Blend of cultures and flowing history.
Named after the Roman emperor 'Caesaraugusta' or as we all know it, Zaragoza, envelopes its visitors with its history of more than two thousand years, with its eternal witness behind, the Ebro River.
It is not only named after the Romans, but its urban configuration is also based on their influence. By strolling around the historical district of town you can experience the splendour of the Roman empire. Its cultural heritage shows remains of its theatre, port, thermal baths, forum and the walls that once surrounded it.
If you wish to lose yourself in the Cierzo and enjoy the sound of the fast-flowing Ebro, you will be rewarded by the impressive Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar in honour of the Virgin and patron of the city, which the "maños" (people of Zaragoza) affectionately call "La Pilarica". Lose yourself in the details of Goya's and other important painters' frescoes, or be self-absorbed with their reflection on the waters of the river from the Stone Bridge.
In the square that is named after the Basilica, you will find picturesque stories, such as that of a photographer who portrayed children with a stone cardboard horse as props and the Market in the background. Even if the artist is no longer there, you can still take a picture of yourself on a bronze horse commemorating him. Don't forget to visit the building and enjoy the impressive elegance of its cross vaults.
Nearby you will find gems of Islamic culture that were also on the banks of the river for centuries. The Cathedral of Salvador, the House and the Arch of de Deán have the exotic beauty of the Mudejar style, as do the Torreón de Zuda or the Palacio de la Aljafería. The latter being as beautiful as the Mosque of Cordoba or the Alhambra of Granada.
One of the great pleasures of this city is its gastronomy. Zaragoza's gastronomy can be enjoyed to the full by going out for some tapas; they are so popular that they have their own contest in autumn, when temperatures are milder to digest them better.
The largest concentration of bars to enjoy these small snacks with craft beer are found on the alleys of the Tubo, one of the places to celebrate the most important festivity of the city, the Pilar festivities. Do not miss its initial proclamation, its Rap street concerts (Zaragoza is the Spanish cradle of Hip Hop) and, of course, the spectacle of colours of the fireworks on the Ebro River.
Visiting Zaragoza means making sure that history is alive, as alive as the river that runs through it and the people who travel it.