San Sebastian (Donostia in Euskera, and officially Donostia-San Sebastián) is a coastal city in northern Spain in autonomous of Basque . Its population is 183,536 inhabitants (2006), and its metropolitan area reaches 248,502.
San Sebastian was founded to 1180 by Sancho el Sabio, king of Navarre, receiving the title of City in 1662 by King Philip IV. San Sebastián is is the name of the city in English. Its origin is due to a monastery dedicated to San Sebastián who was at the current location of the neighborhood of the Old. San Sebastian has been the official name of the city until 1980. E s the best known name internationally. Donostia-San Sebastian, is the official name of the city since 1980, and is present in the official documents and information.
Its main activities are economic trade and tourism, being one of the most important tourist destinations in Spain and Europe. The landscape is dominated by the Bahía de La Concha and modern architectural development initiated in the second half of the nineteenth century, who set a city of French style and bourgeois, provided d development and tourism activities at Europe. All this, together with international events like the International Film Festival San Sebastian , has outreach to the city, despite its small size. In mid-September each year, the city hosts the most important figures of cinema one of the most important film festivals in the world, created in 1953 and the highest category (A) the international circuit of film festivals of FIAPF . The stars were staying at the hotel's most important city, the Hotel Maria Cristina , and ceremonies are held in the Kursaal , separate from the hotel by the river Urumea . Just when we're here is the last day of 55 Film Festival.
Photo: Panoramic view of Bahia de la Concha night.
San Sebastian is one of the most tourist cities of Spain , an activity that provides most of its economic potential. To meet this demand, the city has good services and a refined appearance.
We arrived at San Sebastian at 15:30 pm and took a tour to the van for its promenade of Concha Bay, bordered by its characteristic rail. This is the tourist symbol of San Sebastian since the English royalty began visiting regularly in the nineteenth century because of the quality of the spa's thermal waters of La Perla, located on the beach. In the center of the bay is the pearl shell, which is the island of Santa Clara (which are in the center of the photo above.) The coast of San Sebastian seemed far more attractive than Nice and Cannes in .
to see how was the boulevard of San Sebastian , I show this small map where in addition to the beach of La Concha with Santa Clara Island in the center, the city has two: Ondarreta and Zurriola.
then left the van in a very central park and went for a walk by the promenade, and we got into a pedestrian street center where he saw the final Buen Pastor Cathedral, built in 1897. Here we get a map with tourist information and try to find a hostel. But during the film festival, prices are inaccessible to us, then we walk and the evening went to the only camping in San Sebastian left going west on the beach Ondarreta Igueldo mountain.
We walked through the center of the city, the Romantic Zone and along the river Urumea whose main streets are completely pedestrian streets, full of tourists.
Then we toured the Liberty Avenue, the main economic and commercial artery of the city. Here is the office and financial district, taking 19 seats. While other major tourist attractions in San Sebastian is world-class cuisine, we had lunch reinforcements ham and cheese, with potato salad sitting on a park bench on the main avenue, and people looked at us like freaks.
After lunch we walked along the promenade, passing by the beaches, La Concha and Ondarreta. Here we go around the neighborhood Miraconcha. The privileged setting where you are (facing the Bahía de la Concha ) has determined its own, since the late nineteenth century as a luxury residential area. Is occupied mostly by houses like palaces surrounded by green spaces. Creation responds to the demand for quality secondary residence of the population at that time vacationing in San Sebastian and noble classes. In this area there is the Palacio Municipal de Miramar . This building is English style and was built by the English Royal Family in the early twentieth century and sold to the City in the seventies. From here appreciate spectacular views of the Bay.
Ondarreta Besides, following all the way across the bay, we arrived at Peine del Viento (on the slopes of Mount Igueldo ) a sculpture produced by Eduardo Chillida and become another symbol of the city. It was strange but very funny because when sea water entered the force under the platform and rocks with great force air out from holes in the floor, combing your hair in the wind. This amused the children.
