Centro de Interpretación San Lázaro

About the museum

The Real Convento de San Lázaro was founded in 1224 on the left bank of the Ebro, beside the Puente de Piedra, under the patronage of James I and run by the Order of Our Lady of Mercy. For centuries it operated as a hospital for lepers and other sick people. In the 17th century it had a Latin-cross church, eight chapels and two cloisters, and from one of its rooms Martínez del Mazo painted his view of Zaragoza of 1647.

During the Sieges of Zaragoza (1808–1809) the convent served as a defensive bastion and was almost razed. After the Mendizábal disentailment it was used as a warehouse and prison, and in 1940 the San Lázaro Barracks were built on its ruins; these were demolished in 1983.

The archaeological remains reappeared in 2007 during works for the 2008 International Exhibition. They were excavated between 2007 and 2008 and opened to the public in 2009 with the inauguration of the interpretation centre. After several years of closures and reopenings, including a closure due to the pandemic, the Zaragoza City Council restored the cloister again and reopened it in 2025 with guided tours organised by the Tío Jorge-Arrabal Neighbourhood Association.

Highlights

• Remains of the Claustro del Pozo, with the well that supplied the convent
• Plan of the cloisters and of part of the former church
• Four panels on the history of the two convents that stood on the site
• Glass skylight that lights the cloister
• Guided tour by volunteers from the Arrabal neighbourhood

Permanent exhibition

• Restos arqueológicos del Claustro del Pozo – Remains of the cloister, the well and part of the church of the former convent, with panels telling the history of the two convents that stood on the site.

Founded

2009

Operated by

Ayuntamiento de Zaragoza

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The visits are led by volunteers of the Tío Jorge-Arrabal Neighbourhood Association.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There is a ramp at the entrance door.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The centre is in the Arrabal neighbourhood, beside the eastern end of the Puente de Piedra and less than 100 metres from the Balcón de San Lázaro.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit