Calatayud

Calatayud is a city in Aragon, Spain. It is located 85 km from Zaragoza and approximately 230km from Madrid. It is the fourth largest city of Aragon, after the provinincial capitals, Zaragoza, Teruel and Huesca. The population is around 18,000 and Calatayud is at an altitude of 530 metres on the river Jalon.

The city has a wide range of shops, bars, restaurants and accommodation. The mudejar towers of churches in the old city heart or casco are renowned. Dominating the skyline is a castle, parts of which date back to 850 AD. The Roman town, Bilbilis, lies four kilometres from the modern town.

By car
Calatayud lies just off the main highway (A2-E90) between Madrid (2 hours) and Zaragoza (1 hour).

By plane
The nearest airports are Madrid (Barajas) and Zaragoza.

By train
Calatayud is served by regular high speed trains (AVE) from Madrid and Zaragoza.

By bus
Buses are available from Zaragoza.

Get around
The city is quite small and walkable.

By bus
There is a city bus service operated by Aragon Tours, who also offer services to surrounding towns and villages.

By train
RENFE offers a local rail service to towns between Ariza and Zaragoza.

See
Many of the old churches are in the mujedar style. This style was developed by Muslim craftsmen who stayed in Aragon after the reconquest.
 * Palacios of Sesé, Pujadas and Vezlope, renaissance style
 * Palacio of Baron de Warsage, neoclassic.
 * In the Arab Wall of the city, the Zaragoza gate.
 * Castle of Ayud or Castillo Mayor. 9th-10th century.
 * Old town hall. Plaza de Espana. The Old Consistorial House of Calatayud is a beautiful building of Renaissance style. It was modified in the 17th century, again in 1842.
 * Old Roman city of Bilbilis lies 4 kilometers to the north west of the modern city. Much excavation has been down and it is possible to see the size of this settlement which was the birthplace of the Roman poet Martial.
 * Palacio of Baron de Warsage, neoclassic.
 * In the Arab Wall of the city, the Zaragoza gate.
 * Castle of Ayud or Castillo Mayor. 9th-10th century.
 * Old town hall. Plaza de Espana. The Old Consistorial House of Calatayud is a beautiful building of Renaissance style. It was modified in the 17th century, again in 1842.
 * Old Roman city of Bilbilis lies 4 kilometers to the north west of the modern city. Much excavation has been down and it is possible to see the size of this settlement which was the birthplace of the Roman poet Martial.

Do

 * Visit Calatayud during Saint Roch fiestas in August.

Buy
There is a small market in 'Plaza España', several supermarkets and a range of other shops.

Eat
A wide range of restaurants are available. Amongst the most notable are:

Sleep
A wide range of pensions are available:

Go next

 * Monasterio de Piedra. A park, 40 minutes away by car, in a hidden gorge with waterfalls, cascades, fish lakes and a top class hotel, wine museum and restaurant.
 * Alhama de Aragon. A spa town with a hot lake, which is open for day visitors.
 * Jaraba Gorge. 7 kilometres of the natural gorge of the river Mesa, with pleasant walking routes.
 * Zaragoza, one hour away by car.