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Zaragoza

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Zaragoza is a large and busy city in Spain.

Zaragoza Spain (cropped) ESA
Zaragoza Spain (cropped) ESA

It sits in the north-east part of the country. The city is located in a dry valley called the Ebro basin.

MTN50-0383-2005-cns-Zaragoza
MTN50-0383-2005-cns-Zaragoza

The Ebro river flows right through the middle of it. Other rivers like the Huerva and the Gállego also meet here. This city is the capital of the Aragon region. It is also the capital of the province of Zaragoza. As of 2025, the city has 699,007 people living in it.

Zaragoza municipality
Zaragoza municipality

This makes it the fourth largest city in all of Spain.

The history of this place goes back a very long time. Long ago, a tribe called the Sedetani lived in a village called Salduie.

Mapa Caesaraugusta
Mapa Caesaraugusta

Between 25 BC and 11 BC, the Romans founded a new colony there. They named it Caesaraugusta to honor Augustus. The Romans built many things like baths, a theatre, and a forum. You can still see some of these Roman ruins today. Later, the city became a capital under Muslim rule. It was known as Saraqusta during that time.

Mapa Saraqusta
Mapa Saraqusta

In 1118, the city became the capital for the Kingdom of Aragon.

Many different groups of people have shaped the city over the years. In the Middle Ages, there was a large Jewish community living there. They were very smart and studied things like philosophy and medicine. Some famous Jewish doctors even wrote books about drugs and weights.

Vista de Zaragoza en 1647
Vista de Zaragoza en 1647

However, things changed in 1492 when the Crown ordered the Jews to leave. Later, the city faced many hard times like the plague in 1564. This sickness killed about 10,000 people in the city. The city also had to defend itself during the Peninsular War.

Santa Engracia - Lejeune
Santa Engracia - Lejeune

During those wars, many people fought to protect their homes.

Today, Zaragoza is known for its beautiful landmarks and special buildings. You can visit the Basílica del Pilar and La Seo Cathedral.

Falange Members in Saragossa 1936 (Retouched)
Falange Members in Saragossa 1936 (Retouched)

The Aljafería Palace is another very famous place to see. These buildings are part of the Mudéjar Architecture of Aragon. This style is so special that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city also hosts big events like the Expo 2008.

Pabellon Aragon Expo 2008 01
Pabellon Aragon Expo 2008 01

This was a huge world's fair about water and nature. People also celebrate the Fiestas del Pilar with big festivals.

FIESTAS DEL PILAR DE ZARAGOZA Ofrenda de frutos 18
FIESTAS DEL PILAR DE ZARAGOZA Ofrenda de frutos 18

These festivals are among the most famous in Spain.

Zaragoza is a place where the old and new worlds meet. You can ride on a modern tram through the streets.

Paseo de la Independencia, Zaragoza
Paseo de la Independencia, Zaragoza

You can also see huge modern bridges like the Third Millennium Bridge.

Puente del Tercer Milenio (Zaragoza)
Puente del Tercer Milenio (Zaragoza)

The city has many big industries, including a factory that makes cars. It also has a large airport to help people travel.

Zaragoza Airport
Zaragoza Airport

People visit to see the local food and the lovely parks.

Parque Grande by juanedc
Parque Grande by juanedc

Whether looking at ancient ruins or new buildings, there is always something to find. It remains a very important center for the people of Aragon.

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🖼️ Images & Media (20)
File:Zaragoza municipality.png
Zaragoza municipality.png
File:Mapa Caesaraugusta.svg
Mapa Caesaraugusta.svg
File:Mapa Saraqusta.svg
Mapa Saraqusta.svg
File:Vista de Zaragoza en 1647.jpg
Vista de Zaragoza en 1647.jpg
File:Santa Engracia - Lejeune.jpg
Santa Engracia - Lejeune.jpg
File:Falange Members in Saragossa 1936 (Retouched).jpg
Falange Members in Saragossa 1936 (Retouched).jpg
File:Zaragoza Spain (cropped) ESA.jpg
Zaragoza Spain (cropped) ESA.jpg
File:MTN50-0383-2005-cns-Zaragoza.jpg
MTN50-0383-2005-cns-Zaragoza.jpg
File:WTCZ World Trade Center Zaragoza (2).JPG
WTCZ World Trade Center Zaragoza (2).JPG
File:Pabellon Aragon Expo 2008 01.JPG
Pabellon Aragon Expo 2008 01.JPG
File:Torre del agua.jpg
Torre del agua.jpg
File:FIESTAS DEL PILAR DE ZARAGOZA Ofrenda de frutos 18.jpg
FIESTAS DEL PILAR DE ZARAGOZA Ofrenda de...

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