Monday, October 11, 2010

Tourist Attractions in Spain

One of the best places you can visit in the world for a great and wonderful vacation has to be Spain. Most people are not aware of the many tourist attractions Spain has to offer, yet it is the second most-visited place in the world. In reality, the tourism industry here employs 10% of workforce and is a major source of the locals’ income. It is also an ideal region for honeymooners.

Spain attracts a wide number of tourists because of its natural beauty that takes anyone’s breath away. Most people visiting the region prefer the Southwestern coast and Costa Blanca, just to have a taste of the natural beauty found in these places. Some of the must-visit places here include Donana National Park, Prado Museum, and the Guell Park.

Donana Park

This is a wetland that happens to be one of the most popular in Europe. Located in Andalusia, it hosts migratory birds since it had very many water holes. The birds attract tourists who have a passion for avifauna. You will also enjoy boat rides as you take in the wonderful natural surroundings here.

Among the avian species you will find here are geese, imperial eagles, ducks, and flamingos. Lanner falcons, kites, and spoonbills are here too. There is a wide variety of bird species here; the list is endless. There are also reptiles and mammals such as the Egyptian mongoose, lynx, and the wild boar. Floral species as well as rivers complete the ecosystem in the park.

Prado Museum

The museum holds a wide collection of exhibit sculptures and paintings since it happens to be the world’s largest art gallery. The collections include royal collections from the old museum of Trinidad. It contains more than 8,000 paintings making the exhibition area very large. If you love art, this is definitely a place for you to visit. It is one of the most famous monuments in Spain.

Park Guell

If you are looking to see architectural mixed styles, Park Guell is the place to go. Its construction was intended to combine both natural and urban landscapes, which are very fascinating. Buildings here are made with perfection, from the tiling, to the terraces, to the designs. All of the wonderful architectural designs are found here and will definitely amaze you.

The above are just a few of the many wonderful and beautiful attraction sites that you will find in Spain, but the list goes on and on. Magical Spain has great things to offer to those who want to enjoy life to the fullest and explore nature.

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The Endless Discoveries of Navarre

The Navarre province is the only province in the Spanish Community, known as the Autonomous Community. It is situated at the French border with plenty of evidence of an old medieval kingdom, which flourished in its importance due to its strategic position. The majestic Pyrenees mountain ranges loom around it.

Pamplona is the current capital of the Navarre, which is located at the left bank of Arga. It is an important modern city with superb building structures and avenues while retaining all the medieval charms and historical echoes.

Interesting Sights

Here, you will find a Gothic-style cathedral, which had to be rebuilt in 1397 to restore its exuberant beauty, namely its cloister, the chapter house, the sculptural designs as well as the royal mausoleum.

A Neo-classical façade designed by the famous Ventura Rodriguez in 1780 greets you with other outstanding architectural structures, such as the San Cernin and San Lorenzo churches, San Nicolas and Sa Miguel churches, as well as La Camara de Comptos, which was a previous royal financial controlling department.

Pamplona’s City Hall holds most of Navarre’s archives, while the Diocesan Museum holds its history and culture. Communications is an important aspect of Navarre, which you can find at Alsasua, right in La Barunda valley, where the land is rich and fertile, laying between Andia and the Sierras of Aralar.

Around Navarre you will discover Lecumberri which enjoys the summer crowd as a popular holiday resort, Obanos which is enriched in Navarre history, Monreal which was previously a residence for the royalty and Puente la Reina which is actually a main stage that can be seen along the way from Pilgrims' Way to the city of Santiago. This province also boasts of two church buildings that have valuable sculptural worth, namely, the El Crucifijo and the Santiago churches.

The San Pedro Hermitage is believed to be the coronation site of Navarre’s first king, Garcia Jimenez. You will also have a breath-taking view from the Sanctuary of San Miguel at 1,230 m up Aralar Sierra in Excelsis. Sanguesa is one of Navarre’s oldest areas, just 44.5 km outside the capital, near Aragon River. Besides these, Navarre also offers resplendent Romanesque portal, palaces and towers, such as that of Santa Maria’s.

