Ayuntamiento de Ejea de los Caballeros

Ayuntamiento de Ejea de los Caballeros is the neoclassical town hall standing on Plaza de España in Ejea de los Caballeros, capital of the Cinco Villas region in the northwest of Zaragoza province, Aragón. The building has long been a reference point for anyone exploring the historic centre of the town, sitting close to the fortress-like churches and the remains of the old Jewish quarter.

How do you get there?

Ejea de los Caballeros lies in the heart of Cinco Villas, on the plains around the Arba river, and is well connected by road to Zaragoza, less than an hour's drive away. Plaza de España, where the town hall stands, is right in the middle of the old town, making it a natural starting point for a walking tour of the historic quarter. Most of the town's landmarks, including the churches of Santa María and El Salvador, are only a few minutes on foot from the square.

What can you see there?

The town hall has an elegant neoclassical façade and still serves its administrative purpose today, while occasionally hosting exhibitions open to visitors on weekdays. Plaza de España itself is the town's main square, the natural hub of local commerce and social life.

A visit to Ejea, however, is not limited to the town hall. The settlement has a long history: the earliest remains found in the area date back to the Neolithic period, followed by Suessetani and Roman occupation. In 714 Muslim forces arrived and turned Ejea into one of their northernmost strategic strongholds. The town was later reconquered by King Alfonso I "el Batallador" in the early 12th century, and the privileges he granted to new settlers shaped the town's subsequent growth. Traces of this layered history are still visible in the old town's architecture, and in 1981 the entire historic centre was declared a Historic-Artistic Complex.

The most striking symbols of that period are the two fortress-like churches: the Romanesque church of Santa María, dating to the 12th century, and the church of El Salvador, built in the 13th century and recognisable by its battlemented tower, which looks more like a defensive structure than a place of worship. Around the centre you can also find remains of the old judería, the Jewish quarter that once formed part of the town's multicultural fabric, along with Aragonese-style mansions built between the 16th and 18th centuries.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

For a different side of the town, the Aquagraria Museum explores Ejea's long relationship with water, agriculture and farm mechanisation — a fitting theme for a municipality that is one of the largest by area and among the most populous in Aragón. Close to the centre, the Parque Lineal del Gancho offers a green space for a relaxed walk or a break after exploring the old town.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons to explore Ejea, as temperatures across the Cinco Villas region stay mild and walking around the old town is far more pleasant than during the hot summer months. The town hall and other administrative buildings follow standard weekday office hours, while the churches and public squares remain accessible throughout the week.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the town hall in Ejea de los Caballeros? The building is still used for administrative purposes, but it occasionally hosts exhibitions open to visitors during weekday office hours.

What else is close to the town hall? Within a short walk you'll find the churches of Santa María and El Salvador, the remains of the old Jewish quarter, and several historic Aragonese-style mansions.

What exactly is Ejea de los Caballeros? It is the capital of the Cinco Villas region in Zaragoza province, one of the largest municipalities in Spain by land area, with a history stretching back through Roman and Muslim rule.

Is Ejea de los Caballeros suitable for a family visit? Yes — the Parque Lineal del Gancho and the area around the Ciudad del Agua and the Aquagraria Museum both make good stops for families after visiting the historic centre.