Zaragoza

views updated May 18 2018

Zaragoza (Saragossa) City on the River Ebro, ne Spain; capital of Zaragoza province and Aragón region. The city was taken by the Romans in the 1st century bc, and by Moors in the 8th century. In 1118, it was captured by Alfonso I of Aragón, who made it his capital. It was the scene of heroic resistance against the French in the Peninsular War (1808–09). Its main landmark is the Moorish palace of Aljafarería. Other sites include the cathedrals of La Seo and El Pilar. The city is an important commercial and communications centre. At the heart of an agricultural region, it acts as a distribution point for wine, olives and cereal. Industries: heavy machinery, textiles. Pop. (1999) 669,667.