Paraninfo de la Universidad de Zaragoza, Monument and museum building in Plaza de Basilio Paraíso, Spain.
The Paraninfo at the University of Zaragoza is a neoclassical building located in Plaza de Basilio Paraíso that anchors the main university facade. Its structure combines brick walls, polychrome tiles, and stucco reliefs that show how 19th-century architecture shaped academic spaces.
The building was designed in 1893 by architect Ricardo Magdalena after previous university structures were destroyed during the Peninsular War. This reconstruction symbolized the rebirth of the university as a cultural force in the city after the conflict.
The entrance displays four statues of medical and scientific figures that represent the university's connection to scholarly traditions. These figures remind visitors of the institution's role in advancing knowledge and research.
The building is accessible on weekdays, and visitors can explore the Natural Sciences Museum inside, which offers free admission. It is helpful to check opening times since they may vary according to the academic calendar.
Inside is a Natural Sciences Museum that preserves the original furnishings and decoration of the historical university library. This unchanged layout lets visitors experience how the academic space looked in the 19th century.
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