About Saragossa - Culture, History & Character
Spanish is spoken with the characteristic Aragon accent. Aragonese is a minority language that is not commonly spoken in the city.
Explore the fascinating past of Saragossa and discover how it has developed over the centuries.
Founded as the Roman colony of Caesaraugusta in 14 BC.in honor of Emperor Caesar Augustus.It became one of the most important cities in Roman Hispania, of which the forum, theater and walls are preserved today.
Under Muslim rule, it was the capital of the Taifa of Saraqusta, a kingdom of great cultural splendor whose greatest exponent is the Aljafería Palace.After the reconquest, it became the capital of the Crown of Aragon and Mudejar art flourished, today a World Heritage Site.The Sieges of Zaragoza during the War of Independence (1808-1809) forged her heroic character and earned her the nickname 'The Immortal'.
The 2008 International Exposition, focused on water and sustainable development, marked a profound transformation for the city.He modernized the banks of the Ebro with avant-garde architecture (Bridge Pavilion, Water Tower) and consolidated Zaragoza as an important logistics and conference center in Spain.
The historical timeline shows the key moments that have defined the development of Saragossa through the centuries.
Discover what makes this city special with our comprehensive scoring system
One of the safest cities in Spain.You can walk with complete peace of mind at any time.
One of the safest cities in Spain.You can walk with complete peace of mind at any time.
Exceptionally walkable.The entire historic, monumental and commercial center is easily explored on foot.
Exceptionally walkable.The entire historic, monumental and commercial center is easily explored on foot.
Very efficient public transport system, with a modern tram line that structures the city and a good bus network.
Very efficient public transport system, with a modern tram line that structures the city and a good bus network.
Strong value for money. You can travel comfortably without a high budget.
Strong value for money. You can travel comfortably without a high budget.
Great nightlife that begins in the tapas bars of El Tubo and continues in various areas of pubs and clubs.
Great nightlife that begins in the tapas bars of El Tubo and continues in various areas of pubs and clubs.
City of Goya and an immense historical heritage, with a rich cultural life.
City of Goya and an immense historical heritage, with a rich cultural life.
Fantastic tapas culture in 'El Tubo' and a gastronomy based on products from the Ebro garden and Ternasco de Aragón.
Fantastic tapas culture in 'El Tubo' and a gastronomy based on products from the Ebro garden and Ternasco de Aragón.
Good commercial offer concentrated in the center, with large shopping avenues and charming shops in the center.
Good commercial offer concentrated in the center, with large shopping avenues and charming shops in the center.
The weakest point of the city.The climate is extreme, with a very cold and windy winter and a very hot summer.
The weakest point of the city.The climate is extreme, with a very cold and windy winter and a very hot summer.
A very welcoming and tourist-friendly city, which offers an authentic experience without the crowds of other destinations.
A very welcoming and tourist-friendly city, which offers an authentic experience without the crowds of other destinations.
Excellent family destination, with large parks, a very walkable center and attractions for all ages.
Excellent family destination, with large parks, a very walkable center and attractions for all ages.
Open and respectful city.It has a visible LGTBQ+ scene, although more concentrated than in large metropolises.
Open and respectful city.It has a visible LGTBQ+ scene, although more concentrated than in large metropolises.
The 'maños' are known for their noble, direct and blunt character, but very hospitable and welcoming.
The 'maños' are known for their noble, direct and blunt character, but very hospitable and welcoming.
Its beauty is monumental and fluvial, with an impressive urban silhouette dominated by the Pilar and the Ebro. The natural environment is more arid.
Its beauty is monumental and fluvial, with an impressive urban silhouette dominated by the Pilar and the Ebro. The natural environment is more arid.
An architectural journey through 2,000 years, with the Mudéjar (UNESCO) and the Pilar Baroque as the crown jewels.
An architectural journey through 2,000 years, with the Mudéjar (UNESCO) and the Pilar Baroque as the crown jewels.
