Zaragoza

Introduction

Zaragoza, traditionally known in English as Saragossa, is the capital city of both the province of Zaragoza and the autonomous community of Aragon in Spain. Located by the Ebro river and its tributaries, the Huerva and the Gállego, it lies roughly in the centre of Aragon. With a population of 675,000, it ranks as the fourth or fifth most populous city in Spain. The city boasts a rich history spanning over 2,000 years, having been founded as Caesaraugusta between 25 BCE and 11 BCE by Augustus. Nicknamed "The Florence of Spain," Zaragoza is renowned for its folklore, local cuisine and remarkable landmarks including the Basílica del Pilar, La Seo Cathedral and the Aljafería Palace—several of which form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mudéjar Architecture of Aragon. The city hosted Expo 2008, a world's fair focusing on water and sustainable development, and celebrates the Fiestas del Pilar, which are among Spain's most celebrated festivals.

Interesting Facts about Zaragoza

• Zaragoza has a rich history spanning over 2,000 years, with the Roman Caesar Augusta founding the city between 25 BCE and 11 BCE.
• The city has had several names throughout its history: Salduie, Caesaraugusta, Saraqusta, and finally Zaragoza.
• Since 1118, when Alfonso I of Aragon conquered Zaragoza, it has been the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon and remains its capital today.
• The Nuestra Señora del Pilar Basilica, one of the largest cathedrals in Spain, was built during the 17th and 18th centuries in Baroque style.
• Zaragoza's bullring, 'La Misericordia', is one of the largest in Spain with seating for around 10,300 people and was originally opened in 1764.
• The Aljafería Palace is the northernmost Arab palace in the world and is surrounded by a moat and gardens.
• The Zaragoza Bridge Pavilion, designed by world-famous architect Zaha Hadid, functions as both a bridge and an enclosed building.
• The first film shot in Spain, "Salida de Misa del Pilar" by Jimeno Correas, was filmed in Zaragoza in 1896.
• Zaragoza hosted Expo 2008, a world's fair focused on water and sustainable development.
• Several buildings in Zaragoza form part of the Mudéjar Architecture of Aragon, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The University of Zaragoza, one of the city's important institutions, was founded in 1542.
• Francisco Goya, a famous painter celebrated for his incredible artworks, was born in Zaragoza.
• The Fiestas del Pilar are among the most celebrated festivals in Spain.

History

Zaragoza boasts a history stretching back over two millennia to its founding as the Roman colony of Caesaraugusta between 24-25 BCE, named in honour of Emperor Augustus. The Romans established a prosperous city with impressive infrastructure including a forum, thermal baths, and a 6,000-seat theatre, remnants of which can still be explored today. Following the decline of the Roman Empire, the city was captured by the Visigoths in the 5th century and later fell to Moorish forces in the early 8th century, who renamed it Saraqusta and transformed it into a flourishing centre of commerce, culture and learning.

Under Moorish rule, Zaragoza became an independent Taifa (principality) in 1018, reaching its cultural zenith in the 11th century when the magnificent Aljafería Palace was constructed—an architectural marvel that still stands today housing the regional parliament. The Christian Reconquista arrived at Zaragoza's gates in 1118 when Alfonso I recaptured the city and established it as the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon. This ushered in centuries of Christian rule, during which La Seo Cathedral was built on the site of the former mosque, exemplifying the unique Mudéjar architectural style that blends Islamic and Christian influences.

The city's later history is marked by both tragedy and resilience. Zaragoza suffered devastating losses during a bubonic plague outbreak in 1564 and withstood two famous sieges during the Peninsular War against Napoleon's forces (1808-1809), where some 50,000 defenders perished. The 19th century brought modernisation with railway transport arriving in 1861, while the 20th century saw the city caught in the Spanish Civil War before emerging as the vibrant cultural hub it is today. Throughout Zaragoza's streets, visitors can witness this rich tapestry of Roman, Visigothic, Moorish and Christian influences that have shaped this remarkable Aragonese capital over the centuries.

