M�rida city (1990 pop. 53,732), Badajoz prov., SW Spain, in Extremadura, on the Guadiana River. It is a rail hub and agricultural center producing textiles, leather, and cork. The colony Emerita Augusta, founded by the Romans in the 1st cent. B.C., it became the capital of
Lusitania. Its Roman remains, among the most important in Spain, include a magnificent bridge, a triumphal arch, a theater with marble columns, an aqueduct, a temple, an imposing circus, and an amphitheater. M�rida was later the chief city of Visigothic
Lusitania. It fell (713) to the Moors, under whom it prospered. Conquered (1228) by Alfonso IX of
Le�n, it was given to the Knights of Santiago but quickly declined.
Established by the Romans in 25 BC, Merida retains an extensive collection of Roman ruins and has a fabulous museum devoted to Roman history. Merida was the first strong hold of the Roman Empire in Spain. The aqueducts, bridges, amphitheater and theater still stand after being built around 250 B.C.
I found M�rida
during one of my business trips in Spain in 1998 and I felt me really impressed
of this small city with all these roman buildings.
Of major interest to the visitor are of course the monumental cities and towns of great historical importance, like Toledo, the enchanting Cuenca and
Albacete, but one should take as well several interesting alternative routes into consideration, among them: Ruta de los Pueblos Negros (“Route of the Black Villages”), having their name from the use of slate in their traditional architecture, the “Route of the Saffron Fields”, “Route of the Castles”, and the “Route of Don
Quijote”, named after Cervante’s legendary “Man from La Mancha”. Still today you will see many of those characteristical windmills Don Quijote was fighting with in all the land.
Traditional gastronomy is simple but tasteful, with stews, game, sausages and the famous Manchego cheese. The region’s excellent wines are a perfect match.
Artisany is varied, from ceramics and embroiderings to the famous Swords of Toledo and Knives of
Albacete.
Some of the cities:
Cuenca – This enchanting medieval city, declared Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO, is surrounded by landscapes of incredible beauty. Among the town’s most remarkable sights are the famous “Hanging Houses”, the Gothic cathedral and the Museum of Abstract Art. In its surroundings there are several fantastic natural preserves, among them Ciudad
Encantada, the “enchanted city”, where erosion has created most bizarre forms.
Guadalajara – Major attractions are the Mudejar style church Santa Maria la Mayor, the 15th century palace Duque del
Infantado, the Moorish town-walls and bridge over Henares river, from 10th century. In the province of Guadalajara the medieval town
Siguenza, with its great fortress and cathedral, is worth a visit.
Ciudad Real – This city is marked by the history of Don Quijote who is said to have fought against the windmills at the nearby Campo de
Criptana. The nearby Lagunas de Ruidera, consisting of 17 lagoons, offer splendid landscapes.
Spain:
France:
Norway:
| SPAIN – M�rida – The old roman health resort |
| The sparsely-populated region of Extremadura in southwestern Spain has one principal places of interest, M�rida The city of C�ceres has a walled old quarter full of Renaissance churches, palaces, and other roman buildings. M�rida was once an important city under the Romans and today retains a wide selection of monuments from that era, including a well-preserved theater, a temple, an amphitheater, villas, a triumphal arch, and an aqueduct. |
| SPAIN – Salamanca – a human heritage of the UNESCO |
| Salamanca: The last destination of every Spanish travel. Salamanca is one the coldest towns of Spain in the winter. But the summer can be very hot and sultry. Salamanca, city in Spain, capital of the province with the same name, at the Tormes. Foods, chemicals, pottery, leathers, jewellery and furniture are set up here. Center of the city is formed the Plaza Mayor, the 1729 to the 1755 of Alberto DE Churriguera was. The university (set up 1218) would make centers of Europe academic Salamanca to one of the leading one. The papal university became 1134 set up. The UNESCO explained the old town Salamancas to the world cultural heritage. It offers numerous historical buildings, included the old cathedral and the new cathedral (12.13 century and/or 16.17 century), the church San Esteban with an altar (1693-1700) of Jos� Benito Churriguera and a roman bridge over the Tormes. The antique city became occupied from the karthagischen military leader Hannibal. The name of the settlement Salmantica was at roman time. Salamanca was under domination of the Arabs to 1085. The city became bishop’s see in the 12th century. The foundation of the university through Alfons IX. verhalf Salamanca to an early blossom. She was one of the most important universities of the occident with Oxford, Paris and Bologna. The number of inhabitants is about 358 000. |
| SPAIN – Toledo – a human heritage of the UNESCO |
| Toledo (Spain), city in Spain, administrative seat of the area Kastilien-La Mancha and the province Toledo, at the river Tajo. Toldeo was constructed on a hill which declines steeply on three sides to the valley of the Tajo. Swords of Toledostahl which are set up both from private enterprises and from government factories are the most famous product Toledos. The old town Toledos, explained by the UNESCO to the world cultural heritage, is surrounded by a high city wall with big city gates (13.14 century). Narrow, engulfed lanes and massive houses in the Moorish pin list emboss the picture of the medieval city. In the centre raises for itself that out jutting out building, the Gothic cathedral with their numerous bands (1227-1493). She is designated as one of the most beautiful cathedrals Spain. Sight value are also the Gothic church San Juan DE loose Reyes and the bordering cloister and the Sinagoga electroluminescent display Tr�nsito (1366) that was converted after eviction of Jews 1492 into a church. The churches Toledos contain some of most splendid Spanish works of art, of the painter especially that electroluminescent display Greco. In the highest place of the city queues up the attached one Alkazar, a square building with four towers in that today a military academy is put. The Plaza DE Zocodover was reshaped put on in the 7th century and later by Moorish conquerors. She was long time the place on which the sacrifices of the Inquisition were burned. Take in pre-roman time defaulted it in the place of the contemporary city a settlement, the 193 V Chr. mentioned from the Romans conquered and Toletum was. Chr nth from 534 to 712. was meaning she capital of the western Goth empire and developed ones itself to one church centre. The Arabs occupied the city in year 711. In the 11th century, Toledo became residence king Alfons’ VI. from Kastilien and L�on Toledo (1087-1560). Rebel troops in the Alkazar were besieged by July by September 1936, during the Spanish civil war, for a long time 70 days from the Loyalisten (republicans). The number of inhabitants is about 60 000. |
