Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
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Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar - by Jose Pineda on Google
Description
The Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar (Nuestra Señora del Pilar) is a Roman Catholic church in Zaragoza dedicated to Virgin Mary. The first chapel on the site is said to go back to the very first century AD, after St James had an apparition. It was then expanded over time, adopting a Romanesque, then Gothic style. The present structure dates from the late 17th century / early 18th century. It is designed in Baroque style with four towers and eleven cupolas; some frescoes have been painted by Goya. Other highlights include the Holy Chapel designed by Ventura Rodriguez that houses the venerated image of the Virgin, and the panoramic lift up the San Francisco de Borja tower ('Torre Mirador del Pilar'), 80m above ground.
Access & Transport
The Basilica is on Plaza del Pilar, at the northern edge of the historical district of Zaragoza, close to the Ebre river. Many tourist highlights are within walking distance, the Plaza del Pilar-Murallas tram station is 1 min walk away and buses 101, 102 and 201 stop behind the building on Paseo de Echegaray. There is parking available next door (Indigo - Ayuntamiento).
Instructions & Recommendations
Price for the Torre Mirador del Pilar is 5.00 € / 3.00 €. We suggest combining a visit there with the Plaza del Pilar, the Goya Museum and/or the Caesaraugusta Forum Museum.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral. Part of the city's cultural and architectural heritages.
Conclusion
The Basilica is Zaragoza's skyline defining monument and will reward visitors with its gorgeous design, replete with towers, cupolas and some delightful artworks inside. Not a long stop, but a worthy one, in the center of the historical district.
Key positive
Spectacular architecture and some beautiful art inside
Centrally located and free entrance
Key negative
None
Suitability
No religious denomination restrictions. Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 15m
est. visit time:0h 45m
MONDAY08:00 - 13:30
TUESDAY08:00 - 13:30
WEDNESDAY08:00 - 13:30
THURSDAY08:00 - 13:30
FRIDAY08:00 - 13:30
SATURDAY08:00 - 11:45
SUNDAY08:00 - 13:30
MONDAY16:30 - 20:30
TUESDAY16:30 - 20:30
WEDNESDAY16:30 - 20:30
THURSDAY16:30 - 20:30
FRIDAY16:30 - 20:30
SATURDAY16:30 - 20:30
SUNDAY16:30 - 20:30