Protagonist of the history of Spain: from the Roman Caesaraugusta, capital of the Crown of Aragon, to the heroic Napoleonic Sieges.
Protagonist of the history of Spain: from the Roman Caesaraugusta, capital of the Crown of Aragon, to the heroic Napoleonic Sieges.
Outstanding in green spaces, with the gigantic Parque Grande and the banks of the Ebro recovered after Expo 2008.
Outstanding in green spaces, with the gigantic Parque Grande and the banks of the Ebro recovered after Expo 2008.
A remarkably clean and well-kept city, especially in its large historic center and monumental areas.
A remarkably clean and well-kept city, especially in its large historic center and monumental areas.
Emerging ecosystem, very powerful in logistics, automotive and technologies related to sustainability.
Emerging ecosystem, very powerful in logistics, automotive and technologies related to sustainability.
Affordable destination with good infrastructure, although with a smaller nomad community.
Affordable destination with good infrastructure, although with a smaller nomad community.
Comprehensive assessment of this destination
Descubre las mejores épocas para visitar Saragossa y qué esperar durante todo el año.
The weakest point of the city.The climate is extreme, with a very cold and windy winter and a very hot summer.
Climatically perfect springs and autumns.
Many sunny days, even if they are cold.
The Cierzo is a very annoying wind in winter.
The heat in July and August can be stifling.
Climate of extremes: very hot summers and cold winters.The 'Cierzo', a cold and dry wind from the northwest, is a characteristic phenomenon, especially in winter and spring.
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the best seasons to visit the city.
Ideal climate.Very pleasant temperatures and the city is beautiful.The best time to visit.
Very hot and dry.Ideal for enjoying the terraces at night, but the central hours of the day are torrid.
Mild and pleasant temperatures, especially in September and October, when the Pilar Festival is celebrated.
Cold, dry and often windy due to the 'Cierzo'.Sunny but freezing days, with frequent fog.
Plan your expenses and discover the best shopping areas
Daily spending per person
One of the most affordable large cities in Spain.You can eat and drink very well at very reasonable prices.
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Best Areas
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Explore the most fascinating places this city has to offer
The largest baroque temple in Spain and symbol of the city.It houses frescoes by Goya and you can climb one of its towers.
A jewel that mixes styles from Romanesque to Baroque, with a spectacular Mudejar exterior wall, a World Heritage Site.
Impressive Islamic fortified palace from the 11th century.A masterpiece of Hispano-Muslim art and seat of the Cortes of Aragon.
Essential to know the Aragonese painter.It houses a complete collection of his engravings and works from other periods.
Labyrinth of narrow streets in the Historic Center, famous for being the epicenter of tapas culture in Zaragoza.
One of the largest pedestrian plazas in Europe. A huge urban 'hall' that unites the Basilica, La Seo and the Fuente de la Hispanidad.
The oldest bridge over the Ebro as it passes through the city, with its iconic bronze lions.It offers the classic view of the Pilar.
Set of four museums to discover the Roman past: the Forum, the River Port, the Public Baths and the Theatre.
Spectacular modernist building from 1903, recently restored.A bustling market full of the best products of Aragon.
The great lung of the city, a monumental park with avenues, fountains, botanical gardens and terraces.
International Exhibition Area with avant-garde architecture such as Zaha Hadid's Bridge Pavilion or the Water Tower.Today it is a large park and leisure area.
Cultural center with a spectacular modern building that offers first-class temporary art and science exhibitions.
University of Zaragoza is one of the most emblematic places in Zaragoza, known for its rich history and architecture.
Zaragoza Library is one of the most emblematic places in Zaragoza, known for its rich history and architecture.
Zaragoza City Hall is one of the most emblematic places in Zaragoza, known for its rich history and architecture.
Discover fascinating destinations near Saragossa perfect for day getaways
A spectacular natural park with a tour of waterfalls, caves and lakes in a lush environment.An oasis in the Aragonese landscape.
