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| SPAIN – M�rida – The old roman health resort
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| 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.
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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.
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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.
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| SPAIN – Toledo – a human heritage of the UNESCO
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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 vor 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.
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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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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.
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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.
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