Friday, August 6, 2010

Cordoba

Position

Cordoba is an urban scenario in the south of Spain. It is the capital of the province of Cordoba in Andalusia. It represents one of the most popular destinations of Spain. Moreover, it lies on the river Guadalquivir. Narrow streets with houses painted in white color are symbols of this city. The city has circa 300,000 inhabitants.

Economy

Cordoba is a trading center for citrus fruits and olives, whose plantations are near the city. It also has well developed food, beer and textile industries. Local inhabitants sell various handicrafts, especially those made of leather and silver. They are very popular among the tourists.

History

Cordoba became a prominent city in the Phoenician period. The town blossomed as a key Roman community in the first century BC. Later it was conquered first by the Visigoths in 572, then by Moors in 711. 756 AD marked Cordoba as the capital city of Spain (at the time of Moors).

And from then onwards the city became known for another 250 years for its wide business and scholarly options throughout the world. 929 AD marked another landmark in the history of Cordoba, when the Caliphate of Cordoba was initiated; from then on the city experienced the peak of prosperity. In the 11th century, the caliphate fell, so material well-being of the city dropped. Furthermore, Seville became the capital.

In 1236, it was occupied by Ferdinand III. He made many new churches since this piece of Spain received Roman Catholicism.

Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is a cathedral built from the eighth to the tenth century. First, the Moors built a mosque on the remains of a Roman -Visigoth temple, then after Spanish conquest it was changed into the cathedral.

This huge building is very interesting since it combines Moslem architecture and Gothic style. Until 1236 it was a well known mosque. However, in 1236 the cathedral was raised in the middle of the mosque. But the remains of Moslem history are preserved in its name- Mezquita, which is in use even today.

It lies on the banks of the river Guadalquivir. Therefore, it is a very attractive historical site for tourists.

The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

The second big landmark of Cordoba is Alcazar. It is the former Moorish fortress which was built on the ruins of Visigoth buildings, and later used as headquarters of the Inquisition. The Moors made many baths, gardens and even a library. In 1236, it was rebuilt but in the Mudejar style. Therefore, the Alcazar kept its Islamic appearance.

Historic Center of Cordoba is under UNESCO protection as a world cultural monument.

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Castilla y Leon – a treasure of monuments

Castilla Y Leon is called a place of historical monuments. Interestingly the Government of Spain has made every effort to preserve these monuments which are believed to have been built several centuries ago. These are very beautiful monuments which attract many visitors throughout the year. Let us now go round this town of Castilla Y Leon.

Aqueduct of Segovia:
Romans who had established their rule in most of the towns left behind them some of the beautiful buildings as a gift to the future generations. These buildings speak of the professionalism the Romans had achieved in designing and building various types of buildings. The Aqueduct of Segovia is one such building which is believed to have been built by Romans. This is actually a bridge on the Iberian Peninsula which was presumably built in the late 1st century.

This aqueduct was built to ensure the flow of water from Fuente River to a city called La Acebeda. The aqueduct bridge is the place where the water flows at a height of about 28.5 meters over the bridge. In other words, the bridge acts as a canal to transport water from one end to the other end. This masterly engineering work has some arches which add beauty to the bridge.

History also says that this bridge suffered some damage when Moors took over the city. However, it was rebuilt in later period. This is one of the very well preserved bridges in Spain. The UNESCO has declared this building as a world heritage building.

Old city of Salamanca:
This is another city which is very close to Castilla Y Leon. Salamanca is popular for the sand stone building built during the Renaissance period. In fact, Salamanca is the nickname for ’La Ciudad Dorada’ which literally means ‘Golden city’. The Villamayor stone which is quarried from a place near Salamanca is of gold color. This city has many buildings which are worth seeing.

In fact even these are historical buildings built centuries ago and they are popular for their beautiful architectural design and aesthetic beauty. The monastery, chapel, convent, palaces are some of the many places worth seeing in Salamanca.

Las Médulas:
This was actually a gold mine when Romans were in occupation of Castilla Y Leon. This is yet another place which is declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. This is also one of the main water sources for this region of Spain. It is known for its natural beauty.

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Cambrils

Cambrils is one of the popular tourist destinations on the Costa Dorada in Catalonia. It attracts numerous visitors due to its pleasant climate and golden sand beaches that are nine kilometers long. Above all, its name means Golden Coast. However, its coastline is full of greenery and there is also a wide range of activities that make this place interesting. Even though it is a vibrant and modern city, there are parts of the city with authentic Spanish cobbled streets and white houses. During the day you can see many people who live from fishing.

Playa del Prat d'en Regueral and Fores

These two beaches have the blue flag for the quality of their services. The warm and calm Mediterranean Sea makes them enjoyable places for swimmers. Their length does not exceed 960 meters, but they are very crowded in the summer. They offer many services and tourist facilities such as access for disabled persons, playgrounds, showers, bars, water sports, etc.

Another urban beach is the Playa de Horta de Santa Maria. It is always crowded even though it is smaller than others since it is about 550 meters long.

There are also other beaches that offer an unusual tranquil sea. Some of them are l’Ardica, l'Esquirol and la Llosa which is nearly 1,000 meter long.

The fact is that besides these beaches, Cambrils also offers a beautiful promenade for walking and biking. During your walks you will certainly enjoy the warm coastal landscape of this region of Tarragona.

There are a marina and yacht club at your disposal. Therefore, you can practice various activities.

Dinner

Finally, after a hard day at the beach, do not forget to charge your batteries with good food. Since the city abounds in restaurants, cafes and tapas bars, you will find plenty of options to eat tasteful food.

Tourist Attractions

Port Aventura belongs to Universal Studios. It is only a few kilometers from the city. However, it resembles Disneyland parks. Therefore, if you are with a child, then this park is a must for you.

The park is divided into five thematic groups: Mediterranean, Polynesia, China, Mexico and the Wild West.

The biggest attraction is Dragon Khan; it is a steel roller coaster type. It can be seen from the highway from a distance of about 20 km. It is the largest roller coaster in Europe.

Tutuki Splash is very interesting. It is driving on a boat with 20 persons on an artificial water trail which rises about 20 meters high and then the boat goes down to the bottom of the river with a huge splash of water.

Furioso Baco is the newest roller coaster at Port Aventura. It is presented as the fastest roller coaster in Europe with a speed of 135 km / h, which it gains in a remarkable 3 seconds.

The water park Costa Caribbeanis is located next to Port Aventura. It has huge water slides, pools, beaches in various styles, etc.

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Calpe

Calpe is an important tourist destination for family vacation. It is placed on the Costa Blanca or the White Coast.

Tourist Attractions

Calpe is well known for its clean and tidy beaches. Furthermore, Calpe is rich in greenery due to several parks and green areas which are meant for children’s activities. The biggest park and the symbol of the coast is The Peñon de Ifach, which divides two main city beaches.

Moreover, Plaza of Spain offers many outdoor activities for the young kids as well.

In the old town at Plaza de la Villa is placed the parish church dedicated to Señora de las Nieves. In this area you can find many handicraft shops.

Greenery

La Plaza Mayor is another great place to visit. However, the city has numerous recreational areas. One of them is just a kilometer away from the village. It is placed in an area of 4700 square meters. Above all, it is a home to some native plant species. Here you can take part in many leisure activities and enjoy the sports playgrounds, fountains and other services.

Another green and recreational area is the Vallesa Park. It opened in 1996 and it is located in the urban part called La Merced, near La Merced church. It covers an area of 10,000 square meters in which you may find playgrounds, sports, barbecue spots and other facilities and infrastructure.

The Empedrola Park is another great park with tree species such as cypress, olive, palm and Dracaena.

The camping area Olta is situated in the northeast of the Olta Mountain. It has 5,000 square meters for free camping. It has a great number of trails so it is suitable for hikers and bikers.

Beaches

Calpe’s most popular beach is Playa la Fossa or Playa Levante. It received the Blue flag for extraordinary tidiness. The beach provides many playgrounds for children as well. Along the beach is the promenade, which is called Paseo Infanta Cristina.

