has become a popular museum. Tourists note the incredible beauty of the chambers of the former residence and stunning decorative decoration. The ticket costs five euros, but on Sundays you can get to the museum absolutely free.
La seo cathedral
Of course, it is no exaggeration to say that guests of a quiet city are attracted by a variety of religious attractions. Zaragoza surprises with buildings that combine many architectural styles. A monument protected by UNESCO, located on the site of the ancient forum and the Arab mosque, is the first Christian church.
La Seo Cathedral was originally built in the Romanesque style, after expansion it was given the features of a Gothic temple, and a few centuries later a baroque tower appeared. The high three-level pediment, which seems to stretch into the sky, amazes with majesty and rich decor. Tourists note that the building makes a grand impression with its appearance and decoration, and the elegance of the lines immerses in the unusual atmosphere of the temple.
I must say that La Seo is not the only place that the original Zaragoza (Spain) can boast of.
Sightseeing: history and reviews of tourists
The architectural monuments of the cultural center, famous for their originality, make foreigners freeze in admiration. Pilar Square, built on the site of an old cemetery, is a favorite place for people to walk. Appearing in the 16th century, it changed its appearance several times, gradually expanding. The most visited place was considered the concentration of political and cultural life of the capital of Aragon, and now all festivals and festivities are held here. Vacationers admit that in few places they saw such a cluster of original buildings.
Here are the most popular sights of Zaragoza - the Museum of the Forum of Caesaraugust with the ancient underworld, which stores the ruins of Roman streets, sculptural images dedicated to Goya, the city hall, the Ispanidad fountain.
On the picturesque Plaza de Pilar, there are two cathedrals that cause intense interest in unusual architecture. Fascinated by the beauty of the buildings, guests declare that this is not just a square, but a real storehouse of the main treasures of the city.
Unusual fountain
Cozy Zaragoza (Spain) is famous for its man-made monuments far beyond the borders of the country. Sights, from the unusual appearance of which freezes, require a detailed story about them.
Fuente de la Hispanidad impresses with its scale. Vacationers note that the fountain, built to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus, is more like a real waterfall. This is one of the most unusual hydraulic structures in the world, made in the form of a map of Latin America. The northern part of it at a certain moment rises and falls in a powerful stream into the ancient square, which is of historical value.
A quiet corner attracts travelers who have traveled a long way to touch the architectural monuments that Zaragoza carefully preserves. Sights of the city, emphasizing its originality, are located next to the fountain. Vertically standing marble slabs, symbolizing the three ships of Columbus, and a sculpture of the globe with a map in accordance with the ideas of the Greek astrologer and geographer Ptolemy make the appearance of the hospitable capital of autonomy Aragon unique in the eyes of tourists.
A stone bridge
Zaragoza (Spain), whose sights are amazing, is world famous for the Stone Bridge, which for a long time connected it with other cities of the country. The robust construction, which stood against the water element, is located in the historical center. In 1991, after the installation of bronze sculptures of animals, the bridge was called the Lion. Passing through the Ebro River, it is an invaluable historical monument, which is admired by all vacationers.
Popular sights of Zaragoza (Spain) can be listed for a very long time, and it is not in vain that the ideal place to relax, famous for fascinating entertainment and excellent shopping, is considered a real find for its guests.
Tourists who have visited a charming corner, declare their love to him and are in a hurry to visit him again.