Zaragoza Turismo

Nature Walks. The River Ebro

By walking along its banks and bridges, we can learn about different aspects of the River Ebro as its flows through Zaragoza. The rich vegetation of the remaining groves, the fauna that can be found in and out of the water, the passionate history of the river and the city, its navigation, its numerous crossing points, its different urban river bank and future plans are all uncovered.

-Zaragoza is one of Spain´s major cities, in size and population. It has wide streets and beautiful buildings. It is surrounded gardens and orchards. The city walls are made of stone and are very strong. It is built on the banks of a great river named the Ebro.-Mohamed-al-Edrisi (1154)

-An extension of the region of the Ilergaones, the current of the River Hiberus, made rich by river trade, was born in the Cantabri, close to Luliobrica, and flows for 450 miles with 260 being navigable from -oppidum- Vareis (Logroño). The Greeks named the whole of Hispania -Hiberia- after it-. Naturalis Historia by Plinio the Elder, III, 21 (24-79 AC).
-oppidum-: a walled enclosure with administrative and religious functions.

Zaragoza would not exist and is impossible to imagine without the River Ebro. It is the most voluminous river in Spain, with the largest river basin (85,000 km2). The first known settlers were the Iberians, who created the city-state of Salduie at the site where the old mouth of the River Huerva flows into the Ebro. From that moment on, its successive inhabitants have enjoyed the privileges afforded by this magnificent river, whilst also exposing themselves to its dangers.