Situated along the Ebro River Valley in a very picturesque setting, Zaragoza is a city with an impressive landscape, old traditions and popular customs.

Basilica El Pilar

The city’s most important monument is the Basilica El Pilar. This church is one of the most popular destinations for pilgrimage in all of Spain, consecrated to the Holy Virgin of Pilar, patroness not only of this town but of all Spanish-speaking countries.

Outside the Basilica El Pilar

The Basilica del Pilar is built in the place where our Lady is said to have appeared to Saint James. It’s told that St. James the Apostle came through this region to evangelize Spain and, while he was dejected and questioning his mission,  the Virgin Mary appeared in a vision to encourage him. In the vision, she was atop a column or pillar, which was being carried by angels. That pillar is believed to be the same one venerated inside the Basilica.

Our Lady of the Pillar (Nuestra Señora del Pilar) by Goya

The baroque building, finished in 1681, is flanked by four towers. Some parts, such as the neoclassical main-facade, were added in later periods. In its interior the wall-paintings in the cupola, works of Goya and Bayeau, are of particular interest.

Yesterday I booked an appointment with a physiotherapist and today I had a session with Rafael. My legs are feeling much better and he assures me that I should be able to walk tomorrow.  He took a photo of the acupuncture needles.

Acupuncture needles

Rafael the physiotherapist and his grateful patient