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. == Understand == Tourist office, Plaza de Fuerte, ☏ +34 976 886322. == Get in == === 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.[1] === By bus === Buses are available from Zaragoza.[2] == 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.[3] === By train === RENFE offers a local rail service to towns between Ariza and Zaragoza. == See == A total solar eclipse on Wednesday 12 Aug 2026, starting at 20.29 and lasting 1 min 40 sec. The chances of a clear sky are 80%, but you need to find a spot with a clear view to the northwest horizon, where the sun will be setting. Hilltops may be socked in by cloud, and after the show you’d have to descend an unfamiliar hill trail in darkness. Many of the old churches are in the mujedar style. This style was developed by Muslim craftsmen who stayed in Aragon after the reconquest. Church of Santa Maria. 15th century mujedar. Church of San Andres. 15th century mujedar. Church of St. Peter of the Franks (Iglesia de San Pedro de los Francos). Gothic and mujedar (updated Oct 2015) Church-of Our Lady of the Rock. 16th century. Collegiate church of Santo Sepulcro. 17th century. 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. 1 Monastery of Piedra (Monasterio de Piedra). Nowadays a hotel and park complex, but originally a national monument - a monastery founded in 1194. The park was shaped in 19th century and is quite in contrast with the dry surrounding rural area. It contains various karst formations like caves, waterfalls (even over 50m high) and lagoons. (updated Jun 2026) == 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: Hospedería El Pilar, Baltasar Gracián 15, ☏ +34 976 897020. Aragonese regional cuisine Hotel Monasterio Benedictino, Pza. San Benito, ☏ +34 976 891500. Spanish cuisine Mesón de la Dolores, Calle Sancho y Gil, 4, ☏ +34 976 889055. Aragonese cuisine == Drink == == Sleep == A wide range of pensions are available: Hospedería Mesón de La Dolores, Plaza de los Mesones #4, ☏ +34 976 889 055, recepcion@mesonladolores.com. Hotel Monasterio Benedictino, Plaza San Benito, ☏ +34 976 89 15 00, info@hotelmonasteriobenedictino.com. == Connect == == 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.[4] Jaraba Gorge. 7 kilometres of the natural gorge of the river Mesa, with pleasant walking routes. Zaragoza, one hour away by car.