Main Attractions

Old Town

Plaza del Pilar

Plaza del Pilar forms the monumental heart of Zaragoza, stretching nearly 500 metres along a pedestrianised expanse beside the Ebro River. This vast public square unites the city's most important religious and civic buildings into a harmonious whole. Created in its current form in the 1990s, the plaza amalgamates what were once three separate squares into a cohesive urban space paved with limestone that gleams brilliantly in the Aragonese sunlight.

The square is framed by the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar on one side and La Seo Cathedral on the other, creating a unique space where two cathedrals face each other. Between these religious monuments stands the Renaissance façade of La Lonja and the modern City Hall building. The contemporary Fuente de la Hispanidad, designed in the shape of the map of Latin America, offers refreshing water features that are particularly welcome during summer months. A monument to painter Francisco de Goya, who was born near Zaragoza, stands as a tribute to the region's most famous artistic son. Throughout the year, Plaza del Pilar serves as the backdrop for numerous festivals and events, transforming from a serene public space to the vibrant epicentre of celebrations like the Fiestas del Pilar, when thousands gather to offer flowers to the Virgin.

La Seo Cathedral (Cathedral of San Salvador)

La Seo Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of San Salvador, represents a remarkable architectural journey through time. This UNESCO World Heritage site stands on the former location of Zaragoza's main mosque, and before that, a Roman temple. Construction began in the 12th century and continued for over 700 years, resulting in a fascinating blend of architectural styles. The exterior features Mudéjar brickwork, Gothic stonework, and Renaissance and Baroque elements that tell the story of the cathedral's long evolution.

The cathedral's 17th-century bell tower rises elegantly above the surrounding structures, while the interior reveals a treasure trove of artistic and historical elements. The choir stalls, crafted from walnut wood in the 15th century, feature intricate carvings depicting biblical scenes and everyday medieval life. The cathedral's gold and white ceilings create a sense of ethereal lightness, contrasting with the weighty stone columns. Among its most prized possessions are the 15th-century altarpieces, including the alabaster altarpiece of Saint Salvador. The tapestry museum within the cathedral houses one of Europe's finest collections of Flemish tapestries, with pieces dating from the 15th to 18th centuries, displaying extraordinary craftsmanship in their detailed narratives and vibrant colours despite their age.

Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar

The Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar stands as Zaragoza's most recognisable landmark, dominating the city's skyline with its impressive Baroque architecture and distinctive domes. Built between the 17th and 18th centuries, this massive cathedral sits majestically along the banks of the Ebro River. The basilica houses the revered wooden statue of the Virgin Mary on a pillar (pilar), which according to legend, was presented to Saint James the Apostle by the Virgin Mary herself in 40 CE. This sacred image, just 39 centimetres tall, is partially visible from a small opening at the back of the chapel.

The interior of the basilica is breathtakingly vast, with multiple chapels lining the sides of the main hall. The ceiling features magnificent frescoes by Francisco de Goya, a native son of the region, alongside works by his contemporaries. The main altarpiece, crafted in the 16th century, displays intricate woodwork and religious imagery of remarkable detail. Visitors can ascend the San Francisco de Borja tower, one of the basilica's eleven towers, for panoramic views across Zaragoza and the Ebro River. The exterior plaza around the basilica regularly hosts festivals and celebrations, most notably the Fiestas del Pilar held annually in October.

La Lonja (Old Stock Exchange)

La Lonja stands as Zaragoza's finest Renaissance building, constructed between 1541 and 1551 during the city's golden age of prosperity. This former merchant exchange building overlooks the Plaza del Pilar and served as the commercial heart of Zaragoza during the 16th century when the city benefited from trade along the Ebro River. The structure exemplifies the Aragonese Renaissance style, with its symmetrical façade featuring large arched windows and decorative medallions.

The interior of La Lonja is particularly impressive, with a vast central hall measuring 40 metres in length and 15 metres in width. Twenty-four columns soar upward to support a series of vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate plasterwork. The columns, resembling palm trees with branches extending outward to support the ceiling, create a sense of natural grandeur within the space. The building served as the primary location for commercial transactions, particularly in the wool trade that flourished in medieval Aragón. Today, La Lonja functions as an exhibition hall hosting various cultural events and art exhibitions throughout the year. The building represents a critical period in Zaragoza's economic history and remains one of the finest examples of civil Renaissance architecture in Spain.

Puente de Piedra (Stone Bridge)

The Puente de Piedra, or Stone Bridge, has connected the two banks of the Ebro River in Zaragoza since Roman times, though the current structure dates primarily from the 15th century. This Gothic bridge spans 280 metres across the Ebro with seven solid stone arches supporting the roadway. The bridge has withstood numerous floods over the centuries, including particularly devastating inundations in 1643 and 1871 that damaged but failed to destroy this resilient structure.

Four striking lion statues guard the ends of the bridge, added in the 1990s during a comprehensive restoration but based on historical precedents. These lions, holding shields with the insignia of Zaragoza, have become symbols of the city in their own right. The bridge offers what many consider the definitive view of the Basilica del Pilar, with the cathedral's domes and towers reflected in the waters of the Ebro when the river is calm. Its strategic importance has made it central to numerous historical events, including fierce fighting during the Sieges of Zaragoza in the Peninsular War. While five additional bridges now span the Ebro in Zaragoza, the Puente de Piedra maintains its special significance as the historic connection between the original Roman city and its expansion across the river.

El Tubo

El Tubo refers not to a single location but to a characterful network of narrow streets and alleys in the historic centre of Zaragoza. Named for its tube-like narrow passages, this area roughly bound by Calle de Alfonso I, Calle Don Jaime, Calle Manifestación, and Plaza España has been the gastronomic and social heart of the city for centuries. The tightly packed buildings create intimate spaces that buzz with activity, particularly in the evening hours.

This labyrinthine district houses dozens of traditional tapas bars, some of which have been operating for generations, their facades barely changed since the early 20th century. Many establishments specialise in specific local delicacies, from garlic mushrooms to patatas bravas with spicy Aragonese sauces. Hidden among the food establishments is El Plata, a historic cabaret that has entertained Zaragozans since the 1920s, preserving a slice of the city's cultural history. The atmosphere of El Tubo changes dramatically throughout the day, from the relative calm of late morning when shops open and bars prepare for lunch, to the convivial bustle of evening when locals and visitors alike participate in the time-honoured tradition of tapeo—moving from bar to bar sampling small plates and engaged in animated conversation.

Church of San Pablo

The Church of San Pablo, often called "the third cathedral" of Zaragoza, stands as a remarkable example of Gothic-Mudéjar architecture. Construction began in the 13th century, replacing an earlier Romanesque church, and its most distinctive feature is the octagonal Mudéjar brick tower built in 1343. This UNESCO World Heritage site occupies a central position in the historic San Pablo neighbourhood, which was once a medieval extension of the city.

Inside, the church follows a basilica layout with three naves and features an impressive Renaissance altarpiece created by Damián Forment between 1511 and 1524, widely considered one of his masterpieces. The wooden ceiling incorporates intricate Mudéjar geometric patterns that draw the eye upward. The church houses numerous chapels added between the 15th and 17th centuries, each with unique artistic elements reflecting the styles of their respective periods. The baptismal font is particularly significant as it was used to baptise countless residents of Zaragoza throughout the centuries, including some notable historical figures. The church's exterior façade features characteristic Mudéjar brickwork with geometric designs and the distinctive octagonal tower that can be seen from various points throughout the city.

Paseo de la Independencia

Paseo de la Independencia forms the grand central boulevard of Zaragoza, running from Plaza España to Plaza Aragón through the heart of the city. Designed in the 19th century following the Napoleonic French model of urban planning, this 500-metre long, 40-metre wide avenue creates a magnificent central axis for the city. Lined with uniform neoclassical buildings featuring arcaded ground floors that provide sheltered walkways, the Paseo represents a significant departure from the medieval urban layout that dominates much of Zaragoza's historic centre.

