An Unexpected Encounter on the Journey to Tarazona

Leaving Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon in Spain, and driving west along the N-122 road towards Segovia, a charming little town emerges at a turn about 80 kilometers away. Although the midday sun is a bit dazzling and it's not the best time to appreciate the scenery, the layered buildings on the hillside and the towering bell tower slow me down with their peaceful and tranquil beauty. The town's allure is so tempting that I decide to park and take a brief stop to explore this enticing place. Of course, this unplanned detour brings a joyful moment but also leaves a potential issue for my later journey. I end up speeding to catch up and pay a little 'tuition fee' for it . Perhaps because it's noon, the streets of the sparsely populated town are almost deserted, with only the occasional elderly person resting under a tree, exchanging a faint smile upon eye contact. I greet an old couple sitting in the shade with a 'Hola'. Judging by the architectural style, there are square bell towers resembling Muslim minarets. Walking up the slope, the old town still has ancient cobblestone pavements, while the roads at the foot of the hill and the bridges over the streams are modern concrete structures. The Episcopal Palace is a medieval Muslim castle, which is said to have been the residence of several Aragonese kings. It's open for free visits. The Santa Maria de Huerta Cathedral requires an entrance fee, which I skip due to my schedule. It's said that this magnificent cathedral was originally built in 1158 and has been damaged and restored multiple times due to wars, making its style hard to define, with both Gothic and Baroque elements, which I, as an outsider, cannot clearly describe. The town is fully equipped with everything except for the bustling crowds. The architectural styles are quite mixed, with a hint of the Jewish quarter and Muslim residential areas, while the churches and some buildings resemble Catholic architecture. The town is clean and tidy, with streets that bear the marks of history yet are restored so well that it's hard to find any flaws. Perhaps on a future visit, I'll plan a whole day to explore its stories. My friend, if you ever have the chance to pass by, be sure to take some time to savor its charm.