Around the promenade you can find many restaurants which serve fresh fish and rice. At another end of the promenade you will find the rocky beach Playa Cantal Roig. However, Calpe has one more outstanding beach, Playa Arenal-Bol. Both of these beaches have got the Blue flag as well.

Historical Sites

The city has the remains of the Roman civilization. Therefore you can find the remains of Roman fish farm and Roman baths.

The old town also preserves the remains of the Iberian era and the middle ages in the Archaeological Museum.

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Calella

The city

Calella is placed in the region of Maresme on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. This city is a popular Spanish tourist reserve which mainly attracts British and German visitors.
The inhabitants of the city have Catalan roots. However, due to the influences of Mediterranean culture, this charming city offers diversity in cultural heritage and everyday life.

History

Calella was built in the first century BC by Romans. However, the first official scripts about the city date back to the twelfth century. In the middle ages it was a small fishing village. However, in the twentieth century, it experienced an economical boom due to the development of the textile industry. Furthermore, in the sixties it started with tourism, which is nowadays the main source of income for many residents.

Tourist Attractions

The city has beautiful beaches and a promenade called the Manuel Puigvert.

Garbi Beach and Gran Beach are long golden sandy beaches which offer many water sports and activities for kids during the peak season. The beaches have received Blue flag for their extraordinary look. The water is not deep so it is a recommendable place for families with small children.

Since it is placed in the foothills of the Montnegre Mountain, it is nice place for hiking and biking. Furthermore, you can try horse riding here as well.

Landmarks

Above the city beach is a lighthouse, which was used for protection from pirates.
It was built in the nineteenth century.

Many historical sites are placed around the church of Saint Mary, which is made in Baroque style with twelve apostles. Surrounding buildings are of historic importance as well. There is Salvador’s house from the fourteenth century in Gothic style and many more.

Events

Calella is also well known as the place which gathers Sardana’s dancer. This is actually a reunion of Catalan families. It happens every year at the promenade and in the park Dalmau.
Fira de Celella I L’Alt Maresme are fairs where local residents sell their handicrafts.

The Jornades Internacionals Folklòriques gathers international dancers of folklore.

During the Fira Medival, the city turns into a medieval town with numerous shows and spectacles.

Above all, the city has an unusual festival which reminds of Munich October Fest; it is called La festa de la cervesa. The festival starts with opening the barrel. Here you can try the best German, Irish, Dutch, Australian, British and Mexican beers. You can also eat authentic German food such as German sausages, dishes made from potatoes, etc.

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Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Sanlucar de Barrameda

Overview

The city, Sanlúcar de Barrameda is situated in the Cadiz province which is a part of the Andalusia autonomous community in the southern part of Spain. It is located opposite the national park Doñana on the left bank of the River Sanlúcar. This city is well known for its manzanilla sherry cellars as well as beach horse races. The distance between this city and Cadiz is 52 KM whereas Sevilla is at a distance of 119 KM from this city. The population of this city is about 66000.

History

The origin of the city dates back to the Muslim times. The King of Castile, Alfonso X took Sanlúcar de Barrameda in the year 1264 from the Moors; in the 15th and 16th centuries this became a vital trading port connecting the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coast.

This port was used mainly for ship rebuilding and maintenance with the advent of the New World; in addition it also became the port of departure for different Spanish conquerors. Many maritime exploits were carried out from this port.

Popular ones are as follows:

Christopher Columbus departed from this port on 30th May 1498 for his 3rd voyage.
Magellan began his journey to go around the world from this port and arrived at this port in 1522 after circumnavigating the world. This was the first ship to do that.
Pizarro started from this port to conquer Peru.

Climate

The average temperatures in a year are as follows:

Maximum – 25 °C in the months of July-August
Minimum – 11 °C in January


Art and Culture

Popular monuments are as follows:

Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Borbón – was built by the Montpensier dukes and adorned with the neo-Mudéjar style; this is used at present as the City Hall.
Castle of Santiago – is a monument built in the 15th century by Moors.
Palace of the dukes of Medina Sidonia – that houses the municipal archives.
Church of Nuestra Señora de la O – was built in the 13th century and has a Gothic-Mudéjar portal.
Convent of Santo Domingo – is a 16th century building.

Sports and Entertainment

Popular sports activities in this city are – Golfing, horseback riding, sailing, scuba diving, swimming, trekking, walking on the beach, windsurfing, etc.

There are three popular beaches – Calzada La Jara, Bajo de Guía and Las PiletaIts.

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Donostia-San Sebastian

Overview
Donostia-San Sebastian, the summer capital of Spain is located in the Basque country and is at a distance of 21 KM from the border of France. It is nearer to the Bay of Biscay and green mountains surround it. The population of this town increases dramatically in summer because the Spanish people go to this place to avoid the heat inland. The population in this town is about 185,000.

This is the capital of Guipuzcoa province which is the smallest in Spain. This is a good holiday resort and you can explore the Basque country staying in this place. The river Uremia divides this city into two.

History
Once upon a time, Donostia-San Sebastian was a small fishing village where the residents were living facing the sea. They hunted for whales and fished for cod for their living. There was a time when this port was very busy and was used for import of oil and wine for England and France. This town was subjected to a number of sieges over a long period and Napoleon’s soldiers occupied it in 1808 and stayed up to 1813.

Climate
The average temperatures in a year are as follows:

Maximum – 22 °C in the months of July-August
Minimum – 5 °C in December-January

Art and Culture

1.Parte Vieja – is the old quarter where you can see the traditional life of the locals; the streets here are narrow.
2.Plaza de la Constitución – was the town hall earlier but at present it is the library.
3.The square – at the center was a bullring once.
4.Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro – is the city’s patron saint and is located on the street – Calle 31 de Agosto that survived the fire in 1813.
5.Naval museum and aquarium – are located near the harbor.
6.The Cathedral – was built in the 19th century and has a neo-Gothic structure; its top is at a height of 75 M from which you can see the whole city.
7.Castillo de la Santa Cruz de la Mota – is on Mount Urgull built on the site of a fort.

Cuisine

Seafood is a specialty in this town.

Sports and Entertainment

There are 3 beaches – Ondarreta, La Concha and La Zurriola. Queen Isabel popularized the beach La Concha which is considered as one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches.

You will find that the sunset in this city is impressive and also the nightlife in the old quarter.

Shopping

The best shopping place is Paseo de Muelle where you can buy most of the products. You can also purchase Basque products like berets and cotton shirts.


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San Roque

Overview
San Roque was found by the Gibraltar people who were running away from the British. The British, in 1704, captured the Rock and ransacked the churches and their homes. This town is located at a distance of 35 km from Estepona in the province of Cádiz. The altitude of this town from sea level is about 109 M and it sits on a hill that is looking down at the Algeciras bay towards North Africa. It has a population of about 23000.

This place is located between two continents – Europe and Africa; it is also situated near the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. It has people from three cultures – British, Spanish and Arabic. All these lead to flavors and colors.

The area surrounding this place has beautiful and contrasting landscapes of ocean and sea beaches; the countryside is lively with wild life. This makes the tourism in rural areas very popular. The forest, Pinar del Ray has many fauna and flora.

History
There have been inhabitants in and around San Roque since prehistoric times. Carteia that was founded by Turdetani was the oldest settlement in the municipality. This became a trade post of Phoenicians and later on became a town of Carthaginians in 228 BC. The items traded in this period were mainly local wine and a fish based sauce.

The San Roque village has narrow steep streets and the walls of the houses are whitewashed in Andalusian style.

Climate

The average temperatures in a year are as follows:

Maximum – 25 °C in the months of July-August
Minimum – 13 °C in January-February


Art and Culture
The chapel of “Our Lady of the Pillar patron of Spain” was built in the 18th century. In this you can notice the image of the penitent that was being brought from Gibraltar. The hospital for the poor was founded in the nearby building in 1776 and was administered by the same people from the Chapel.

San Roque Hermitage was constructed in the neoclassic style in the year 1801 wherein the image of San Roque is housed. Romeria is celebrated every year in this village in the month of May.

The Parish Church - Santa Maria La Coronada – has been declared as a historic and artistic monument. The building was started in the year 1735 on the old site of the hermitage of San Roque.

