Zaragoza Set almost equidistantly between Spain’s three big cities — Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia — Zaragoza is now reachable by the new AVE high-speed rail link.
Romans, Moors, Jews and Christians all left their cultural legacy behind, waiting to be admired to this day. The city walls, churches, basilicas, palaces, stately houses and squares of the historic centre reflect the different civilisations that settled the city. Leave your watch behind and grab your camera.

The best way to discover Zaragoza's monuments is to stroll through its streets. You will feel the wealth of its 2,000 year history by starting the day in Plaza del Pilar, alongside the Ebro River. Here you will find three of the city's emblematic buildings:

• The Pilar Basilica, church and universal symbol of Zaragoza
• La Lonja Palace, the region of Aragon's most important 16th century civil building, venue for many exhibitions throughout the year
• San Salvador Cathedral ("La Seo"), Aragon's most valuable and significant monument, where you will find medieval artistic styles reflected, along with Renaissance and Baroque elements. Be sure to look at the exterior wall of the Parroquieta Chapel it is the pinnacle of Mudejar architecture.

Before lunch, head for the Caesaraugusta Theatre Museum, just a few minutes walk away. See what the Roman city's most popular monument was like. There are many witnesses to Zaragoza's imperial past to be seen - the city walls, the Forum, the River Port and the Public Baths, with their respective museums.

To get your strength back, try sampling one of the regional gastronomic delicacies at one of the many restaurants in the city.  After lunch you can get underway again, heading for Primo de Rivera park, the city's main recreation area and an open air museum. Stroll through its avenues and gardens, where you will find monuments like the one dedicated to Alfonso I the Warrior, as well as delightful spots such as the Botanical Garden.

At mid-afternoon, Aljafería Palace awaits. Don’t miss this Moorish gem. It stands out as one of the finest examples of Muslim architecture in Spain outside of Andalusia.  If you can't make it down to Granada or Seville, Zaragoza is the next best thing! It is the most important 11th century civil construction in the Islamic West, with stunning areas such as the Santa Isabel and San Martín patios, or the polychromed coffering of the Throne Room.

To finish off the day, we would suggest that you head back to the centre of the city and visit the Patio de la Infanta, a 16th century architectural gem with various works by artist Francisco de Goya.

Zaragoza was chosen as the home for Expo 2008 and Hadid’s Bridge Pavilion is what connects the city to the grounds of the Expo. This spectacular structure straddles the River Ebro, from which it takes its inspiration. As well as a footbridge, it also doubles as an indoor exhibition area and is likely to become a major landmark alongside Zaragoza’s other UNESCO Heritage hits.

Expo 2008 also unveiled Europe’s largest freshwater aquarium, showcasing the world’s great rivers (say hello to Amazonian piranha, giant Nile crocodiles and Mekong snakes), as well as a 250-foot Water Tower (whose base is shaped like a water droplet).

Zaragoza still has much more to offer which is why it is best to stay for two or three days if possible. Call in to any of the tourist information offices, they will help you plan your visit.

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