Free walking tours in Tarazona and what to see

Must-sees

Tarazona, at the foot of the Moncayo, has an old town terraced above the river Queiles. Its great monument is the cathedral of Santa María de la Huerta, Gothic with a Mudéjar lantern and tower, restored after decades of closure. Very close is the old octagonal bullring, now converted into homes, a real curiosity. On Plaza de España, the town hall displays a long frieze on its façade showing the coronation of Charles V.

Climbing to the upper town you reach the Episcopal Palace, built over the old Muslim Zuda, and the church of Santa María Magdalena, whose Mudéjar tower marks the town’s skyline. Below lies the Jewish quarter, with its hanging houses overlooking the street. The walk up these slopes is short but steep, so wear comfortable shoes.

Free tours and guided visits

Pay-what-you-like free walking tours run occasionally in Tarazona, mainly in high season. More common are guided visits to the cathedral, best done with a guide to understand its history and restoration, and old-town routes including the Jewish quarter and the Episcopal Palace. The most interesting excursions are to the Veruela monastery, where Bécquer stayed, and the Moncayo Natural Park, with walks among beech and oak woods.

How long to spend

Tarazona is easily seen in a day. Spend the morning on the cathedral and the old bullring. In the afternoon, climb through the Jewish quarter to the Episcopal Palace and La Magdalena, finishing at Plaza de España. With a second day you can visit the Veruela monastery and do a short walk on the Moncayo, less than half an hour away by car.

Where to stay

Stay in the centre, near Plaza de España or by the river Queiles. It is the flattest and most convenient area, with restaurants and easy access to the cathedral, and from there you walk up to the upper town. In the old town the streets are very steep and narrow for cars. If your plan is mainly the Moncayo, there are also rural cottages in the villages on the mountain’s slopes.