Welcome to Zaragoza
Come to this province, home to a combination of colours, flavours, and experiences that are all framed by the Basílica de la Virgen del Pilar, a temple honouring the famous national festivity of El Pilar, celebrated in October 12.
But here you will not only find this celebration, but many others such as the 'vendimia' which commemorates the time of the year, kings were welcomed with tons of wine.
And without leaving the local gastronomy, if there is something else that is famous from this province that is the 'borraja', a local vegetable that is cultivated here due to the very dry climate of this province except for spring, when this product growns.
El Puente de Piedra, which crosses the banks of the river Ebro, is one of the most important traces of the cultural heritage of this province, which gathers examples of Romanesque art, very present in areas such as Daroca, or Altas Cinco Villas, as well as of Mudejar art, part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Francisco de Goya, one of the most world-renown Spanish artists, was born in this province, which means a great part of his work can be found here.
Find accommodation in one of the places that we recommend you and come experience the rural tourism of Zaragoza.
What to see in Zaragoza?
Located in a huge valley crossed by the river Ebro is Zaragoza, a unique city with a very large historical center where you will encounter the most iconic building of this region, the cathedral, as well as many other buildings built in the last century, that have been perfectly included in the architecture of the city.
The name if this city comes from its Roman denomination,'Caesaraugusta', and you will see this is a perfect destination to enjoy with your family or friends, of a stay in a city that has undergone many changes in its recent past, and where you will also find many natural spaces.
What curiosities are there?
The most famous and landmark monument of the city is the Plaza del Pilar, where the cathedral of the same name is found, one of the biggest ones in Europe.
Its historical center is also the second largest one in Europe.
The Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar is visited by more than 5 million of visitors each year.
Curiously, the Palacio de la Aljafería which you will find in this city, is the northernmost one in the peninsula.
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Where can you sleep?
In the middle of the historical center you will find a very wide and tempting tourist offer. There are here many hotels that you will fall in love with, and with their views of the rooftops of the city. Nevertheless, if you have come looking for some peace and quiet, one of the best places for it is the Natural Park of Monasterio de Piedra, a natural spot where you will be able to go into a wild expedition that will leave you speechless.
Within the towns and villages of the region of the Comarca de las 5 Villas you will places like Sábada which are ideal to get some rest while you explore the secrets of its history. To the south you will also find Belchite, which you might have heard of due to the role it played in the Spanish Civil War. Another place that we recommend visiting is Calatayud, and the singular architecture typical of this town.
What to do in the area?
Zaragoza is a place of great historical relevance in the past, reflected in its cultural heritage. Their streets are the perfect place to walk through and visit some of its most fascinating corners, like the Catedral-Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar. You will find inside of this Baroque temple wet paintings by the the Spanish painter Francisco de Goya. Next to it, in the Catedral del Salvador, you will find a mix of up to 4 arquitectural styles, as opposed to the Palacio de la Aljafería, built in the 11th century in the Arabic style of architecture.
Nevertheless, Zaragoza is also a city that has renewed itself during the last decades and, for this reason, you will also find here many buildings from the 2008 Expo del Agua international exhibition, or the Pablo Serrano museum, where you will find plenty of sculptures from this famous artist.
You will also see this regions has made itself a name for being an ideal province for mushroom-hunting lovers. If you would like to know more about some other interesting places to visit in this region, we have a few hints for you.
What typical foods are recommended?
The extension of the fields of this region are next to the banks of the largest and widest river of the Iberian Peninsula, for this reason, most of the local dishes are usually accompanied by vegetables like the local variety of 'borraja' (borage), leek or lettuce, sometimes even mixed altogether in recipes like 'ensalada aragonesa'.
Beans, on the other hand, are also a very popular product of this region, often appearing as the main ingredient of dishes such as 'estofado', a very succulent stew that will warm you up during the coldest winter days. Amongst the local, traditional meat dishes are roast chicken and lamb, and elaborated in the local 'chilindrón' style, with peppers and tomatoes. Last, but not least, another popular fish often elaborated in this region is cod.
Where are the festivities?
The Fiesta del Pilar is, without question, the most popular and important occasion celebrated in this region. Held in October 12, this fetivity is celebrated everywhere in Spain, which means that although it might be a bit crowded, you will be able to enjoy of the unique and beautiful experience of walking through the streets and seeing the floral tributes and fruit offered to the patron virgin. In the surroundings of the capital you will also be able to enjoy of the best 'pasacalles' as well as of the street music, dancing and 'comparsas' of 'cabezudos' and 'gigantes', which are traditional carnival-themed figures that brighten up the streets during this occasions. On the other hand, you will be able to hear the drums, bass drums and small drums that resonate through the streets of this province during the celebrations in Easter, where more than 50 religious processions are held every year in the capital.
Spring and summer are the time when most of the neighborhoods celebrate the local festivities, fill their streets with partying, music and fireworks, that will add the perfect amount of fun to your stay.
