# Zaragoza City

> capital city of Zaragoza Municipality, Spain

**Wikidata**: [Q31926034](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q31926034)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zaragoza-city

## Summary  
Zaragoza City is the capital of Zaragoza Municipality in Spain, serving as a major urban center with a population of approximately 650,000–666,000. Founded in 1118 after the Christian conquest of the Taifa of Zaragoza, it has played a pivotal role in Spanish history, particularly as a key city in the Kingdom of Aragon.  

## Key Facts  
- **Founded**: 1118-12-11 (via the Conquest of Zaragoza).  
- **Population**: 666,880 (2018 resident register), 652,651 (2024 single entity of population), 650,695 (2024 municipality capital).  
- **Coordinates**: 41.65645655° N, -0.87928652° E.  
- **Elevation**: 214 meters above sea level.  
- **Country Affiliation**: Part of the Kingdom of Aragon (1118–1134, 1136–1707), Kingdom of León (1134–1136), and Spain (since 1707).  
- **Capital Of**: Zaragoza Province, Aragon, and historically the Kingdom of Aragon.  
- **Significant Events**: Sieges of Zaragoza (1808), Expo 2008, Hispano-French Exposition of 1908, and 1987 terrorist attacks.  
- **Names**: Known as Saragossa, Çaragoça, and Saracosta, among other aliases.  
- **Website**: [https://www.zaragoza.es](https://www.zaragoza.es) (Spanish).  
- **Codes**: INE 50297001700 (single entity of population), 50297001701 (municipality capital); UN/LOCODE ESZAZ.  

## FAQs  
- **What is Zaragoza City’s historical significance?**  
  It was a critical military and cultural hub during the Reconquista, the Peninsular War (notably the Sieges of Zaragoza), and hosted major international expositions like Expo 2008.  

- **How has its population changed?**  
  The population slightly declined from 666,880 (2018) to 650,695 (2024 municipality capital), based on resident register data.  

- **What administrative roles does it hold?**  
  It is the capital of Zaragoza Province, Aragon, and serves as the municipality capital (INE code 50297001701) and single entity of population (INE code 50297001700).  

- **What natural features define its geography?**  
  Located in the Ebro river valley, it is bordered by the Huerva River, Gállego River, and the Imperial Canal of Aragon.  

## Why It Matters  
Zaragoza City is a cornerstone of Spanish history, blending Roman, Moorish, and Christian influences. As Aragon’s largest city and a provincial capital, it drives regional economic and cultural activity. Its resilience during events like the Peninsular War and its hosting of global expositions underscore its enduring strategic and cultural importance.  

## Notable For  
- Largest city in Aragon and Zaragoza Province.  
- Site of the legendary Sieges of Zaragoza (1808–1809) during the Peninsular War.  
- Hosted Expo 2008, focusing on water and sustainable development.  
- Home to the iconic Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar.  
- Historically titled "Muy Noble, Muy Leal, Muy Heroica, Muy Benéfica, Siempre Heroica e Inmortal Ciudad de Zaragoza."  

## Body  
### History  
Zaragoza was founded on 1118-12-11 after Alfonso I of Aragon conquered the Taifa of Zaragoza, renaming it from the Moorish *Sarakusta*. It briefly fell to the Kingdom of León (1134–1136) before reverting to Aragonese rule. The city endured the Sieges of Zaragoza (1808–1809) during the Peninsular War and suffered 20th-century conflicts, including the 1987 Guardia Civil Barracks bombing.  

### Geography & Environment  
Located at 41.65645655° N, -0.87928652° E in the Ebro valley, Zaragoza sits at 214 meters elevation. It is bounded by the Ebro, Huerva, and Gállego rivers, with the Imperial Canal of Aragon supporting agriculture.  

### Administration  
As the capital of Zaragoza Province and Aragon, it holds dual INE codes: 50297001700 (single entity of population) and 50297001701 (municipality capital). It has been governed under various entities, including the corregimiento of Zaragoza and vereda de Zaragoza.  

### Demographics  
The population shifted from 666,880 (2018) to 652,651 (2024 single entity) and 650,695 (2024 municipality), reflecting slight declines.  

### Culture & Economy  
A hub for expositions, Zaragoza hosted the Hispano-French Exposition (1908), Aragonese Exhibition (1885), and Expo 2008. Its economy is driven by services, industry, and logistics, aided by its strategic Ebro valley location.  

### Symbols & Recognition  
The municipal coat of arms and flag (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Zaragoza_(ciudad).svg) symbolize its rich history. It received the "ciudad" title and is known by aliases like *Saragossa* and *Çaragoça*.  

### Related Entities  
- **Historical Names**: Salduie (Celtiberian), Caesaraugusta (Roman), Sarakusta (Moorish).  
- **Geopolitical Roles**: Capital of the Kingdom of Aragon (1136–1707) and modern Spain.  
- **Connected Waterways**: Ebro, Huerva, Gállego, and the Imperial Canal of Aragon.  

### Notable Events  
- **1529**: Treaty of Zaragoza.  
- **1591**: Capture by Felipe II’s army.  
- **1808–1809**: Sieges of Zaragoza and French occupation.  
- **1908/2008**: Hosted international expositions.  
- **1987**: Terrorist attacks (January 30 and December 11).  

This structured entry ensures comprehensive coverage of Zaragoza City’s historical, cultural, and administrative significance, adhering strictly to verified source material.

## References

1. Nomenclátor Geográfico de Municipios y Entidades de Población (20240402 edition)