Sports and Entertainment
Popular sporting activities in this town are – water sports, rock climbing, paddle tennis, golf, polo, etc. This place is considered the Mecca of golfers and polo players.

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San Roque

Overview
San Roque was found by the Gibraltar people who were running away from the British. The British, in 1704, captured the Rock and ransacked the churches and their homes. This town is located at a distance of 35 km from Estepona in the province of Cádiz. The altitude of this town from sea level is about 109 M and it sits on a hill that is looking down at the Algeciras bay towards North Africa. It has a population of about 23000.

This place is located between two continents – Europe and Africa; it is also situated near the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. It has people from three cultures – British, Spanish and Arabic. All these lead to flavors and colors.

The area surrounding this place has beautiful and contrasting landscapes of ocean and sea beaches; the countryside is lively with wild life. This makes the tourism in rural areas very popular. The forest, Pinar del Ray has many fauna and flora.

History
There have been inhabitants in and around San Roque since prehistoric times. Carteia that was founded by Turdetani was the oldest settlement in the municipality. This became a trade post of Phoenicians and later on became a town of Carthaginians in 228 BC. The items traded in this period were mainly local wine and a fish based sauce.

The San Roque village has narrow steep streets and the walls of the houses are whitewashed in Andalusian style.

Climate

The average temperatures in a year are as follows:

Maximum – 25 °C in the months of July-August
Minimum – 13 °C in January-February


Art and Culture
The chapel of “Our Lady of the Pillar patron of Spain” was built in the 18th century. In this you can notice the image of the penitent that was being brought from Gibraltar. The hospital for the poor was founded in the nearby building in 1776 and was administered by the same people from the Chapel.

San Roque Hermitage was constructed in the neoclassic style in the year 1801 wherein the image of San Roque is housed. Romeria is celebrated every year in this village in the month of May.

The Parish Church - Santa Maria La Coronada – has been declared as a historic and artistic monument. The building was started in the year 1735 on the old site of the hermitage of San Roque.

Sports and Entertainment
Popular sporting activities in this town are – water sports, rock climbing, paddle tennis, golf, polo, etc. This place is considered the Mecca of golfers and polo players.

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Salobrena

Overview
The town Salobreña is located on the Mediterranean coastline Costa Tropical in the Granada province of Spain and is known as the jewel of the Costa Tropical. It is built on a hill that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is surrounded by fields of sugar cane. The last cane sugar factory that remains in Europe is located on the coast.

It takes 45 minutes to reach this town from Granada and an hour from the Sierra Nevada; Alpujarra is 40 minutes from this town which facilitates easy exploration.

History
Its history dates back to 6000 years. In the old town, you will find a large number of whitewashed houses and narrow steep streets built around the 10th century castle of the Moors.

Salobreña and Gibraltar have a number of similarities in the orography; both were islands earlier and they have big rocks that are symbolic. The Salobreña Island was once separated by the peninsula; however with the disappearance of the isthmus they got united. This appears to have occurred in the Bronze and Copper ages.

The first settlements appear to have taken place in 3000 BC and agriculture and livestock were given importance. Fishing activity became popular after the arrival of the Phoenicians and Carthaginians.

Climate
The average temperatures in a year are as follows:

Maximum – 29 °C in the months of July-August
Minimum – 14 °C in February

Art and Culture
The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary was constructed by the Mudejars in the 16th century on the remains of an old Muslim mosque.

Cuisine
The gastronomy is a combination of gastronomy from different civilizations that have been part of this town. It is also a Mediterranean gastronomy wherein you will find that lots of sea products are used.

Some of these items are – meat, sardines on the grill, octopus, blue fish, stews, fried vegetables, soups, etc. Olive oil is extensively used in the dishes. Chinese and Italian foods are also available.

Sports and Entertainment
You can spend your time on a number of activities such as bird watching, climbing, cycling, golfing, hiking, horseback riding, paragliding, sailing, scuba diving, skiing, snow boarding, snorkeling, swimming, tennis, trekking, waterskiing, windsurfing, etc.

If you are looking for lap dancing, night clubs, karaoke, etc., this is not the right place. However the nightlife in this town is lively and full of cultural events, fiestas, live music, etc. and the restaurants and bars are open till the wee hours.

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Chipiona

Overview
The coastal village Chipiona is hidden in the corner of Southern Spain near Cádiz and is not spoilt. In spite of not being a city, this village has an artistic and vibrant atmosphere and has lots of discotheques and bars. This place is nearer to the cities Jerez, Cadez and Sevilla. In the 19th century this was rural as well as seafaring; however at present it is one of the most popular holiday resorts.

The population in this town is 18000. The local population says that “Chipiona is the right place of time”; the reasoning being that the tourists can easily find time for resting, indulging in sports, learning Spanish or having a beer with friends. This is one of the places where only Spanish language is spoken.

Climate
The average temperatures in a year are as follows:

Maximum – 24 °C in the months of July-August
Minimum – 11 °C in January

Art and Culture

The lighthouse in this town has 344 steps to the top and is the tallest in Spain. This was constructed by the Romans and you can have the best view of Portugal’s coast from this lighthouse.

The Nuestra Señora de Regla Monastery was a fortress that belonged for centuries to the family of Ponce de León; but it was converted to a monastery over the years.

King Fernando III, in 1251 conquered this town and he constructed the Chipiona Castle in 1295. This is a monastery at present.

The iron sculpture – La Cruz del Mar was constructed on stone base. This is in memory of the 1755 earthquake that centered on Portugal but touched this village by sea. It was rebuilt in 1878 and renovated in 1910.

Cuisine
The food here is seafood as well as meat dishes.

Sports and Entertainment

Once you leave the Cadiz city, you will come across the coastal area that has white sand beaches that stretch up to Chipiona. The distance that these beaches stretch up to is 12 KM; the sea in this stretch contains iodine and many tourists are attracted to it. In addition, this village is famous for the spa waters that are directed to an ancient church – Sanctuary of Regla.

You can also spend your time by indulging in various sports activities – kite surfing, sailing, horse riding, wind surfing, volleyball, Golf and taking flamenco lessons. Golf is a popular sport here and there is a golf course with 18 holes in this village.

The forest surrounding Chipiona is famous for fauna and flora and you can watch the chameleons in this forest.

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Monday, August 2, 2010

The town of Toledo in Spain

Toledo is rich in places of interest for a tourist. In fact Toledo is one of the most preferred places for visit among tourists. Let us go round this town and see for ourselves how interesting these places are:

Castillo de San Servando:
This castle is located near the famous river ‘Tagus’. The castle is believed to have been constructed during the medieval period. According to historians till the year 1088, this structure was a monastery. In the year 1091, the Christian army conquered the city. Thereafter the monastery was converted into a fortress. Great walls were built around it so as to protect the town from possible Moorish attack.

After the end of Moorish civilization, the castle was deserted because thereafter the significance of the castle was lost. In the year 874, the Spanish government declared this monument as a national monument. This is a beautiful building which is meticulously planned and executed. If a tourist misses this building, he would certainly be missing something very interesting.

Palacio de Galiana:
If you want to visit something beautiful and different from the contemporary buildings, then never forget to visit Palacio de Galiana. This Moorish style palace is built on the banks of the river ‘Tagus’. Interestingly, the palace has many characteristics of the Andalusian time. The palace has been divided equally into three parts or into equal naves. The interior of the palace is beautifully decorated with great works of sculpture. Another interesting fact about this palace is in its name.

The name ‘Galiana’ is a fictitious name, representing the daughter of a Moorish King Aljafra which is another fictitious character. The beautiful botanical garden around this palace has enhanced the beauty of the palace. This garden is called AlMunya al Naura which means the Water Wheel Orchard. It is also called ‘King’s garden’. Some historians also believe that some type of water clock existed in this garden. The beauty of the garden was restored by the famous architect Palacio de Galiana who started the remodeling work in the year 1950.

Alcázar of Toledo:
This is actually a fortress which is believed to have been built in the 3rd century. This was located on the highest area of Toledo so that it could be used as an observatory to watch the movements of the enemies. The fortress has undergone many changes and remodeling. According to historical records, the fort was remodeled in the year 1535.

