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"Short stories and travel reports from my life adventures around the globe".

Travel Report: Zaragoza, Spain.

Visit Zaragoza Spain.

Zaragoza, Spain.

Cover photo courtesy of Gregorio Puga Bailón.

September 2015. I remember waking up in my Zaragoza guesthouse feeling absolutely knackered. This was no surprise when I consider the weeks leading up to my arrival.

Having finished my summer teaching contract in the coastal town of Castro Urdiales, I’d set off on a trip across the north of Spain, taking in the cities of Bilbao, San Sebastián and Pamplona. Sometimes, when you spend extended periods on the road, you just need a rest.

Cabala Cafe Zaragoza.

Cabala Cafe, Zaragoza.

I remember lying in bed staring at the ceiling for an hour before realising that, as tired as I was, I definitely needed coffee. Thus I threw on some clothes, bundled my Mac into my backpack and walked across the road to Cabala Cafe. It was literally the closest thing I could find.

Settling down, I ordered coffee after coffee, then a generous wedge of ham and mushroom quiche. Inspired by the lovely little spot I’d hidden myself in, I began work on an early draft of Zaid, a chapter from my short story collection Based in Belgium.

Zaragoza, Spain.

Sitting man statue Zaragoza.

Sitting Man Statue.

It was several hours later that I finally grew restless of typing. Hence I decided to head out into the sunny afternoon for an aimless stroll through the city centre. Within just a few minutes I’d stumbled upon this curious statue of a man sitting on the ground, wistfully staring up at…. what exactly?

Plaza de San Felipe Zaragoza Spain.

Plaza de San Felipe.

Photo courtesy of Willtron. 

Have you ever heard of the The Leaning Tower of Zaragoza? I certainly hadn’t! Zaragoza’s endearing Sitting Man Statue is actually a memorial to the city’s once glorious eighty metre structure. Built in 1504, it was taller than the famous leaning tower in Pisa and quickly became one of the iconic structures of Spain.

Leaning Tower of Zaragoza.

The Leaning Tower of Zaragoza.

Unfortunately, its construction had been a shoddy one, resulting in an increasingly alarming tilt. By the 1870s it was clear the entire tower might topple over at any moment. Having dithered for way too long, local authorities desperately tried to save it by removing its triple spire.

Eventually, after more attempts to steady it, the council demolished the tower in 1892. One historian described the event as “the greatest artistic crime committed in Spain”. The tower’s bricks later found their way into a number of new buildings across the city.

Shepherd with Eagle sculpture Zaragoza

The Eagle Shepherd.

Nearby, I happened upon another statue, El Pastor del Aguila, which translates as Shepherd and Eagle. Created by the celebrated sculptor and painter Pablo Gargalla, it shows a shepherd fighting off an eagle as it attacks one of his lambs.

As with much of Gargalla’s work, the piece has classical Greek values and takes inspiration from Picasso’s early work. Visitors to Zaragoza can see more of the artist’s creations at the Pablo Gargalla Museum.

Zaragoza, Spain.

Church of San Juan de los Panetes Zaragoza

Zaragoza, Spain.

As I have come to expect from Spanish cities, Zaragoza’s old quarter has some lovely churches. One of the more understated buildings is the Church of San Juan de los Panetes. It dates back to 1725 when it sprang up on the sight of the ruined Order of St. John of Jerusalem Church.

In 1933 the church saw some of the city’s ugliest scenes when anarchists against The Spanish Republic set the place on fire. They then proceeded to shoot at firefighters as they arrived to try and save the building. It wasn’t until the 1960s that the church got the full renovation it so badly needed.

Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar Zaragoza

Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar.

Zaragoza’s most striking house of worship is the eyebrow-raising Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. In addition to being incredibly gorgeous, the church has a backstory unlike any other. In fact, its origins go all the way back to the dawn of Christianity in Spain.

Our Lady of the Pillar Zaragoza Spain.

Zaragoza, Spain.

According to legend, the cathedral marks the spot where The Virgin Mary appeared to Saint James The Great in 40 AD. He was preaching the gospel on the banks of the Ebro River when she came unto him with an instruction to build a church in her honour. Moreover, Mary gave James a wooden image of herself and a marble pillar to serve as the centrepiece of the main altar.

Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar.

Saint James The Great.

Saint James The Great: Has just spotted something unusual.

One year later, James finally got round to constructing a small chapel, which became the first church in history dedicated to Mary. James then returned to Judea, where King Herod beheaded him.

Inside Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar Zaragoza

Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar.

The chapel found itself transformed into a Romanesque church (around 1118) and then a Gothic church in the early fifteenth century. Construction of the Baroque style cathedral we see today began in 1681 upon the order of King Charles II, the last Habsburg ruler of The Spanish Empire.

Inside Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar.

Zaragoza, Spain.

Today Christians from all over the world visit the cathedral to see what is claimed to be the original pillar and wooden image of Mary.

Flamenco dancers Zaragoza Spain.

Plaza del Pilar.

Even if going inside the church isn’t your cup of tea, it’s well worth admiring the exterior from Plaza del Pilar. There’s nearly always something happening on the square, from busking and dramatic performances to flamenco dancers strutting their stuff in full costume.