The Paseo serves as both a commercial hub and a social gathering space, with its central pedestrianised section featuring carefully maintained gardens, fountains, and seating areas. The boulevard is adorned with statues commemorating significant figures from Aragonese history, including the prominent central monument to the martyrs of the city during the Sieges of Zaragoza in the Peninsular War, from which the avenue takes its name. The buildings lining the Paseo house many of Zaragoza's finest shops, cafés, and restaurants behind their uniform façades, creating a harmonious architectural ensemble that gives the area a distinctly European character. During holidays and festivals, the Paseo is decorated with lights and banners, becoming the ceremonial processional way for parades and civic celebrations that bring together the city's residents.

Outside the Old Town

Aljafería Palace

The Aljafería Palace, dating from the 11th century, represents one of the most important monuments of Spanish Islamic architecture and Aragónese Mudéjar construction. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built during the era of the Taifa kingdoms as a residence for the Banu Hud dynasty, who ruled the region. The name "Aljafería" derives from the Arabic term for "palace of Ja'far," referencing either the builder or an important occupant.

The palace showcases remarkable architectural features, including its original Islamic arches adorned with intricate plasterwork in the Taifal style. The Throne Room, or Golden Hall, dazzles visitors with its ornate coffered ceilings featuring geometric patterns and Arabic inscriptions. After the Christian reconquest, the palace underwent significant modifications, including the addition of the Santa Isabel Chapel and the Troubadour Tower, made famous by Giuseppe Verdi's opera "Il Trovatore." In the 14th and 15th centuries, Mudéjar craftsmen added further embellishments, creating a unique blend of Islamic and Christian artistic elements. Today, the Aljafería serves as the seat of the Regional Parliament of Aragón while still maintaining its historical character, making it a rare example of a working government building within a medieval Islamic palace.

Puente del Tercer Milenio

The Puente del Tercer Milenio (Third Millennium Bridge) represents modern Zaragoza's architectural ambition, standing in stark contrast to the historic Puente de Piedra. Completed in 2008 for the Expo Zaragoza international exhibition, this striking bow-string arch bridge spans 270 metres across the Ebro River in a single dramatic arch. Designed by renowned Spanish engineer Juan José Arenas de Pablo, the bridge incorporates an innovative structural system using prestressed concrete to create its distinctive profile.

The bridge's deck measures 43 metres wide, accommodating six traffic lanes, bicycle paths, and pedestrian walkways. At night, carefully designed illumination highlights the sweeping lines of the arch, creating a luminous ribbon across the river that has become an essential element of Zaragoza's modern skyline. The bridge connects the historic centre with the Expo 2008 site and the Delicias transportation hub, serving as both a practical transportation link and a symbol of Zaragoza's evolution into a contemporary European city. From the pedestrian walkways, visitors can enjoy unobstructed views of the river landscape and the blend of historical and modern architecture that characterises 21st-century Zaragoza.

Expo 2008 Site

The Expo 2008 site represents Zaragoza's most ambitious urban transformation of recent decades. Developed for the International Exposition held in 2008 under the theme "Water and Sustainable Development," this 25-hectare area along the Ebro River has been transformed from industrial wasteland into a showcase of contemporary architecture and sustainable urban design. The Expo site functions as a water park, business district, and leisure area integrated into the city's fabric.

At the centre of the complex stands the Water Tower, a 76-metre high glass structure designed by Enrique de Teresa that has become an iconic landmark on Zaragoza's skyline. The Bridge Pavilion, designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, functions both as an exhibition space and as a pedestrian bridge across the Ebro, its innovative form evoking the shape of a gladiolus flower. The Spain Pavilion, with its distinctive forest of ceramic pillars inspired by traditional clay water cooling vessels, demonstrates innovative approaches to natural cooling in architecture. The Aragon Pavilion features a basket-like structure referencing traditional local crafts while housing exhibitions on regional culture and history. Since the conclusion of the Expo, these structures have been repurposed for various cultural, educational, and business functions, ensuring the lasting legacy of this ambitious project for the city's residents and visitors.

Aquarium of Zaragoza

The Aquarium of Zaragoza holds the distinction of being the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe, focusing exclusively on river ecosystems rather than marine environments. Opened in 2008 as part of the city's International Exposition, the facility occupies a striking contemporary building designed to resemble water-smoothed stones. The aquarium's central mission is educational, highlighting global river biodiversity and promoting water conservation through interactive exhibits and living displays.

