The Aljaferia Palace in Zaragoza

Muslim architecture has left three major testimonies in Spain: the Mosque of Cordoba, the Alhambra of Granada, and the Aljaferia in Zaragoza, a palace built in the 11th century during the Muslim reign of Al-Muqtadir.

The Aljaferia was the leisure and retreat residence of the ruler of what was called Saraqusta, later becoming Zaragoza after the Catholic Reconquest.

The Aljaferia was located on the outskirts of Zaragoza, surrounded only by gardens, orchards, and irrigation canals, evoking the image of the Muslim paradise. The Aljaferia is the highest expression of the splendor achieved by Zaragoza during the Taifa Kingdom, of which it remains the only significant architectural testimony.

The oldest part of the Aljaferia is called the "Tower of the Troubadour" and is named after the drama by Giuseppe Verdi, written to a libretto by Antonio García Gutierrez.

After the reconquest of Zaragoza by Alfonso I (1118), the Aljaferia became the residence of the Aragonese monarchs who modified its appearance in many ways. Among these modifications are the church of San Martín, the 'Alcove of Saint Elizabeth', the Chapel of Saint George, and the series of arches to the west of the patio of Saint Elizabeth. The most important testimony from these centuries are the "Mudéjar" style halls commissioned by King Peter IV, adorned with beautiful wooden inlays called "alfarjes".

Starting in 1492, the Aljaferia underwent new changes to match the prestige of the Christian monarchs. A staircase, a corridor, and a series of rooms, known as the Lost Steps, were added, leading to the magnificent Throne Room, with a stunning ceiling decorated with gilded wood.

Starting in 1593, the task of transforming the Aljaferia into a fortress was given to the architect from Siena, Tiburzio Spanochi, who added an outer fence with imposing pentagonal pillars and a defensive moat that ran along the entire perimeter. Even in the following centuries, the Aljaferia was further modified to adapt it for use as barracks. Since 1987, the Aljaferia has been home to the "Cortes de Aragón", the government palace of Aragon.

Opening hours:

From April to October: 10 AM - 2 PM and 4:30 PM - 8 PM.
From November to March: 10 AM - 2 PM and 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM.
Closed: Sunday afternoons in winter.

Ticket price: Regular €5.

How to get there: Calle de los Diputados.
Bus: 20, 21, 22, 25, 31, 32, 33, 36, and 51.