After Logroño, Jane and I took a bla bla car (Thanks Jose Luis!) to Zaragoza in the Aragon region of Spain. Zaragoza is the capital of the autonomous region, known for its beautiful architecture and roman ruins. Unfortunately, Jane and I were here yesterday (Sunday) and unable to see all the cool museums and places since they were closed. Nonetheless, we were able to see some cool ruins, eat good food and see one of the prettiest basilicas I have ever seen!
Augustus named the city Caesaraugusta, which over time led to Zaragoza (say it really fast). After the Romans were there for a few hundred years, the Celtics and Visigoths took over briefly. The Moors then took over but it was short lived as Zaragoza, and Aragon were one of the first regions to be taken back by the Catholics. For a while, Aragon was its own thing, holding Cataluña and Valencia in their kingdom. Highlight that happened in Zaragoza include the Spanish Inquisition and a siege during the Napoleonic Wars.
After the palace, we headed to the famous Roman theater discovered in 1972. One day in the 70s, they were planning on building some stuff and all these ruins just showed up. There was a small museum that explained much of the history of Zaragoza as well as the significance of the Roman theater in Roman culture. Zaragoza always seemed to be a rich city, starting with the romans. The ruins are pretty cool, and the museum installed a large awning over the ruins giving it a cool modern vs old vibe.
Food time!! Zaragoza has a few streets similar to Logroño filled with tapas bar. There were a lot of hip places with funky fusion food. We went to a pincho bar famous for their solomillo and we were not disapointed. I would give this croquette, (below to the right) a solid 3. It was good, a tad cold but the cheese on top was a delight. We also went to an Asian fusion restaurant where we got maki rolls with spanish influence. Yum!
To round out a busy day, we headed to the Catedral-Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Pilar (Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar). This was one of the most amazing basilicas/cathedrals/churches I have ever seen! The local tradition is that while Saint James was trying to spread Christianity to Spain, the Mother of God aka Mary came to him as an apparition on the River Ebro and asked him to build a church for her. He eventually did, and it eventually became this enormous basilica. I credit its beauty to the the walls that are painted sky blue inside the church. The inside also holds a grand altar with a statue of the Virgin. At the time we were there, children could go up to the statue and get blessed. Inside, there were also flags of all the Hispanic countries as every nation has donated something to El Pilar as it is related to the founding of the Spanish colonies and spreading Christianity. There are amazing chapels and chandeliers, and artwork throughout the structure. Outside, there are festive tiles and towers you can see from miles away.
Sunday Night on the main street:
I have to go back to Zaragoza soon and see all the other monuments I've missed as well as try more delicious food. :) !
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