Travel Accommodation - Spain: The Jewel of Iberia
As the second most popular travel destination in Europe,
Spain enjoys a generous amount of tourist trade. Over 45 million
visitors travel to the Iberian lands each year. No doubt part of its
attraction lies in its language; over 300 million people in the world
speak Spanish. However, other allures await the adventurous traveler.
Spain boasts an incredible geographic variety as well.
About an hour from Madrid lays the famed city of Toledo.
When visiting Madrid, this city is a must-see. Best-known for its
long-standing tradition of sword making, Toledo boasts many historical
and artistic points of interest. Once a religious safe haven for
multiple faiths, the city blends cultural footprints from each of these
societies, in addition to bearing relics from its Romanian roots.
Puente de Alcántara, the stunning bridge that once controlled
the flow of traffic into the city during medieval times, dates back to
15 BC. While its Roman foundation is still visible, this famous
overpass underwent a major transformation to its more recent Baroque
styling during the Almanzor age.
While traveling, one can begin the journey in-land or
explore the lovely beaches and pristine waters and work inward from the
coast. Best of all, travel can be had for a reasonable cost. If seeking
hotel deals Spain
is definitely an option. An abundance of sensibly priced accommodations
is available. With its long history, a treasure trove of artwork, and
vast architectural riches, the only question when visiting Spain is
where to start.
There is no need to prioritize between a historic
journey and a fun romp on the seashore. Fortunately, many cities offer
fun, history, and culture all at once. After choosing your accommodation Spain
lies before you, ready to be explored. A good strategy is to choose a
location and take day trips from that place. Madrid is an ideal
candidate. From the capital city, day trips can be made via train or
automobile to multiple cities of cultural and historical significance.
Two invaluable destinations for day trips from Madrid are Segovia and
Toledo.
Building a family holiday in Europe is simple with the right tools.
When booking hotels in
France, be sure to decide on a Paris vacation or a
countryside vacation ahead of time, as they will two entirely different
experiences. For the vacationer looking to spend time in Rome, the many
hotels Italy
offers can help to create the experience of a lifetime. If looking for luxury hotels Portugal offers a
great selection at a very low price. From award winning cuisine to
lavish hotels Spain
offers a vivid look at a one of the richest histories in the world.
Whether choosing a single country, or traveling through all of them,
Europe has something for everyone, and more than one person can
experience in a lifetime.
Daytrips to Madrid, Nights from a Spain Hotel
From hotels
Spain offers many options, from inexpensive and cozy to
high-end and luxurious; enjoying the metropolitan luxuries still
affords the joys of the day excursion. When taking advantage of this,
travelers should be sure to see the aqueduct of Segovia.
A relic of the Roman occupation, the aqueduct of Segovia
is one of the most famous structures on Spanish soil. Its age is
unknown, but scholars estimate that the aqueduct dates to sometime
between the 1st and 2nd century AD. Until very recently, this
architectural marvel carried water from the mountain river of Fuente
Fría to the city of Segovia, still supplying its citizens with
water up until the 20th century.
Constructed of over 167 single and double arches, it is
hewn from unfinished granite blocks. This engineering feat reaches a
height of over 90 feet. A gutter carved into the top tier of the arches
forms a canal for the water to travel. From its mountain source to the
town, water journeys more than 19 miles, traveling through two tanks,
one of which is a sand filtration system.
In our modern world, where religious tensions have
exploded into warfare, it is difficult to imagine a place where
Christians, Jews, and Muslims shared a peaceful coexistence. However,
here in Toledo, evidence of this spiritual sanctuary survives
everywhere. The Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, the
Synagogue of El Transito, and the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz bear
testimony to the secular communities that once lived peaceably within
its walls.
The history of the Catedral de Toledo also carries the
reminder of this inter-faith society. A Christian place of worship
during the 6th century, the cathedral became a Muslim Mosque during the
8th century. It was then transformed back into a Gothic masterpiece
during the 14th century, returning to a Christian temple. This stunning
structure also houses paintings by the great Spanish artist El Greco,
who called Toledo home. Additional works of the artist can be found in
the large collection of his paintings in the museum of El Greco’s
House.
After an enjoyable trek through the city’s
treasures, returning to your room is a relaxing way to spend the
evening before a night on the town in Madrid. In Spain hotel options
abound, and Madrid is no exception to that rule. Enjoy the
possibilities while exploring the rich cultural heritage that is Espana!
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