| SPAIN – Burgos – a historical heritage |
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Burgos was founded in 884, and its historical heritage is always evident to the visitor. It is a monumental town, charming for that so typical medieval northern castilian ambience. The gothic cathedral is all dominant, but there are many more important monuments such as the Cartuja de Miraflores or the Monastery of Las Huelgas. Generally the town is quiet and clean, and after your sightseeing-tour or a walk through one of the parks you may want to try out Burgos’ exquisite cuisine. You shouldn’t miss to visit as well the surroundings of the town, where you will find many villages of extraordinary historical-artistical value. |
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SPAIN – The region Castilia and La Mancha – the largest in Spain |
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The region of La Mancha – the largest in Spain – covers an area of almost 80,000 kmsq. and comprises of a wide range of different landscapes. These include the undulating plain, with its windmills and other elements that bring to mind the adventures of Don Quixote, and the wild beauty of the areas of Alcaraz, Montes de Toledo, Guadalajara and Cuenca. The latter are the home of wild boar, bears, stags and deer, all of which live in perfect harmony in these privileged natural sites. The great diversity of magnificent scenery and exceptional areas of natural beauty are enhanced by the Ruidera Lagoons, constituting a small ‘inland sea’, with a shore-line that stretched over 30 km. In addition, there is the outstanding ecological National Park of Las Tablas de Daimiel, an important stopping-off place for migratory waterfowl and a paradise for those visitors who consider themselves true nature lovers. A large part of the Autonous Community of Castile-La Mancha is still fairly unknown, yet the five provinces that it takes in (Toledo, Ciudad Real, Careses, Cuenca, Guadalajara and Albacete) have helped enormously to create what has come to be known as the Spanish identity. Numerous castles and other important monuments can be found scattered throughout its geography, and go to show the region’s immense historical heritage. This is characterised by the timeless personality of its scenery, its artistic beauty and the universal appeal of its literature. The frank and hospitable nature of its people, the many traditions and folklore in general, the possibilities of good hunting and fishing, the pleasures of good eating and relaxation, in addition to the chance ofencountering some magnificent scenery, all help to make a journey through Castile-La Mancha and unforgettable experience that will fill one with the desire to return many a time again. Castilla-La Mancha, located at the very center of the Iberian peninsula, is dominated by an extense tableland, although there are mountainous landscapes too. |
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FRANCE – LE MONT ST. MICHEL – a human heritage of the UNESCO in France |
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Known as “the Marvel of the West,” this prestigious medieval ensemble is one of the most extraordinary sites of the world heritage. The soaring silhouette of Mont-Saint-Michel rises above the bay of the English Channel, between the french states Normandy and Brittany. Legends haunt the Tombelaine rock but caution is essential at low tide: the tide comes in faster than a galloping horse. This miraculous site was consecrated to Saint Michel in 708. In the Xth century, it became one of the most important destinations for pilgrims in the world. It took six centuries to build this superhuman construction compressed onto the tip of a rock thrust out of the waters of the bay. A stronghold during the Hundred Years War, a prison during the French Revolution, the monastic grouping has been designated as a historical monument. Le Mont St. Michel, a small island completely converted into a monastery, a major landmark and tourist center. In summer it is a little overcrowded by tourists. On bright weather you have the best view from the terraces of the church. You can stand over night on the parking area just before the hill, for free. |
| NORWAY – The city Bergen – colourful historical buildings |
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Bergen, city and sea port in southwest Norway, seat of the administration field Hordaland on a sea incision of the northern sea. As a second-largest city of Norway, Bergen is a culture, fishing, industry and shipment center. Products set up in the city are steel, ships, fishing outfit, incorporated foods, wood and electro machines. With theirs numerous ones, partially colourful historical buildings included the “Marien church” from the 12th century, the fortress Bergenhus with the H�konshalle (1247; Creation after the 2nd world war) as soon as several pitched roof timber buildings from the early 18th century along the quays is the city attractive. To educational facilities, count the university of mountains (set up 1948), an economy and business administration school (1936) as well as a music conservatory (1905). the Edvard Grieg composer and the stage author and dense Ludvig of fetching mountain come from mountains. The city became as Bj�rgvin, as many what 1070 wie mountain willow are, from Olaf III. set up and developed ones are rapid itself to a center of commerce. In the 12th 13th century, she was capital of Norway. Ex middle of the 14th century to 1560, the Hanseatic League occupied a monopoly in the commercial business. The Hanseatic League businessmen remained 19th century influential to the late in the city. It came in 1702, 1855 and 1916 for hard fires in the city and in the 2nd world war, it was damaged by German heavily. The population containing contained round 220000 inhabitants. |
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