La Seo Cathedral

La Seo Cathedral is, in my humble opinion, the most stunning cathedral in Zaragoza, even more than the world-famous Basilica de Pilar. It's located at the east end of the Plaza de PIlar, right behind the Roman Forum museum.

Externally, it's geometrically-stunning Mudéjar wall of the Parroquieta gives you an indication of the granduer which lies inside. The whole cathedral is done in white ceilings and columns and there are some of the most ornate and complex chapels I've ever seen. Back in the day, only the wealthy could afford to add a chapel or mausoleum to the walls of the cathedral and it became, I imagine, something of a status symbol. You can see that each family tried to out do the others in terms of beauty, ostentatiousness, and opulence.

The cathedral of San Salvador in Zaragoza is the second big church of the city, like the basilica-cathedral del Pilar. It is built in the Plaza del Pilar, people call it “La Seo”.

It is built in an area where the ancient Roman forum used to be, and it was a mosque in the Moorish era. This explains the minaret that is still in the building, and that the external walls have an Arab influence.

It has a combination of styles; the façade is different to the bell tower, a mixture of Roman, Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance and Baroque. It has been the religious center of the city since Roman times.

I discovered La Seo during my visit to the city of Zaragoza. Since you are so near the Basílica del Pilar, the visitor usually postpones the visit to La Seo. One morning is enough to visit both of them.

It was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 2001. The external wall is of mudejar style from the 14th century. If they blindfolded you and left you in front of the wall, you would think you are in front of a mosque, this is why when you enter the church you are confused with the beautiful combination of styles.

The interior has a gothic, baroque and renaissance style, the pillars, sculptures, vaults, arches, the whites and gold…a true celebration of architecture.