Zaragoza, Spain

Founded by the Romans under the name of Caesaraugusta, conquered by Napoleon's troops and significantly rebuilt in the 19th century, today Zaragoza is the capital of the Autonomous Region of Aragon in Spain. It occupies the place of an important industrial center with a very well-developed heavy and light industry, with industries such as automotive, locomotive, fine mechanics, optics, textile and food industry.
However, the gray shadow of the industry does not overshadow the splendor of cultural and historical heritage, nor does it disfigure the urban landscape, dotted with wide boulevards and pretty squares, large areas with shady alleys and fountains, lively trade and sports parks.
The tour of the world of historical landmarks begins with the remains of the Roman Forum in front of La Seo Cathedral and part of the fortress wall of Avenida Cesar Augusto. In 714 Zaragoza was conquered by the Moors, who ruled here for 4 centuries. This is a period of prosperity for Zaragoza.
To tell the story of the city's transformation into a cultural center, the Arabian palace Palacio de la Aljaferia, located 3 km west of the old quarter, has been preserved. The palace was the residence of the Banu Hood dynasty and the seat of the Inquisition in Aragon. Palacio de la Aljaferia is considered the pearl in the crown of Moorish monuments. Its imposing building shows the splendor achieved by the kingdom of Taifa. Its most striking part is the small Musallah Mosque, built especially for the emirs. The palace is home to Cortes, the regional parliament of Aragon.
Zaragoza adds to its historical heritage two cathedrals - La Seo and the Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar. The Savior's Cathedral is part of the world heritage of Zaragoza's architecture. It is located in La Seo Square and is better known as La Seo Cathedral. It is built in an incredible remake of styles such as Gothic from the XII century, later Mudejar and Baroque from the XVIII century. Pere Joan, a Catalan sculptor, did his best to create the fantastic carved altar, which 30 years later was redesigned by Hans Pitt-Danso, who left his signature on the creation of the central canvas, adorning it with beautiful figures from alabaster.
La Seo Cathedral in Zaragoza revealed all its splendor in November 1999, when it reopened for the first time in 20 years. Today, its back leads to two museums - the Museo de Tapices and the Museo Capitular. In them, the visitor witnesses an amazing collection of 60 tapestries from the XV century - 11 meters of exquisite fabric, beautifully communicating with beautiful antiques. The Arch of the Dean also radiates a great deal of charm - a passage of Mudejar brick arches from the 15th century.
The vast paved square Plaza gives its northern end to the other cathedral in Zaragoza, whose name is believed to be borrowed from the apparition of the Virgin Mary in Zaragoza, and its building erected around the column where it takes place. The Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar is a real palette of styles and materials that built its current appearance, preserved from the XVII century. Of greatest interest from the cathedral is the huge chapel of the Capilla de la Vihren, which houses the column and statue of the Virgin Mary.
To show each succeeding generation that Zaragoza is a city with an important economic role, it is the most important secular building in the city - La Lonja de Mercaderes (Old Trade Lodge), which has woven a Renaissance style with Mudejari elements.