Estella is bursting with medieval and Roman cultures while positioned as a high quality popular tourist centre with impressive buildings complete with towers and portals. Navarre’s royal palace is a worthy place to visit, as it embraced a majestic Romanesque architectural structure, while the Gustavo de Maeztu Museum stores much of his artworks. Olite is a magnificent Gothic architectural castle-cum-palace.

There are many more interesting places which are rich in historical value where the list of visits is quite endless.

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Great Sightseeing Choices of Lleida

Lleida is a province located at Catalan Pyrenees with a capital situated in Segre valley. There is the good blend of old and new buildings here which give an interesting view of the place.

Interesting places of visit   

The historical pieces include the old cathedral on a hill, right in city centre with La Zuda’s ruins, which is the Aragon kings’ palace. These sites are preserved and protected by the nation, reflecting the eventful history of this place.

There are cathedrals galore which are Neo structures, exhibiting elegance, despite the age of time such as La Sang, Sant Marti and Sant Lloren churches. The city hall, La Paheria and Lleida castle are worthy of your visits. An old hospital, a large Gothic-style museum and monuments cast with Iberian warriors’ struggle against Roman conquest and stand firm and memorable.

The province offers many places worthy of visit, such as a 1351 bridge that has 7 arches with Santa Marta above on the hill, Santo Domingo Convent and a castle. There is also an elaborately decorated square, El Mercadal.

The capital of La Segarra region is Cervera, which houses an old and large university with a quaint Baroque type portal, and Sant Maria Church, which is of Romanesque and Goth influence. The capital’s Town Hall as well as Sant Pere Gros church (located on circular ground), are interesting sights for any visitor to behold; as does Santa Magdalena’s Gothic ruins.

Cervera offers splendid Roman and Iberian ceramics pieces, astounding Gothic imagery and panels, which are found in its museum along with Borjes Blanques and Urgel canal that has fruit trees, almond trees and olive groves all around.

Solsona is right in the middle of Cardener and Segre, which has a 1593 Episcopal cathedral of Romanesque influence showcasing a fantastic Baroque-style façade. Here you will find the interesting Diocesan Museum with nearby churches and quaint villages, such as El Miracle sanctuary and Olius village.

La Seu d'Urgell is situated at the meeting point of Segre and Valira Rivers, right at the province’s north. Its amazing 11th century Romanesque cathedral building is breath-taking. There are plenty of quaint churches and museums to explore here.

North Lleida has extraordinary scenery and places of interest to thrill any visitor, such as Viella skiing centre at Aran valley. Viella is also the capital. There are many impressive churches of Romanesque architecture in Boi Valley too.

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Enchanting Medieval Extremadura

This Spanish region comprises only Caceres and Badajoz provinces. Its capital is Merida in Badajoz. This region is an interesting historical sight of Roman ruins. It was the Romans who placed Extremadura region into history as Merida was made to be one of the Roman Empire’s most essential cities. However, the region fell into the hands of the Moors before changing hands to the Spanish Christians. This toggle of reign between the two powers continued for quite some time.

Through the ages of power struggle, it was only after the discovery of America that this region experienced a new life and splendor, as other famed conquerors came to this region.

Beautiful Landscapes of Extremadura

Extremadura has impressive mountain ranges serving as its landscapes, as seen by the Cordillera Central range, Sierra Morena range and the Montes del Toledo range. It also boasts of fertile plains like the Low Extremadura, and valleys which are watered by the Tajo and Guadiana rivers.

With a continental climate of 30 degrees, it experiences warm summers, but its winters can be quite cold.

There are a few beautiful natural forest reserves and parks in Extremadura, which can be relaxing with a walkthrough. These ecological reserves are served by Extremadura’s rivers.

