Spain Travel Notes (11) Zaragoza

Zaragoza is the fifth largest city in Spain and the capital of the Aragon Autonomous Region and Zaragoza Province. It is located in the northeast and on the south bank of the Ebro River. Zaragoza now preserves the remains of city walls and bridges from the ancient Roman period, as well as churches, bell towers, palaces, etc. from different eras.

Zaragoza is the midway point between Barcelona and Madrid. We came from Barcelona and stayed here for one night before arriving in Madrid the next day.

In the evening after arriving in Zaragoza, we visited the Cathedral of Our Lady of Pilar. In the evening, we stayed upstairs at the Zaragoza train station and took advantage of the sunset to visit this unique station.

1. Cathedral of Our Lady of Christ in Pilar

Cathedral of Our Lady of Christ in Pilar (El Templo de La Santa Madre Del Templo de Pilar), also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Christ Hall. The church is located in Pilar Square in Zaragoza. It is a Catholic basilica dedicated to Our Lady of Pilar. John Paul II called it the "Mother of the Spanish People" and is known as the "Mother of the Spanish People" in history. The first Church of Our Lady.

Our Lady of Pilar means "Mother of the Pillars". According to legend, Saint James, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, preached to Zaragoza and saw the Virgin Mary on January 2, 40 AD. Appearing on a pillar to bring Christianity to the country, this is said to be her only apparition before her ascension to heaven.

The church was built from 1681 to 1872 in the Baroque architectural style. It is rectangular, 130 meters long and 67 meters wide, with 11 domes and 4 tall spiers. It is the oldest church in Zaragoza. An iconic building whose majestic appearance can be seen from a distance. The church consists of a nave, two corridors and two brick chapels, which is very spectacular. The cathedral is recognized as a Spanish national historic building and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain.

During the Spanish Civil War, three bombs were dropped on the roof of the church, but none of them exploded. Currently, two bombs are hanging on the walls of the cathedral, telling the world about the Apparitions of Our Lady of the Cathedral. magical story.

The Ebro River flows quietly, and the spire of Pilar Cathedral, Zaragoza’s landmark building, soars into the sky. We crossed the stone bridge and arrived in front of the church

Under the setting sun, the church and its steeple glowed with golden light

The church can be visited free of charge, which is the only one encountered in Spain

After entering the church, I took a few pictures. The staff told me not to take pictures, so I obeyed. Just a few pictures show the key elements of the church interior.

The church building is tall and majestic. The floor is paved with marble and patterned. The domes are all semi-circular arcs with exquisite sculptures. The interior decoration is gorgeous, highlighting the Baroque design style. There are exquisite paintings on display in the hall. The decorative pieces and artwork, the frescoes on the ceilings and walls are the work of the famous painter Goya.

There is a prayer hall in the middle of the hall, all made of marble. On the front is a statue of the Virgin decorated in gold, which is very exquisite.

In the second picture below, there are two flags hanging on the wall. This is one of the reasons why the church is famous

It is said that during the Spanish Civil War, two bombs were dropped on the roof of Pilar Cathedral, but neither one exploded, so it was considered to be the protection of the Virgin Mary. Church.

The church is divided into three sections, and there are several chapels within the cathedral. Several confessionals are open and can accept four languages. Along the walls of the hall were a number of cabins in which the priest sat. Devout believers kneel with their legs outside, lower their heads, give their hands to the priest, and accept the priest's teachings.

Outside the church is Plaza del Pilar

Plaza del Pilar is the central square of Zaragoza, because of the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar on the square. It is named after the cathedral. Nicknamed "city living room". It is also often called the Plaza de las Catedrales.

In addition to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Pilar, the buildings in the square also include the La Lonja Exchange, the City Hall, the Spanish Fountain, the Cathedral of Jesus the Savior in Zaragoza, the painter Francisco Goya 's tomb.

One side of the square is lined with shops and a constant flow of people. Some activities are often held in the square, and it is a good place for everyone to relax.

Restaurants and cafes next to the square

Leisurely people

Playful children

There is a restaurant on the other side of the square A large stone ball with map-like graphics carved on it

There is a geometric pool on the ground

Beyond the pool, there is a group of modern art works - artificial waterfalls. Both the waterfall and the underground pool are made of irregular geometric shapes.

The water slowly flows down from the irregular slope, glowing with silver under the backlight of the setting sun, making it appear somewhat mysterious and strange.

This is an art wall on the back of the artificial waterfall, which is in sharp contrast to the waterfall wall on the other side.

According to information: Zaragoza was originally an Iberian town. Later, it was invaded repeatedly by foreign tribes. Napoleon's army attacked Zaragoza in 1809 and encountered stubborn resistance. Twenty thousand Zaragoza defenders and more than 30,000 residents died for their country. When the French commander entered the city as a victor, he was shocked by the corpses piled up in the streets. He lamented to the people around him: "What kind of war is this! This victory can only make people feel sad!" The war caused huge damage to the city, and the Pilar Cathedral on the Ebro River It and several nearby ancient buildings survived several reconstructions.

Perhaps, waterfalls, irregular geometric figures, and earth sculptures are expressions of a certain meaning for the city by Zaragoza people.

According to the data, there are 11 domes and 4 spiers on the top of Pilar Cathedral, but from the location and angle we took the photo, we couldn’t capture them all.

This is a picture showing the cathedral spire on the wall of our accommodation

2. Zaragoza Adif Railway Station

Below our accommodation that night is Zaragoza Goza Adif Railway Station (Zaragoza Delicias). The accommodation building on top of the train station stretches for hundreds of meters. From the windows of the accommodation corridor, you can see the grand scene of the platform below. A few days ago, I was used to seeing classical buildings. When I saw these modern buildings, I really felt that it was a huge leap, so I decided to go downstairs to see the train station.

Both sides of the station building are traffic arteries

It was already 21:00 local time, and taxis and buses were still picking up the station

Entering the station, we were attracted by its architectural design. The station hall is open, with a geometric pattern composed of linear steel and ceiling materials on the top.

A beautiful and concise pattern is formed between the ceiling and the platform, the studio, the rails, and the steps

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A train enters the station, adding dynamics to the quiet lines

Here are several escalators to facilitate passengers to get on and off the platform

After exiting the station, there is Crossing the street is an ornamental pedestrian bridge

The train station building is on the left

The driveway in front of the station

Back to the residence, taking pictures of the dim lights outside the window

The next day, we returned to Madrid and boarded a flight from Madrid to return home...

Although the trip to Spain has ended, it left us with deep memories and long aftertaste.

Thank you to the travel agency staff for their meticulous and thoughtful service, and to our friends for their attention and encouragement!

(Photography: Priven, Origin)

?August 2018

·Full collection completed·