Palacio de la Aljafería
Built in the latter half of the 11th century, this monumental fortress is one of Spain’s finest Moorish palaces. It originally was a summer palace for Muslim rulers; through the centuries, the building was altered to serve as a residence for Aragonese Catholic monarchs, then a military barracks, and a prison during the Inquisition. Today it functions as the headquarters for Aragòn’s regional parliament. Layers of history can be seen throughout the fortified complex, from the delicate, intricately carved Mudéjar arches of the original Arabic palace to Renaissance-style additions to imposing rounded Gothic-Revival towers from the late 18th century. Guided tours in Spanish are included with admission.
Built in the latter half of the 11th century, this monumental fortress is one of Spain’s finest Moorish palaces. It originally was a summer palace for Muslim rulers; through the centuries, the building was altered to serve as a residence for Aragonese Catholic monarchs, then a military barracks, and a prison during the Inquisition. Today it functions as the headquarters for Aragòn’s regional parliament. Layers of history can be seen throughout the fortified complex, from the delicate, intricately carved Mudéjar arches of the original Arabic palace to Renaissance-style additions to imposing rounded Gothic-Revival towers from the late 18th century. Guided tours in Spanish are included with admission.
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