Calatayud town, Aragon
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Catalayud - by Luidger (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Description
Calatayud is a town with a strong historical and archaeological heritage, its area having been settled during Roman times in the nearby site of Bilbilis. Its name originates from the Arabic and many of its monuments bear the imprint of Mudejar architecture. Highlights include the 16th century Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and its Mudejar tower built on an old mosque, the Calatayud Museum where many archaeological pieces / artefacts from the site are exhibited, the Royal Collegiate Church of the Holy Sepulchre (HQ of that order in Spain), the Arab fortified enclosure with the remnants of the castle (Ayyub), and the Royal Collegiate Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Access & Transport
The town is 85km southwest of Zaragoza on the A-2 and 240km northeast of Madrid. From those towns it is a short AVE train ride of 25mins and 55mins, respectively
Instructions & Recommendations
Make sure to include a visit of Augusta Bilbilis, only 6km out of town.
Environmental & Social
The main activities in the city have a low carbon footprint. Tourism is a welcome injection of activity and revenues in the local economy
Conclusion
A town with plenty to see but nothing ultimately very original for Aragon, so we think it is best recommended for archaeological buffs (for nearby Bilbilis) or anybody based in Zaragoza.
Key positive
Mix of religious and historical sights
Not busy with tourists
Connected by high-speed train to Madrid and Zaragoza
Key negative
Plenty to explore but not a regional must-see
Suitability
No restrictions but the archaeological sites nearby may not be accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:3h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo