BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CITY

Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar

The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar, one of the most significant Spanish pilgrimage cathedrals, is a must-see for fans of Baroque design. The Moorish palace from the 12th century and the beautiful Mudéjar architecture of San Pablo, Santa Maria Magdalena, and San Juan De Los Panetes churches are all fascinating. Museums in the area showcase the works of current artists like Pablo Serrano and the sculptures of legendary figures like Pablo Gargallo, as well as Francisco de Goya's famous paintings. With its soaring towers and imposing presence on the banks of the Ebro River, it is the most recognizable structure in the city. This beautiful example of Baroque design dates back to the late 17th to early 18th centuries. The entry lies on the other side of the river, at the Plaza del Pilar, a large town square surrounded by exquisite historical buildings that offer the best views of the Basilica. Admire the impressive architecture of the Basilica's facade before entering the equally impressive interior, which houses a priceless object of worship. After the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, this Basilica is among the most visited religious sites in all of Spain. Sagrada Columna (Sacred Column) is a pillar of jasper stone connected with a Marian apparition and has attracted visitors on pilgrimages since the Middle Ages because of its association with an image of the Virgin Mary.

Iglesia de San Pablo de Zaragoza

Because of its outstanding architectural and historical value, this church has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was in the 13th and 14th centuries that the present-day San Pablo Church was constructed to replace an earlier Romanesque church that stood outside the city walls. As a result of the cathedral's single nave and high vaulted ceilings, the interior feels quite open and airy. Within the chapels set among the buttresses are some of the most stunning works of art in the entire structure. Improvements and expansions were made to the church in the 15th and 18th centuries. The main altarpiece to Saint Paul, made of gilded wood by sculptor Damián Forment in 1515, is an outstanding example of Renaissance art. The monument is best famous for its spectacular Mudéjar tower, which is octagonal and decorated in exceptional Moorish style.

Educational Museum of Origami in Zaragoza (EMOZ)

The local "Paperfolding" group in Zaragoza built the Origami Museum (Escuela Museo Origami Zaragoza) in the 1940s, making it the first of its sort in Europe. This museum lives up to its name by providing educational opportunities for visitors in the form of lectures, hands-on workshops, and even contests where participants build and fly paper airplanes. Famous painters such as Yoshihide Momotani, Akira Yoshizawa, and Vicent Floderer have contributed works to the museum's collection. The museum also features rotating themed exhibits that highlight specific media and artists in addition to its permanent collection. The museum also plays host to events between professional "folders" and amateurs alike.

Fuendetodos and the Goya Museum

Francisco de Goya, the famous Spanish painter, was born in this sleepy rural community about 47 kilometres from Zaragoza. The town's most popular attractions are the 18th-century farmhouse where Goya was born (the Casa Natal de Goya) and the collection of his etchings (on display at the Museo del Grabado). Goya's notable etchings, such as Los Desastres de la Guerra, Los Caprichos, Los Disparates, and La Tauromaquia, are on display at the museum.

Monasterio de Piedra

Waterfalls, lakes, and freshwater streams abound in the wooded landscape surrounding the Monasterio de Piedra. As one of Aragon's most secluded wildernesses, this is an incredible spot (110 kilometres from Zaragoza). The area is a major hub for fishing and reforestation due to its peaceful atmosphere and pristine environment. It was designated a National Scenic Area in 1940. The garden at the Monasterio de Piedra can now be visited by anyone, and the monastery itself has been converted into a hotel (the three-star Hotel Monasterio de Piedra & Spa). There is a wide variety of plant and animal life in the verdant surroundings of the monastery. Hikers and nature walkers will appreciate the well-maintained trails through the forest.

Huesca

Situated in the verdant area of La Hoya, Huesca is 74 kilometres from Zaragoza. Ancient walls remain in this town that has been around for over a thousand years. The ancient enclosures house a maze of winding walkways and towering structures that give the impression that they rule the surrounding community. The cathedral, constructed in the 13th century on the former site of the Misleida Mosque, served as a fortress for the town throughout the Reconquest era. Don't miss the statues of the apostles guarding the doorway while you view the cathedral's impressive architecture. The 11th-century Monasterio de San Pedro el Viejo is a Benedictine monastery that is also a must-see. Once a Roman temple and later converted into a Visigothic church, the monastery is home to one of the oldest religious monuments in all of Spain. The Romanesque cloister of the 12th-century church is particularly stunning, with its colonnades and carved capitals.