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Places of interest in Spain

Spain is a place which is blessed by many civilizations. The Romans, the Moors, the Gothic, Celts, Christians are some of the major civilizations which ruled Spain. On the other hand, these civilizations left behind them indelible cultural traits and immaculately beautiful monuments.

The government of Spain has left no stone unturned to preserve these monumental structures which has come as a blessing for Spain; because now Spain tops in the tourist map. It is the first preferred destination among many tourists world over. As a matter of fact, no other country in Europe is as rich as Spain in the places of interest for tourists.

What are the places of interest?
Every province, city and even a village in Spain has something to offer which interests the tourist. Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo, Santiago, Marbella, Sarria, the list goes on. It is estimated that there are more than 10000 monuments which are worth visiting in Spain. Apart from this, there are beaches spread over the long coast line of about 220 kms. There are also majestic mountains, parks, museums and many other recreational facilities. Tourism is a major industry in Spain.

Plan your visit:
Since the places of visit are numerous, a tourist would find it difficult to plan his itinerary. One unique aspect of touring in Spain is that most of the places have some monument which is of historical importance. In fact many of the monuments are a challenge to the modern architects. Therefore before planning your visit, identify your area of interest. If you are interested in spending your time on the beach, then Costa Blanca or such other places could be ideal for you.

If you are interested in spending time on the top of a mountain, then there are places ideal for such a stay. Barcelona for example, has a great park built by Gaudi. Browse to know more about the places of interest and then select the place which fascinates you.

When you browse, look at the historical importance of each of these places. That would help you to select the appropriate place. Normally, the help of trained tourist guides is taken. This will also help to get over the language barrier. The guide will help to finalize the itinerary in the most appropriate manner.

Where to stay?
Spain has numerous villas, apartments and restaurants where the tourist is assured of comfortable stay at reasonable rentals. There are also many hotels, bars and clubs which serve delicious food at reasonable rates.


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Places of interest in Spain – Toledo

Toledo is a town administered by a municipality and is about 70 kms from Madrid. In fact, Toledo is politically administered by the Province of Madrid. Toledo is popular amongst tourists because of the many heritage buildings that can be found there. Many of the buildings have been declared as world heritage sites by the UNESCO. The city is also popular because people of Jewish, Moor and Christian culture live here in complete religious harmony.

Toledo has given the world many renowned artists. Some of the artists born in Toledo include Garcilaso de la vega, Alfoso, Al Zarqali, Eleanor, El Greco. The city is also popular because of its natural beauty and ideal conditions for tourists.

The Gothic Cathedral:
This cathedral is also called Cathedral of Saint Mary or the Primate Cathedral of Saint Mary. The cathedral is known for its immaculately beautiful building which is built in typical Gothic style. Archaeologists are of the opinion that this cathedral is typical of Bourges Cathedral which is another contemporary structure.

They also say this structure was actually a mosque and later it was converted and recognized as a cathedral. It is a beautiful structure with imposing works of sculpture. Archaeologists are of the opinion that the cathedral has been built out of stones brought from Olihuelas which is near the city of Toledo.

Mosque of Cristo de la Luz:
It is said that Moors built 10 mosques in Toledo out of which Cristo de la Luz is the only mosque which could be preserved as an example of Moorish architecture for the next generation to see. This small structure measuring about 8 sq meters is believed to have been built in the year 996. The interior of the Mosque has been divided into nine compartments and each of these compartments has been designed distinctively. It is a place which should never be missed.

Mezquita de las Tornerías:
This is another mosque which was built in the 11th century. This mosque is also popular for its typical Moorish architecture. Now this has been converted into an arts and crafts centre where traditional works of art and artifacts are displayed.

Puerta del Sol:
This is one of the busiest roads in the Madrid Province. This road is the place where the traditional bell rings to mark the beginning of the New Year. The ringing of the bell also signifies the eating of twelve grapes which has traditional significance.

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Places of interest in Spain – Navarre

Navarre is located in the North of Spain. It is a part of the Basque province and it is popular for its natural beauty. This region has a history of its own and it is influenced by various civilizations. According to historians, Navarre was inhabited by people who belonged to Vascones culture. That was prior to Romans occupying this city. After initial defeat, Romans managed to take over the city from Vascones.

This was followed by Moors and later Christians took over the city. This is one of the most populated cities of Spain. The famous Ebro valley of Navarre is most ideal for growing vegetables, wheat and wine. The area is rich in vegetation and the nature looks stunningly beautiful here. Apart from tourism, Navarre is also a trade centre.

The castle:
This castle called Palacio de los Reyes de Navarra is believed to have been built in the year 1406. It was altered later and a palace was also built inside the castle. It is an impressive structure having 15 towers and the walls are battlemented. Timber roof is another uniqueness of this castle.

Church San Miguel Arcangel:
This church has the beautiful combination of both Gothic and Romanesque architecture. The doorway of the church is beautifully designed in typical Romanesque design. The door has five columns and each column depicts the scene starting from the birth of Christ to Plant ornament. The Lord’s figure is surrounded by Evangelists symbol. The works of sculpture here are the best examples showing the mastery of the artists.

Resurrection of the Lord and the pictures of Michel fighting dragon and both Abraham and Michel fighting Devils are also beautifully depicted here.

Church Santo Sepulcro:
This is yet another church built in Gothic design and it is believed to have been constructed in the 12th century. On the doorway of the church, crucifixion of the Lord and the Resurrection has been beautifully depicted. Statues of Apostles adorn the entry of the Church. The interior of the church is luxuriously decorated.

Beautiful buildings:
When you visit the Town hall, you will notice that on both sides of the road there are many beautiful buildings. These were buildings occupied by noblemen. Casa de Fray Diego de Estella believed to have been built in the 16th century and Palacio del Gobernador built in the 17th century occupy prominent position. These two buildings steal the show and no visitor misses these two buildings.

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Places of interest in Spain – Lanzarote

This fourth largest island is a part of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Lanzarote covers an area of about 849 sq. kms. According to historians, this island is of volcanic origin. Many kinds of Flora and Fauna are grown here. The island has the best climate; the day temperature is about 21 degree Centigrade. Many tourists flock to this island because of its climate and it offers complete privacy. There has been a steady increase in the number of visitors to this island. Places of interest in Lanzarote are briefly mentioned here:

Beach:
Interestingly, although the island is of volcanic origin, the beach has a vast stretch of white sand which actually enhances the beauty of this beach. Playa Blanca and Papagayo are the most popular beaches of this island. The beaches are ideal for people of all ages and safety measures for the people engaged in water sports have been provided.

Atlantida Tunnel:
This is one of the many caves which could be seen on this island. This Atlantida tunnel is about seven kms. long. According to scientists, this tunnel has been formed thousands of years ago during the time when volcanic eruptions took place. It is advisable to go inside the tunnel along with a trained guide. The tunnel has a narrow pathway. From the safety point of view, tourists are taken to a distance of about one or two kms. only.

Neighborhood:
When you visit Lanzarote, never forget to visit the villages in the neighborhood. These villages have a history of their own. The tourists can also visit the some of the volcanoes. Of course, these volcanoes have become dormant long back. The lava field is another place of interest. Tourists can use their own cars or hire a taxi or jeep to go round the different villages. A trained tourist guide can be hired to go round the places so that he can provide adequate details of the place.

Museum:
The Puerto Calero museum has collection of many aqua mammals like Dolphins, Whales, etc. Interestingly, according to marine experts there are about 84 different varieties of whales in the world. Out of this, about 30 varieties of whales can be seen in Canary Islands.

Lanzarote municipality has taken advantage of this and has set up this museum which has a collection of some of the rarest types of whales and dolphins. The habits of these mammals and all other information relating to the Aqua life underwater are on display here. Actually this is a temporary exhibition but it is repeated quite often.

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Friday, July 30, 2010

Zaragoza

Situated on the banks of River Ebro, it is one of the major cities of Spain. The city contains historical remains of nearly 2000 years. It has been a centre of cultural activities of the Jews, the Christians, the Romans and the Moors for many thousand years and therefore contains the artistic treasure of these cultures. Tourists from all over the world, especially those who have a love and interest for art are drawn here to witness the rich cultural heritage of this place.

