Tarazona Attractions
The little episcopal town of Tarazona, originally the Iberian settlement of Turiasso, is picturesquely situated on the Río Queiles to the north of the Sierra de Moncayo, which rises to over 2,300m/7,550ft, where seams of iron ore were already being worked in Roman times. For a time Tarazona was a residence of the kings of Aragon.
One of the highlights of the town is the Cathedral with a variety of architectural styles. Also of interest in late August is the one day festival of San Atilano.
One of the highlights of the town is the Cathedral with a variety of architectural styles. Also of interest in late August is the one day festival of San Atilano.
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Cathedral
Tarazona's cathedral shows a fine Mudéjar style tower from the late 1500s. Other attractions include the reliefs on the north doorway, and the alabaster tombs of a cardinal and bishop.
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Monasterio de Veruela
This 12th to 15th C monastery shows the architectural transition from Romanesque to Gothic. It is also the place where the poet Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer wrote his ''Letters from my Cell''.
Town Hall
The facade of the 16th century Casa Consistorial in Tarazona is richly decorated with reliefs on the story of Hercules and elaborate coats of arms and topped by an elegant arcaded gallery.
Bishop's Palace
The Bishop's Palace (14th-15th century) in Tarazona was once the palace of the kings of Aragon. It has a fine artesonado ceiling. The old Jewish quarter lay behind the palace, and the streets in this area preserve the old layout.
Borja, Spain
(Near Tarazona)
Farther east from the Monasterio de Veruela on N 122, 26km/16mi from Tarazona, is the little town of Borja. The town, originally the Iberian settlement of Bursao, was the ancestral seat of the Borja family, an offshoot of which was the Italian Borgia family. The Borja castle is a ruin.
Churches
Tarazona has a number of interesting old churches, including San Francisco (16th century), La Magdalena (the town's oldest church, with a Mudéjar tower) and La Merced (17th century).