This region is still considered ‘undiscovered’ by many, although it has much to offer the tourist. Something different is in store for you, if you are looking for traditional customs and culture, traditional attire and high handiworks of ceramics and metal with outstanding delicate embroidery works. This region also serves as delectable range of gastronomy specialties of fresh trout, sausages and game and a wide selection of cheeses, which go well with the fine wine selection of the region.

Highlights of Extremadura

Merida has managed to preserve monuments which are of Roman architecture and culture, such as a huge theater and an amphitheater with 2 aquaeductus, which are basically quaint villas with their own garden space. Merida also has an invaluable collection in the Museum of Roman Art for public viewing.

Caceres is serenely surrounded by Moorish walls, together with huge watchtowers. It is the capital of northern Extremadura with extraordinary palaces from the Renaissance era.

Trujillo is the birth place of Pizarro, one of Spain’s famous conquerors, boasting of a well maintained town walls which has 7 entrances, and a large medieval castle with a beautiful square.

Guadalupe town is charming as it is loomed over by a huge monastery of Mudejar architecture, which houses many valuable art pieces.

Plasencia may be a small town, but one can find a cathedral of Gothic-Pateresque construct as well as palaces and town walls from medieval times.

Badajoz is the capital of southern Extremadura with Moorish watch towers and town walls to be explored.

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Discovery after Discovery at Castile and Leon

Castile and Leon is a very huge Spanish region comprising of 8 charming provinces sitting on the odd meseta platform with an interesting geomorphology. It encompasses the old Leon kingdom and the northern part of the past Castile kingdom.

Its provinces are Avila, Leon, Segovia, Burgos, Salamanca, Soria, Palencia and Zamora. Most of its landscape is made up of flat countryside with rich history and breath-taking architectural heritage.

Highlights of each province

Segovia still exhibits quaint Roman aqueduct, which is a basic villa with a quiet garden, a fine example of an era and lifestyle. This charming town also holds many valuable treasures of different eras’ influence, as can be seen from the few beautiful Romanesque churches, the impressive Moorish Alcazar fortress and a huge Gothic cathedral.

Avila displays ancient medieval walls of fortified Romanesque architecture around Saint Theresa of Jesus’ birthplace. The St Vincent cathedral or Basilica is another magnificent jewel set in the walls.

Soria which lies by river Duero also has many Romanesque structural buildings that are used for civil and religious purposes, which date back to the 12th or 13th century.

Burgos holds the honor as El Cid’s place of birth with a majestic Gothic styled cathedral, making it one of Spain’s best. The Old Quarter has maintained the impressive Renaissance as well as medieval era palaces and churches here.

Palencia city may be little known but is second fiddle to no other cities when it comes to architectural jewels of medieval flavor, as can be found in the magnificent Gothic-style cathedral and its impressive museum containing archaeological artifacts.

The city of Valladolid, which is Castilla-Leon’s capital now, is also the region’s biggest city. It offers the sobriety and tranquility of the celebrations of Holy Week. Other sights to behold here include a beautiful garden and cathedral, the magnificent San Gregorio Plateresque building, a sculpture museum which houses an impeccable 16th century to 17th century collection of great Spanish artwork, like Berruguete and a college of medieval construct, Santa Cruz.

In Leon, one can find 3 architectural monuments, which deserve mention and appreciation, in this previous capital: 12th century Romanesque San Isidoro Royal Basilica; the awesome Gothic Cathedral, which represents purity with its numerous stunning stained-glass windows; and the splendid convent of San Marcos in a Renaissance building, which has been converted into a high class hotel for tourists. 

Another city of medieval flavor, Zamora has done a great job in preserving the cathedral and churches in its area.

Salamanca city rose to fame when its first European university opened its doors during the Renaissance era. This city is bedecked by many pieces of architectural jewels like cathedrals and Renaissance façades.

