Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar
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The Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar (Spanish: Catedral-Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar) is a Roman Catholic church in the city of Zaragoza, Aragon (Spain). The Basilica venerates Blessed Virgin Mary, under her title, Our Lady of the Pillar praised as "Mother of the Hispanic (Spanish) Peoples" Local traditions take the history of this basilica to the dawn of Christianity in Spain attributing to an apparition to Saint James the Great, the apostle who is believed by tradition to have brought Christianity to the country. This is the only reported apparition of Mary to have occurred before she believed Assumption. The architecture is of Baroque style, and the present building was predominantly built between 1681 and 1872. According to ancient local tradition, soon after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, Saint James was preaching the Gospel in Spain but was disheartened because of the failure of his mission. Tradition holds that on 2 January 40 AD, while he was deep in prayer by the banks of the Ebro, the Mother of God appeared to him and gave a column of jasper and instructed him to build a church in her honour: "This place is to be my house, and this image and column shall be the title and altar of the temple that you shall build." ....Ref: the City of God, The Coronation, Book One, Part III, Book VII, Chapter XVI, Paragraph 352, Page 325.
Dee
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Probably the best Cathedral I have ever visited in the entire world! Punto! The Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar is a Roman Catholic church in the city of Zaragoza, Aragon. The Basilica venerates Blessed Virgin Mary, under her title Our Lady of the Pillar! Legend has it that she appeared in a vision to early Zaragozans around 40AD and said that she would protect and offer blessings to all those who would pray to her. The church is just outstanding for its architecture, but more significantly for the powerful energy that it emanates. So many people visit this church to pray to the Virgin Mary. There are masses conducted here every hour and all of them are so well attended. The statue of Virgin Mary is quite tiny, but is an extraordinary example of how great things come in little packages. The gigantesque cathedral surely is needed to capture her power and the Yin-Yang energy is just brilliant. Amazing artwork in the form of sculptures and paintings adorns these walls and it is a blessing to be here! I visited this cathedral on both days I was here and was honoured to be blessed by the priest accompanying me on both days! I do hope I will return again very often to pray to Our Lady of the Pillar!
Dr. Kausthub Desikachar
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If you’re in Zaragoza, spending €6 to go up the tower of Basílica del Pilar is honestly one of the smarter things you can do with your money. You take an elevator most of the way up (thankfully), then climb a few stairs to reach the top viewing platform. From up there, you get a full panoramic view of the city – the Ebro River, rooftops stretching across the skyline, old bridges, random plazas, and a surprisingly calm vibe considering you’re standing on a church tower. It’s not packed with tourists either, so you’re not elbowing your way to take a photo like you’re at the Eiffel Tower. It’s quiet, breezy, and gives you perspective – both literally and figuratively. Plus, it’s the kind of view that makes your phone camera feel slightly less useless. You don’t have to be into churches, or architecture, or history. You just have to like seeing a city properly – from above, in one go, without walking 10,000 steps to piece it together. Bottom line: it’s a good view, a cheap ticket, and it takes less than 30 minutes. No life-changing epiphanies, just a solid way to appreciate Zaragoza without trying too hard.
Zim Kellendonk
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The Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, Spain, is a breathtaking marvel of Baroque architecture and a revered spiritual site. This stunning basilica, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, boasts an impressive array of domes and spires that dominate the city's skyline. Inside, the basilica is adorned with magnificent frescoes by Francisco Goya and other masterpieces, creating an atmosphere of profound reverence and artistic beauty. The central focus of devotion is the revered statue of Our Lady of the Pillar, believed to be the first Marian apparition in history. Pilgrims and visitors alike are drawn to its spiritual significance and the sense of peace it imparts. The basilica's location on the vibrant Plaza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar further enhances its appeal, providing a picturesque setting for reflection and admiration. Overall, the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar is a must-visit destination, offering an unforgettable blend of history, art, and spirituality.
Ovidiu Popescu
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This place is rooted in the legend that the Virgin Mary appeared in Zaragoza around the year 40. According to the legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to the Apostle James the Greater while standing on a pillar. Historical records trace the origins of the sanctuary back to the 9th century. The current basilica was built in the Baroque architectural style between 1681 and 1730, led by Felipe Busiñac, Felipe Sánchez, and Francisco de Herrera el Mozo. It was later renovated between 1754 and 1765 under the guidance of Ventura Rodríguez, with further expansions completed by 1961. The basilica is characterized by its tall towers and domes, adorned with elegant decoration. Inside the domes, frescoes painted by several artists, including Goya, are particularly striking. Behind the Virgin's chapel, there is a space where visitors can kiss the pillar. Please note that only half of the interior is open depending on the time.
Seokjin Ham
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This is a very attractive cathedral inside and out. We loved the colorful roof with the design resembling the Brazilian flag. The size of the cathedral is stunning. The Santa Capilla is beautiful and a more intimate place to attend mass. The high altar is gorgeous (silver and gold) and the stonework is amazing. Unfortunately the Goya frescoes are a bit dark, and perhaps in need of a facelift, but they are still beautiful. The chapels are gorgeous here and open to the public and not barred and padlocked like jail cells in the other cathedral next door. Entry here is free of charge and photography is allowed when mass is not in progress. This one was definitely our favorite and we’re sorry we paid to go to the other one. We highly recommend a visit here.
G M
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Nearby Attractions Of Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar
Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
Plaza del Pilar
Stone Bridge
Puente de Piedra
Cines Palafox
Plaza de los Sitios de Zaragoza
Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza
Catedral del Salvador de Zaragoza
Zaragoza Principal Theater
Goya Museum

Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
4.8
(13K)
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Plaza del Pilar
4.8
(7.6K)
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Stone Bridge
4.7
(3.5K)
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Puente de Piedra
4.7
(3.4K)
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Nearby Restaurants Of Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar
Restaurante El Fuelle
LaBuganvilla
LA LOBERA DE MARTIN
La Republicana
Meli Del Tubo
La Bendita
Restaurante Méli Mélo
Canterbury Salamero
La Flor de Lis
Bar Estudios

Restaurante El Fuelle
4.4
(3K)
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LaBuganvilla
4.1
(2.7K)
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LA LOBERA DE MARTIN
4.0
(2.6K)
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La Republicana
4.2
(2.4K)
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Basic Info
Address
Plaza del Pilar, s/n, Casco Antiguo, 50003 Zaragoza, Spain
Map
Phone
+34 976 39 74 97
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Website
basilicadelpilar.es
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Reviews
Overview
4.8
(15.1K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
scenic
family friendly
accessibility
attractions: Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Plaza del Pilar, Stone Bridge, Puente de Piedra, Cines Palafox, Plaza de los Sitios de Zaragoza, Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza, Catedral del Salvador de Zaragoza, Zaragoza Principal Theater, Goya Museum, restaurants: Restaurante El Fuelle, LaBuganvilla, LA LOBERA DE MARTIN, La Republicana, Meli Del Tubo, La Bendita, Restaurante Méli Mélo, Canterbury Salamero, La Flor de Lis, Bar Estudios
