The city of Zaragoza, Spain is located close to the other cities of Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia, in the autonomous district of Aragaon. Although the city is not well known, it is Spain’s fifth largest. Many of the tourists traveling through tend to over look this city, however for those that do stop in Zaragoza, Spain, hotels , restaurants and the residents of the city are some of the most congenial and open and friendly, and the architecture and the old city streets are perfect for exploring the culture of the country. And due to the fact that this has been an overlooked location for so long, there is not a lot of outside factors influencing the traditional culture of Zaragoza. The cuisine found here is truly representative of the untouched Spanish flavor, and many from other cities throughout the country will vacation them selves in Zaragoza, more so than the other more popular resort towns and cities.
The Ebro River runs through Zaragoza, and is responsible for the attraction of the settlers from Iberia that first landed on the shores more than two thousand years ago. History and various invaders have changed the name of the city, and the name now is from Roman soldiers that conquered the city and named it for their emperor, Ceasar Agustus. Still found in the older sections of the town, are the ruins of the structures and buildings that made up the city during these Roman times of occupation. Some of the ruins include the public bath houses, and amphitheater and a forum.
Due to the central location between some of the other major cities, Zaragoza has become the center for business and commerce and hosts many international conferences and trade seminars. Not only is it close to the cities of Spain, but many transactions are exchanged between it and the city of London, as a two hour plan ride gets travelers quickly to their destinations. Many travelers find themselves in the city on religious pilgrimages, worshipping at the Basilica de Nuestra Senora Pilar, and the annual Pilar Festival brings many to this city for the first time. The city is also filled with the paintings of F rancisco de Goya the famous master that was born in Zaragoza and is admired not only in his hometown, but throughout the world of art.