The Sanctuary Of El Pilar - Spain

While taking this route, you will be taking the natural road that links the most important Marian sanctuaries in the north east of the Iberian Peninsula. The first part of the trip goes through the province of Lleida. It is a land capable of offering culture, adventure , sports, gastronomy and rural tourism year- round.
Lleida is the capital city of the province. Located on the bank of the River Segre, it is worth a visit.
Once in Aragon, you will go through the Monegros Desert, a wide steppe extension that has its own and unique ecosystem in Europe.  In this part of the journey, you can find two of the most beautiful
monastic constructions in Aragon.  The Sigena Monastery and the Rueda Monastery which are not far
from each other.  The first one was the spiritual refuge of the noblewomen during more than four centuries. The second one, closer to Zaragoza, is one of the most important Cistercian moastic complexes ever constructed in Europe between the 12th and 13th centuries.  This exceptional
monument founded in 1184 by Alfonso II of Aragon, maintains the old structure and Cistercian
standards extraordinary well.
The primitive side of the monastery is kept in very good condition. There you can visit areas such as
the refectory or the cloister.  Being there will make you realize the magnificence and grandeur of this building.
A few miles from Zaragoza, River Ebro will meet with you and the two of you will go together to the city center, place where the sanctuary is located.

Lleida

Lleida is a comfortable and easy city to visit.  A good start point is the old cathedral, precious Romasque- Gothic temple, and the Paeria Palace (the city hall is now in this building).  The new
cathedral and the Santa Maria Hospital are located in the Cathedral Square.  The Gardeny Castle shows part of the patrimony of the old Aragonese Crown.

Monegros Desert

The Monegros is a vast area located between the provinces of Huesca and Zaragoza. It is mainly a desert that offers a unique landscape.  The Sigena Monastery (12th century) is a jewel that you will find in the heart of the Monegros shire.  It is a Romanque - Cistercian style construction.  It  was
declared National Monument and it is one of the artistic treasures of Aragon.

Sanctuary of El Pilar
Plaza de la Seo 4
50001 - Zaragoza

Tel:   (00 34) 976 29 12 31
Fax:  (00 34) 976 20 07 52

Email:   elpilar@cabildodezaragoza.org
              basilicadelpilar@gmail.com
Web:      www.basilicadelpilar.es