The facility is organised around five major river ecosystems from different continents: the Nile, the Mekong, the Amazon, the Murray-Darling, and of course, the Ebro. Each section recreates the distinctive flora and fauna of its respective river system, housing over 300 different freshwater species in more than 60 tanks containing a total of five million litres of water. The Ebro River exhibit holds particular significance for local visitors, showcasing native species like the endangered Ebro barbel alongside detailed information about the river's historical importance to the region. The "Rivers of the World" section provides context about how different civilisations have developed around freshwater resources throughout human history. A transparent underwater tunnel allows visitors to walk beneath swimming fish, while specialised exhibits highlight issues of water conservation, climate change impacts on river systems, and sustainable water management practices.

Top Museums

Classical and Archaeological Museums

Museo de Zaragoza (Zaragoza Museum)

The oldest museum in Zaragoza, housed in a magnificent Neo-Renaissance building designed for the 1908 Spanish-French Exhibition. Its archaeology section displays fascinating artefacts from prehistory through to Muslim times, including the Roman head of Augustus from Turiaso and the Botorrita bronze. The fine arts collection features important works by Francisco de Goya, including portraits of Carlos IV, María Luisa de Parma, and Fernando VII.

Museo del Foro de Caesaraugusta (Forum Museum)

Located beneath Plaza de la Seo, this museum is built around the excavated ruins of the ancient Roman forum of Caesaraugusta (the Roman name for Zaragoza). Visitors can explore archaeological remains from two distinct periods: the founding era under Emperor Augustus (1st century BCE) and the time of Emperor Tiberius, featuring market structures, sewers, water pipes and urban forum foundations.

Museo del Puerto Fluvial de Caesaraugusta (River Port Museum)

This museum showcases the remains of the ancient Roman port, once the third most important in Hispania. Built in the 1st century and abandoned in the 6th century CE, the port facilities extended along the right bank of the Ebro River. An interactive audiovisual presentation illustrates the bustling commercial activity that once defined this crucial trading hub.

Art Museums

Museo Pablo Serrano (IAACC)

The Aragonese Institute of Contemporary Art and Culture houses an impressive collection of works by Pablo Serrano, the renowned Aragonese sculptor. With over 1,550 catalogued creations including sculptures, drawings, prints and collages, the museum offers insight into Serrano's creative evolution. The building itself is striking, featuring bold geometric volumes and dark metal sheets that contrast with the original industrial structure.

Goya Museum (Ibercaja Collection)

Located in the 16th century Renaissance Casa de Jerónimo Cósida, this museum displays approximately 500 works, including 14 paintings by Francisco de Goya and his five major series of engravings. The collection spans from Gothic works to contemporary art, providing a comprehensive overview of artistic evolution over the centuries.

Pablo Gargallo Museum

Dedicated to the brilliant Aragonese sculptor Pablo Gargallo (1881-1934), this museum is housed in a stunning 16th-century palace. The collection features his innovative sculptures in various materials, alongside drawings, engravings and biographical documentation. Notable works include "The Great Prophet," portraits of Kiki de Montparnasse, and the equestrian figures known as "Olympic Salute".

Specialised Collections

Museo de Zaragoza, sección de Cerámica (Ceramics Section)

Located in the Casa de Albarracín in Parque José Antonio Labordeta, this section of the Zaragoza Museum houses an impressive collection of decorated Aragonese pottery. Visitors can admire traditional ceramics from various centres including Muel, Teruel and Villafeliche.

Museo de Zaragoza Sección Etnología (Ethnology Section)

Situated in the Casa Pirenaica, this museum preserves objects from domestic life in the Aragonese Pyrenean valleys. The collection features traditional Aragonese costumes and cultural artefacts that provide insight into the region's folk traditions and rural lifestyle.

Pilar Museum

Found inside the magnificent Basilica of Pilar, this museum houses a collection of donated items including cloaks, jewels and sculptures dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Of particular interest are the original sketches and designs of the church's artwork created by the Bayeau brothers, Velázquez, Goya and other notable artists.

