The Man who observes the Past
A quick self-guided wonder mission for curious families or tourists
For those families wandering around the ancient streets of Zaragoza and looking for some discovery time, why not try this fun short mission:
The lead adventurer is in charge of reading the below steps to the group to follow one by one (No one else needs to be looking at a screen) :
STEP 1> Go to Plaza de San Felipe and find the man in the picture.
STEP 2>Wonder and discuss: What is he doing? What might he be looking at? What has happened here in history?
STEP 3> Wander individually around the square looking for clues.
(Bonus tip: go towards where he’s looking at and find something special)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ SPOILER BELOW ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
(When you’ve found the mural) > Now you know what the man was looking at! Congratulations! But the mission is not over! We still need to figure out what happened to this tower: Where is the tower in the drawing? Can you find it around you?
TIP: Find the name in the mural and explore…
Here are some useful links: Wikipedia - Leaning Tower (Torre Nueva) of Zaragoza
Theculturetrip.com - The most unique experiences in Zaragoza
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! Et voila! Now you know what happened to this tower.
Two bonus missions for the curious minds
BONUS MISSION 1
>> Look at the mural: what is special about this tower that you haven’t seen in other towers? Discuss the main differences you can see.
The tower was built in a special style called Mudejar which is a very specific style that you can only find in Spain that mixes Christian art with Muslim and Jewish influences. The tower was actually built by two Christian, one Muslim and one Jewish master builders! Can you find symbols or forms that remind you of the Christian, Muslim or Jewish cultures?
The tower was demolished around 130 years ago because it was in danger of collapsing. This sculpture of a man is here to remind us that this beautiful tower existed right there. Do you think it matters what happened in the past? Why or why not? What can happen to a society that forgets what their ancestors did, built and learnt?
Leaning Tower of Zaragoza by David Roberts (1838)
BONUS MISSION 2
Four minutes away from here there’s a wonderful Mudejar tower still on its feet. Do you want to see it? It’s in San Pablo’s church: take the street to the left of the mural, and walk past the entrance of Mercado Central de Zaragoza. Where the street ends, take a short left, then right to a small street Calle San Pablo, and continue walking until you find the tower :)
