Getty Images

Zaragoza

The ethereal image of the multi-domed Basílica del Pilar reflected in the Río Ebro is a potent symbol of Zaragoza, one of Spain’s most underrated regional capitals. There's plenty more fine architecture here too, including a turreted castle with an interior like a mini-Alhambra, and some very creatively displayed underground Roman remains, but Zaragoza's appeal goes well beyond its monuments. Spain’s fifth-largest city (and home to more than half of Aragón's 1.3 million residents), it has one the best tapas and bar scenes in the country and is well stocked with the epoch-defining art of local lad Francisco de Goya, the genius painter who was born a short horse ride away in 1746.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Zaragoza. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Get started

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
Zaragoza
This great baroque cavern of Catholicism stands on the site where, the faithful believe, the Virgin Mary appeared to Santiago (St James the Apostle) atop…
Aljafería
Zaragoza
The Aljafería is Spain's finest Islamic-era edifice outside Andalucía. Built as a fortified palace for Zaragoza's Islamic rulers in the 11th century, it…
Museo del Teatro de Caesaraugusta
Zaragoza
The finest in Zaragoza's quartet of Roman museums was discovered during excavation of a building site in 1972. Great efforts, including an entertaining 15…
Museo Goya
Zaragoza
Apart from Madrid’s Museo del Prado, this exceedingly well-laid-out museum contains arguably the best exposé of the work of one of Spain’s greatest…
La Seo
Zaragoza
Dominating the eastern end of Plaza del Pilar, La Seo is Zaragoza's finest work of Christian architecture, built between the 12th and 17th centuries and…
Museo de Zaragoza
Zaragoza
Exceptional Roman mosaics and 19 paintings by Goya are the highlights of the city museum, devoted to archaeology and fine arts. There's plenty more 18th…
Museo del Foro de Caesaraugusta
Zaragoza
The rhomboid building on Plaza de la Seo is the entrance to the excavated remains of the substructures of Roman Caesaraugusta's forum, below ground level…
Museo Origami
Zaragoza
Zaragoza's museum devoted to the art of folding paper has six galleries of exhibits of a staggeringly high standard. Even if you're not very familiar with…