Tapestry Chapter Museum of La Seo

Located within La Seo Cathedral, this museum boasts one of the world's finest collections of tapestries dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. The approximately sixty panels on display represent extraordinary craftsmanship and historical narrative.

Contemporary and Speciality Museums

History Center of Zaragoza

Housed in the former San Agustin Convent, which played a defensive role during the French sieges of 1808-1809. The centre features four exhibition floors displaying Zaragoza's past from Iberian, Roman and Muslim periods. The venue also hosts contemporary exhibitions, educational workshops, and cultural performances.

Origami Museum

A unique institution dedicated to the art of paper folding, featuring permanent displays and rotating exhibitions by significant origami artists. The museum includes interactive sections where visitors can learn folding techniques.

Fire and Firefighters Museum

An engaging, interactive museum where visitors can experience what it's like to be a firefighter through various hands-on activities.

Museum of Natural Sciences

Home to an impressive collection of fossils and natural history specimens that appeal to visitors of all ages.

Local Cuisine

Zaragoza's cuisine reflects the diverse landscapes of Aragon, blending traditional flavours with modern culinary innovation. The city's signature dishes include ternasco (succulent roasted lamb), chicken chilindrón (cooked in a tomato-pepper sauce), and migas aragonesas (bread crumbs with lamb suet). Local vegetables like borage feature prominently alongside river-sourced bacalao ajoarriero (cod dish). Known as the "City of Tapas," Zaragoza's legendary "Tubo" district offers an authentic tapas experience where visitors can sample longaniza sausages paired with excellent Aragonese wines. Complete your culinary journey with sweet frutas de Aragón (chocolate-covered fruits) and the region's famed tronchón cheese.

Shopping

Zaragoza features diverse shopping areas catering to all tastes. The historic centre, particularly Alfonso I and Don Jaime I streets, houses traditional shops selling local handicrafts, jewellery and Aragonese sweets like "Adoquines" and Maraschino Cherries. The modern town centre around Plaza España features major brands and El Corte Inglés department store. Shopping centres include Puerto Venecia and La Torre Outlet Zaragoza, which offers designer goods at 30-70% discounts. Small shops typically open 10am-2pm and 4:30pm-9pm, whilst larger stores operate continuously from 10am-9pm. For unique finds, visit the street markets in Almozara district on Wednesdays and Sundays or explore artisan shops like Artesania Berdejo for leather goods and Artesania Aliaga for traditional ceramics.

Nature in and around Zaragoza

Zaragoza and its surrounding areas offer several notable natural attractions. The Canal Imperial de Aragón, a historic waterway spanning over two centuries, provides scenic paths for walking and cycling surrounded by lush greenery. Just minutes from the city centre, the Galacho de Juslibol presents a preserved river ecosystem with diverse birdlife and peaceful walking trails. The riverside forests, or "sotos", include the Macanaz Grove on the Ebro's left bank and the Soto de Cantalobos on the right bank. Further afield in Aragón region, visitors can explore the striking desert landscape of Los Monegros, the impressive waterfalls and grottoes of Monasterio de Piedra, the rock formations of El Parrizal de Beceite, and the spectacular underground caves of Las Grutas de Cristal. The city also features the Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta, a significant green space for recreation within the urban area.

Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta

Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta, commonly known simply as Parque Grande, provides Zaragoza's residents and visitors with over 40 hectares of landscaped gardens, wooded areas, and recreational spaces. Created in the early 20th century and renamed in 2010 to honour the Aragonese poet, singer, and politician José Antonio Labordeta, this verdant oasis lies along the Canal Imperial de Aragón, an 18th-century waterway that continues to supply the park with water.

The park features a series of terraced gardens climbing upward from the canal, with the Botanical Garden housing numerous species of plants particularly adapted to Aragón's climate. Multiple fountains punctuate the landscape, from the grand Cascada or waterfall fountain with its impressive 25-metre drop to smaller decorative water features scattered throughout the grounds. At the park's highest point, a series of viewing terraces offer panoramic vistas across Zaragoza and the distant mountains. The central promenade stretches nearly a kilometre, lined with towering pine trees providing welcome shade during hot summer months. Monuments throughout the park commemorate significant figures from Aragonese history and culture, adding historical context to the natural beauty. The park regularly hosts outdoor concerts during summer evenings, transforming the space from a quiet retreat to a cultural venue under the stars.

