ZARAGOZA
First stop will be at the
beautiful and historic town of Sigüenza, in the north of the
province of Guadalajara, whose lofty architectural heritage was declared a
Historic-Artistic Monument in 1965. The castle, the Cathedral and the Main
Square are the three points which must be mandatory visited but its streets are
full of other civil and religious buildings of great beauty.
Another suggested stop is “the
city of legends”, Medinaceli, whose historical centre has been
declared a Cultural Heritage Site. In the town and its vicinity we find traces
of Romans, Arabs and Christians such as Roman arch from the II Century (unique
with three arches preserved in Spain), the late Gothic style Collegiate Church,
the magnificent palace of the Medinaceli Duke and Duchess built in the XVII
Century and the remains of an old Moorish Castle in the north part of the city.
Depending on the time available
and your preferences you could also visit the small and beautiful villages of
Palazuelos, Carabias and Guijosa still in Guadalajara or Chaorna and Somaén in
Soria. Likewise, the “Monasterio de Piedra” in Nuévalos is a highly recommended
choice. Upon payment of the entrance (13€ Adults/10€ children) you and your
family can tour this historical and amazing natural beauty in just over 2
hours. The religious building was founded in 1194, declared Historic Site in
1945 and a National Monument in 1983 and its surroundings is a paradise full of
waterfalls, passable caves, ponds and viewpoint. From February 28th to
October 14th you can also see some of the shows of birds of
prey in flight that are offered daily. The tour is completed with a guided
visit to the Wine Museum and the Museum of Carriages. A delight for both
children and adults!
Calatayud is the last stop before arriving at Zaragoza.
Its past goes back to Roman times and its historic preserve some of the finest
examples of Moorish architecture in Aragón. This monumental city settled at the
foot of a group of five castles from the Arab period, considered one of the
oldest defensive systems of Muslim Spain, has an endless list of noteworthy
historic buildings but if there is one that stands out above the others that is
the Collegiate Church of Santa María, declared National Monument. Built in the
fourteenth century, in it you can see the diversity of styles, ranging from
Gothic-Mudéjar to the Renaissance, through the Baroque.
Note: It
is possible to visit the villages of Daroca and Ateca which have Mudéjar style
monuments and Arab remains or Fuendetodos, where Francisco de Goya was born.
Already in Zaragoza,
capital of the Aragón region, you will find an impressive heritage monuments in
the streets because of Romans, Muslims, Jews and Christians left their mark on
this place. Ruins of Roman civilization as the Circus, the Aljafería Palace;
Moorish style churches, declared World Heritage by UNESCO; Baroque gems like
the Pilar Basilica, the great work of Francisco de Goya…and also the Modern
Expo 2008, all place in the Ebro river banks. Zaragoza, must be visited in
comfortable clothes because its streets, boulevards, avenues and pedestrian
areas are a continuing invitation to stroll at any time of year. The
city's cultural life is intense just like its TAPAS tradition or nightlife.
Bars, clubs, pubs and terraces open their doors late into the night, the fun is
guaranteed!
(The region
of the "Five Towns" would be a great culmination for this route,
though, it would take at least two days of travel)
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