Originally founded by the Romans, Tudela has been continuously inhabited for centuries. It was taken by the Moors during the Umayyad conquest of Hispania due to its strategic position in the Ebro Valley before being conquered by Alfonso the Battler in 1119. Today, Tudela is a popular tourist destination for its beautifully preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
Things to do in Tudela
Overlooking Plaza Vieja is the Cathedral of Our Lady of Solitude, which dates back to the 12th century when it was established as a collegiate church. Admire its Romanesque-style portals, including the Puerta del Juicio, before stepping inside to see the Gothic-inspired nave. Don’t miss the main chapel with its 15th-century paintings depicting the lives of Jesus and Mary.
Also dating from the medieval period is the Church of St Mary Magdalene, which is believed to have been erected in the late-12th century on the site of a Mozarabic church. Topped by a Romanesque bell tower, it features a beautifully sculpted portal and a gilded retablo featuring Mary Magdalen. After your visit, you can stretch your legs on the riverfront trails of the Mejana de Tudela.
Dominating the northern end of the town is the Alcazaba de Tudela, which is the hilltop remains of a Moorish citadel demolished by Cardinal Cisneros in 1516. Established in the 9th century, it was designed to control movement through the Ebro Pass. Today, the site is dominated by the Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus sculpted by Carlo Buzzi.
Getting around Tudela
Tudela is around an hour’s drive from Zaragoza and Zaragoza Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Regular trains connect to the Tudela de Navarra railway station and buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Tudela can easily be explored on foot.