Not only cultural heritage, the city is also a huge centre of modernity. Large number of shopping malls, theatres, beautiful restaurants and hotels can be found here.

Places of attraction

Nuestra Señora Del Pilar Basilica
It is a baroque church and is named after Virgen del Pilar whose image is housed in a chapel of the church. It is a pre historic structure and was built around the 17th century. It contains many artistic and noteworthy pieces that belong to different periods of time. They represent the different cultures that were once a part of this beautiful structure which is now considered as a national monument.

Aljafería Palace
It is an Arab castle and was built around the 11th century. The castle was also used as a fort. The architecture of this place is brilliant and the paintings, the sculptures and the plastered decorations on the walls and the ceilings are worth noticing. It is presently being used as Parliament headquarters by the Aragonese government.

San Salvador cathedral
It is a cathedral of the 8th century and is also known as The Seo. The cathedral contains many beautiful artistic and historic pieces of different styles like the Renissance, the Gothic and the Mudejar. The site was originally a mosque but a church was built here in the 12th century. The specialty of this church is that it is north facing instead of facing the east which was a tradition of those days. The main reason for this was that Mecca, a centre for Muslim prayers was in the east.

Lonja de Zaragoza
It is also known as the Zaragoza Market. It was built around the 16th century and the main motive behind building this place was to provide a public market for the people and the merchants. Traditionally all the transactions were carried out by the merchants in the churches and cathedrals.

Museums
Caesar Augusta Roman Remains Museum

It is also known as the Museo Del Foro de Caesaraugusta. The museum mainly provides a picture of the Roman culture. The ruins of the houses, market places and other structures provide a brief glimpse of the Roman life of that period.

La Seo Chapterhouse Tapestry Museum

It is a museum mainly consisting of beautiful art work of various cultures. The museum is situated in the La Seo cathedral. The museum is well known for the beautiful collection of historic tapestries.

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Places worth Visiting in Andalucía

Located in the south of Spain, Andalucía is said to attract numerous tourists all the year round. Andalucía has numerous outstanding beaches and the perfect climate to draw in visitors from all around the world. Do you really want to explore the Spanish culture and the rich history of Spain? Places like Granada’s Moorish Monuments Alhambra as well as the Cordoba Mosque are the must visit places in your trip to this country.

If you visit in the months from April to October, you can actively take part in different Spanish Festivals celebrated all over Andalucía. Experience the hospitality of the people of Spain and get an exciting opportunity of practicing golf along with water sports which are in fact the greatest attractions of this region.

Andalucía is considered as the most archetypal region among the Spanish territories. Get to know the various forms of culture and life that can be found in the eight provinces of Andalucía that originated from the rich historical events.
Today’s Andalucía has the remains and marks of the invaders to this region. If historical places interest you, do not forget to visit the city constructed by Romans known as Baetica in the province of Cordoba. The cathedral, the palace of Real Alcazar and La Giralda in Seville are also very popular historical structures.

The Moor invaders left behind them some of the finest architecture known as the La Mezquita in the Cordoba province and the graceful palace called the Moorish Palace of Alhambra in Granada. The palace is about 1,300 years old and the symbol of heritage and classiness stands erect in stone.

Questionably, Spain's busiest beaches are situated in Andalucía inside the Costa del Sol. It is considered as the most contentious peculiarity of Europe. Enjoy the most exclusive hotels each offering fun packed packages to make your tour with your family most memorable and lively.

Along the Andalucía coast, get to see the historic port of Cadiz, which is considered as the oldest port of Europe and still preserves an aura of mystery.

Yet another attraction of Andalucia is Ronda, the white village of the area. Scattered throughout the region, Ronda is constructed on a colossal rock tablet and ripped into two parts by Tajo Gorge.

The Parque Nacional del Cote Donana is the world’s largest wetland reserve for Wildlife situated in Andalucia. The region is home to Sierra Nevada, the highest mountain range of Spain and the second highest mountain range of Europe after the Alps. The mountain range is popular for skiing activities and offers the country’s best skiing resorts in the south.

Visit the wonderland of Andalucia as there are lots of things to do and various attractive places to visit to make your trip a memorable one.

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Valencia

Valencia is placed in the Valencia province, and moreover it one of the largest cities of Spain. It was founded in 137 BC. However, today it is recognized by round rice, tapas bars and trapezoidal architecture.

City in the Future

The first impression of Valencia is that it is the city in the future due to its extraordinary architecture. It’s Center of Arts and Science, hidden in a former riverbed Turia, is more than science fiction monument. Furthermore, multifunctional complex architecture of Palau de les Arts depicts the silhouette of the fish.

This magnificent building will take your breath away. Moreover, it includes the biggest aquarium in Europe. The Valencia Aquarium is excellent choice for family trip. It also offers amazing underwater tubes, so you can have the great experience of the sea life. On the other hand, it has the shape of the huge jellyfish.

Near and distant past

Valencia’s large square Ajuntamijento is the place, where the future and past meets. It is decorated in the establishment of Futurism, and the central station, whose motives are made in Valencia’s stone discover the richness of the soil. Moreover, there is a stunning rococo facade of the National Museum of Ceramics, whose series make shadow over nearby pastry shop windows decorated with marble. It should be said that the architects had incredible inspiration. On the other hand, there are magnificent signs of the past which constantly attract attention.

There is a huge Gothic cathedral with the bell tower, which lets the light through the stone "lace."

General culture

Valencia is more than a cultural park. In its rich offer it includes opera, planetarium, aquarium and a museum of science. However, Valencia is a place where you can find first-order institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts, the National Ceramics Museum and the Museum of Modern Art, whose restaurant, La Sucursal, offers a modern variant of the legendary Spanish pie pumpkin (arnadi).


Excellent restaurants’!

Restaurant such as La Sucursal, Submarine or El Alto de Colón managed to attract fans of paella with rabbit and discover the secrets of their avant-garde cuisine. Many famous people from the city make reservations for these restaurants.


Paella-Spain in your Plate

The specialty of Valencia is round rice. It comes from the rice fields of Albufera, which were made by Arabs in the distant past. However, in the vicinity of El Palmar, just fifteen minutes from the historical center of Valencia Kaska Antigua, you can try the best paella in the country. Paella is gathering the best products of Spain.

Therefore, paella combines the products from the shore (fish and seafood) that perfectly agree with those from the continental parts (beans, beets, chicken, rabbit, snails, frog legs). Moreover, the local recipes include ingredients such as fat eel, saffron, and fabulous mountain snails (called baqueta, which can be purchased at the Central market).

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Valencia – Beauty At Its Best!

Valencia is one of the largest and most beautiful cities of Spain. It successfully combines beauty of old buildings with new buildings in the avant-garde style that marked the beginning of a new millennium.
Thanks to its rich history and presence of different cultures, Valencia has become not only the administrative center of the region, but it is also one of the most important cities in Spain, both on the cultural and economic levels.

Coastline

The region of Valencia also attracts tourists due to its diversity of landscapes, favorable climate and well-equipped sports facilities. The coastline is 466 km long with 38 ports and docks for excursion boats and yachts. Furthermore, these attractions enable visitors to take maximum advantage of staying at sea. Above all, this area is ideal for swimming, water skiing, sailing, fishing, surfing, diving etc. People who prefer the excitement and adventure can enjoy in hiking, biking, horseback riding, piloting, rafting and much more.

Beaches

Valencia’s beautiful beaches reach the center of town that is surrounded by greenery and orchards. The city has three beaches Playa Las Arenas, Playa de Malvarossa and Playa de Patacona. Besides these Valencia’s city beaches there are stunning beaches that are just few kilometers from the city. Furthermore, Playa de El Saler received a blue flag for its exceptional look.

Fairs

Valencia is a dynamic and prosperous city whose commercial tradition reflects on international trading. Feria Internacional Muestrario is the International Fair which attracts business people from different economic sectors and provides an ideal opportunity for marketing and distributing products. Valencia supports all businessmen people with comfortable accommodation in many hotels in the surrounding area Furthermore, there are available and very well-organized services that provide support for business meetings of all types.

