Zaragoza
Saragossa or rather Zaragoza? No matter how you spell the Spanish city, it’s worth visiting and taking a look at the old town and the EXPO 2008 site.
Zaragoza is a very old city. The Romans founded it as early as 24 BC under the name Colonia Caesaraugusta. Over the years and with Arab influence, the name became Saragusta and finally Zaragoza. Today, the city is the capital of the autonomous community of Aragon in Spain.
Although the city is off the beaten tourist track, Zaragoza has a lot to offer. From its historic architecture to its vibrant culture and cuisine, Zaragoza is a destination not to be missed.
One of the main reasons why travelers visit Zaragoza is its impressive architecture. The cityscape combines a mixture of modern and historic buildings. The old town is located in the city center. Unfortunately, over the years, more and more residents have moved from the old town to the more modern apartments on the outskirts of the city and so some houses are almost empty or are now only used by restaurants or stores.
The Basilica del Pilar is the city’s landmark and is considered one of the most important shrines in the Catholic world. The building is the largest baroque church in Spain and was built in honor of the Virgin Mary. The mixture of Baroque, Gothic and Mudejar architecture is impressive and shows the varied history of the city in just one building. Right next to the basilica is the five-nave late Gothic Catedral de la Seo, the oldest church in Zaragoza.
Another highlight during a tour of the city is the Aljafería, a Moorish fortress from the 11th century, which today houses the Aragonese Parliament. The fine Islamic decorations and the later Christian and Renaissance architecture make it a unique historical monument.
Zaragoza is also known for its museums. The Museo de Zaragoza, for example, houses an impressive collection of art and archaeology. The Museo Pablo Gargallo, which offers an insight into the life and work of the famous sculptor, is also well known.
The city is a paradise for gourmets. The regional cuisine of Aragon, known for its variety and quality, offers a wealth of dishes, including the famous “Ternasco de Aragón” (lamb) and “Borrajas” (a local vegetable), which can be enjoyed in many of the local restaurants.
Sightseeing in Zaragoza
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Travel information
How to get to Zaragoza
By plane
The city’s airport is served by domestic flights and low-cost airlines.
By train
The city is an important rail hub in the Spanish rail network. You can reach the city from Madrid and Barcelona by express train (AVE). If you want to travel inexpensively, you can also take normal RENFE trains.
There is also a suburban train service. This connection was set up for Expo 2008 and runs from Casetas via Delicias main station and the former El Portillo main station to Miraflores in the south-east of the city.
Delicias station is located around 2 kilometers outside the city center. Bus lines 34 and 51 go to the city center.
By bus
The departure point for long-distance buses is located under the main train station. Various bus companies serve national and international destinations.
By car
Zaragoza can be reached by car via the highway. There are direct connections to Madrid, Huesca, Teruel and Valencia or to Barcelona, Bilbao and Pamplona.
On foot
The town is on the Ignatius Pilgrimage Route and the Camino de Santiago also passes through the town.
On the way in Zaragoza
On foot
Almost all the sights in the city center can be reached on foot.
By streetcar
There is a long streetcar line that crosses the city in a north-south direction. Tickets can be bought from the ticket machine at the tram stop. Please note that these must be removed on the train.
By bus
Numerous Avanza buses run through the city.
By bike
In some areas of the city, the network of cycle paths is quite well developed. The provider Zaragoza en Bizi offers bicycles at numerous rental stations. These can be unlocked using an app.
By car
Many areas of the old town are not accessible by car. Free parking spaces on the street are very rare.
Parking facilities
There are numerous paid parking garages near the center. Many are open 24 hours a day. Here is a list of some of the parking facilities:
PARKING PLAZA DEL PILAR – JUZGADOS
Address: Salduba, s/n – 50003 Zaragoza
PARKING CÉSAR AUGUSTO
Address: Avda. César Augusto, 52 – 50003 Zaragoza
PARKING PLAZA SAN FRANCISCO
Address: Plaza San Francisco, s/n – 50009 Zaragoza
PARKING ESTACIÓN ZARAGOZA-DELICIAS
Address: Rioja, 33 – 50011 Zaragoza (entrada por Avda. de Navarra)
PARKING CENTRO COMERCIAL GRANCASA
Address: Poetisa María Zambrano, 35 – 50018 Zaragoza
PARKING CENTRO COMERCIAL AUGUSTA
Address: Av. Navarra, 180 – 50011 Zaragoza
Best time to visit
The climate in Zaragoza is Mediterranean-continental, with hot summers and mild winters.
The summer months (June to August) are ideal for those who prefer sunshine and high temperatures. However, it can get very hot during these months, with temperatures often rising above 30 degrees Celsius.
The spring and fall months (April to June and September to November) offer milder temperatures and are a good time to visit the city if you prefer less extreme weather conditions.
Winter (December to February) is relatively mild in Zaragoza, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. However, it can be rainy during these months.
