Monasterio de Piedra - Bilbilis Augusta - Calatayud - Tarazona

Route: Zaragoza - Monasterio de Piedra - Bilbilis Augusta - Calatayud - Tarazona - Zaragoza
Duration: 10 h
Our tour we will start from Monasterio de Piedra which was built during the transition from Romanesque to Gothic.The monks lived in this Monastery for more than 600 years. The foundation of the Monasterio de Piedra is related to two historical facts. First, it is part of the repopulation phenomenon of the second half of the 12th century. Second, it is also a brilliant chapter of the expansion of the Cistercian Order through the Iberian Peninsula. In 1186, Alfonso II of Aragon and his wife, Sancha of Castilla, donated the Castle of Piedra (Castrum Petrae) to the monks of Poblet in order to found a new Cistercian monastery there. Between 1186 and 1194 the monks of Poblet made the necessary preparations and on May 10, 1194, blessed by the abbot Pedro Masanet, ruler of Poblet between 1190 and 1196, 12 monks left the Catalan monastery. The intention of the First Abbot was to establish a subsidiary community of Poblet somewhere not predetermined, in the southern territories of the Kingdom of Aragon. Our next stop will be at Calatayud whewre firstly we will visit to Bilbilis Augusta. The second-largest town in Aragón, Plaza Santa Teresa is also known as "the very noble, loyal, always august, and most faithful City of Calatayud." In its historic centre, some of the best examples of Mudejar architecture in Aragon are preserved. Calatayud has its most important historical antecedent in the founding of Bilbilis Augusta, a Roman city that was the birthplace of illustrious characters, such as the poet Martialc. 40 AD. The modern town of Calatayud was founded near this Roman site Bilbilis Augusta. Recent excavations have uncovered many of the impressive remains visible today which dominate the surrounding area and are testament to the city's rich past. Its inhabitants belonged to the group of the Celtic tribes of Hispania Citerior known as the Lusones tribe, of which Bilbilis was their capital. Calatayud is situated at the foot of a site formed by five castles from the Arab era, considered one of the oldest defensive systems in Muslim Spain. Of the Castle of Ayub, three octagonal towers remain, as well as many stretches of wall.The city brings together countless aristocratic houses and Renaissance palaces. In the Plaza Mayor stands the City Hall and the Inn of Dolorés, an establishment which refers to a legendary woman who has inspired famous "copla" songs. During our visit you will see the Collegiate Church of Santa María, declared a National Monument,  the Plaza de San Andrés is the parish church with the same name (15th-16th centuries), the Church of San Pedro de los Francos, built in the first half of the 14th century, belongs to the Gothic-Mudejar style, one of the oldest Mudejar monuments in the city is the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Peña , the Collegiate Church of the Santo Sepulcro (14th C.), in Gothic style with Mudejar elements,  the Church of San Juan, which inside houses pictures by Francisco de Goya. The last stop in the tour we will made in Tarazona. Tarazona can show off a long list of priceless artistic monuments. The cathedral is a singular example of Gothic temple where exceptional Mudejar and Renaissance legacies coexist. Among them, the Cathedral ‘Santa María de Huerta’ stands out, a beautiful mosaic of architecture styles whose origins date back to 13th century. Gothic, Mudejar and Renaissance get together in which is considered one of the best Gothic cathedrals in Spain.  It is also a must visiting the off-the-wall eight-sided bullfighting arena, built in 18th century.The amazing City Hall Renaissance façade deserves to be watched carefully. Walk on through the old part alleys and its nice houses, seemingly hung over Queiles river, the church ‘Santa María Magdalena’ and the convent ‘Concepción’. Get lost in the old Jewish suburb – included in the Spanish web of Jewish suburbs – and the Muslim suburb, both witnesses of the cultural coexistence in ancient times. Tarazona is a vigorous city vibrating with ‘Cipotegato’, to whom visitors and neighbours chase throwing him tomatoes every 27th August, San Atilano’s day. After we will return to Zaragoza.
Price: Per person