The conference will be hosted at the School of Engineering and Architecture (EINA) at the University of Zaragoza, Betancourt Building, María de Luna 3, 50018, Zaragoza. The University of Zaragoza is a public higher education and research institution in the service of society, and combining a tradition of over 500 years of history with a constantly updated teaching approach. Its objective is to create and transfer knowledge, to provide comprehensive training for all. It is a quality, supportive and open university which aims to be an instrument of social transformation and to promote economic and cultural development. The conference will be held in the Betancourt Building at the EINA (Maria de Luna 3, 50018, Zaragoza) on the Ebro River campus.
Zaragoza
Its 700,000 inhabitants make Zaragoza the capital of the Autonomous Region of Aragón, and the most important city in the Ebro Valley. It is situated almost equidistant between Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao and Toulouse; less than 400 km from each. The University of Zaragoza is the only public university in Aragón, extending its scope of action throughout the whole territory. With its central location, the venue provides easy access for attendees, allowing them to immerse themselves in the conference while enjoying the city’s cultural and recreational offerings.
Nestled along the banks of the Ebro River, Zaragoza is a city that seamlessly blends its ancient past with contemporary dynamism. Our city, with a history dating back over 2,000 years, proudly showcases architectural monuments such as the iconic Basilica del Pilar. You can also encounter the Aljafería Palace, a stunning example of Moorish architecture, and the Mudejar-style UNESCO-listed landmarks that reflect Zaragoza’s multicultural influences throughout the ages. Zaragoza is not only a feast for the eyes but also a culinary delight. Indulge in the rich flavors of Aragonese cuisine, from traditional tapas to exquisite local wines. The city’s markets, like the Mercado Central, offer a sensory journey through the region’s gastronomic treasures.
Flying from/to Zaragoza
For those travelling by plane to the airports of Madrid or Barcelona, they can find high-speed train connections to Zaragoza. Madrid and Barcelona are both 300 km away, at an 1.5 hour high-speed train trip operated by 3 different companies: RENFE, OUIGO and IRYO. You can easily search for them to get to their web pages for timetables and bookings. Early booking (eg one month prior) is highly recommended as peak-hour trains often run full.
Flying to Madrid
Find out which airport terminal you are arriving at.
Take local transport from the airport to the High Speed Train (often called AVE in Spanish) station in Madrid:
Estación de tren Madrid – Puerta de Atocha – Almudena GrandesFrom Terminal 4 – Take a local train to “Atocha”. Approx every 30 mins, journey time 30 mins.
Or: from Terminals 1|2|3|4, take the public “Exprés Aeropuerto” bus (info, in Spanish) to the last stop in Estación de Atocha. Frequency about 20 min, travel time around 35 min (more at peak hours), cost €5.
Or: from Terminals 1|2|3|4 – Take a taxi to “Estación de Atocha”, /es-tah-thee’on deh a-’toh-tcha/. Flat fare €30. Allow for 30 mins, more at peak hours.
From Terminals 1|2|3|4, you can also take the tube/metro, but you need two line changes before getting to Atocha (thus not recommended).
Once in Atocha, make sure that you go to the AVE terminal (indicated as AVE or Madrid Puerta de Atocha), not to the local trains one (Atocha Cercanías). They are both in the same building complex. Trains to Zaragoza depart from the ground or first floor (depending on carrier) of Madrid Puerta de Atocha. You need to go through a security scanner. Note that trains to Zaragoza are often displayed and announced as going to Barcelona (their main destination).
Once at Zaragoza Delicias train station:
- Take a taxi to your hotel (cost approx €10-€15)
- Or: Take bus line 51 towards Principe Felipe and get off at stop 682 Paseo de Pamplona 12; then walk to your hotel, about 10 min or 20 mins (depending on the hotel). (You can buy your bus ticket on board, about €1.40 at the time of writing, cash only.)
Flying to Barcelona
If you arrive in Barcelona, the train station is Barcelona Sants, Estació de Sants. Your options for the transfer from the airport are:
From Terminal 2 – Take a local train to “Barcelona Sants”. Approx every 30 mins, journey time 30 mins.
From Terminal 1 – Take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2 (about 15 min transfer) and proceed as above.
Or: from Terminals 1|2 – Take a taxi to “Estación de Sants”, /es-tah-thee’on deh sants/. Metered fare, about €30. Allow for 30 mins, more at peak hours.
Or: from Terminals 1|2 you can take the tube/metro (cost about 5€) to Barcelona Sants, but you need to change lines once.
Once in Barcelona Sants you need to go through a security scanner. Note that trains to Zaragoza are often displayed and announced as to Madrid (their main destination).Once at Zaragoza Delicias train station:
- Take a taxi to your hotel (cost approx €10-€15)
- Or: Take bus line 51 towards Principe Felipe and get off at stop 682 Paseo de Pamplona 12; then walk to your hotel, about 10 min or 20 mins (depending on the hotel). (You can buy your bus ticket on board, about €1.40 at the time of writing, cash only.)
