The Aljaferia Palace
This former Moorish palace is now the seat of Aragon's state legislature.
Whilst little remains of the original furnishings in this palace which originated in the 11th century as a recreational palace for the royalty of the Taifa kingdom. The architectural features of the Moorish period have been retained and celebrated by later changes in use and continuous expansion including a significant expansion in the Mudejar style in the 14th century. This was the reason that the palace was incorporated into the Aragonese Mudejar World Heritage Site in 2021. Over the centuries it has been a Moorish palace, a palace of the Christian kings of Aragon a defensive fortress, prison of the inquisition and a military barracks before achieving it’s current role.
The palace is to the west of the old town of Zaragoza and would have been constructed well outside the walls of the former Roman town.
The entry into the palace is across a (now) dry moat and through a security check, including a bag X-ray which might be expected as one is entering the legislature building for the autonomous region of Aragon (since 1987).
Almost imediately inside one is presented with the, well manicured, gardens in the courtyards of the old palace which are enhanced by the delicate tracery and clearly Islamic form of the window arches and roof supports of the oldest part of the palace.
Entering the ground floor interior there is a display of architectural artifacts such as wall carvings, and other sculptural elements (in illuminated glass cases) . The route that you are constrained to follow takes you upstairs to a room with a number of useful models showing the development of the building and eventually, up another floor, through to a great hall with a magnificently decorated ceiling whist all the time you are surrounded by vestiges of the Moorish architecture.
At one point you are directed into the part of the building occupied by the Aragon legislature which includes numerous portraits of senior politicians ( some of which are quite good in their own right) and one can enter the chamber itself (assuming it is not sitting). The modern architecture here is actually a nice contrast to the historic setting in which it sits, reflecting, possibly, how the Aragonese see themselves as in the forefront of Spanish life but respecting their illustrious past as an independent kingdom.
Know Before You Go
By public transportation from the centre take the 33 bus from Passeo de Pamplona (close to the Plaza de Aragon tram stop). Get off at Ave de Madrid. Watch for the illuminated info board on the bus as once you see the palace through the window you have missed your stop and it is a long way to the next one.
Entrance is €5 (but only €4 for us lucky old guys who are 65+).
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