sundial Multicaja-Zaragoza

The Multicaja-Zaragoza Sundial is a monumental sundial in Zaragoza, widely described as the largest of its kind in the world. It stands in an extended section of Parque de Oriente, close to the Puente de la Unión bridge and the Vadorrey river port, in a quiet, green stretch along the Ebro that sits outside the usual old-town sightseeing route.

What will you see there?

The structure has two parts: a tilted gnomon (the shadow-casting rod) roughly 46 meters long, rising to a height of more than 30 meters, and a curved, arc-shaped horizontal dial set into the surrounding pavement. Both elements are built from weathering steel (COR-TEN), a material that develops a rust-colored patina over time, letting the sundial blend into its parkland setting while still standing out against the greenery. In sheer scale it surpasses the Samrat Yantra sundial in Jaipur, India, built around 1730 and measuring about 27 meters — until this project was completed, the largest sundial on record.

The way it works is straightforward: as the sun moves, the gnomon's shadow sweeps across the curved dial, marking the current hour. On a clear day the effect is dramatic, especially seen from a distance, where the full scale of the steel structure against the sky becomes obvious.

How do you get there?

The sundial sits in Zaragoza's Parque de Oriente area, on the opposite bank of the Ebro from the historic center. The easiest approach is by city bus or tram to a stop near the Puente de la Unión bridge, followed by a short walk along the riverside. Drivers can find street parking around the park's perimeter. Since the site isn't linked to other major sights by a walking route, it's worth treating the visit as part of a longer riverside stroll rather than a quick stop.

The story behind it

The design is the work of civil engineer Juan Antonio Ros, who began developing the project in 2006, in the years leading up to Zaragoza's Expo 2008. The formal agreement to build it was signed on May 28, 2009. The large gnomon itself was installed between October 30 and November 3, 2009, and the marked hour dial was added in the summer of 2011, completing the structure.

Funding came largely from the local savings institution Multicaja, which contributed around 360,000 euros toward building the gnomon — often referred to as a "solar sculpture" — which is why the sponsor's name became part of the sundial's own.

When should you visit?

The sundial reads best on sunny days, when the gnomon casts a clear, sharp shadow across the dial. Morning or late-afternoon light in the warmer months tends to work best for photos, since the lower sun angle emphasizes both the height of the structure and the rust tones of the steel. The surrounding park is pleasant to walk through year-round, but a bright, cloudless day best showcases what the sundial was built to do.

Frequently asked questions

Is it really the largest sundial in the world? Based on figures published during construction, the roughly 46-meter gnomon and more-than-30-meter height put it ahead of the previous record holder, the Samrat Yantra in Jaipur, which measures about 27 meters.

What material is it made of? Both the gnomon and the dial are built from weathering steel (COR-TEN), which gradually develops a protective rust-colored patina.

Who paid for it? The savings institution Multicaja was the main sponsor, contributing about 360,000 euros toward the gnomon's construction — hence its name in the monument.

Is there an entrance fee? No. The sundial stands in an open public park, so there's no ticket or booking needed to see it.