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MUST SEESThe Plaza is the nucleus of the city and is home to

the revered Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar (OurLady of the Pillar). One of the best views of the basili-ca’s domes and minarets is from pedestrianisedavenue, Calla Alfonso I. Inside the basilica are fres-coes painted by Goya and the pillar upon which theVirgin Mary is said to have appeared to Saint James.

The 1st-century Roman amphitheatre was discov-ered by chance in 1972 during the constructionof a new building. The development ground to apermanent halt and was replaced with the currentCaesaraugusta Theatre museum. The immensestructure was capable of seating 6,000 people –the original stage and elevated seating areas arestill clearly visible.

The Moorish palace of La Aljaferia is one ofZaragoza’s top monuments. The palace is oneof the finest examples of Hispano-Muslim art.Today the building is used as theregional assembly of Aragon.

Spain cultureDESTINATIONTRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE www.ttglive.com 7 September 2007

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IN A NUTSHELLZaragoza is a heavyweight in termsof culture, history and architecture –yet the city remains one of Spain’sbest-kept secrets. It emanates oldworld charm and fighting your waypast hordes of tourists is not something you need worry about.

That is, until the summer of 2008 when the city will host anInternational Exposition on Waterand Sustainability, with landmarkbuildings being constructed to markthe occasion.

ARTS & CULTUREGoya is Zaragoza’s claim to fameand his artistic legacy is evidentacross the city’s finest museums.The Camon Aznar Ibercaja museumdepicts the artist’s series of etchings, ranging from his love ofbullfighting to his experiences of the Napoleonic wars. The Museumof Zaragoza also houses Goya’swork, within a splendid Renaissance-style building constructed for theHispanic-French Exhibition of 1908.

SHOPPINGMany of the grand avenues aremade for strolling and this providesan opportunity to shop at some their boutiques or bag a deal at theEl Corte Ingles department store onPaseo de la Independencia.

WHERE TO EATThere’s plenty of tapas bars tochoose from in El Tubo (The Pipe),so called because of the area’s narrow streets. Try toasted breadrubbed with tomato, and olive oilwith jamon (cured ham), comple-mented by a bottle of Crianza redwine from the Vinas de Vero wineyards of Aragon.

After a long day’s sight-seeing, enjoy a

meal in elegantsurroundings.The restaurantAragoniaParadis at theHotel Palafox

offers fine tradi-tional Aragonese

cuisine. Next door tothe hotel is the rustic

tapas bar, Bodegon Azoque, whichhas a great atmosphere.

BIG NIGHT OUTThe area of El Casco Viejo is wherethe city’s buzzing nightlife carries onuntil dawn, with young Spanish students cramming into a variety ofestablishments. Clubs don’t warm upuntil midnight, so start your night atthe Rock & Blues Cafe on Cuatrode Agosto for live music.

HOW LONG TO STAYMany of the key sites can be visitedon foot, so whether you stay 24hours or make it a long weekend,the city is an excellent choice for aEuropean break.

ACCOMMODATION-ONLYSuperbreak offers the five-starMelia Zaragoza from £47.50 perperson per night based on twosharing. Breakfast is also included.

www.superbreak.com/agents

FLIGHTSRyanair flies to Zaragoza fromStansted five times a week.Fares start at £10 each way,including taxes.

www.ryanair.com

Goya out of yourway to Zaragoza

Zaragoza will be in thespotlight when it hosts a major environmentalevent next summer.Ramy Salameh checkedout the city and foundplenty to enjoy on ashort break

For flights to BARCELONA from £72including taxes, see pages 50-51

Attention travel agents!

BRINGING YOU THE BEST TRAVEL DEALStravel club

Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar is where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Saint James

The Caesaraugusta museum has theremains of a Roman amphitheatre

A monument to Francisco Goya in the Plaza del Pilar

Shop for a bargainat El Corte Inglesdepartment store

Enjoy a tapasmeal in El Tubo

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Next summer Zaragozahosts a sustainability exposition

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