Welcome to one of my favorite corners in Zaragoza—the mural dedicated to the remarkable Torre Nueva. When we talk about leaning towers, most people's minds immediately jump to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. But what if I told you Zaragoza once had its very own leaning tower—and that it was even taller than Pisa’s? You’re now looking at a beautifully painted tribute to Torre Nueva, Zaragoza’s iconic leaning tower. Standing proudly at 80 meters tall, it was the highest Mudéjar-style tower ever constructed. Built in 1504, during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, it swiftly became a beloved landmark—not only because of its impressive height but also because of its distinctive lean, which seemed to defy gravity. Why exactly did it lean? Well, the builders hurried through its foundation, causing one side of the structure to settle faster than the other. Although concerned engineers quickly reinforced the base, the tower stubbornly maintained its tilt. Yet, against all odds, Torre Nueva stood resiliently for nearly four centuries, becoming a cherished symbol of the city. Unfortunately, in the late nineteenth century, Zaragoza’s City Council deemed the tower unsafe, believing it could topple at any moment. Despite fervent opposition from local artists and intellectuals, the city dismantled Torre Nueva brick by brick. But here’s the poetic twist: many locals bought these bricks as souvenirs, lovingly incorporating them into the walls of their own homes, keeping the memory of the tower alive. Now, please turn around and walk just a few meters to the plaza directly behind you—check the images or locate Plaza de San Felipe on your map if needed. Once you reach the plaza, glance down. You’ll find the subtle outline marking precisely where Torre Nueva once stood. Beside it is a poignant sculpture of a young boy, eternally gazing upward, imagining a majestic tower that no longer exists. Take your time to appreciate the plaza, and when you're ready, we'll move on to our next stop.