Monuments in Zaragoza

World Heritage Site

The Seo or Cathedral of San Salvador – is an 8th century cathedral of neo-classical period and over many centuries it has undergone lots of changes in its architectural styles. There was a temple on this site in the first century BC during the period of Visigoths and this was known as the church of San Vicente. There was also a mosque on this site. The first Christian church was built on this site during the 12th century. The Cathedral depicts various styles of architecture – Gothic, Renaissance, Mudejar and Baroque.

Other Monuments

Aljafería Palace – is an 11th century Arab palace located in the center of Zaragoza. Basically this was constructed for the purpose of recreation but also served the purpose of defense. You can still see the ruins of the fortified area. The plan of this palace is a quadrangle and there are round towers except for Troubadour’s Tower which is rectangular.

The courtyard is open to the skies and the rooms are around the courtyard. You will find that the roofs, plastering decoration and coffered ceilings are extremely charming. At present it is used as the Aragonese Parliament’s headquarters.

Zaragoza Market – is a 16th century market of the Renaissance period and is an ideal place for trading. This was constructed based on the design of architect Juan de Sariñena on orders from Hernando de Aragón. The objective was to help the traders to conduct their commercial activities in a public place and avoid using the cathedral and churches for trading activities. This was a brick construction and has a rectangular plan.

Santa Engracia Church – is a 16th century church of Renaissance period and houses the tombs of Paleochristians. This church is the only remains that exist in the monastery of Santa Engracia. The façade here is Plateresque and there are balusters on both sides. The tombs have been restored recently and you can visit the 4th century tombs of Paleochristians.

Cartuja de Aula Dei Monastery – is a 16th century Carthusian monastery of Baroque period built in Renaissance style. In this monastery you will find not only a beautiful choir but also the paintings of the Spanish painter, Francisco de Goya. Although the monastery has been built in Renaissance style, the church is from the late Gothic period. There is a nave which has a Latin cross plan and a ceramics covered apse. Baroque style architecture is provided in the main front.

Nuestra Señora del Pilar Basilica Baroque church of the Virgin del Pilar – is a Baroque temple built during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Holy Chapel with the image of Virgen del Pilar is quite remarkable. This basilica is a National Monument and is one of the popular Spanish spiritual destinations. It is also a famous art center where objects of different era are kept.