Some suggestions for things to do in Zaragoza. All of the attractions are within a 10-15 min walk from the city centre hotels, except Palacio de la Aljafería.
Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
This is perhaps the main monument in Zaragoza. Its architecture is rather uninspiring, but its sheer size is impressive and it houses the image of Our Lady of The Pilar, the saint patroness of Spain and of the whole Hispanic world.
As such, it attracts visitors from all over Spain and beyond.
Look out for the (tiny) wooden image of the Blessed Virgin Mary on a pillar. It is “associated with the claim of Marian apparition [on a pillar] to Apostle James the Greater as he was praying by the banks of the Ebro at Caesaraugusta (Zaragoza), Hispania, in AD 40.” [Wikipedia]
If you go around the internal wall behind the image, a portion of the pillar is visible; it is often kissed by devout visitors.
Do not miss the monumental main altarpiece.
The Basilica also features some frescoes by Francisco de Goya. Goya was one of the most important Spanish artist of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and was born in a nearby village.
The main square in Zaragoza is home to the Pilar Basilica, the City Council, the Lonja (an impressive market hall dating from the 16th century, now an exhibition hall) and the Seo (see below).
The (Roman) Stone Bridge and Ebro River – Puente de Piedra
Just a few metres from Pilar Square is the (highly reconstructed) Stone Bridge, of Roman origin (pictured at the top of this document). It straddles Ebro River, arguably the most iconic river in Spain and the hallmark of Zaragoza and perhaps of the whole Aragón region.
The Greeks called the river Ἴβηρ (Ibēr), and the Romans called it the Hibēr, Ibēr, or Ibērus flūmen, leading to its current name. The Iberian peninsula and the Hibērī or Ibērī (the people of the area) were named after the river.” [Wikipedia]
Seo – Catedral del Salvador de ZaragozaIn Pilar Square, often unfairly shadowed by the Pilar Basilica, is the Cathedral of the Saviour (Spanish: Catedral del Salvador) or La Seo de Zaragoza.
If you have some time, this visit is a must. “The cathedral is a mixture of styles, from the Romanesque apse (12th century) to the Baroque tower and Neo-Classical main door (18th century), passing through Mudéjar and Gothic.” [Wikipedia]
The main altarpiece, and in general the stonework in alabaster, is mesmerising.
Best seen in daylight. Opening times (at the time of writing, pls re-check):
Mon to Fri: 10h to 14h and 16h to 18.30h
Sat: 10h to 12.30h and 16.00h a 18.30h
Sun: 10h to 12hh and 16h to 18.30h
In Pilar Square, obstructing the view of the Seo, an ugly prism houses the entrance to the (now underground) remains of the ancient Cesaraugusta river port.
Calle Alfonso – Alfonso the I Street
This pedestrian street from Pilar Square to Coso was one of the main commercial streets. It still has some merchant activity; it is also one of the favourite places for locals to stroll.
Independencia Avenue – P.º de la IndependenciaThis broad street is also a favourite among Zaragozanos to stroll along. It is perhaps Zaragoza’s main artery. It runs from Plaza de España (Spain Square) at one end to Aragón Square and neighbouring Paraíso Square.
Zaragoza MuseumHoused in a beautiful building in the quaint and tranquil Plaza de los Sitios, this museum is home to a range of exhibits, including a good collection of paintings by Goya (see above).
The museum is in the city centre, and admission is free.
Tue to Sat from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00
Sun from 10:00 to 14:00
El Tubo de Zaragoza – The place for TapasThe whole neighbourhood between Coso and the river is known as Casco Viejo (Old Town would be a romantic translation, but perhaps also a misnomer).
This is Tapas Territory, particularly: the area immediately to the north of Plaza de España known as “El Tubo”; Calle Méndez Núñez; Calle Estébanes; Calle Mayor; Plaza Santa Marta. Restaurant Casa Lac, on Calle Mártires, dates from 1825 and is regarded as one of the oldest restaurants in Spain and in Europe.
You also will find many restaurants serving tapas and raciones in many other areas, for instance on the side streets of Paseo Independencia.
Aljafería Palace (UNESCO World Heritage site)(1.8 km, 23 min walk from the city centre)
“The Aljafería Palace (Spanish: Palacio de la Aljafería; Arabic: قصر الجعفرية, tr. Qasr al-Jaʿfariya) is a fortified mediaeval Islamic palace built during the second half of the 11th century in the Taifa of Zaragoza of Al-Andalus The palace reflects the splendour attained by the kingdom of the taifa of Zaragoza at the height of its grandeur. The palace currently contains the Cortes (regional parliament) of the autonomous community of Aragon.” [Wikipedia]
Visiting hours (at the time of writing; tickets must be booked in advance): Monday – Saturday 10.00am – 2.00pm and 4.00 – 6.30pm. Sundays and holidays: 10.00am – 2.00pm. Guided tours at: 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 16.30 and 17.30pm. The Palace is closed to visitors when the regional parliament is in session, typically Thursdays (all day) and Fridays (mornings), but not all of them.