Last month I visited Zaragoza and spent two days exploring several famous churches and historic buildings, which turned out to be incredibly rewarding. The architectural style of this city is truly unique, blending Roman, Islamic, and Baroque elements. Today I’d like to share my visiting experience.
Basilica del Pilar
This basilica is absolutely Zaragoza’s most iconic landmark, located on the banks of the Ebro River, with its 11 domes visible from afar. The Goya frescoes inside are breathtaking, and I recommend allowing at least 1.5 hours for your visit. I went on a Wednesday morning around 10 AM, and it wasn’t too crowded. Climbing the basilica tower offers panoramic views of the entire old town, with tickets at 3 euros—well worth it.
Recommended Visiting Times
| Time Slot | Crowd Level | Rating |
|---|
| 8-10 AM | Light | ★★★★★ |
| 11 AM-2 PM | Heavy | ★★★ |
| 5-7 PM | Moderate | ★★★★ |
Cathedral of the Savior (La Seo)
This cathedral is near the Basilica del Pilar, just a 5-minute walk away. The exterior features typical Mudéjar style, with a distinctive combination of brick walls and colorful tiles. The Romanesque cloister inside is remarkably well-preserved and perfect for photography. The 4-euro ticket includes museum access.
Nearby Architectural Gems Worth Visiting
Besides churches, I highly recommend the Aljafería Palace, which you can learn more about through [Zaragoza’s modern architecture]. This 11th-century Islamic palace is one of the best-preserved Moorish buildings in the Aragon region, with its carved arches and courtyard design that are truly stunning. The ticket is slightly pricey at 5 euros, but absolutely worth it. Free admission on Sunday afternoons, though it gets very crowded.
Practical Tips: Consider purchasing the Zaragoza Tourist Card—the 24-hour card costs 17 euros and includes most attraction tickets and public transportation. If you’re planning to visit 3 or more sites, including those featured in Zaragoza’s architectural styles, it’s a great deal. Additionally, the old town streets are quite narrow, making driving inconvenient—I suggest staying in the city center and exploring on foot.
One final reminder: Zaragoza gets extremely hot in summer. When I visited, afternoon temperatures reached nearly 40°C, so be sure to prepare sun protection and bring plenty of water. Church interiors are usually quite cool, making them excellent spots to escape the heat, as mentioned in Zaragoza’s stunning architecture. Feel free to leave comments with any questions!
