Plaza del Pilar in Zaragoza: The Historic Heart of Aragon’s Capital
I recently visited Zaragoza and must talk about Plaza del Pilar. As the core area of Aragon’s regional capital and home to the apparition of Our Lady in Zaragoza, this square is truly the soul of the city. Officially named Plaza del Pilar after the famous Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, the square is remarkably spacious at approximately 20,000 square meters, making it one of Europe’s largest urban squares.
Main Buildings Around the Square
The square is surrounded by several important buildings, each with its own story. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar is naturally the most prominent feature of the Basilica of Our Lady of Zaragoza, with its 11 domes particularly spectacular under sunlight. Next to it stands the Cathedral of Zaragoza, also known as La Seo, less than 100 meters away. The south side of the square features the City Hall, while the north side houses La Lonja, a 16th-century Renaissance building now used as an exhibition hall.
| Building Name | Construction Period | Main Features |
|---|
| Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar | 17th-18th century | Baroque style, 11 domes |
| La Seo Cathedral | From 12th century | Mudéjar style, World Heritage |
| La Lonja Exchange | 1541-1551 | Renaissance architecture |
| City Hall | 20th century rebuilt | Neoclassical style |
Practical Visiting Tips
Regarding visiting time, I recommend allocating at least 2-3 hours. Between 9 and 10 AM, crowds are lighter, perfect for photography. If you want to climb the bell tower of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, tickets cost 3 euros and offer views over the entire square and Ebro River. Important note: The bell tower has over 200 steps with no elevator.
Street performers frequently entertain in the square, and small markets appear on weekends. Numerous nearby restaurants and cafés offer reasonable prices. I recommend the tapas bars on the east side of the square, where you can try local specialties like fried cod and Aragon ham.
Transportation and Local Amenities
From Zaragoza-Delicias train station to Plaza del Pilar, take tram line 1 for about 15 minutes. If you’re staying in the old town near [the Basilica of the Pillar], you can easily walk there. Parking near the square is challenging, so public transportation is recommended. The nearest underground parking is on Calle Don Jaime I, a 5-minute walk away.
Previously, the area would become quiet after 10 PM, but now during summer, the square stays open until midnight, and many locals enjoy evening strolls here. The Ebro River lies just north of the square, with riverside paths perfect for sunset walks offering beautiful views of the Stone Bridge (Puente de Piedra). Overall, Plaza del Pilar is not only a must-see attraction for tourists but also an important part of daily life for Zaragoza residents.
