La Lonja de Zaragoza, an architectural gem nestled in the heart of Zaragoza, Spain, stands as a testament to the splendor of Renaissance architecture in Aragon. Constructed between 1541 and 1551, this historic building has transcended its original purpose as a marketplace, evolving into a cultural beacon that now hosts exhibitions and events under the auspices of the Zaragoza City Council.
The conception of La Lonja was a response to the burgeoning commercial activities in Zaragoza. Before its construction, merchants conducted their transactions in the La Seo Cathedral and other churches. The city council, heeding the pleas of traders and the Archbishop Hernando de Aragón, resolved on February 18, 1541, to erect a dedicated civil building for commerce. The task was entrusted to Juan de Sariñena, a master architect renowned for his work on the Torre Nueva and the Seo de Barbastro.
By 1546, the construction of La Lonja had progressed significantly, with only the roofing remaining. Initially, Sariñena's design included a central tower resembling a lantern. However, this structure posed considerable challenges to the contemporary builders, including Alonso de Leznes, Gil Morlanes the Younger, and Juan de Segura. Following Sariñena's death in 1545, the decision was made in 1549 to forgo the tower and instead cap the building with a simple hipped roof. La Lonja was officially completed on November 1, 1551.
La Lonja is celebrated as the most significant Renaissance structure in Aragon and the first to fully embrace this style, influenced by the Florentine palaces of the Italian Quattrocento, albeit with distinctive Mudéjar elements. The building is constructed primarily of brick, a material prevalent in Aragonese architecture, where it is esteemed due to Islamic art influences, as seen in the Aljafería, and the Mudéjar tradition.
The rectangular edifice features a tri-level façade that belies its single-story interior, which includes an attic used historically for storing weapons. The uppermost level boasts a gallery of paired semicircular arches, a hallmark of Renaissance design, enhanced by polychrome plaster medallions depicting ornamental portraits.
Scavenger hunts in Zaragoza
Discover Zaragoza with the digital Scavenger Hunt from myCityHunt! Solve puzzles, master team tasks and explore Zaragoza with your team!
The interior of La Lonja is a harmonious blend of Gothic and Renaissance elements. It comprises three naves and five bays of equal height, supported by eight ringed columns that uphold fifteen star-shaped ribbed vaults. These columns, inspired by Renaissance aesthetics, exhibit a unique Aragonese Ionic style, characterized by a ring or knot at two-thirds of their height, lending them classical proportions ideal for grand public buildings.
The walls, constructed using the traditional Mudéjar technique of brick and gypsum mortar, eschew typical religious ornamental patterns in favor of vertical recessed rectangles, divided by a cornice adorned with dentils. The upper walls feature a series of double arches housing windows originally glazed with small leaded panes, now restored with alabaster plates. The façade is crowned with a wide wooden eave and four small lanterns, adorned with Mudéjar tilework, at the building's corners.
The interior decoration, attributed to Gil Morlanes the Younger, is a rich tapestry of Gothic and Renaissance motifs. The sculptural reliefs on the window reveals, the polychrome and gilded floral bosses at the vault intersections, and the grotesque friezes and medallions all contribute to the building's artistic allure. An epigraphic band in Gothic script, written in Castilian with numerous Aragonese influences, encircles the interior, bearing a historical inscription.
The entrance is flanked by anthropomorphic stipites, and putti bearing the rampant lion shield of Zaragoza adorn the vault ribs. The central walls feature the imperial coat of arms of Charles V, surrounded by the Order of the Golden Fleece collar, flanked by two lions, all vividly polychromed and gilded.
Above the main hall, a loft served as an armory, accessible via a spiral staircase attached to the northwest wall, visible as a small turret in Anton Wyngaerde's 1563 drawing of the city.
Today, La Lonja de Zaragoza has transitioned from a bustling marketplace to a vibrant exhibition hall, hosting a myriad of cultural events and art exhibitions. Its storied past and architectural brilliance make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Zaragoza. As you wander through its grand halls and admire its intricate details, you are not just witnessing a building but experiencing a piece of history that has stood the test of time, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Aragon.
In conclusion, La Lonja de Zaragoza is more than just a historical monument; it is a living testament to the city's rich commercial heritage and architectural innovation. Whether you are an aficionado of Renaissance architecture, a history buff, or a curious traveler, La Lonja promises an unforgettable journey through time and art.
Get your Tickets now!
With myCityHunt you can discover thousands of cities around the world in exciting scavenger hunts, treasure hunts and escape games!
myCityHunt vouchers are the perfect gift for many occasions! Surprise your friends and family with this extraordinary event gift. myCityHunt gift vouchers are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase and can be used within this period for a freely selectable city and tour from the myCityHunt portfolio.