I woke up the truck at night and climbed the mountain Igueldo left the West to find the only campsite San Sebastian. We get there easily and put up the tent.
At night we went out to meet the move to San Sebastian . We went to the neighborhood called Old Town near the Bahía de la Concha . The city nightlife focuses mainly on three points: the Old Town, the clubs in Bahía de la Concha and premises located next to the bullring Illumbe. Here in the Old Town had a number of young people of all ages, many of whom were dancing at discos de La Concha or Illumbe with the closing of the bars in that area. The three clubs located in the bay are home to all audiences, but are considered public clubs with high purchasing power. These three clubs accommodate parties of International Film Festival San Sebastian . Illumbe Area, considered unsafe for being in a remote area of \u200b\u200bthe village, are the biggest clubs in San Sebastian, which goes a diverse and numerous. We toured several discos with a great atmosphere. Also here are several tapas bars, ie bars where one asks for a drink and they invite you to something to eat. Are small bars where people enter and remain standing next to the bar because there are caps. I liked that type of sale I do not know if it would be viable in Uruguay .
the second day in San Sebastian , had breakfast and made the draw for the communal camping equipment we had bought in Paris Carrefour, and left at the camp so nobody wanted to take for someone you need to take him. We broke everything, prepare the bags for air travel and we left with the truck and less load to the beach area and Zurriola Mount Urgull , but from the promenade could not access it (because it is accessed by the Old Town). So, we walked the promenade walk and appreciate the view of the Bahía de la Concha and Holy Island Clara from the East.
Here you can see a video documentary of the local television network ETB2 on Euskal Herria La Mirada Magica - Donostia San Sebastian. Is separated into 3 parts:
Here ended our tour and itinerary the truck and start the journey to Paris , reaching 1:00 am the next day. Why we went to Paris again? To return the truck at 8:00 am (without a single crash or break) to Renault Eurodrive in Roissy - Charles de Gaulle and even have a plane to USA. Gaston and I took the plane to Chicago at 12:05 pm, and Mauricio and Alberto to New York at 13:15 pm.
This is a video of our trucks to deliver Renault Espace in Paris:
Reaching Madrid was much anticipated by both myself and for my friends Paul and Alexander, who live and work there for about 3 years or less. This meeting was very emotional in the Puerta del Sol , sculpture and Tree Bear Madroño, representing the heraldic arms of the town of Madrid . I stayed at the house of Pablito in the town of Alcorcón , 24 km from downtown Madrid and I received considerably, with the fridge full of beers of all types, and I even cooked stew omelette Uruguayan, not eating during the trip.
But the bottom was meeting my best friend I had not seen since February 2004 and feel if nothing had changed, the two follow the same in essence. When reading this is going to laugh thinking that I'm commenting ... Toto
Madrid is the capital of Spain since 1561 from Toledo replaced. Except for a brief interval of time between 1601 and 1606, when the capital was temporarily Valladolid since then Madrid has been the capital of Spain . Madrid is not only capital, but also their province and Madrid. It houses a population of 3,155,359 inhabitants, with a metropolitan area of \u200b\u200b5,843,041, making it the sixth in Europe and the first Spain.
We arrived in Madrid and everything was going well, we follow the viamichelin.es to the letter and everything seemed very easy. We went to give a direction that was not right, because there were two streets with the same name but 24 km away. So rather than go to the home of Paul when I got Madrid, I had to go the next day, and this first day I went to sleep at the hostel "Las Torres", near the Puerta del Sol , Leon street No. 29 between the street and the street Atocha de las Huertas. It is a highly recommended hostel which cost us 18 euros per person. The double room with double bed costs 40 euros. Best is its location and the friendly attention from their owners. Your phone is +34 914 291 704 This is the location on a map: http://www.hotelsearch.com/v/ Las_Torres_Madrid / en / FgRNulHCaZA / home.html
the other day I met Paul in the Puerta del Sol and with my mates van and Mauricio Gaston and Michael (that we found in Barcelona), we hooked on a free walkingtour to see major Madrid attractions .