Museums

In the museums of Valencia you can find artworks from the earliest times to the contemporary works. Some of them also offer rich archaeological collections. Particularly interesting museums are The Fine Arts Museum, The National Ceramics Museum, Valencia’s Institute of Modern Art, Bullfighting Museum and traditional Fallas Museum. However, the most popular is the Museum of Arts and Science with great aquarium.

Central market

Central market or Mercado Central is one of the most beautiful halls in Spain. Its stained glasses and mosaics can compete with the finest Gothic cathedrals. It is placed near La Lonja. There you can find different goods from all over Spain. Potatoes, forest tea, thyme from the popular end of La Karaska, peppers, roasted pumpkin, and almonds are aligned with snails, Bellota ham, spices and jars with sweet.


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Toledo

About Toledo

Toledo is the capital city of Toledo Province. It has been on UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites since 1987. Toledo is a real jewel in the Spanish Crown. If you are in Madrid, then Toledo is a must place for a day trip since it is only seventy kilometers away from Madrid. Toledo is primarily rich in history. It is also called as Holy City, the imperial city, the city of three cultures etc. However, the list with their names is long and all names reflect the cultural wealth of this place.

Toledo was always the city of great importance, mainly due to an extremely strategic position.

Landscapes

Landscape is dominated by Alcazar, first quadrangular fortress with towers on each corner, and grand Cathedral, which is especially beautiful at night, due to the excellent lighting. Furthermore, this is the second largest cathedral in Spain, immediately after the one in Seville. There you can find works of some major Spanish artists such as Goya and El Greco created many dark and mysterious works, which are adding an extra dose of mystique to this city.
On the entrance of the city you will be welcomed by old stone houses, towers, churches, mosques, synagogues, which cannot leave you indifferent. However, you will soon notice Puerta Nueva de Bisagra or the New Bisagra Gate, which was built by the Moors. This present look is from the 16th century, when Spanish renovated it. This marvelous gate looks like a little castle.

Influences

When you stroll down the narrow streets of Toledo, you can really feel the spirit of ancient times and mystique of the holy city.
The name of the city is due to the fact that it was conquered and settled three cultures, Christian, Muslim (Moors) and Jews. All religions lived in peace alongside each other, which led you to see the combination of Renaissance churches, synagogues and mosques. The Arabs made a great impact on science, not only on Toledo but also on entire Europe. Furthermore, Moorish writings were found in the city’s library. Above all, many people believed that the scripts were lost. These magnificent scripts had traces of great Greek philosophers and Arab scholars.

History

Toledo dates from the Bronze Age. It was a Roman province, so today you can find many Roman’s remains in the city. From the eight century, Toledo was conquered by the Moors.
After 11th century, Toledo fell into the hands of the king of Castile. After the union with Aragon, Toledo became the capital city of Castile province. The city enjoyed this status until the 1565, when Madrid became the capital of Spain.


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Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Places of interest in Spain - Costa del Azahar

Spain is blessed with long coast of more than 220 kms long. This entire stretch of beach has stunningly beautiful environment. You can be sure that when you visit this beach you will certainly fall in love with it. This Orange Blossom Coast which is called as Costa del Azahar in Spanish language is a part of the Castellon province.

This golden colored beach gets visitors throughout the year. It is said that since the recent past the number of visitors to this beach has been on the increase which is a clear indication of how popular this beach is. Most of the tourists are of the opinion that Costa del Azahar is an un-spoilt beach. Apart from the beach, there are other places which would be of interest for the visitor.

Towns in the neighborhood:

Morella, Sagunt, Peníscola, Cullera, Castellón de la Plana, Benicassim, Valencia and Vinarosa are the towns which are within t a reasonable distance from Costa del Azahar. Peniscola for example is one of the oldest cities believed to have been found by Moors. This town is called as the ‘Gibraltar of Valencia’. It has beautiful fort built by Moors, a tall light house elegantly built, the Castle of Peniscola are some of the most popular places of visit in Peniscola.

A special mention has to be made of the Castle of Peniscola. This is one of the most beautiful castles of Europe. Many of the Hollywood movies have been filmed in this castle. According to historians Pope Luna (Benedict XIII) lived in this castle. The place is believed to have been built on a fort built by Moors. Interestingly, all the neighborhood towns of Costa del Azahar have beaches.

The village nearby:

Costa del Azahar has the tall mountain which runs across the beach. This mountain is the most ideal place for trekking, mountain biking and many other adventure sports. The village on the mountain is stunningly beautiful with picturesque nature around and a pleasant weather, the narrow streets, whitewashed buildings etc. In short, this is the most ideal place for those tourists who want to spend their holidays in the midst of nature.

Where to stay?

Although the beach is becoming more and more popular since the past few years, yet it is not so crowded. To ensure comfortable stay, there are many villas and apartment in the entire stretch of the coast with reasonable rentals. There are plenty of bars and Restaurants around the coast.

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Places of interest in Spain – Benalmadena

This upcoming tourist town Benalmadena is a part of the Malaga Province. Known for its natural beauty and a determined administration which has harnessed the natural beauty to transform the entire city to a beautiful tourist spot has become a successful venture. Now, Benalmadena is one of the preferred place in the tourist map of Europe.

The beach:
This is one of the most attractive beaches of Malaga. Actually this beach is called Benamadena Costa. The tall mountain just opposite the beach and vast white sand in between with vast stretch of lush green vegetation downhill has actually enhanced the beauty of the beach. The perfectly maintained beach with variety of water sports for people of all ages has made the beach the preferred destination of tourists. The bars and restaurants which are dotted along the entire beach serve the most delicious traditional food of Benalmadena and of course with renowned brand of Spanish wine.

The Mountain:
The village of Benalmadena is located on this mountain facing the sea. The narrow streets of the village with whitewashed houses present a spectacular view. The village also has some buildings which have historical importance. Needless to say that from the top of the mountain the view of the sea and of the places around is something beyond explanation.

The Buddhist temple:
One of the biggest idols (stupa) of Buddha in the world measuring about 33 meters has been installed in Benalmadena. The temple is luxuriously decorated. The temple has a museum which gives a glimpse of the Buddhist philosophy, culture and also the paintings of the great Himalayan Mountain. This temple receives visitors throughout the year.

Castillo de Colomares:
This castle is an outstanding example which speaks of the architectural excellence which people had achieved centuries ago. This most beautiful building receives applause of every visitor. The wall garden called as Jardines del Muro has enhanced the beauty of the building. From the top of this castle one can have the panoramic view of the mountain, the sea and the places around.

The open air auditorium:
This is actually a part of the Paloma Park known for its collection of some of the rare species of plants. The well laid out landscape, vide walking path, fountains etc has made this park one of the most popular parks in the vicinity. The open air auditorium hosts cultural activities which are held regularly. Enough space has been provided for the children to play.

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Places of attraction in Valencia

One of the most appealing cities of Spain for its rich historical culture and strong modernity, Valencia has been attracting tourists from all over the world. The history of this city goes back thousands of years and cultural evidence of as far as 138 B.C. can be seen here. The city is known for the large number of festivals held here throughout the year and is also famous for its sea ports and beaches. The city presents a beautiful mix of culture with modernity.

Cathedral de Valencia

It is a historical cathedral with beautiful architecture. The building reflects the artistic and architectural brilliance of several cultures like the Romans, the Moors and the Christians. A visit to this place takes us into a new world where we can see and experience the magnificence of the Valencian past.

Nova Tabarca

It is an island near the coast of Valencia. Initially the island was inhabited by the pirates but in the 18th century, it was used as a home for people taking refuge from Italy by King Carlos III. A fort, a church of baroque style and a tower also came into existence during this period and the remains of these structures can still be seen here today.

Turia

Turia is a river and the three tower bridges built on this river are worth noticing. These bridges came into existence in the 15th century and were named as the Puente De la Trinidad, the Puente De Serranos and the Puente Del Real.
Another piece of attraction here is a museum called the Valenciano de Arte Moderno which contains specimens of modern art. The museum has been built on the dried river bed of Turia.

La Lonja

This place consists of some of the most beautiful monuments of Valencia.

