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5,191 inhabitants
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Province of Zaragoza
CYCLING
In 2014, Borja experienced a historic day of cycling. That year, the locality hosted the finish-line for a La Vuelta individual time trial in which the leader, Nairo Quintana, suffered a fall that led to Alberto Contador’s victory. He then went on to wear the red jersey right until the end.
CULTURE
Borja is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. Highlights include the Sanctuary of Misericordia (or Mercy) and the famous restoration of the Ecce Homo. Its old centre houses such jewels as the Collegiate Church of Santa María (or Saint Mary) and the Collegiate Church Museum, reflecting centuries of Aragonese history and artistic tradition.
SPORTS
Luis María Garriga boasts the honour of being the only Borja native to have participated in the Olympic Games. He did so twice: in Tokyo in 1964, and in Mexico in 1968, as a high jumper. This milestone led to him receiving the Borja Legend Award at the Borja Sports Gala in 2024.
GASTRONOMY
Borja’s gastronomy stands out for such traditional dishes as rancho and cod prepared in the Borjana style. Borage, already well-known in the 18th century, is essential to local cuisine. These ingredients and recipes show the authenticity and origins of Borja’s gastronomy, based on quality local produce.
FUN FACT
Borja’s Ecce Homo has received over 300,000 visits since 2012.
ZARAGOZA PROVINCIAL COUNCIL
The Province of Zaragoza has a natural backbone that is inextricably linked to its history – the Ebro River, that flows across Zaragoza territory from Novillas, on the border with Navarre, to the Mequinenza Reservoir, bordering Catalonia. Its influence goes beyond just the natural aspect and has written the province’s history since its very beginnings.
A true example of this is the city of Zaragoza, whose landscape and configuration are simply impossible to imagine without the riverbed. Sitting upon the Piedra Bridge, the Basilica of El Pilar stands tall as the sign of identity of a city with a history spanning over 2,000 years. Another of its great symbols is Francisco de Goya, a universal genius whose work continues to be an artistic and cultural reference point for Zaragoza.
Examples of the province’s patrimonial wealth include Pedrola and Borja – two localities that reflect Aragonese history and tradition. Along with other provincial jewels, such as Tarazona and Daroca, they preserve their essence through their architecture, festivities and deep-rooted winemaking culture.
CYCLING
The Province of Zaragoza is a territory with ample experience hosting high-level cycling events. In 2024, its capital already hosted a finish-line for La Vuelta Femenina by Carrefour.es. This year, the province will be present both in the men’s and women’s editions of the race.
CULTURE
The Aragonese jota is the Province of Zaragoza’s most representative cultural expression. With its energy and passion, it combines song, dance and music to convey the stories and feelings of the Aragonese people. It is performed in festivities such as those of El Pilar and San Jorge, thus keeping a centuries-old tradition alive.
SPORTS
Teresa Perales, a Zaragoza native and a reference in Paralympic sports, is the most decorated Spanish swimmer, boasting 27 Paralympic medals. Her efforts and spirit of self-improvement have made her a symbol of sports and resilience. She received the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in 2021.
GASTRONOMY
Borage is one of the most emblematic vegetables in Aragonese gastronomy. With its mild flavour and soft texture, it is traditionally enjoyed cooked. Rich in nutrients and highly valued in local cuisine, it is an essential part of the Aragonese diet.
FUN FACT
The towers of the Basilica of El Pilar stand 92 metres tall.
