The Aljafería Palace was probably the best thing I visited in Zaragoza, although its Mudéjar churches and basilicas were great too. This castle-palace was built by the Moors in the 11th century and, along with the Alhambra in Granada and the Mosque in Cordoba, is one of the best examples of Islamic art and architecture in Spain.
In the neighborhood of Almozara, and of clear Arab descent, is the “Palace of Happiness”, or the Aljafería Palace. The impressive building is the current place of the Parliament of the Courts of Aragón; this is why the street is called “calle de los diputados” (“members of parliament” street).
I have a long relationship with this building, since I live on the other side of the Aljafería Park; my people, my family and my memories are linked to this place: I have played in the natural labyrinth next to it, I got drunk in this same place, I visited the parliament with school, I have visited
For me, it is one of the prettiest corners in Zaragoza.
It was built in the 9th century as a recreational house for the Muslim kings of that time. Later, after the conquest of Zaragoza by Alfonso I, it became the residence of the Christian King and Queen.
It has been reformed at least once in every century; the last time was in 1862.
It has an enormous patio with gardens, halls with enormous stone arches, wood carvings, wells and huge windows. It is a must see of the capital of Zaragoza.
The Aljaferia was the palace of the Muslim kings, of the Christian kings of Aragon and of the Catholic Kings, but also the headquarters of Inquisition for centuries and then a barracks.
All of this has converted it into the place loaded with more legends about the city. In its patios still you can hear rumours about the fairy tales, and in every one of its corners there are stories of troubadours, princesses, witches… do you want to know about them? So in February in “Gozarte” we have a lot of ideas about discovering true stories of love or legends that have taken place in the palace, like that of “El Trovador”.
