🇪🇸 That Night Spain Won the Euro Cup, I Lay Awake in Zaragoza

🍉 Summer 2024 – Road-tripping from sunny Valencia to northern Spain, our first stop was Zaragoza: capital of Aragon and hometown of Goya. Here’s what we explored: ⛪️ Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar (Catedral-Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar) A Baroque masterpiece named after the sacred pillar (Pilar) where Virgin Mary allegedly appeared—her only apparition before ascending to heaven. This is considered the first Marian church in history and a key stop on the Camino de Santiago. Don’t miss the panoramic view from Stone Bridge over the Ebro River! 🏰 Aljafería Palace (Palacio de la Aljafería) A UNESCO-listed 11th-century Moorish palace (now Aragon’s parliament), with courtyards echoing the Alhambra. After King Alfonso I reclaimed Zaragoza, it became a royal residence. 🎭 Roman Theater Museum (Museo del Teatro de Caesaraugusta) Ruins of a 1st-century AD amphitheater, visible from the street or explorable up close. 🖼️ CaixaForum Zaragoza An eye-catching modern art space—we popped in for intriguing exhibitions. 👨‍🎨 Goya Museum (Closed this time—next visit!) 🚌 Transport: Most sights are walkable, but buy a bus card at Tabacos shops for easy rides. 🏠 Stay: A brand-new Airbnb near Plaza del Pilar (with cathedral views!) and spacious underground parking (€15/day). ⚽ The Euro Cup Final Night: Spain’s victory meant all-night cheers, fireworks, and my sleepless night—thanks, celebrating crowds! 🛍️ Shopping: • Puerto Venecia Mall (south of downtown): Free parking + IKEA nearby. • Walking streets: Stumbled upon a teddy bear shop—scored a pink medium teddy for €9.9! 🧸 #Spain #TravelSpain #Zaragoza #RoadTrip #HiddenGems #Euro2024 #SpanishSummer 🇪🇸✨