Aljafería - Islam meets Christian Palace

I’m having a couple of days in Zaragoza as it’s smaller, so less to see so hopefully allowing me to not go at 120%. That’s said there is a lot to see here. I started the day late and decided to check out the palace (that looks quite castle-esque). Built in the late 11th century the palace was originally Islamic before the Christian’s took over Aragon (as you do) in the 12th century.

I love the meshing of Islamic and Christian architecture in Spain. It really drew me in on my visit to southern Spain in 2022, and continues during this visit today. The arches combined with castle like walls looks like something out of game of thrones. It’s only €5 to enter and had a little app to download to get info on each room. It was semi gamified with challenges to make off each room (or add VR characters to the room).

Upstairs in the tower was a meeting room for serious business (another part of the palace is now the seat of government). A few interesting characters also touring the palace included 3 guys who hadn’t showered and stank out each room they entered (I rushed ahead and made sure I stayed ahead of them). Alas unlike some of the palaces in Seville, the smell of orange blossom from the garden was not there to drown out their stench. Also touring was a couple with a teen daughter who was not interested and took up positions to nap as her parents explored.

It was starting to warm up so I sought brief respite in the library to cool down before wandering back into the centre of town. The walk there and back was also filled with some beautiful architecture. As it was the middle of the day, everything began to close up for afternoon siesta. Only thing for me to do was to grab some lunch and join siesta time.Read more