Overview

The city of Zaragoza is the capital of Zaragoza province and is located on the river Ebro. This city’s population is about 700,000 and the city is situated at a level 200 meters above sea level.

Romans, Moors, Jews and Christians have left their legacy of monuments in the streets of Zaragoza. Some of the heritage sites in this city are - the Circus, Mudejar-style churches and Aljafería Palace. The expo 2008 site is an artistic site that you would enjoy.

Climate

The temperatures in this city are hot in summer (40 °C) and cool in winter (0 to 10 °C). Rainfall occurs mainly during spring.

History

The city was originally known as Salduba, Salduie or Saldyva. In the 5th century, it was captured by Goths. In the period 1018 to 1118, this was a taifa kingdom. In the year 1118, this city was conquered by the Aragonese and was designated as the capital for the Kingdom of Aragon.

Cultural Heritage

The history of this city is as old as 2,000 years and cultural programs are conducted throughout the year. Taking a walk through the city is the best method for discovering this city.

You will notice the marks of different civilizations in the walls of the city, palaces, basilicas, churches and the squares at the historic centre.

Some of the places of historic value are – Plaza del Pilar Square, Pilar Basilica, La Lonja Palace, and Metropolitan Water Park.

Cuisine

Tourists can enjoy the regional dishes served in bars, pubs and restaurants which cater to various people’s budget. This place has a number of exotic and luxurious places that have Asian influence. You must not miss going out for tapas. Some of the areas where you can eat are - Plaza de San Miguel Square, Plaza del Carmen Square, Paseo de la Independencia, etc. Some of the food items popular in this place are Aragon baby lamb, Teruel ham, virgin olive oil, vegetables and fruits from river Ebro, etc. Terrace bars are popular when the weather is good.

Sports and Entertainment

There are many sports halls and reservoirs where you can play various sports in this city. Popular water sports are – fishing, kayaking, rowing, sailing, water biking, wind surfing and water skiing. Mequinenza Reservoir is popular for water sports.

Golf is a popular sport that many people go for in Zaragoza. Ski resorts – Panticosa and Formigal are in Pyrenees which is not very far from Zaragoza. You can also go for adventure sports like climbing, mountaineering, paragliding, etc.

Bars, pubs and nightclubs make the nights lively.

Children will enjoy exploring the Primo de Rivera Park. In Theme park, facilities are available for roller coaster, witch train, Ferris wheel and other fun-giving devices. Theatres, concerts, cinemas, festivals, exhibitions, fairs, etc. can be seen throughout the year. Cultural programs are held in Aragon Conference Centre and Principal Theatre. The MegaBus – children’s tourist bus – takes them to the monuments.

Shopping

Shopping can be done in the pedestrian areas as well as big shopping complexes. Items that you can shop in this city are crafts, souvenir items, ceramic items, fashion goods, branded products, etc. The city centre, Alfonso I and Don Jaime I streets and nearby places are the popular shopping areas. Department stores – Puerta Cinegia Independencia, Augusta, Puerto Venecia, Grancasa and Plaza Imperial are the most popular.

Business

This city hosted the International Expo 2008 for which it had undergone major infrastructure changes in roads, buildings, etc. This city is located midway between other major Spanish cities – Madrid, Bilbao, Valencia and Barcelona. It is well connected to the above cities by road, AVE and airport. All these developments make this city an ideal location for congresses and business.