Here in Puerta del Sol is the true heart of Madrid , is one of the favorite places for locals and also the rest of the English. Here is the kilometer 0 of the English road network and the old clock on the post office among other things. This watch, as tradition dictates, either live together and live or via television cameras, hundreds of thousands of people around the country to hear the twelve strokes of Eve. From the Puerta del Sol Plaza born street price, which is the most commercial Madrid, or the Huertas area. It is very busy both day and night for its tapas bars and discos at night. The popular name of this place comes from the medieval gate was here, facing the sun on the road to Alcalá de Henares. Although its origins date back to the fifteenth century, the urban configuration of the Puerta del Sol goes back to the reign of Isabel II (1833-1868). It is then, when faced with the need to open new streets and squares and buildings of public utility building, the plaza takes its unique elliptical shape. Of the old buildings are preserved only the post office, now the seat of the Presidency of the Community of Madrid .
The tour began on Arenal Street, a pedestrian who was born in the Puerta del Sol Plaza and pass by the Plaza de Isabel II (1833-1868). From here we went to the Campo del Moro and Plaza de Oriente where the Royal Palace with the beautiful gardens of Sabatini in front. It seems that they built the Alcazar Arabs in the ninth century, expanded later by the Austrians, was completely burned on Christmas Eve 1734. It then built a palace more according to the official life of the kingdom, imitating the major European courts. It is built entirely of stone, combining white granite and stone. Here at the Plaza de Oriente is the equestrian statue of Philip IV, a seventeenth century work cast in the workshops of Florence by Pietro Tacca, in which Galileo himself intervened to ensure the stability of the piece holds only on the horse's hind legs. Also among the buildings surrounding the square, highlighting the Teatro Real, opened in 1850 and renovated in 1990 where he became one of the most prestigious opera houses in the country.
kept walking in that area and there was the Almudena Cathedral, which was consecrated in 1993 by Pope John Paul II. Construction began in 1883, shortly before the establishment of the bishopric of Madrid - Alcalá to the new temple would one day become the Cathedral of Madrid . Very curious what happened during construction because according to the initial project, the building had to follow a neo-Gothic style, but delays in the works, and especially its proximity to the Royal Palace , they finally built a neoclassical style in the design abroad. Here in 2004 was the wedding between Prince Felipe de Borbon and Letizia Ortiz.
We passed a bridge from where we had a view of House, which is a very green park (1,800 hectares being the largest Madrid) where King Philip II used to go to get married until they became extinct bears. This park was opened in 1931 and is the zoo, aquarium and amusement park. Since this bridge is also used to throw suicide until she became a high glass railing.
From here we visited the neighborhood of the Habsburgs. Came to the throne of the House of Habsburg, personified in the figure of Carlos I, Madrid meant for the beginning of a brighter stage of its history. It was his successor, King Philip II, who in 1561 became the capital city of Spain . They talk about " Madrid de los Austrias" is speaking from a stage of development, change and prosperity that left a deep mark in the first term in its religious architecture. More than seventy buildings, including churches and monasteries were built or renovated during the seventeenth century.
Here we toured the streets of the roll, and the streets of Madrid , until you reach the Plaza de la Villa. There were some very attractive buildings which are from different eras. La Casa de la Villa was built in the sixteenth century. Opposite the Town Hall stands the Tower and House of Lujanes, XV century. Next to it is the former City Newspaper, a Moorish-style mansion. La Casa de Cisneros, the sixteenth century, is an example of Plateresque art, but restored in 1915 is visible from the square. In the center of the square stands the statue of Don Alvaro de Bazán, admiral of the "Invincible Armada" of Philip II built in 1888. The City Hall is the oldest civil building Madrid.
