El Pilar Basilica, Zaragoza
El Pilar and the Ebro River at dusk. Photo
Salvador Altimir.
The sprawling Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar from across the river by night. Photo
Juan E De Cristofaro.
Plaza El Pilar by night. Photo
Emilio Garcia.
Colorful domes and roof viewed from one of the towers. Photo
αλεξ.
View of domes from below. Photo © Alison Cornford-Matheson.
Side view of the massive basilica with festival float covered in flowers. Photo © Alison Cornford-Matheson.
Interior view. Photo
Rafael Gomez.
The Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar (better known simply as El Pilar) is one of two major cathedrals in the heart of Zaragoza, Spain. It is an important pilgrimage site, thanks to an ancient pillar said to have been given by the Virgin Mary to Saint James on this very spot.
History
According to local legend, in 40 AD the apostle Saint James the Greater was praying on the banks of the Ebro River in Zaragoza (then the Roman town of Caesar Augusta) when the Virgin Mary appeared to him. She was still living in Jerusalem at the time; this is her only reported apparition prior to her Assumption.
The Virgin gave James a small statue of herself and a pillar made of jasper, and instructed him to build a church called Our Lady of the Pillar. As instructed, Saint James built a small chapel on the spot, which would make it the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Many churches were subsequently built on the site, each one more impressive than the last. Today's version was designed in 1681 by Felipe Sánchez y Herrera but significantly remodeled in the 18th century by Ventura Rodríguez. The towers were finally finished in the early 20th century.
El Pilar has received many distinguished pilgrims over the centuries, including Saints Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross and Ignatius Loyola, as well as virtually all the kings and queens of Spain. Pope John Paul II visited in 1982. It has also become a tradition for Spanish children to make a pilgrimage to El Pilar at the time of their first communion.
Today, Our Lady of the Pillar is the second-most visited pilgrimage destinatination in Spain after Santiago de Compostela (also associated with St. James). Thousands of pilgrims come every year to kiss the small statue given by the Virgin herself, and the El Pilar Festival is one of the most popular in Spain.
What to See
El Pilar is a massive edifice, dominating the Zaragoza skyline from its riverside location. Its exterior has an exotic Oriental flavor, almost mosque-like in its overall appearance, with a large rectangular floor plan and tall corner towers. Between the towers is a large central dome surrounded by ten smaller domes; the latter are decorated with bright blue, green, yellow and white tiles.Inside there are a number of artworks, but the star attraction is the famous statue of Our Lady of the Pillar, located in the Holy Chapel. Made of wood and standing only 15 inches tall, is located near the center of the basilica in a glittering shrine. There is an opening behind the statue allowing pilgrims to kiss it. The cupola of the Holy Chapel was frescoed by Francisco de Goya.
The Museo del Pilar houses the jewelry used to adorn the Pilar statue as well as sketches by Goya and other artworks.
Festivals and Events
The Fiestas del Pilar are held annually in honor of the Zaragoza's patron saint, the Virgin of the Pillar. Festivities begin on the Saturday before October 12 and run for nine days.
During the festival, large quantities of flowers and fruit are brought to the Virgin's shrine in the basilica, while the streets are filled with processions, street performers, music and dancing. Bullfights and theater performances are also held. Book accommodation early during the festival: the city's population triples during this period!
Quick Facts
| Site Information | |
| Names: | El Pilar Basilica; Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar |
| Location: | Zaragoza, Spain |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Dedication: | Virgin Mary (of the Pillar) |
| Categories: | Churches; Catholic Shrines |
| Date: | 17th and 18th centuries |
| Architect: | Felipe Sánchez y Herrera; Ventura Rodríguez |
| Features: | Vision Site |
| Status: | active |
| Visitor Information | |
| Address: | Plaza de las Catedrales, Zaragoza, Spain |
| Coordinates: | 41.656992° N, 0.878509° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Lodging: | View hotels near this location |
| Public transport: | Bus: 22 or 23 |
Travel Resources
- Zaragoza Map - our detailed interactive map of Zaragoza, plus hand-picked links to more
- Zaragoza Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of El Pilar Basilica. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Zaragoza Map.
Article Sources
- Catholic Shrines of Western Europe, 212-14.
- Sacred Places of a Lifetime, 308.
- Review of Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar - Frommers.com
- Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar - LonelyPlanet.com
- Fiestas del Pilar - official website
Last updated on January 19, 2011.
