Salamanca (part 1)

Salamanca is one of those towns which, although not large in extension, impress any of its visitors. All the buildings in the center of town, even the new ones, are made of the stone from Villamayor, which contains a high concentration of iron making possible very filigree works, and its characteristic golden color gives strong personality to all the town.

The Cathedral

Salamanca's cathedral is a prototypical example of plateresque style which is so typical for Spain, marking the transition from Gothic to Renaissance. Spaniards call this cathedral "La Nueva", the new one, as the old cathedral still exists at its side.

Cathedral

In its splendid interior pay attention to the "Golden Chapel" with extraordinary works of sculpture and to the Patio Chico, the small yard, to be found at the place where "old" and "new" cathedral are built together.

A narrow street, Calle Calderón, leads you from here to the University quarter.

The University Quarter

The University of Salamanca is one of the oldest in the world, founded by King Alphonse IX only a short period of time after the Universities of Bologna and Paris. The building you can see today however was built at the time of the catholic kings, and is considered a masterwork of plateresque style. The façade is ornamented with numerous figures,  the most famous among them the "frog on a skull", which numerous tourists try to make out - not easy considering the large number of small figures.

University

In the University's interior certainly the huge Library of 160.000 volumes is the main attraction. Worth visiting is also the staircase with reliefs showing scenes of bullfighting and the customs of students in old times who used to write their names at the façade with bulls blood.

Bocairent

The Muslims called the city Bekirén, because of the dominant architectural style in the town which used the form of beehives. Today Bocairent  continues to project a peculiar image, its streets are seeped in centuries of history, the inhabitants have a commendable respect for their traditions and it is located in an enviable environment, with the Sierra Mariola as its principal neighbour.

 Bocairent (me, Ana, Marcel)

A sculpture welcomes visitors to the locality, an image of a man with a blanket over his shoulders, a tradition still held by the people of Bekirén. Steep slopes, abundant vegetation, and the sources of two rivers, the Vinalopó and the Clariano, have marked the structure of the towns’ nucleus, which has been moulded respecting the natural environment. Many of the houses and some of its monuments, even modern ones, are excavated from the surrounding rock.

Bocairent is packed with history.  Walk through the old town with its narrow cobbled streets, small squares and fountains and get a feel for what it was like hundreds of years ago. Guided tours are available.

The unique bullring carved into the rock is the oldest in Valencia, dating back to 1843. There are two museums, the Archaeological Museum which has pieces from the Sarsa Cave, one of the most important Neolithic sites in the Mediterranean and the Moor and Christian Museum which gives you an insight into their history.

Bocairent

Visit the Covetes Dels Moros, a group of caves made up of around 50 rooms with holes like windows thought to have been formed around the 10th or 11th century. The original use of the caves is uncertain though there are various interpretations from granary stores to funeral chambers.

Enter the underground gallery of the The Cava De Sant Blai, a cave used as a snow store, where you can discover its history from centuries ago and view the map of all the snow stores found in the area. 

Church

The Parochial Church NTRA Senora De La Asuncion consecrated in 1516 combines the main characteristics of Valencian art from Gothic to the 19th century.  It contains several historical artifacts that are well worth seeing.

Toledo

Toledo is a well-known city of Spain , situated at the center of the state approximately hundred kilometers away from Madrid. According to UNESCO Toledo has been declared as in 1986. Toledo Spain is quite famous for its cultural heritage. It is a city that has persevered ancient architectural heritages of Spain in a splendid way.

 Toledo

The city attraction of Toledo lies in the innumerous old buildings and monuments of the metropolis. The city of Toledo in Spain is enriched with diverse cultural influences. Toledo culture is a blend of ancient Moorish, Jewish and Christian cultures. The city is also famous for the birth of the legendary personalities like Alfonso X and El Greco and Garcilaso de la Vega. The city of Toledo Spain is also famous for historical events like the Visigothic Councils of Toledo.
For the nearness to Madrid of Spain , usually a person who visits Madrid they definitely check-out Toledo for sure. From Madrid it takes around one and half hour to reach Toledo via train.

Toledo Spain Sightseeing
Toledo Spain Sightseeing includes historical building and monuments and Spain's largest national museum. Walking down through the medieval streets of Toledo city is always a privilege for its viewers a great way to explore through the city and discover the ancient buildings of various eras.
Some of the eminent periodic monuments of Toledo at Spain include,
The Goths Era
Fortress of San Servando still reminds us about the Gothic imperial in Toledo during 6th century; in that ear Goths invaded Toledo the capital of their province.

 San Servando

The Moor's Era
Moors has contributed some great mosques and town-gates to Toledo of Spain during their colonialism in Toledo. ‘The Mosque Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz' was established in 10th century, is an exceptionally beautiful construction of Toledo Spain.

 Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz

The Era of Romans
The amphitheater and aqueducts of Toledo Spain built in Roman era is another vital preservation of Toledo-culture.
A great place of historical significances well known for its beauty and hospitality can be a great tourist destination for you during your vacation at Spain.