Since its early days as the Roman colony of Caesar-augusta (from which its name is derived), Zaragoza has played a major role in every epoch of the multicultural Spanish history. Following its Roman days, it became the capital of a Muslim tarifa and, after the Reconquest, stepped into the role of capital of the expanding Christian kingdom of Aragón. Even today, it is the capital of the region of Aragón and Spain's 5th largest city. From outside, the city doesn't look like much; but once you get through the modern 20th century apartment blocks and into the historical center, a whole new world opens up.
Zaragoza's old quarter brims with archaeological, architectural and artistic attractions- not to mention lively bars and restaurants. Branching out from the Plaza del Pilar is a complex maze of lanes and alleyways running through medieval buildings, Roman ruins and architectural wonders such as the enormous 17th Baroque Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar and the Aljafería- a stunning Moorish palace complete with a church, a mosque, interior courtyards and the graceful decoration typical of Islamic architecture.
If you're traveling through Aragón, Teruel is without a doubt one of the region's most atmospheric and picturesque stops. Hugging the town's hilltop is its compact old quarter- an architectural haven full of some of Spain's most striking examples of Mudéjar architecture. Set aside at least a few hours to peruse the winding streets, where you'll come across atmospheric spots to stop for a drink or a bite to eat, not to mention a slew of Mudéjar monuments dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Definitely spend some time in and around the 12th century cathedral. Featuring colorful exterior ceramic tiles, an aesthetically stunning fusion of Romanesque and Mudéjar architecture and design.
Set to a jaw-dropping backdrop of the dramatic and often snow-capped Pyrenees mountains, the medieval hamlet of Aínsa is one of the best and prettiest of Aragón's signature ancient hill villages. Meander through its historic center, declared a National Historic and Artistic Monument, and discover medieval houses, cobbled streets, ancient archways, fortifications and a castle- all of it made of stone. Soak up the atmosphere in the wide hilltop Plaza Mayor before heading to the 12th century Romanesque church of Santa María. Check out the small Gothic cloister before hiking up the belfy- the view of the surrounding mountain landscape from the top is worth it!
If you're up for exploring the "off the beaten path" Aragón, Albarracín - an earthy-colored town of pinkish stone and brick - should be at the top of your list. Built on a steep rocky rise carved out by the Guadalaviar River, the first sight of this remote but impressive medieval town are the crenellated walls, which you can see from quite a distance. Within, you'll find a slew of architectural monuments - some of which date back as far as the 9th century - attesting to the enchanting town's past, both Muslim and Christian. Ancient buildings cling to and lean over the narrow streets, a 9th century Moorish castle looks out over the surrounding countryside, and a cathedral - and connected bishop's palace - marks the victory of the Christian Reconquest.
Needless to say, Pamplona's claim to international fame is undoubtedly the annual Running of the Bulls festival, but what about the rest of the year? Pamplona, the capital of the region of Navarra, is a laid-back and tranquil city- surprising, considering the annual bull dashing madness - with a compact and atmospheric old quarter. Founded by Romans - who named it Pampaelo after its founder Pompey the Great - and set behind what remains of its ancient city walls, Pamplona is a wanderer's dream.
The narrow streets of the old quarter wind through pretty plazas, monuments spanning the centuries and a Gothic cathedral. Considered Pamplona's architectural masterpiece, the cathedral sits on a rise just within the city walls and boasts an incredible French-style Gothic cloiser. Other Pamplona highlights include the churches of San Saturnino and San Nicolás, the gardens along the city's western edge, and a vibrant nightlife thanks in great part to Pamplona's university population.
Roncesvalles, situated not much more than a stone's throw from the French border and surrounded by the scenery of the dramatic Pyrenees, is a tiny hamlet boasting a huge historical and religious significance. The tiny town's history highlights the 8th century Battle of Roncesvalles, in which Basque tribes managed to defeat Charlemagne, and later the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in which King Sancho VII marked a victory over the Muslims back in 1212.
For centuries, the town - which, when it comes down to it, isn't much more than a monastery complex - has been a major Pyrenees crossing point for pilgrims via the most popular Way of Saint James route en route to Santiago.
Attesting to Roncesvalles' religious significance are highlights such as the 12th century Romanesque chapel of Sancti Spiritus and the church Real Colegiata de Santa María- a Gothic edifice boasting a beautiful cloister, a chapterhouse with fascinating star-ribbed vaulting, the tomb of King Sancho VII himself and a much-revered silver coated statue of the Virgin Mary.
The southern zone of Navarra isn't exactly an thrilling area of Spain, a characteristic that makes delightful surprises like the ancient town of Tudela stand out all the more. The twisting streets of the old quarter attest to the 400 years Tudela spent in Muslim hands, and through you will find a wide range of Christian architecture that span the centuries since the Reconquest got hold of the town.
Tudela's highlights include the picturesque 17th century Plaza de los Fueros, the 12th century Gothic cathdral and its stunning western entrance, a 13th century bridge of the Ebro River, the Romanesque churches of la Magdalena and San Nicolás, and a slew of fine old mansions boasting the awnings typical of Aragón.
While Logroño doesn't offer a whole long in the way of monuments and tourist attractions, the pleasant atmosphere and generous supply of some of Spain's most high-quality wines make Logroño a favorite amongst La Rioja's tourists. Perfect for strolling and wine tasting, Logroño is an undeniably "feel good" kind of town. Aside from the obvious consumption of hearty wines, highlights include the 13th century Church of San Bartolomé and the Gothic Cathedral of Santa María Redonda with its sumptuous Churrigueresque-Baroque towers.
Medieval Laguardia is widely considered the prettiest of La Rioja's many wine-growing towns. Picturesquely perched atop a hill, a location which provides the visitor with stunning panoramas of the surrounding wine region, Laguardia is a decidedly ancient town of old noble homes, Romanesque and Gothic churches, archaeological ruins from the Iron Age, and a whole lot of wine! After checking out the old town walls, the churches of San Juan and Santa María de los Reyes - be sure to seek out the latter's grand Gothic doorway, as it is one of the few that maintains its original polychrome coloring - sample the region's wine offerings. Practically every home has a wine cellar, while bars and bodega's will serve you the region's best for incredibly cheap prices- often less than one euro!
The tiny town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada perhaps boasts one of Spain's strangest histories. After being rejected by not one but two local monasteries, a rather energetic 11th century hermit went ahead and built his own hermitage on the site where the town now stands. His chosen spot happened to be along one of the most popular Way of Saint James routes and, inspired by the non-stop flow of pilgrims, he constructed a new road, bridge and hospital. The king at the time rewarded the ambitious hermit's deeds by constructing a church; in 1232, the church became a cathedral and saw several additions.
Along with its enchanting old quarter, be sure to visit Santo Domingo de la Calzada's cathedral. The simple beauty of the Romanesque end creates quite a contrast with the at times over-the-top details of the main altar and the mausoleum. The cathedral's most peculiar feature is a niche enclosed by an elaborate wrought iron grille in which you'll find a live rooster and hen; the tradition goes back to a town legend relating a miracle in which a German pilgrim was hung but survived, thanks to the alleged intervention of Santo Domingo and a few feathered friends.
