Zaragoza's Aljaferia

We spent a good part of the day Thursday at the Aljaferia, which is one of Spain’s most important Moorish relics. It was built in the 9^th century as a palace by the Islamic rulers of Spain, Christianized in the 12^th and became a palace and the seat of Aragonian government by the 15^th century. Shortly thereafter it was rebuilt as a fortress and was used for various military purposes until, by the late 19^th century it had become a ruin. Two generations of architects devoted themselves to its renovation which was completed by the last quarter of the 20^th century. It was great fun to see it, learn about it and take pictures. 

We spent the afternoon rambling through the old city by day, revisited the Basilica del Pilar, shopped and rambled. I even found both a knife shop (where I got a rather nice German made Puma knife) and a store dealing in fountain pens. There I learned about the Spanish pen industry, at least as much as my limited language skills permitted, and actually got a Spanish made pen.

 Friday, onward to Barcelona.