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Temples #6 in Zaragoza

Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza

4.7 · 6,714 reviews
Quiet and contemplative with a focus on historical study.
Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza, Pl. de la Seo, 4, Casco Antiguo, 50001 Zaragoza, Spain
Interesting facts
1

The exterior wall is one of the finest examples of Mudéjar architecture in Spain, featuring geometric brick patterns and colorful tiling.

2

The cathedral is built on the foundations of the ancient Roman forum of Caesaraugusta and the subsequent Aljama Mosque.

3

The Tapestry Museum holds a rare collection of 15th-century Gothic tapestries commissioned by the Valois dukes of Burgundy.

4

The structure serves as a co-cathedral alongside the nearby Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar.

5

The interior contains a 15th-century high altar made of polychromed alabaster, widely considered a masterpiece of European Gothic sculpture.

Overview

The Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza, known locally as La Seo, is architecturally unique for its blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Mudejar, and Baroque styles. It is built upon the site of a former Roman forum and a Great Mosque of the Saraqusta period. The cathedral's most distinctive feature is the exterior Mudejar wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site decorated with intricate brickwork and glazed ceramic tiles. Inside, the Tapestry Museum houses one of the world's finest collections of 15th to 17th-century Franco-Flemish Gothic and Renaissance tapestries. The Parroquieta de San Miguel, a chapel within the cathedral, contains the alabaster tomb of Archbishop Lope Fernández de Luna. The cathedral's floor plan maintains elements from the original 12th-century Romanesque structure. The current facade, completed in the 18th century, displays a stark contrast to the medieval patterns visible on the northern wall.

Photo spot

The Plaza de la Seo offers the best angle to capture the juxtaposition of the Mudejar brickwork against the city sky.

Insider tips

Purchase the combined ticket that includes entry to the Tapestry Museum, as these works are often displayed in low-light conditions to preserve the fibers.

Walk the full perimeter of the building to observe the transition from the Mudejar wall to the Baroque facade.

Check the cathedral website for specific chapel access, as parts of the building may be reserved for religious services.

What to avoid

Do not mistake the nearby Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar for La Seo; they are separate buildings with different historical features.

Good to know

May have restricted visiting hours or partial closures during religious holidays or official diocesan ceremonies.

Etiquette

Shoulders and knees must be covered; hats should be removed; maintain silence during religious services.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings; the light hits the Mudejar wall best, and crowds are thinner before mid-day tour groups arrive.
Address
Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza, Pl. de la Seo, 4, Casco Antiguo, 50001 Zaragoza, Spain
41.655, -0.876
Get directions
Details
Architectural styleMudejar, Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque
Key exhibitsFranco-Flemish 15th-century tapestry collection and Alabaster High Altar

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings; the light hits the Mudejar wall best, and crowds are thinner before mid-day tour groups arrive..

The Plaza de la Seo offers the best angle to capture the juxtaposition of the Mudejar brickwork against the city sky.

Close by you'll find Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, Aljafería Palace, Plaza de los Sitios de Zaragoza.