Then we went through the streets of knife where we were in the oldest restaurant called Sobrino de Botin Oven Grill, which opened in 1725. Outside has a Guinness Record Square. There you can eat for 36 euros.
This video shows them the Madrid de los Austrias:
From here we went through a hidden area taverns in basements, which are very crowded at night, and entered through the Arco de Cuchilleros , which is one of the entrances to the Plaza Mayor of Madrid . As for civil architecture, the Plaza Mayor of Madrid is the most significant " Madrid de los Austrias." It was on an old medieval square between 1617 and 1619 at the request of Philip III, who wanted give the city a venue for various festivals start. This square of 120x100 meters can host 50,000 people, and was the scene of royal ceremonies, theater performances, fireworks and even bullfights. In their buildings detaca House Bakery, which was reserved for kings from there follow the various acts, and whose ground floor was the village bakery. In this place, under his passive is full of fine restaurants, but very poorly served by the waiters, and there are also antique shops for souvenirs and antiques. In the center of the square was erected the equestrian statue of Felipe III, who was laid in 1847 when he performed here last bullfight.
Then we went to the neighborhood of the Bourbons, and saw in the first section of the Calle de Alcala (which ends at Puerta de Alcalá ) The first building constructed there.
Alcalá Street is one of the main arteries of Madrid and surely the most famous. Was once the road to Aragon. Its great transformation began to take shape in the seventeenth century, when hospitals were built, monasteries and churches. Today it has become an important financial and commercial center, but still retains the aristocratic air. Many buildings Calle de Alcala to retain their ancient monuments. One is the Real Casa de la Aduana, is now the headquarters of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. It is a XVIII century building, whose facade is considered one of the best examples of neo-classical art in Madrid .
Each of the buildings we saw here was built by a French architect. Up to that point had here a Parismanía. Then the second and third tranches of the avenue were built with a more American style, because they were made between 1920 to 1935, and in those years the big city was no longer Paris, Paris was the past, the future New York was . Ended at the Avenida de la Gran Vía and here to get to the Plaza de Cibeles ended walkingtour free.
In the Plaza de Cibeles is the Fountain of Cibeles, the work designed by Ventura Rodriguez in 1777 and dedicated to the goddess of fertility. This place seemed like the most beautiful because here the confluence of the Calle de Alcala, the Gran Via the Paseo del Prado and Paseo de Recoletos. It is also surrounded by impressive buildings, which contribute to forming a majestic setting. Here in this place we saw the Bank of Spain the Buenavista Palace, the Palacio de Linares and the Palacio de Comunicaciones .
then continue along the Calle de Alcala and came to the Plaza de la Independencia, where one of the most famous monuments Madrid, the Puerta de Alcalá . It was built by the architect Francisco Sabatini in 1778 by Charles III, to perform one of the entrances to the city. The Puerta de Alcalá is a splendid example of neoclassical art , thanks to the beauty and harmony of its lines and proportions. It has five arches and several sculptures carved by Francisco Gutierrez and Robert Michel.
Then we saw the Puerta de Toledo is less monumental than the Puerta de Alcalá , but is the only other door in the city that has survived to this day. Its construction was completed in 1827 and the sculptures that decorate it are an allegory of Spain protecting Sciences and Letters.
Then we went to the Jardines del Buen Retiro . The park was opened in 1868 when the revolution ended the reign of Isabel II. It occupies an area of \u200b\u200b12 hectares, and acquired the French style gardens in the eighteenth century the arrival of the Bourbons to the throne of Spain . Here is a pond or lake where paddle boats for rent and in front is the great monument to Alfonso XII. Then there is the Crystal Palace Retiro, a nineteenth-century greenhouse iron and glass, now rumored to hold art exhibitions. I went and inside there were piles of wood for fuel. It is unfortunate that so use this Crystal Palace. Rest stop at the park a few minutes lying on the grass and then we went to tour the Paseo de los Recoletos.
opened in 1858 this ride, and built the palaces of the Madrid's new middle class. The same term in the Plaza de Colón . We got there and saw the Torres de Colón (from 88 meters high, built in 1976) and the monument to Christopher Columbus.
late lunch 18:30 hs reinforcements such immense and we went down the Paseo de la Castellana Santiago Bernabeu stadium of Real Madrid , opened in 1947. They found out the prices to go see the Real Madrid game with Real Betis in three days.
