Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar

Absolutely stunning Basilica in the beautiful town of Zaragoza.

I honestly was making a pit stop here and heard via word of mouth about the beautiful architecture and infectious city vibe and I can say they were 100% correct. It is honestly hard to miss this Basilica from any direction as it towers of the city, instantly drawing you towards it. Quick parking job and a walk to what I would call the center of town and again you immediately find yourself drawn towards this beautiful structure. No cost associated with the entrance fee, but donations are welcome. Based off the size and grandeur of the outside, expect even more inside, as this really brings forward the Roman Catholic church vibe. I'd suggest spending at least an hour quietly wandering the large halls admiring the beautiful baroque architecture. I was told there were not photos allowed, but most inside were just snapping away, so I cannot say with certainty that this is correct.

Definitely something to throw on the list whether making a pit stop or staying in the city for vacation.

You've seen one Basilica so you've seen them all. Not the case at all. With as many churches, Cathedrals and Basilicas as I have seen in all my travels, it doesn't get boring. Each and everyone has its own uniqueness and grandeur. I was lucky to attend this basilica while it had a baptism with two babies, an African French mass as well as a regular 5 pm Saturday mass which the family and I attended at their main alter.
Three priests along with two cantors and two ushers made up the mass and about 200 attendees. The pews are wooden along with the knee let's do it's hard and very uncomfortable. I guess that's to keep you from falling asleep (I slept through the air on though as I was not able to understand). The mass was uneventful but the alter and surrounding made it appealing. He congregation consisted of mostly elders but everyone participated, unlike in the US and churches I've been to.

I had a solo weekend in Zaragoza, and included a visit to the Basilica Del Pilar. Definitely put it on your list of to-do's if you are in the area. I love visiting cathedrals in different countries. This is a Roman Catholic church which supposedly is the first church placed in Mary's name.

The entrance is free but you can make donations if you light a candle for someone or if you just feel like it. I will usually light a candle for my grandparents, since they were/are Catholic. Lots of locals and tourists stop in. Regardless of your religious standing, the Baroque architecture is worth the time for admiration and several photos to keep as memories. There are various chapels within the basilica to view.

I was fortunate to be visiting during October when they were having the Fiestas del Pilar in honor of the patron saint of the city, the Virgen del Pilar. The weather was perfect this time of year, as well. During the fiesta, there is a pyramid structure covered in floral arrangements. You can line up, take the stairs to the top of the pyramid, and have your photo taken with the Virgen del Pilar behind you. It only costed 5 Euros for the photo which can be retrieved once you get to the booth below.

Across a short walkway, you can sit in the square outdoors at one of many restaurants and admire the Basilica and statues while you people watch and relax with a beer, coffee, and/or tapas. It was just lovely. Take a walk as there is also a museum and shops (including souvenir shops) nearby in the square. Hopefully they are open during your visit! I bought my grandmother something at the souvenir shop which she absolutely loved because her Church is also a church del Pilar. I was happy to bring her some joy. :-)

On the other side of the Basilica is the river, but it's not very pretty and smelled odd in certain areas. There is a ferris wheel nearby on the Ebro river.

Stunning architecture. Amazing interior. Nothing like it anywhere else.

From the outside the size of the building hints at the vast space inside, and yet does not begin to convey the beautiful surface treatments awaiting you.

Take your time, walk around, it is unique.

Enjoy!

During our travels to Barcelona, we decided to spend the third day in Spain on a daytrip to Zaragoza! Pronounced with emphasis on the Z's as S's, Zaragoza is the 5th largest city in Spain situated in the province of Aragon and is a short and (surprisingly) comfy 3.5 hours bus ride from Barcelona. I read there is also a fast train to reach it, but the cost was like $150 per person cutting the commute by 2 hours... if you're interested.

As there are many daytrip options from Barcelona, some might inquire why Zaragoza? My grandfather was deployed here in 1988 and my grandmother made the move with him for a short while. So when I told her I was going to Spain for New Year's Eve, she encouraged us -with an explosion of enthusiasm - to visit Zaragoza! Roughly 30 years later my husband & I walked in my grandparents' footsteps in an absolutely stunning city!

Her first recommendation was to visit the Basilica-Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar. She claimed it was a beautiful basilica that from its outside resembled more of a castle (in the distance) than a cathedral. TRUTH!

Admission to enter is free and there are other activities in the square to do before and/or after your visit to the basilica. Inside they do advertise "no photos" but as I saw many people taking them, I didn't follow the rules! How could you? Every step taken was one to "awe" and gawk at. Admittedly, I'm a sucker for a stellar nativity scene, which given the time of year we were there, they had a huge one on display! This was just an addition to its beauty!

After we left the basilica, we spent an hour walking the perimeter to photograph the exterior in all its glory. All views were lovely, but I definitely favored the bridge view. Refer to the picture posted!

Meh.
Good for Catholics, I guess.
For me, I just angry about the wasted money by the church.
Over the top decoration.

Driving from Madrid to Spain, midway my family took a short stop to this town Zaragoza and checked out what it has to offer. I noticed that the street town is really clean specially the city center. Then checked out the Basilica and learned the rich history and legend of the Lady of the Pilar. A lot of religious pilgrimages made here. It is a very beautiful church, one that will stand out on its own,both inside and out, among other European Basilicas. There are two difused bombs hanging on one of the pilars of the church, history says these were dropped during the Spanish Civil War on August 1938. The bomb damaged portion of Basilica but the bomb never exploded. This place is holy. I left the place with a deeper sense of solidarity and inspiration.