Palacio de la Generalidad is a beautiful palace with eye catching architecture. The palace is being currently used by the government. The offices of Valencia Parliament are situated here.

Marquis de Dos Aguas is another palace and the beauty of this place reflects the artistic skills of rococo era.

Museum

Valencia Institute of Modern Art is an art museum and contains collection of 20th century art works. Other than this, there are ruins of medieval city walls that can be seen in the underground of the museum.

El Miguelete Tower

It is a Gothic tower and was constructed in 1381. It is built near a cathedral and offers a spectacular view of Valencia from the top.

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Granada

Andalusia

Andalusia is one of the architecturally and historically most beautiful and most interesting of parts of Europe. Moreover, Granada is a city of beauty and contrast. “Who did not see Granada, did not see anything," says proverb. Andalusia is the southern province of Spain. It is land of bullfights, flamenco, guitars, Moorish buildings and olive groves.

For people from northern Europe, Andalusia is Costa del Sol or Sunshine Coast. They see it as place packed with tanned tourists from Britain, Scandinavia, and Germany. However, this is only partially correct. Andalusia is all that, but it is also and much more than that.

Andalusia is not only attractive because of its southern region. Hundred kilometers away from attractive beach hotels are old towns such as Granada, Cordoba, Malaga, and Seville. These cities are an inevitable part of world cultural heritage. During the summer, there are many tourists, who are exploring these magnificent places.

History

After the fall of the Roman Empire and the early medieval Germanic states (Visigoths, Alana, Sveva, Vandals), European continent was conquered by the Arabs or Saracens, as they were called then. On the territory of the former state The Moors founded their Caliphate Al-Andaluz with the capital city of Granada.

By the end of XV century, only one city stayed under the Muslims. That was Christian Iberia, as Christians called Granada. Therefore, you can find many Moorish characteristics in ethnic composition of the population, cuisine, customs, music, architecture.

Alhambra

The castle Alhambra is one of Moorish architectural wonders. It is placed on a hill above the town, surrounded by woods and parks. It is built of red stones. Alhambra is standing for centuries in the foothills of Sierra Nevada. When you climb to the Alhambra you can witness an impressive scene with mighty mountains in the background. This trip to the top can be strenuous and arduous.

Therefore, the agile Spanish tourist workers provide great number of buses that drive to the top for several minutes. But if you use a taxi, you will not be able to enjoy in many small shops in the narrow streets that lead up to the top. In those shops you can buy many souvenirs such as T-shirts with the inscription of “Granada” and “Alhambra”, postcards, ceramics etc. However, as you are getting closer to the top the prices are getting higher, as well.

Alhambra is a very complex set of palaces, royal residences, courtyards, palm trees, orchards and lime trees. It presents the Islamic perception of beauty. It is the highest level of Arab art in Europe, and as such is unavoidable destination. After re-occupation of Spain by Catholic kings Fernando and Isabella I, the most famous rulers in the history of the Spanish, this jewel of culture and architecture was neglected for centuries and served mainly as a camp for Gypsies.

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OSUNA

Overview
The town Osuna is a municipality in Seville province in southern Spain and it is located in the Andalusia autonomous community and is situated between Malaga and Seville. Its location is on a hill where crossroads between Seville, Granada, Cordoba, and Malaga meet. Its population in the year 2009 was about 18000. One of the famous persons commanded the 1st European ship that arrived at the bay of San Francisco in the state of California was Juan de Ayala.

Osuna was conquered by Julius Caesar during the civil war between Pompey and Caesar.

History

The history of Osuna began with Tartessians, Romans, Turdetians and Moors. In the middle of 15th century there was growth in the fortune of this town. It became popular when the bronze tablets of Roman Urso and others in that period were displayed in the Archeological Museum at Madrid.

The street Calle San Pedro was recognized as the Europe’s second beautiful street by UNESCO and the town was designated as a Historic-Artistic site.

Climate

The average temperatures in a year are as follows.

Maximum – 28 °C in the months of July-August
Minimum – 11 °C in December to February

Art and Culture

This town is a small town in Andalusia and is similar to other towns Écija and Carmona and you will enjoy exploring these towns in the evening at a slow pace. The streets in this town are tiled and the houses whitewashed which are interleaved by the Renaissance mansions. These mansions date back to 16th to 18th centuries. Some of these mansions that are best are situated away from c/Carrera, the main street, c/Carrera.

Palacio de los Marqueses de Gomera was one such mansion that was built in the 18th century and depicts an admirable Baroque style. This at present is a restaurant.

The University in Osuna was called by the name – College-University of the Immaculate Conception in Osuna – and this has been in existence from 1548 to 1824. In the year 2004 Spain gave this university building the monument status.

Palace of Justice contains rows of Spanish Baroque columns and a backyard and a staircase. Puente Hermosa palace is situated at the northern direction of Palace of justice and this has a number of pillars twisted and covered by wine leaves and grapes.

In its northern direction you will come across the Church of Santo Tome and Cabildo Colegial palace.

The number of restaurants in Osuna is limited and they all serve cuisines that are regional.

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Monday, July 26, 2010

Experience the ultimate freedom - Welcome to Spain!

If you have ever wondered if somewhere in this world there would be a place so vast when it comes to the number of beaches that it will leave you transfixed, so sunny that you will begin to wonder if you have just stepped into the land of eternal summer, so unique and peaceful that it will make you wonder if you have reached Heaven, then it is clear that you are thinking of Spain. This place looks like it has been carved up to Heaven’s blueprint matching it with admirable grandeur. Every centimeter of this place has embodied within itself deep historical meanings.

La Pedrera, also known as Casa Mila is a wonderful historical building which was designed by Antoni Gaudi between 1905 and 1910, but it was officially declared finished in 1912. It was built specially for Pere Mila and Rosario Segimon, a freshly married couple. Located near the Casa Batllo, it stands after Sagrada Familia and The Guell Park, as one of the most visited works of Gaudi.

The façade looks like frozen waves of stone and the windows are well designed incorporating wrought iron crafted in vegetal forms on the balconies. Inside this amazing building you will find marine decorations like furniture, ceilings and columns which are designed by the master Gaudi himself, and stand as very modern even in today’s fashions.

Another place to visit is The Montserrat Monastery. This unique monastery lies at an altitude of 1241 meters and it is situated north west of Barcelona, 50 kilometers away to be precise, deep within the mountains named in the same way. Reaching this place is no hard task, all you need to do is make sure you have enough gas in your gas tank, a little patience and you will be there in no time.

This wonderful monastery stands as an imposing and meaningful pilgrimage place. Every year pilgrims from around the world reach this place in their quest to see and touch the statue of Virgin La Moreneta, which stands for The Black Virgin and is regarded as Catalonia’s patron saint.

If you like the sun and would like to stay all day enjoying it, you will be very glad to hear that Spain has some of the most beautiful and largest beaches in the world. You will be amazed of how smooth the sand here is and how peaceful and relaxing everything looks. You will be able to find the greatest beaches located in the Balearic Archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea.

While they are well known for the nightlife around the Ibiza beach, the Balearic Islands are sure to provide you with some of the best smooth sandy beaches you will ever set your feet on. If you find yourself in Menorca, you should probably rent a jeep so that you can have a complete experience of the island.

After being mesmerized by so many eye popping places, there is one more thing for you to do, and that is sitting down and realizing everything you have experienced, by just immersing yourself in the priceless memories Spain has carved in your mind.

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Wonderful cities, outstanding historical sites and a lot of exotic wonders -Welcome to Spain

For each and every one of us the places where we spend our free time are very important. Everything about this country is peaceful, from the mile long smooth sandy beaches to the peaceful waves of the waters surrounding it. When it comes to the weather, you should not worry too much about that. Sunny days are something that is very common here and you will experience them for up to eleven months per year.

Now that sounds like a very long summer vacation everyone would want to spend. When it comes to the people, they are generally very friendly and if you have some Spanish skills, you will surely receive the highest regard from the people.

Found hidden within the canyons in Las Hoces del Rio Duraton National Park is one of the most beautiful villages in all of Segovia province which roughly has a population of just one thousand people. We are talking about Sepulveda. Here you will find a series of wonderful museums with incredible age old historic objects and narrow streets that will make you feel like you have just returned to the middle ages, but you will also be thrilled to find some pretty good restaurants and local craft shops.