Parque del Agua Luis Buñuel

Parque del Agua Luis Buñuel extends across 120 hectares along the northern bank of the Ebro River, representing one of Spain's largest urban parks. Created for Expo 2008 and named after the surrealist filmmaker Luis Buñuel, who was born in the region, this park demonstrates innovative approaches to landscape architecture with water as its central theme. The park transforms a formerly neglected riverbank into a multifunctional green space that manages floodwaters while providing recreational opportunities.

The park features numerous water elements, including canals, lakes, and fountains that form an interconnected water management system that both beautifies the landscape and serves practical ecological functions. The central Canal of Water Knowledge demonstrates historical irrigation techniques alongside contemporary sustainable water management practices. The park contains diverse themed gardens, including a water garden with aquatic plants, an aromatic garden featuring Mediterranean species, and sections dedicated to local Aragonese flora. Recreational facilities include bicycle paths, rowing facilities on the artificial lakes, an equestrian centre, and beach volleyball courts. An amphitheatre carved into the landscape hosts concerts and performances during summer months. The park's design incorporates flood management features that allow it to temporarily store excess water during periods of high river flow, demonstrating how urban green spaces can provide both environmental services and recreational opportunities simultaneously.

Galachos de Juslibol

The Galachos de Juslibol Natural Reserve presents a remarkable ecological oasis just two kilometres from Zaragoza's urban centre. "Galachos" are oxbow lakes formed when the Ebro River changed course, creating crescent-shaped bodies of water separated from the main river channel. These wetlands, protected since 1991, provide crucial habitat for numerous species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians in an otherwise arid landscape.

The reserve encompasses three main galachos surrounded by riparian forest dominated by white poplars, willows, and tamarisks, creating a lush ecosystem that contrasts dramatically with the semi-desert conditions of much of Aragón. Over 200 bird species have been documented in the reserve, including kingfishers, grey herons, and various migratory waterfowl that use the wetlands as stopping points on their seasonal journeys. Well-maintained walking trails wind through the reserve, with elevated observation points allowing visitors to observe wildlife without disturbing natural behaviours. Interpretive panels explain the geological processes that created these unique formations and detail the ecological succession that occurs as oxbow lakes gradually transform into meadows over centuries. The reserve offers not only natural beauty but also serves as a living laboratory demonstrating the dynamic relationship between the river and the landscape it shapes, providing ecological services like flood mitigation and water filtration that benefit the nearby city.

Getting There & Around

Zaragoza is well-connected by high-speed AVE trains from Madrid (1h15m, from €50) and Barcelona (1h30m), with budget options like Ouigo starting at €9. ALSA coaches offer affordable alternatives from major Spanish cities (€15 single), whilst Zaragoza Airport connects to the centre via €4 bus or €20-25 taxi. The compact historical centre is easily walkable, but for longer journeys, the city boasts an efficient transport network with buses and a central tram line accessible with a €7 transport card (journeys costing €0.74). Tourists can utilise the Zaragoza Card for unlimited travel, hire a Bizi bicycle (€5.28 for three days), enjoy the tourist sightseeing bus (€7), or take one of the city's reliable taxis for direct transfers.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Zaragoza is during spring (April to May) and early autumn (mid-September to mid-October), when the climate is pleasantly mild and ideal for exploring the city's remarkable architecture and outdoor attractions. Spring brings temperatures between 12-25°C, with blooming parks and gardens creating a picturesque backdrop for sightseeing, whilst early autumn offers similar comfortable temperatures with fewer tourists. Summer months (June through August) bring intense heat with temperatures frequently soaring above 30°C and occasionally reaching 40°C, making afternoon explorations challenging, though this is when you'll find the most vibrant cultural events and the longest daylight hours. Winter is considerably cooler but less crowded, offering budget-friendly accommodation options. For those wishing to experience local culture, timing your visit during the Fiestas del Pilar in October provides a wonderful opportunity to witness one of Spain's most significant celebrations, though you'll need to book accommodation well in advance.