2025 Calatayud Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Spanish Pyrenees Hike ~ Zaragoza (Region) The most important historical precedent of Calatayud is the founding of Bilbilis Augusta, a Roman city and birthplace of illustrious figures such as the poet Martial. The name came from the Arabs who arrived in the area in the early 8th century AD and settled around the Ayyubid Castle (Qal'at Ayyub) on the present site of the city. Its importance continued for centuries, so much so that in the 19th century it became the fourth province of Aragon. Today, it is the county seat and a city of historic sites. Calatayud is located at the foot of a ruined site of five Arab-era castles, considered one of the oldest fortified systems in Muslim Spain. The Ayyubid Castle still retains three octagonal towers and several sections of city walls. The city is home to numerous noble residences and Renaissance palaces. The main square is home to the town hall and the Dolores Inn, named after the legendary woman who inspired the famous "copla" song. #AprilDestinations2025 #SpainTravel #Aragon

Spanish Pyrenees Hike ~ Zaragoza (Region) The church combines elements of Mudéjar, Renaissance and Baroque styles. It was built in the 14th century, and its highlights include the Mudejar-style cloister and octagonal tower, both from the 15th century. The tower is one of the tallest Mudéjar-style towers in Aragon, reaching nearly 72 meters in height. The interior of the church is spacious, rectangular in plan, with three naves. The side chapel has been open since the 17th century. Also known as Santa María la Mayor, the church is part of the Aragonese Mudéjar architectural style and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. #AprilDestinations2025 #SpainTravel #Aragon

Spanish Pyrenees Hike ~ Zaragoza (Region) The museum focuses primarily on the Roman settlement of Bilbilis, where the city was originally founded, but also looks at other historical periods. The Discalced Carmelite Monastery of Calatayud houses this museum dedicated to the ancient Roman city of Bilbilis, about 6 km from the present-day Aragonese town. Among the preserved remains, those of the forum, theater, baths and temples stand out. Visitors can learn about daily life at that time through different sculptures, buildings, paintings, ceramics, gold ornaments, inscriptions, personal items, etc. Also on display are artifacts dating back to prehistory and Celtic Iberian civilization as well as the Muslim era, the Middle Ages and modern times. #AprilDestinations2025 #SpainTravel #Aragon

Spanish Pyrenees Hike ~ Zaragoza (Region) The Royal Collegiate Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a 17th-century Catholic parish church in the municipality of Calatayud, Zaragoza, Aragon, served by the Archpriest of Calatayud, Diocese of Tarazona. It is the Order's main church in Spain. It has 3 doors on the front, 2 towers on either side and a holy tomb worth mentioning. The Spanish headquarters of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre is a replica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem in terms of structure. #AprilDestinations2025 #SpainTravel #Aragon

Spanish Pyrenees Hike ~ Zaragoza (Region) They were collected in the ancient city of Bilbilis, very close to present-day Calatayud. Its permanent exhibition consists mainly of the archaeological remains of the Roman city of Bilbilis, to which the works of the artist García Torcal, an important painter of Aragonese abstract art from the second half of the 20th century, are added as an important contribution. A very bright and welcoming museum, this is a must see if you are in the city of Calatayud. #AprilDestinations2025 #SpainTravel #Aragon

A journey to the Spanish Pyrenees ~ Zaragoza (region) The Church of San Juan Real in Calatayud (Zaragoza Province, Aragon, Spain) is a Baroque-style Catholic parish church built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Before being converted into a parish, it served as the church of the old Jesuit college. It houses several artworks of significant artistic value, although its most prized heritage includes the oil paintings adorning the four pendentives under the central dome and the panel on the door of a relic cabinet in the sacristy. These were created by a young Francisco de Goya and are considered among the earliest preserved works of the artist.

Historical monuments, waterfalls and forests, this city of Spanish cultural heritage is only one hour away from Zaragoza by train! Calatayud, a small town carved by time, lies quietly among the valleys of Aragon, witnessing the changes of history and the integration of cultures. This is the heart of Spanish Mudéjar art - the intersection of Islamic architectural techniques and Christian aesthetics, giving birth to unique brick carvings, towers and arches. The city’s landmarks such as the Church of Santa María (Colegiata de Santa María) and the Church and Tower of San Pedro (La iglesia y torre de San Pedro de los Francos) are all outstanding representatives of this architectural style. For this reason, the buildings here have been listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Not far from the city lies the picturesque stone monastery (Monasterio de Piedra). The monastery ruins and the beautiful scenery of waterfalls and forests are intertwined, creating a secret place where nature and humanity blend perfectly.

I visited the beautiful village of Calatayud just a few days before their local festivity, and it was already clear that something special was about to happen. The streets were beautifully set up, brimming with anticipation. 🏙️ The town itself is full of charm, and you can already feel the magic in the air. Though there weren't many people around during my visit, I knew that the buzzing energy would soon take over as the festivities kicked off. 🎶✨ Calatayud, in the province of Aragón, is the perfect place to experience a true Spanish village festival. These events are big deals in any small town, and I can only imagine how lively it must get when everything is in full swing. 🥳 I also recommend visiting the local church, which is stunning, and the local history museum nearby is a real gem. The museum even has a lovely patio where you can enjoy a coffee. ☕ It's a wonderful spot to take in the atmosphere of this unforgettable place. If you’re in Spain during the summer, Calatayud is definitely worth a visit, especially to experience the authentic, magical vibe of a village festivity! 🌞 #celebrateit