PLAZAS & SQUARES

• Plaza del Pilar
  
  This huge open square is a popular pedestrian square where several of the city's most important buildings are located including the Cathedral of La Seo, City Hall, La Lonja and the Basilica of El Pilar. Also known as Cathedral Square, Plaza del Pilar is one of the largest squares in Europe.
  
   
• Plaza España
  
  Plaza España is a significant landmark as it is the center of the city and also the point where the numbering of streets begins. The Monument to the Martyrs which is a memorial to the defenders of the city stands in the center overlooking the square and its pedestrians. Nearby the square is the beautiful neo-classic Provincial Government building.

• Plaza de Paraíso
  
  Plaza de Paraíso is a large square at the end of the Avenida Independencia and is also the place where the city's most important avenues converge. The 19th century Old Medical Faculty can be found here as well as the well-known Spanish department store chain Corte Inglés.
  
   
• Plaza de Santa Cruz
  
  Plaza de Santa Cruz is located next to the church of Santa Cruz which is a 17th century baroque church. There are also other old buildings as well as tapas bars and restaurants to be found within the vicinity of the square.
  
   
• Plaza San Francisco
  
  Plaza San Francisco is a very popular meeting place especially with the young as the campus of the University of Zaragoza is located next to it. This is an ideal place to while away the time as there is a wide selection of street cafés, bars, restaurants and even book shops around.

CHURCHES & MUSEUMS

• La Seo
  
  A prototypical of the church with the Aragonese Gothic style with some minor Baroque and Plareresque additions, the cathedral of La Seo was built in the 14th century and is perhaps the most significant building in Zaragoza.  You can approach the stately cathedral by walking through the famous Plaza del Pilar.
   
   
• Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
  
  This is Spain's largest Baroque church as well as an important pilgrimage site.  The interior boasts numerous excellent artwork by several important artists including Ventura Rodríguez, Damián Forment and Goya.  The church's pillar in particular is legendary with the pilgrims as it's believed that this was a conduit to which the Virgin descended from heaven to appear before St.James the apostle.
  
   
• Museo Pilarista
  
  The Virgin of Pilar Museum in the north wing of the basilica houses an important collection of the gifts that have been dedicated to the Virgin throughout history as well as other objects relating to the construction of the Basilica del Pilar.  The particularly interesting feature is the collection of preparatory sketches for the paintings inside the basilica by renowned artists such as Goya and Bayeu.
   
   
• Seminario de San Carlos
  
  The site of this church used to be the main Jewish Synagogue in medieval Zaragoza.  The Seminario de San Carlos is reputed to present the most colorful and magnificent baroque in the city.  San Carlos belonged to the Jesuits until they were expelled in 1767 whereupon it became a seminary with a splendid library.
  
   
• Palacio de la Aljafería
  
  Constructed in the 11th century as a summer palace for the Muslim ruler, the palace was later resided by the Kings of Aragón and is reputed to be the most beautiful Moorish palace outside of Andalucía.  The finely carved ceiling in the throne room is a work of art that contains the symbols of Isabel and Fernando: the arrows and the yoke tied with the Gordian knot. The Aragonese parliament meets in this building to debate issues of regional importance.

MARKETS & PARKS

• La Lonja
  
  This 16th century establishment was a stock market for traders whose structure is considered one of the best examples of civil architecture from the Spanish Renaissance.  The interior is composed of a wide space divided by three naves with pillars and vaults of the same height.  The building currently functions as an exhibition hall.
   

• Mercado Central
  
  The central market is located on the site that had been a market place since the middle ages.  It received a major renovation in the late 1980s which explains the polished look of the interior.  This is the perfect place to buy Zaragozan products as well as observe the atmosphere of a traditional Spanish market.  
   

• Primo de Rivera Park
  
  This park is an oasis amidst the noise and traffic of the city center.  The park is a huge expanse of green land adorned with fountains and botanical gardens.  On beautiful day, the pavement cafés are very inviting for visitors to sit down, enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee and watch the world goes by.
   

• Parque de Atraciones
  
  This attractive amusement park is located in the Venecia pine groves and is sure to be a big hit for the children.  The park boasts more than 35 attractions and interesting rides, but there are also swimming pools, restaurants and other function rooms for other members of the family to enjoy themselves as well.

Zaragoza Travel