Pilar Square Zaragoza.

Zaragoza, Spain.

The square is also home to the funky Fuente de la Hispanidad, a fountain celebrating Hispanic culture. Cleverly, this giant water feature forms a rough map of Latin America.

The raised stone slab has the coastlines of Cuba and Central America carved into it. Furthermore, the adjacent pool represents South America. I think it’s fair to say I have never seen anything quite like it.

Zaragoza, Spain.

Central Market Zaragoza Spain.

Mercado Central.

With my stomach rumbling, I followed my nose to Mercado Central, Zaragoza’s most historic market. Dating back to 1903, the prominent Spanish architect Felix Navarro brought the modernist complex to life using brick, stone, iron and glass. It lies on Plaza Lanuza, replacing an open air market that had been operating there since 1210.

Central Market in Zaragoza.

Central Market, Zaragoza.

Photo courtesy of Javier Vázquez.

Inside, I wandered through the various alleyways, home to around 190 stalls. For the most part the markets here have passed through generations of local families, with an emphasis on fresh fruit, vegetables and fish. A few years after my visit I see that the market underwent a huge two year refurbishment project before reopening in February 2020.

Restaurante Las Palomas Zaragoza.

Restaurante Las Palomas.

Despite treating myself to some nibbles at Mercado Central, I still felt hungry. So I helped myself to a few plates from the buffet counter at Restaurante Las Palomas. Suddenly, the tiredness that had plagued me at the start of the day returned with a vengeance, forcing me back to my hotel for a two hour siesta.

Zaragoza by night.

Zaragoza, Spain.

When I emerged from slumber it was already getting dark. So I forced myself out of bed and, groggy as hell, made my way back into the historical quarter. It was a fine evening, the sky throwing up lovely layers of pink, blue and grey.

Plaza de la Seo.

Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza.

Zaragoza, Spain.

With no ambitions other than to stroll and feel less like a zombie, my wanderings accidentally took me to Plaza de la Seo. The fountain-laden square plays host to the city’s second cathedral, La Seo de Zaragoza and the Caesar Augusta Roman Remains Museum.

Caesar Augusta Roman Remains Museum

Caesar Augusta Roman Remains Museum.

The museum displays the ruins of Zaragoza’s old Roman Forum from the days of Emperor Tiberius. I wish I’d found the time to visit instead of sleeping.

If I ever find myself back in the region, I’d definitely consider a return to Zaragoza. Doing the city as an overnight stay was already cutting it fine. But then, with my added tiredness thrown in, I look back at my time here as a missed opportunity. #nexttime

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48 Comments

  • Sheree

    We stayed overnight in Zaragoza and were charmed by the city, wished we could’ve stayed for longer.

    February 22, 2021 - 8:12 am Reply
    • Leighton

      Same here, way too brief. Thanks for reading!

      February 22, 2021 - 8:40 am Reply
      • Sheree

        Pleasure

        February 22, 2021 - 11:59 am
  • pedmar10

    Thanks for the memories of yesteryear! The Pilar is awesome! by the way nice pictures!

    February 22, 2021 - 8:55 am Reply
    • Leighton

      Cheers! Thanks for reading.

      February 22, 2021 - 9:03 am Reply
  • Marron Santillan

    Wonderful, Leighton!

    February 22, 2021 - 9:05 am Reply
  • rhubarbsrowe

    Like the guy staring into the sky

    February 22, 2021 - 10:11 am Reply
    • Leighton

      Yeah, it’s an endearing tribute to a unique story. Thanks for stopping by!

      February 22, 2021 - 10:13 am Reply
  • Little Miss Traveller

    I’ve only spent a day in Zaragoza but would also like to return sometime. Thanks for reminding me how nice it is Leighton.

    February 22, 2021 - 11:23 am Reply
    • Leighton

      Thanks Marion, seems quite a few of us made it to Zaragoza but caught just a few glimpses.

      February 22, 2021 - 11:24 am Reply
  • Jyothi

    Wonderful post, Leighton!

    February 22, 2021 - 2:00 pm Reply
    • Leighton

      Thank you! Appreciate the feedback.

      February 22, 2021 - 2:00 pm Reply
  • Memo

    For a missed opportunity you covered a lot. Many, many things that I would like to explore further so I hope you are able to return. I, like most people I suspect, had never heard of the Leaning Tower of Zaragoza. Would love to see more of the two cathedrals.

    February 22, 2021 - 4:26 pm Reply
  • Lookoom

    You have captured well the greatness of Spanish architecture, abundantly financed by the gold of the New World and carrying the revenge of Catholicism over the centuries of Muslim domination.

    February 22, 2021 - 10:24 pm Reply
    • Leighton

      Thanks, this visit was way too brief and initially I wasn’t sure I had the material to make a worthy article. Thanks for reading!

      February 23, 2021 - 8:03 am Reply
  • Rebecca

    Whilst on my northern Spain trip two summers ago, I’d hope to have time to pop over at Zaragoza, but alas, I wasn’t able to squeeze it in due to a time crunch. Your photos show that I definitely missed out, especially with the gorgeous, sturdy churches to check out! One day, I’ll have to return to Spain…one day…can’t wait to see what more you’d been up to during that trip!