The Walk of Castellana Azca saw the complex where the Torre Picasso stand 157 meters tall and 43 floors, which is the tallest building in Madrid , and Torre Europa, circular and 31 floors.
Then in the Plaza de Castilla saw the rare inclined Torres Puerta de Europa or KIO, which are a symbol of the new Madrid. These towers reach 120 meters in height. Here in the cold front is a monument to Calvo Sotelo where there was a spectacular model taking provocative photos.
From there we took the metro at Plaza de Castilla to the Anton Martin station where I got my clothes and went to see the house of Paul in Alcorcón and give a hug to Ales, the brother of Paul. I stayed there during my stay in Madrid and I received novel. Then I went to meet Paul's girlfriend, named Maria, and his family. I fell very well and I think it is in good hands. We were talking pile of many issues and then to sleep that tomorrow will be tough.
the third day in Madrid , had breakfast with Paul and as now playing visit the Museo del Prado , he was not caught because he embolism, and only went underground to look for my truck at the hostel mates. From there we went to Puerta del Sol to meet with Michael (who was staying at a friend's) and the first thing we visited was the Paseo del Prado with Neptune fountain (with typical trident Neptune) in the Plaza Canovas del Castillo. Then the power of Apollo, which is a recognition of Carlos III for his advocacy of the arts and sciences. Later, the monument on May 2 that is a tribute to all those who gave their lives for Spain , and had an open flame as if it were a monument to the Unknown Soldier.
In Prado Museum, the anecdote was to reach the box office. It fell to me to make the speech and the scene knew it was not encouraging for press credentials because some friends had bounced. Then I played it and showed her student card, what I told the cashier that he was only allowed the admission of students under 25 years. Then the fight and asked him to show me on the computer where he said that. That was, I put on screen and there different prices below said free press. Then with lightning speed, we were told journalism students at the Catholic University and since we had also our press card in order to make our first notes. When I told this good man agreed and said "Ah, move on, the press is free." My companions were tempted to laugh and obviously passed all free.
The Museo del Prado was built in 1785 in neoclassical style. It was good, very well explained all the works, it took two hours to go around. It is a pity that we were not allowed to take photos. We just took picture from outside with its main facade and the monument to Velázquez. We saw the best collection of English paintings from Romanesque to the nineteenth century, including the great masters like El Greco, Velázquez and Goya, and a rare display of the major European schools of painting, with works by Raphael among others.
Then keep walking the Paseo del Prado and arrive at the Atocha station where we met his station emissions and high humidity environment. I tell you something of transport in Madrid : Currently Madrid Metro is the second network meters Western Europe's largest (after London) and sixth in the world, with 226.729 km and 13 lines. Public Company railways (RENFE ) operates in almost all English railway lines. The railway stations most important are the Madrid Atocha (officially Puerta de Atocha), and Chamartín . There is also a network of high speed trains currently growing, departing from Madrid .
Outside the station Atocha, beside the bus station there is a memorial to civilians killed in the attacks of March 11, 2004 that took place here.
Here we take a subway from Atocha to Tribunal and there combine with another subway and got off at Santiago Bernabeu to go to the stadium and buy tickets for tomorrow's match between Real Madrid and Real Betis. We spend c / u 30 euros for a west side entrance of the 4th ring. Then visit the clothing store at the stadium.
