Spanish city of Zaragoza, fascinating with beauty, whose sights 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 noisy metropolitan areas with a leisurely lifestyle and peaceful atmosphere. The city with an ancient history carefully preserves its cultural heritage, and therefore no one will argue that its main attractions appeared many years ago. Zaragoza, in which medieval monuments coexist peacefully 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 onfertile land came Roman soldiers. From 24 BC, the countdown of the history of the charming Spanish pearl, which was shared by Arabs and Christians, begins. Called Caesaraugust, the city was the capital of the independent kingdom of Aragon.
With the advent of Napoleon, who tried to conquer Zaragoza, the inhabitants withstood a heavy siege, putting up fierce resistance to the enemy. The feat of 54 thousand Spaniards is immortalized in the obelisk to the fallen soldiers, located on the main square. The righteous war was sung by descendants, and the local population still keeps the memory of this event.
Cultural Heritage
Now in the capital of Aragon there are about 700 thousand inhabitants, who greet all the tourists in a hurry to see the most famous city sights. Caring for its heritage, Zaragoza deserves the attention of all connoisseurs of architectural masterpieces that give the village a special touch.
The oldest building in Zaragoza
The Aljaferia Palace, perfectly preserved from the 12th century, is considered to be the calling card of the ancient corner. A wonderful example of Islamic architecture, which became a symbol of Muslim power and luxury, turned into the residence of the Spanish kings, and later was rebuilt into a defensive fortress. Located in the heart of the Palacio de la Aljafería, it is of particular value as the oldest building in the industrial center of the country.
Not a single tourist passes by thismajestic landmark. Home to some 200 palaces from different eras, Zaragoza 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 the stunning decorations. The ticket price is five euros, but on Sundays the museum is free to enter.
La Seo Cathedral
Of course, it would not be an exaggeration to say that visitors to the quiet city are attracted by a variety of religious sites. Zaragoza surprises with buildings that combine many architectural styles. The UNESCO-protected monument, located on the site of an ancient forum and an Arab mosque, is the first Christian church.
La Seo Cathedral was originally built in the Romanesque style, after the 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 its 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 you in the unusual atmosphere of the temple.
I must say that La Seo is not the only place that Zaragoza (Spain) can boast of original.
Attractions: history and reviews of tourists
Architectural monuments of the cultural center, famous for their originality, make foreigners freeze with admiration. FavoritePilar Square, built on the site of an old cemetery, is a place for residents to walk. Appeared in the 16th century, it changed its appearance several times, gradually expanding. The most visited place was considered the concentration of the political and cultural life of the capital of Aragon, and now all festivals and festivities are held here. Vacationers admit that they have rarely seen such a cluster of original buildings.
Here are the most popular sights of Zaragoza - the Caesaraugusta Forum Museum with an ancient underworld containing the ruins of Roman streets, sculptures dedicated to Goya, the city hall, the Hispanidad fountain.
On the picturesque Plaza de Pilar, there are two cathedrals that arouse close interest with their unusual architecture. Enchanted by the beauty of the buildings, the 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 man-made monuments far beyond the borders of the country. Sights, from the unusual appearance of which the spirit stops, require a detailed story about them.
Fuente de la Hispanidad impresses with its scale. Vacationers note that the fountain, built for the solemn celebration of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus, looks 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 rises up at a certain moment and collapses in a powerful stream on the ancientan area of historical value.
A tranquil corner attracts travelers who have come a long way to touch the architectural monuments that Zaragoza carefully preserves. The 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 drawn in accordance with the ideas of the Greek astrologer and geographer Ptolemy make the hospitable capital of Aragon autonomy unique in the eyes of tourists.
Stone Bridge
Zaragoza (Spain), whose sights amaze the imagination, is famous all over the world for the Stone Bridge, which for a long time connected it with other cities of the country. A solid structure that has withstood the elements of water is located in the historical center. In 1991, after the installation of bronze animal sculptures, the bridge was named Lion Bridge. Crossing the river Ebro, it is a priceless historical monument that is admired by all holidaymakers.
The popular attractions of Zaragoza (Spain) can be listed for a very long time, and it is not in vain that the ideal place for a holiday, famous for exciting entertainment and excellent shopping, is considered a real find for its guests.
Tourists who have visited a charming corner confess their love to him and rush to visit him again.