    February 23, 2021 - 5:03 am Reply
    • Leighton

      Thanks Rebecca, just one more Spanish installment to come and I’ll have finally finished the series. It’s been a long project.

      February 23, 2021 - 8:05 am Reply
  • arielaonthego

    Beautiful, I’ve never been on that side of Spain

    February 23, 2021 - 6:54 am Reply
    • Leighton

      Thanks for reading Ariela!

      February 23, 2021 - 8:05 am Reply
  • travelling_han

    These photos are beautiful, I really need to discover more of Spain!

    February 23, 2021 - 10:25 am Reply
    • Leighton

      Thanks Han, so much to do in Spain and quite tricky to know where to begin. I definitely like the smaller towns and cities more.

      February 23, 2021 - 10:26 am Reply
  • yourtravelrecipes

    I have been to Zaragozza only once, for work. That is where I discovered that inside the Cathedral there is a small statue of Virgin Mary on pillar which is considered the patron of the Hispanidad (the patron of all the Spanish speaking people in the world) and therefore pretty beloved and the destination of some sort of cultural pilgrimage…

    February 23, 2021 - 12:40 pm Reply
    • Leighton

      Yes indeed, this is mentioned in the article. Thanks for commenting.

      February 23, 2021 - 1:26 pm Reply
  • InsideMySlingBag

    Zaragoza is fascinating Leighton! I didn’t know Spain had this leaning tower. Beautiful views, lovely architecture and I love your capture of the skyline!

    February 24, 2021 - 2:08 am Reply
    • Leighton

      Thanks a lot! Appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.

      February 24, 2021 - 9:01 am Reply
      • InsideMySlingBag

        Pleasure, it’s always a delight to read your posts Leighton❣️

        February 24, 2021 - 3:58 pm
  • 100 Country Trek

    Wow..never realized they have a leaning tower. Reminds me of the one I saw in Italy.

    February 24, 2021 - 12:57 pm Reply
    • Leighton

      Ah, Pisa right? It’s still on our to-do list.

      February 24, 2021 - 12:57 pm Reply
  • jasonlikestotravel

    Can’t say I knew anything about Zaragoza other than their football team, it looks like a lovely place though. Shame your visit was so short. Interesting story about its former leaning tower too!

    February 24, 2021 - 11:03 pm Reply
    • Leighton

      Thanks Jason, yeah I feel the leaning tower story and the uniqueness of the church are the spots I will always remember most when I look back on that trip.

      February 24, 2021 - 11:12 pm Reply
  • Vivi

    That makes me want to visit and explore all these places myself!!!😍

    February 25, 2021 - 9:33 pm Reply
    • Leighton

      Thanks Vivi, appreciate you taking the time to comment.

      February 25, 2021 - 9:35 pm Reply
  • Travel with a Pen

    Oh Europe! Never even heard of Zaragoza but this is absolutely gorgeous!

    February 27, 2021 - 11:44 am Reply
    • Leighton

      Glad you liked it! Thanks for reading.

      February 28, 2021 - 2:43 pm Reply
  • breziot12

    Great article thanks for the information!

    March 9, 2021 - 10:25 am Reply
    • Leighton

      Thanks for reading and taking the time to drop me a comment!

      March 9, 2021 - 5:33 pm Reply
  • invictusmaldives

    Enjoyed the post!

    March 9, 2021 - 11:33 pm Reply
  • CK Grasset

    So close and yet so far away! Will visit soon😊

    March 17, 2021 - 9:17 am Reply
    • Leighton

      Thanks for reading! And yes, we are nearly though this.

      March 17, 2021 - 9:18 am Reply
      • CK Grasset

        Yes and I am not far away, based in Toulouse. I am dreaming of Spain (and learning Spanish)….as soon as we are free Zaragosa her I come😉

        March 17, 2021 - 9:34 am
  • GeoTrend

    Amazing 👏🏻

    March 21, 2021 - 10:45 pm Reply
  • Flatliner Books

    We may have to send our characters to Zaragoza. It’s so beautiful. Thank you for giving us such a splendid tour 🙂

    April 8, 2021 - 12:18 am Reply
    • Leighton

      Thanks for the kind words! Maybe a storyline involving the ghosts of the leaning tower? 😉

      April 8, 2021 - 8:55 am Reply
      • Flatliner Books

        I like your way of thinking! You should see our version of ghosts in October’s Issue of Our Old Haunts 🙂

        April 10, 2021 - 4:59 am
  • traveltrickortreat

    Spain is magic

    April 26, 2021 - 8:34 pm Reply
    • Leighton

      It certainly is! Thanks for reading and following.

      April 26, 2021 - 8:37 pm Reply
  • Talkthirtea

    Wow! Definitely on our bucket list now Leighton!

    June 1, 2021 - 4:29 pm Reply
    • Leighton

      Hey, I appreciate your feedback. Thanks for reading!

      June 1, 2021 - 5:12 pm Reply

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