Then I took the subway Santiago Bernabeu at the station to South Gate and from there I took another to Alcorcón. There I met with Paul and me to give a tour of Alcorcón, showing primarily as this is all organized. Everything is designed from the urban point of view, thinking about all the services and grouped by different types. Also went to a park and then to dinner or to the Uruguayan stew.
At night we went out to know the nightlife of Madrid . We got together with my friends in Puerta del Sol and there we did a tour of three pubs and then ended up in a nightclub. Pubs were the Dublin (Ireland), Corleone (Argentina) and Sol & Sombra. The club was called the Night of Madrid. He was very amused by the move of the locals. After the tour we went to sleep in the van that was in the private parking Atocha, because to go to Alcorcón had to wait to open the meters.
the fourth day in Madrid , we left the van, Paul went home and I went to the hostel of Chiquilines. We wash clothes, lunch at Burger King and went to hit an overhaul of Madrid without much direction, to achieve a good understanding of the city and take a good impression of it. We went grand avenues, now without a guide, a slower pace now. We went through the streets of Seville, Gran Vía , La Gran Vía was the main artery of Madrid early twentieth century and is today a bustling avenue that focuses each day to thousands of locals and visitors, thanks the large number of stores. There I bought a bag because we leave the van in a few days and I have one suitcase on the plane when I can carry two. Older buildings of this popular avenue is located in the stretch between the Calle de Alcala and the source of the Red de San Luis. Here we saw the Metropolis building, built in 1905 by French architects Jules and Raymond Février. Walking down the Gran Vía arrived at the Plaza of Spain it was a market garden area at the time of the Arabs. In the middle of last century were built here two of its landmarks, the Tower of Madrid and Building Spain. This plaza has a large and busy esplanade is at the center since 1915, the monument to Cervantes. Here also, we took pictures with the statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza to side of the monument to Cervantes.
Then we went to Plaza de Oriente where we took pictures with the Royal Palace . Here we are with Michael and managed to go to the game of Real Madrid today. Then we walked along the Calle Arenal, a pedestrian who was born in the Plaza de Oriente and reach the Puerta del Sol Plaza . The walk across and reach the Puerta del Sol Plaza and went to the hostel of Chiquilines to rest a bit before going to the party.
Then, we took the metro Anton Martin Station to Station Court and there combine with the line that goes to Hospital 10 North and get off at the station Santiago Bernabeu. We came out early and had a lively atmosphere, with all the fans coming to the court. Here there are the white bars of Amsterdam and Colombes, everyone was well dressed, there was no problem. He did not feel that sense of insecurity that is outside our Estadio Centenario. Here we find Paul, Ales, Miguel and his friend. I was surprised how easy and fast access to the rostrum. One enters the spiral stairs are 4 towers the outside of the stadium. It was a very nice experience to have seen match between Real Madrid and Real Betis . The stadium is incredible ally, had to gas heat for spectators. Real Madrid won the 2 to 0 and was quite a party. After the game I went with Paul and Ales to Alcorcón. Here we go have a drink to two bowling with some friends of Paul's gym, and his girlfriend Maria and her mom. Although they were all older, like 40-something, have fun, there were jokes and laughter are very funny how they talk and express themselves in Madrid.
the fifth day in Madrid, with Paul we went to the parking Atocha (where was the truck) and there we met up with Mauricio, Gaston, Miguel and Alberto who had arrived that day from Barcelona. We went to visit the ancient medieval city of Toledo . The UNESCO declared the city of Toledo Cultural Heritage of Humanity, 28 November 1986. Toledo was the capital of Spain until after 1561 was replaced by Madrid.
On the way we buy something for Breakfast and lunch then here. We left the truck empty public parking and enter the city through the door hinge, which is the natural entrance road to the city, has always been the most accessible, since the time of the Arabs.
