History
The cities of Spain have had a rich multi-cultural history and Zaragoza is no different. The city, situated within the autonomous community of Aragon, has a proud history of stubbornness and heritage. The reach of the city’s influence was such that it stretched as far as the Americas, Greece and Italy. The city was founded around 500 years before the birth of Christ and was originally an Iberian settlement on the banks of the River Ebro.
The Romans invaded the city in 14BC and renamed it Caesaraugustus. The city soon became an outpost as a defence against the encroaching Visigoth kingdoms. The city grew with the Roman Empire and it soon became a city of huge cultural, military and economic importance. Around 500BC, the Roman Empire began to crumble and the Iberian Peninsular was fought over fiercely over the following years. The Moors conquered the city in 714 and renamed it Saraquasta. The city was also of great strategic importance for the Muslim invaders as it served as a base for the subsequent invasions of France and the Ebro Valley.
The city has a very proud heritage of multi-culturism and social cohesion. During the years after the Moorish invasion, the city became a haven for scientists, intellectuals and philosophers. For many years, Christians, Jews and Muslims lived in peace, side by side. However, the peace would be broken in 1118, when the Christian king, Alfonso, invaded the city and ended four hundred years of Moorish rule. He renamed the city Saragossa and made it the capital of the brand new Kingdom of Aragon.
Almost three hundred years later, the King of Aragon married Isabella of Castile and a chain of events began that would result in the forming of modern Spain. The pair famously financed Christopher Columbus’ expedition to the Americas. The couple were also responsible for the forced expulsion of the Jews and Muslims and instigated the famous Spanish Inquisition from the Aljaferia palace in Zaragoza. The following years would see huge expansion of the city until the early nineteenth century when Napolean’s invading French forces almost totally destroyed it. Zaragoza and its inhabitants were able to repel the invaders successfully and the city was soon rebuilt. It then became the capital of the autonomous city of Aragon after the death of dictator, General Franco.
Population
The city of Zaragoza is both the capital of the province of Zaragoza and the autonomous community of Aragon. Located on the banks of the Ebro River, the surrounding area has a mix of stunning landscapes including mountain ranges, valleys, meadows and dense forest. The population of the city of Zaragoza is just over 700,000 making it Spain’s 5th largest city. The population of the larger metropolitan area of Zaragoza is around 800,000. More than half of the population of the community of Aragon live in the city.
Places to Visit
Puente de Piedra – This stone bridge was built by the Romans and is the perfect place to start a tour of the Old Town.
La Seo Cathedral – The cathedral is located only a short walk from the Puente de Piedra. The church was consecrated in 1119 and, like many churches, was built on the site of a former Moorish mosque.
The Basilica of Our Lady of El Pilar – Built in 1681, this church features ten elaborately decorated domes, one enormous central dome and four towers. Nearby is a large square with beautiful waterfalls and statues.
Lonja – This old Stock Exchange is now home to many displays and exhibitions and it’s free to get in!
Museo de la Torre Nueva – A 16th century tower that was once a major landmark of the city is commemorated here. It was demolished during the 19th century for fear of it collapsing.
The Museum of Zaragoza – The museum is home to many of the ancient artefacts discovered in and around the city. It is a great place to discover the origins of the great city.
Roman Museums – The history of the city was shaped by many but the Romans had a massive influence. The Caesaraugusta Roman Baths Museum, the Forum of Caesaraugusta Museum and the Roman Port Museum all give fascinating insights into the city’s Roman heritage.
There are also many parks in the city to relax in. Miraflores Park is right in the middle of the city and Pignatelli Park is home to a famous 19th century statue. There are some picturesque botanical gardens to be explored in Primo Rivera Park.
Cuisine
The cuisine of the area has been formed over hundreds of years and by many different influences. The region’s rich heritage has developed a unique cuisine that has been influenced by the many types of terrain present in the wider community of Aragon. The basis for the Aragonese cuisine is the extensive love of stews. There are hundreds of traditional dishes to try that have all been modernised to suit the tastes of the 21st century.
As with most of Spain, there is a passion for eating locally grown fresh vegetables. The use of fruit, pulses and herbs, including the thistle and borage, are very popular and are used extensively throughout the area. Also popular are the onions from Fuentes and asparagus grown on the banks of the Ebro River. Lower Aragon is famed for its oil production, particularly olive oil. Chicken is possibly more widely used in Aragon than in any other part of Spain. A local favourite is pollo al chilindron – a stew made with peppers, tomatoes and onions. Salted meats are also hugely popular with the locals. Favourites include cured ham from Teruel. Longaniza and arbiello sausages are regional specialities.
Accommodation
The city of Zaragoza attracts a lot of business visitors therefore offers some of the most luxurious hotels in Spain. There is a massive range of accommodation within the city limits including five-star opulence and budget hostels. Outside the city-centre, there are many converted churches, monasteries and farmhouses that offer quaint and authentic Spanish accommodation. The wider area also is home to several campsites for those who are just passing through or are on a budget. The city hosts several European and world trade fairs and there can be severe pressure on city centre hotel rooms at these times. It is worth checking before planning a trip and booking well in advance.
Weather
The weather is similar to most areas of Spain, although winters can be a little colder than most inland and coastal resorts. However, temperatures seldom dip below OC. The winter average temperatures usually hover well above zero and are still well above those in northern Europe. While there are sometimes overcast, wet days, there are many sunny, cloudless winter days to enjoy. The average temperature in August is 28C although it is not uncommon for temperatures to approach 40C on occasions. Evenings are pleasantly mild and rain during the summer months is extremely rare. When it does fall, blue skies and warm sunshine usually follow very closely behind.
The spring sees the most rain in the area, however it is still relatively dry with an average rainfall of only 1.5 inches in the whole of May. There is some very nice weather to enjoy during the spring as temperatures are warm but bearable. The autumn is also a great time to visit as average temperatures in October and November are still in the mid 20Cs and rainfall is very light. There are odd showers but the sun is never far away.
Transport
While many of the old attractions of the city can be reached on foot, the quickest way around the city is by taxi. Taxis are found at all of the main attractions, airport and train station. Most restaurants and hotels will order a taxi by phone when asked although it is worth noting that Spanish taxis start the meter as soon as they receive the job – not when you get into the car! There are regular buses around the city and to the airport and fares rarely cost more than €2. However, families and groups may find it more economical to travel by taxi. The train station has regular services to Madrid and Barcelona with fares for as little as €19. There are also regular services to the nearby towns in Aragon and neighbouring communities.