This small village is regarded as the home for the largest vulture colony in Europe which boasts of 600 pairs of such flying creatures that live in the rocky canyons providing them an ideal habitat for nesting. You will be able to see them flying above the city everyday.

Yet another historical city that is sure to mesmerize you with its beauty is Ubeda. It is one of the most famous places in Spain when it comes to the renaissance buildings which have been very well conserved within the historical center of the town. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage and walking around the churches, palaces,plaza, and buildings is like taking a visit to a titanic open air museum.

But the most amazing ensemble you will be able to see here is the Plaza Vazquez de Molina, regarded as the perfect example of Renaissance urban planning. This city is just 45 minutes away from Jaen if you are driving and two hours away if you are in Granada. While heading to it, you will be able to admire one of the greatest olive groves in all of Europe.

To the north of the Leon province, a wonderful village can be found which is so peaceful and simple that you will not want to leave it anytime soon. Villafranca del Bierzo is a great place if you are looking for simplicity; no fancy stuff, just good, friendly people and wonderful food and wine, which come very cheap to begin with.

The village can be found on the famous pilgrimage road to Santiago and there are a number of hostels available for bikers and walkers doing the pilgrimage. You should really consider taking a tour of the village in the morning, when everything seems like it has been cut down from heaven. It will just take you an hour to do it, so you will not get too tired.

If you really value your vacation time, then it is up to you to choose what is best for you. Spain though is one of those great places you will not be likely to forget soon and you will surely feel attracted to its wonders next year.

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Sunday, July 25, 2010

Exotic scenery, wonderful ancient cities and a touch of heavenly peace - Welcome to Spain

Have you ever wondered if there truly is somewhere out there, a place where you will feel for the first time at peace with yourself? Have you ever wondered if you could escape for just one day out of the ordinary life you have been living so far and immerse yourself in a totally different world? If you are yet to find this peace of mind, then you will be very pleased to hear that all this can be achieved.

You should not consider too many things when you are talking about spending your vacation in Spain. The only thing that should be on your mind is the assurance that you will be spending some of the greatest moments of your life here, which will make you come back for more.

If you like the mountain side, you will be very excited to hear that Ronda is a village which is clinging on to a mountain. It stands near a famous bullring and from its position you can have a wonderful overview of the Río Guadalevín gorge dividing the town.

Ronda is a great place to be if you are looking to see what Southern Spain is really all about. You will find out that this place is very unique and that it has a really strong history due to its bullfighting customs. You will not find just a regular bullring here, but the oldest one in Spain which is still used today by the toreros holding corridas on an annual basis. If you are not into bullfighting too much, there is no need to feel disappointed. Ronda is a wonderful town with friendly inhabitants who will likely be very helpful to you if you have any questions regarding this place.

San Sebastian can be found 20 kilometers away from the border with France and it is located on the Cantabrican coast. The population here does not exceed 200.000 inhabitants and the city can be regarded as a medium sized one. What makes this town special is the beautiful green vegetation and lush mountains you will be able to see most of the time. It is considered one of the top places people visit in Spain because of its natural landscapes which hypnotize the eye. Buildings here are very impressive and they date back to the early 20th century.

Another remarkable location you will not want to miss is Santander. This elegant, cosmopolitan city has a population of roughly 200.000 inhabitants and it is built around beaches and bays. You will be able to see many historical buildings here, each of them having its own meaningful story behind it. The best places to visit if you decide to come here are the Peninsula de la Magdalena, the beaches, the port and the city center which stands as a commercial area.

The way you spend your next vacation will deliver a mood which will be with you all year long. Do not let that be an unpleasant feeling. Come to Spain and you will understand how true beauty and peaceful natural places can really soothe your mind.


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The only place where Heaven and Earth can meet - Welcome to Spain

Many people have trouble when faced with the endless choices of vacation plans that hundreds of agencies offer. As you know, you will be faced with endless hours of researching for that dreamy vacation for two which not only will be unforgettable but will also be less likely to poke a hole in your wallet.

If you are tired of searching through hundreds of brochures and on the internet for God knows what beautiful promising places, then it is time to relax for a bit. Yes, take a seat and take your time to begin understanding Spain. A wonderful place that will definitely make you feel at ease is the town of Morella. Many people claim that visiting this magnificent place is like going back in time.

It is situated near the Mediterranean Sea and it stands 1072 meters above the sea level and is built on rock. The streets of this place are so lonely sometimes that you will feel like you are the first person to see them. The walled areas here are breathtaking and at the top of the hill you will be rewarded with a castle which offers outstanding views of the city and the sea. Morella is famous for its gastronomy offering top quality cheeses, pumpkin tarts, cured meats, meatpies, honey, ham, herb liquor and sweet potato pies.

Pasajes San Juan is located in the bay of Pasajes and it is just a wonderful small Basque traditional city which can be found 10 kilometers from San Sebastian. You have a variety of options if you choose to visit this place and they include Renteria, car or boat traveling possibilities. Pasajes San Juan also has a rich fishing history and rumors go that a lot of famous adventurers have set sail from this place. You will be very pleased to find very old buildings with impressive architecture, all of them overlooking the sea. Do not be lazy and decide to explore it by car, the best experience will be discovering it by foot.

If you love medieval places, then Pedraza is one of the locations you will not want to clear off your list. It is the most beautiful medieval walled village in Spain. If you have a car, you will be asked to park it at the main entrance of the village to avoid high traffic inside it. Upon entering this place, you will feel like you have just gone back in time. Pedreza can be found within the Segovia province, just an hour’s drive from Madrid. You will be able to see many large houses here that were once owned by Spanish nobles and dukes.

If you are still undecided about the place where you want to spend your next vacation, there aren’t too many thoughts to blur your decision. Spain is one of those great places you will not be likely to forget too soon.

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A place for absolute relaxation lying on ancient ground - Welcome to Spain

Like everyone else out there, relaxation is very important for each of us. After a year long period of work, it is time for that well deserved vacation we have worked so hard for. But choosing a great location can prove somewhat of a difficulty with all the offers out there. If you want to experience one of the greatest times you will ever have in your life, then the option lies ahead of you. Do not think too much about it, think Spain.

When we are talking about Spain, we are talking about a place of absolute wonder with a plethora of magical places to visit, each having deep history roots.

Las Tablas de Damiel is a wonderful city which can be found around Castilla La Mancha and it is situated to the Northeast of Campo de Calatrava. What makes this area so special is the rich wildlife that can be seen here. This magical place truly is a memory you will not forget so easily and if you are curious about the directions, you should know that it stands 30 kilometers northeast of Ciudad Real.

It was founded in 1973 and it encompasses a total area of 4633 acres found at the confluence of the Ciguela and Guadiana rivers. Here you will be able to see rare species of animals, but not on a regular basis. One of the most frequent sightings will be those of carp, crayfish, turtles, weasels and water rats.

Alberca (which was known as Valdelaguna in the past) is situated in the southern part of Salamanca. It is a quiet, beautiful village encompassing 1084 meters and it stands at sea level on the slopes of Sierra de Francia. Here you will be able to visit the prehistoric caves of Cabras Pintas found on the edge of the village. The main attraction for this place is the diversity of natural scenery that can be found here.

You will be able to see quartzite, granite and slate which have a key role in supporting the varied vegetation: chestnut trees, walnut trees, pine trees, forest of oaks, almond groves and also apple trees. This truly is a place you will not want to miss due to its atmosphere and beautiful sights.

Logrono is the capital of La Rioja and it covers 79 square kilometers and holds 148,000 inhabitants. The meeting of different cultures that can be found in this city generated various building designs which are well complemented by amazing green spaces and a plethora of historical buildings. One of the reasons you will definitely feel attracted by this place is its famous gastronomy.

You will be able to find it at the mouth of the Iregua river, which stands to the east of the river Ebro. The city’s main entrance consists of a massive ancient stone bridge offering a splendid overview to the old part of the city. If you think you have planned your vacation, then think again. You only need to visit Spain once to understand its mysteries.


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