Walking along its narrow streets we arrived at the Plaza de Zocodover, which was full of retirees and there I sat on a bench with the typical English with their berets and their staffs. Then we climbed the hill of Cervantes and try to enter the Palace and its museums. This was used by the Romans as a military garrison Pretoria. From here started the line of walls of the "Toletum" that pass under the Arco de la Sangre, still detected along the streets of Arms, to the Paseo del Miradero. This building has suffered several fires and rebuild. For this reason, 6 years ago is being restored, then we could not go inside. Just from up here we saw a very nice view of the surroundings and the Academia de los Infantes, with the phrase on its facade "All for the Fatherland."
Then we go down the small street "Calle Cupcakes Oven, with tall houses, with their lanterns, its gates, and balconies with flowers.
We arrived at the Cathedral Santa Maria de Toledo . Also called the Cathedral of Toledo , headquarters of the Archdiocese of Toledo , and is a building considered the magnum opus Gothic style in Spain. Construction began in 1226 under the reign of Ferdinand III and Gothic latest contributions were in the fifteenth century when in 1493 closed the vaults of the foot of the nave, at the time of the Catholic Monarchs . It is built with white stone Olihuelas (in term of See this picture ). It is popularly known as Dives Toletana (in the sense of the rich Toledo).
The Cathedral had a very particular history: the city of Toledo was conquered by Alfonso VI, King of Castile in 1085. One point of capitulation who made the surrender of the city without bloodshed was the promise of this king to preserve and respect the places of worship, customs and religion of both Muslims and the large population Mozarabic , of \u200b\u200bcourse, the mosque was covered that commitment. Soon after, the king had to leave for reasons of state, leaving the front of the city his wife Constance and the abbot of Sahagún Sedirac Bernard (or Bernard of Cluny), which had been elevated to the rank of archbishop of Toledo . These two characters, by mutual agreement and in the absence of the king, led an unfortunate fact which, according to the Mariana in his General History of Spain , was about to provoke a rebellion and lifting and unwanted debris from the newly conquered city.
The issue was that on October 25 1087 of the archbishop (in accordance with Queen Constance) sent armed men to be owned by the strength of the mosque compound. After this set, set up a temporary altar and placed a hood on the minaret , following the Christian custom to "throw dirt from the law of Mohammed." Mariana account that King Alfonso VI was so angry when he learned what had happened neither the Archbishop nor the queen managed to appease and death sentence handed down for almost everyone involved. Legend has it that Muslims were the intermediaries to achieve true peace, the figure of the negotiator and Abu Walid alfaqui who brought the king a message of tolerance in which it was said that counterfeit accepted as legitimate. In remembrance and gratitude for this gesture, the Cabildo tribute dedicated and commissioned his portrait to place in one of the pillars of the chapel, thus perpetuating his memory. Following that event, the Toledo mosque was consecrated and converted into a Christian cathedral, without hardly any changes in its structure.
We entered the cathedral by the Puerta clock, which is the oldest of the early XIV and is in the front of the north side. I found a very overloaded Cathedral, that is, with many golden ornaments, stained glass and paintings.
then walked down the street Chapinería and came to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Here is the City Hall, formerly of the regiment, which was begun in 1575 and was completed in 1703. There seems but a church council.
Later we went to the house where "El Greco" and where you saw the Bridge of San Martín. For this bridge came to town coal, Pedra granite for buildings, and even went on livestock.
Here we passed the San Juan de los Reyes with its huge granite walls. The starting point of this building is the Battle of Toro (1476) to decide the succession to the throne of Castile, among the followers of the Beltraneja and the young princes loyal to Ferdinand and Isabella. The victory reaffirmed the throne at the royal couple, and as a milestone event, Isabel decides to build the Temple and Monastery and Royal Pantheon.
