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Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar

s/n Plaza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Zaragoza, Aragón

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.

Meta review

A mainstay of travel guides and blogs, the monument is also well rated by online reviewers who note the striking architecture - worth viewing from different perspectives and at different times of the day. Highlights, according to visitors, include the alabaster main altarpiece, the chapel of Santa María Virgen de Pilar, and the stalls. The free entrance is also noteworthy.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral. Helps preserve 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 to visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in September 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 15m

est. visit time:0h 45m

Regulated hours
Period 1

MONDAY08:00 - 13:30

TUESDAY08:00 - 13:30

WEDNESDAY08:00 - 13:30

THURSDAY08:00 - 13:30

FRIDAY08:00 - 13:30

SATURDAY08:00 - 13:30

SUNDAY08:00 - 13:30

Period 2

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

Pricing
Cost for the Pilar Tower is 5.00 € / 3.00 €
Free

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