Visit the ruins of the old town of Belchite, preserved as it was after being destroyed in the Spanish Civil War.An overwhelming historical experience.
Explore the 'Grenache Route' in the D.O.Borja Field.Visit wineries, taste wines and learn about Borja's famous 'Ecce Homo'.
Monumental city with a unique cathedral (the 'Sistine Chapel' of the Spanish Renaissance), a Jewish quarter, and a curious octagonal bullring.
Discover the unique character and charm of each city district.
Monumental area, heart of tapas in El Tubo and the center of social life.
The epicenter of tapas, a labyrinth of streets full of specialized bars.
The commercial hub of the city, with large avenues and shops.
The multicultural and alternative neighborhood, with a bohemian and creative atmosphere.
Young and dynamic area, with a lot of student atmosphere and bars.
Discover the best experiences and activities for each time of year
The great festival of Zaragoza and one of the most important in Spain.The city is transformed with concerts, the Offering of Flowers to the Virgin, giants and big heads, and an unmatched festive atmosphere.It is the highlight of the year.
Declared of International Tourist Interest, it is famous for its sobriety and the overwhelming sound of the drums and bass drums that accompany the processions.Especially exciting is the Santo Entierro procession.
Borage is the queen vegetable of the Zaragoza garden.Winter is the best season to try it in the city's restaurants, cooked simply with potatoes and a splash of olive oil.A local delicacy.
Experience the vibrant culture and traditions of this city through its unique festivals
The main festival.A week of devotion and celebration with the Offering of Flowers, concerts, and the Crystal Rosary.
Famous for the roar of its drums and bass drums, a solemn celebration of International Tourist Interest.
Popular festival that commemorates a victory over the Carlist troops.The people of Zaragoza celebrate it with a great picnic in a city park.
Essential advice and local insights to make your trip memorable and safe
Extremely Safe City
Zaragoza is very safe.You can move with complete confidence throughout the city at any time.
The Tube Rule
Each bar in El Tubo usually has one or two star tapas. The ideal is to have a drink and the house specialty, and then move on to the next bar.
Beyond Tapas
Don't leave without trying the roasted 'Ternasco de Aragón', the 'migas a la pastora' and, if it's season, the 'borrajas'.
Sweet Ending
Try the 'Adoquines del Pilar' (giant candies) or the 'Frutas de Aragón' (candied fruits covered in chocolate).
Arriving by Train
The Zaragoza-Delicias station is a key communications hub, with high-speed trains (AVE) that leave you in Madrid or Barcelona in less than 1.5 hours.
Getting around the city
You can explore the center on foot.For long distances, the tram line is the most comfortable and efficient option.Use a multi-trip card to save.
Climb the Pilar Tower
Don't just see the Basilica from below.An elevator takes you up to one of its four towers to enjoy a 360º view of the city and the Ebro.
The Character 'Maño'
The Aragonese are famous for being direct, noble and somewhat stubborn ('stubborn').Your directness is a sign of honesty.
The Importance of the Pillar
The Virgen del Pilar is a very strong symbol of identity for the people of Zaragoza and for many Spanish speakers.Show respect in the Basilica.
Alcohol Consumption on Public Roads
As in most of Spain, 'botellón' is prohibited and can be sanctioned.
Prepare for the Weather
In winter, wear warm clothing and windbreakers in the Cierzo.In summer, constant hydration, sunscreen and seek shade in the middle hours.
Tap Water
Tap water is drinkable but has a very strong flavor due to high mineralization.Most locals and visitors opt for bottled water.
The Balcony of San Lázaro
For the perfect photo of the Pilar and the Puente de Piedra, go to the other side of the river, to the viewpoint known as Balcón de San Lázaro.Especially magical at sunset.
Discover SEO inside
Many people stay in the majesty of Pilar, but the interior of La Seo is, for many, even more impressive.Don't forget to also visit the Tapestry Museum it houses.
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