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Thursday, October 7, 2010

Wondrous Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain that deserve to be visited anytime by anyone. The city has wonderful monuments, art galleries, museums and restaurants that will water your mouth before you even order anything. There are wonderful natural sites here as well as historic grounds that will leave you yearning for more.

L’Eixample suburb

Overpopulation in Barcelona’s Old Town saw the city’s expansion towards the Place Catalunya on the North. This suburb was given the name L’Eixample which means “The Extension” and it was adorned with very beautiful architectural designed buildings. The work was done by Art Nouveau architects and has got something to offer the desiring eyes.

The suburb hosts the church Sagrada Familia which is full of controversies and is still unfinished because its architect died suddenly. This serves as a monument for the architect Antoni Gaudi who died in 1962. The monument has attracted a lot of visitors over the years and remains the city’s best in terms of visitations made here.

There are also districts that came about with the Barcelona’s expansion on the further Northern area. The districts include Les Corts, Sarris, Horta-Guinardo and Gracia.

Barcelona’s seaside

For those who have a passion for sailing and windsurfing, you can do this on the Mediterranean mild climate and cools seas of Barcelona. Olympic Port has small boats which leave the harbor to take visitors sightseeing. You will be able to see the city’s coastline and waterfront which is quite a magnificent view. There are seafood restaurants at Barceloneta which is the city’s fishing district. Olympic Port also has outdoor terraces offering relaxation, bars, shops, cinemas and discos.

It is also wonderful to visit Costa Brava for a peaceful experience away from the crowd since it has deserted coves just for that peaceful moment.

Cultural center

There is a very beautiful cultural center called Sant Adria de Besos – El Forum which was constructed for the purpose of hosing Forum de Les Cultures. It was remodeled in 2004 for this reason and it hosts numerous events. Thousands of foreigners are attracted by the events which showcase cultural values of Spain. This is definitely worth the check.

Barcelona will indeed leave you feeling great and wonderful after visiting beautiful places, taking part in sports as well as learning a little bit of Spanish culture. The list of places to visit while in the city is simply endless.

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Monuments in Barcelona Spain

Spain being the second most visited country in the world is definitely a place visitors should consider when choosing their trip of vacation destinations. Its cities are just as wonderful with each city having something to offer to tourists as well as the locals.

Barcelona is one of Spain’s famous cities. The fame could be because of the famous football club that uses the same name and therefore it’s needless to say that there is something available for football fans here. There is a museum that has statues and trophies as well as photos of all famous football stars and football fans will find this quite remarkable. Apart from the museums, Barcelona also has monuments that attract a lot of tourists.

Barri Gotic

Also called Gothic Quarter, the monument has ancient but beautiful buildings which are arranged in a magnificent maze. In the neighborhood you will also catch a glimpse of the ruins of Roman Empire as well as the Catalan government headquarters called Palau de la Generalitat. The area upon which the quarter lies is said to be the most popular among all tourist districts.

Monument a Colon

This monument, also known as Monument of Christopher Columbus is situated in the Old City of Barcelona. The statue stands upon the area where it is believed Chrisopher Columbus the explorer first disembarked his ship to step on the Spanish soil. It is 200 feet high and sits on the edges of La Rambla Avenue. There is a deck on top of the famous monument that is mainly for observation and from here you will have great views of the sea and city. You can reach the deck area via elevators which are at the harbors entrance.

Arc Del Triomf

This arch monument represents the famous ancient Rome archway and it is made of red bricks. It is found between the Passeing de Sant Joan and Passeig de Lluis streets. There are designs of conqurers of Moors in Mallorca back in 1229 AD giving a lot of value and attraction.

Torre de Collserola

This tower was put up in 1992 mainly to host the Olympic Games. The tower has a restaurant and a deck for observation and also contains some of the best architectural designs in the city. You will have lots of fun here and you need not worry about food since the restaurant will cater for your needs.

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