Museo del Pilar

The Museo del Pilar, better known in Zaragoza as the Museo Pilarista, is the museum of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, and it tells the story of the devotion to the Virgin through the objects that pilgrims, kings and artists have given to her shrine over the centuries. It stands within the basilica complex on the Plaza del Pilar, and it complements a visit to the church itself. Where the basilica is a vast space of Baroque architecture and worship, the museum is a quieter, closer view of the details of the cult.

The collection is closely tied to the tradition of the Virgin's mantles. The small wooden statue of the Virgin on her pillar is dressed in a different mantle every day, and the museum shows many of these garments, some richly embroidered in gold and silver thread, which were donated by devout people, noble families, religious groups and towns. Others show regional costumes offered as gifts, linking the devotion to the traditions of Aragon. Jewels, crowns, gold and silver objects and precious stones that were offered to the Virgin demonstrate the wealth that flowed to the shrine and the importance of the Pilar as a pilgrimage centre across Spain and Latin America.

The museum also keeps artistic material connected with the building of the basilica. Preparatory drawings and sketches by painters and architects show how the great church and its decorations were planned, including studies for the frescoes that cover the domes and for the sculpture. These help visitors to understand the working process behind the finished work, and for those interested in Francisco de Goya, who painted in the basilica as a young man, they give a rare look at the stage between idea and fresco.

Other rooms present the history of the sanctuary, from a small chapel and the traditional story of the apostle James and the pillar, to the present Baroque building, and show how the devotion changed through the ages. The displays help to read the basilica itself with more insight, and the information is clear and well organised.

A visit usually takes less than an hour. The museum is best combined with the basilica, La Seo and the Torres de la Zaidería, all within a short distance, and a walk through the Plaza del Pilar and the Mercado Central de Abastos completes the area. It suits pilgrims, art lovers and travellers interested in religious tradition. Check the current opening hours before visiting, as they follow the schedule of the basilica.