Aljaferia Palace is a fortified mediaeval palace located in Zaragoza, Spain. It was built in the 11th century and is the best example of Spanish Islamic Architecture.
Get a chance to return in time while exploring the majestic Aljaferia Palace’s different rooms, chapel and courtyard. You can admire the breathtaking architecture of different places in the palace with a unique mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Islamic, and Mudejar styles. Some of its most attractive sections include the plasterwork decoration, coffered ceilings, and roofs.
Marvel at the majestic architecture of the Golden Hall, featuring complex geometric designs and delicate multifoil arches with alabaster pillars. Also, take a look at the ceiling with wooden panels adorned with stars and planets.
Explore the oldest part of the palace, the Troubadour Tower, which was a defensive structure. Also, you can stroll in the magnificent chapel and courtyards to calm your mind in the fresh air. Additionally, learn about its rich history by walking through different attractions within the Aljaferia Palace.
Highlights
• Explore Aljaferia Palace, a fortified medieval palace and the best example of Spanish Islamic Architecture built in the 11th century.
• Admire the breathtaking attractions inside the palace, featuring a mix of Islamic, Gothic, Romanesque, and Mudejar styles.
• Immerse yourself in the fresh air and peaceful environment of the majestic palace’s chapel and courtyards.
• Discover the Troubadour Tower, a defensive structure and the oldest part of the Aljaferia palace.
• Witness the Golden Hall, featuring beautiful geometric designs and stunning multifoil arches with alabaster pillars.
How To Reach
By Car: Aljaferia Palace is approximately 1.8 km from the city centre of Zaragoza, Spain, via N-232/N-330. You can cover the distance in 5 minutes by a cab.
By Bus: You can take bus 32, 33, 36 or 52 to Plaza Europa or Av. Madrid / Aljafería. The bus operates every 5 to 15 minutes and takes around 5 minutes. Further, the attraction is around 500 metres from the station, a 7-minute walk.
By Foot: The attraction is around 1.2 km from the city centre via C. de la Madre Sacramento and P.º de San Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer/N-232/N-330. You can cover the distance by walking 15 minutes on this route.
Best Time To Visit
Aljafería Palace is a year-round place, so plan your visit as per your availability and seasonal preferences.
Best season: The best season to visit Aljafería Palace is between May and October, as the weather conditions are pleasant.
Best day in the week: The best day in the week to visit Aljafería Palace depends on the time when you are visiting. If you are visiting in the mornings, visit between Saturday and Wednesday. Moreover, if you visit in the evenings, visit between Friday and Wednesday.
Other Essential Information
Visitor tips
- Wheelchair accessibility is there for physically challenged people with paved pathways.
- The last entry to visit the palace closes thirty minutes before closing.
- You can buy tickets online for guided and non-guided tours so that you don’t have to stand in long queues.
- Carry a camera with you to click countless pictures of you with the scenic backdrops in the palace.
- Keep the surroundings clean, and throw your litter in the dustbin.
- Maintain the tranquillity of the palace by talking politely and avoid making loud noises.
- Consider carrying a water bottle to stay hydrated, as you have to walk a lot to explore the attraction.
Admire the Breathtaking Architecture
Admire the finest example of Spanish Islamic Architecture in the Aljafería Palace. The attractions feature a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Islamic, and Mudejar styles of architecture. Take a glance at some of its most attractive sections, including the roofs, coffered ceilings and plasterwork decoration.
Explore the different majestic sections of the palace, including the Troubadour Tower and the Courtyard of the Santa Isabel. Also, marvel at the magnificent halls showcasing the astonishing architecture.
Witness the charm of the Golden Hall
Witness the beauty of the Golden Hall or Throne Room, the main room of the Aljafería Palace. It is a marble hall that showcases complex geometric designs and exquisite multifoil arches with alabaster pillars.
The Hall’s roof through the eastern bedroom door features the yeseria-decorated bow intrados. Also, take a look at the ceiling and wooden panels adorned with a replica of the sky. Moreover, you can visit a small mosque or private oratory at the Golden Hall's eastern entrance portico.
Explore the Troubadour Tower
Explore the Troubadour Tower, which is a defensive structure and also the oldest part of the Aljafería Palace. The tower has five levels and a quadrangular base, which dates back to the end of the 9th century CE.
These buildings' arches represent traditional Christian architecture due to their support for flat wooden roofs and slight pointiness. Be amazed by the exterior, which appears as a huge prism, and does not show the division of the five internal floors.
Stroll in the Chapel of San Martín
Stroll in the Chapel of San Martín to relax yourself away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The chapel features a Gothic-Mudéjar style of architecture and comprises two naves, each with three parts. The naves have rib vaults resting on bondstones and pointed arches.
In addition, the walls and pillars were restored and plastered in a Neoclassical design in the 18th century. While restructuring, the nave was placed in the front, covering the Mudéjar portal.
_%20Zaragoza,%20Spain_.jpg)
Immerse yourself in the Tranquillity of the Courtyard
Immerse yourself in the fresh air and peaceful environment of the Courtyard of the Santa Isabel in the palace. It's an open area and lush green gardens are perfect for a serene escape from daily life.
You can walk through the marble floors in the corridors surrounded by flower gardens. The pool to the north was covered with a wood floor in the 14th century, while the original pool to the south has been well-preserved.