Then
pass through the bridge of Alcantara, who although in Arabic means "The Bridge", its origin is Roman. This bridge was severely damaged by the rebels of Toledo in the struggle for reducing the obedience of Córdoba.
lunch
reinforcements huge ham and cheese, and take the van to go find a vantage point to appreciate the city of Toledo . We found it and the view was excellent.
the sixth day in Madrid , said goodbye to Paul and Ales, thanked them for how I tried and went to the hostel of Chiquilines, we loaded the van and went to San Sebastian, northern Spain .
phone I recommend you visit Madrid Enjoy trying to help on the trip, they know how to get there, what bus to take, the best place to sleep, and many more tips from other travelers like us. Look
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia ( Spain) and the homonymous province . It is situated on the seafront Mediterranean, about 120 km south of the mountain chain Pyrenees and the border with France On a plain bounded by the sea in the east, the coastal mountain range (Sierra de Collserola ) west, the river Llobregat south and Besós north. These conditions do not allow it to grow in size, is as boxed.
With a population of 1,593,075 inhabitants Barcelona is the second largest city by population Spain behind Madrid and tenth of the Union European.
Barcelona has hosted many world events that helped shape the city and give it international exposure. The most important have been the Universal and International Exhibition 1888 and 1929 respectively, and Summer Olympics 1992. In 2004 there was another international event, or Forum 2004 Universal Forum of Cultures .
We arrived at Barcelona by Highway (at rush hour the highways are impassable ). The traffic here is complicated by the slow and bindings. There are billboards on the side of the highway that encourage moving train in saying this: "if you can read this sign is not going to the center by train."
Arriving in the city are located the hostel Hi Barcelona - Mare de Deu de Montserrat in a quiet area of \u200b\u200bBarcelona. We were surprised to meet a beautiful building of great historical and architectural value. There we left our truck mate Matthias who began a new stage of your journey where you travel alone by Barcelona, \u200b\u200bMadrid , Chicago, Washington and New York, and remain in the homes of relatives and friends or acquaintances. In the same hostel we got Michael (the commissioner Systems or mustard), a friend of the GV and he walked together Barcelona and Madrid .
Then and now at night we went to the home of a known Uruguayan Mauritius we stayed at home, with a kindness that can only bring the people inside. He and his wife received us incredibly and stayed at home for three nights.
We made a dinner toast with tomatoes and prosciutto to lick your fingers, and did a nice desktop playing various topics. Then we took a walk in order to see an overview of the city, we walked basically everything that we would know within three days.
the second day in Barcelona get up 9:30 am, a quick breakfast and went to Guinardó subway station and got off at the station Urquinaona. We stayed at the Plaza de Catalunya where we are already with the movement of "La Mercé 07", which is what we here call "the holidays." Really are as festivals where Catalans enjoy shows, concerts, dances, and other events.
After obtaining a good map of the city in the English Court we went for a walk along the promenade. Here the promenade leading from the Plaza de Catalunya to the old harbor, ending at Plaza Columbus. It's called " wadi" (in Catalan Les Rambles) as each section has a different name, until the pier and bridge. Las Ramblas is one of the rides seemed to me more attractive, because it is full of people day and late into the night. There are newsagents, flowers, birds and pets, street performers, cafes, restaurants and shops. Near the port you can usually find street vendors (and Uruguay) as well as painters and artists. We walk down Las Ramblas, La Boqueria market, where I loved how they were arranged or presented fruit and other products for sale. Side streets also have a special charm. One of them ended at the Plaza of the IP where there was a fair of souvenirs, and then we arrived at the Plaza Nova which was the Cathedral of Barcelona full of scaffolding and covered by a red cloth. There also was a stage with a performance of "La Mercé 07. From there we went to the Plaza de Sant Jaume, where buildings are Generalitat of Catalonia and Barcelona City Council .
We follow a narrow but lively streets to the Gothic Quarter where we found a building on the ground floor is part of the ruins of the Roman walls.
then flows where they end Las Ramblas near the old port, there was the statue of Christopher Columbus pointing towards the sea. Nearby were the shipyards of the Middle Ages , which built the ships that sailed around the Mediterranean . This area is the old port and offers other attractions such as an entertainment center with shops, restaurants, a cinema IMAX and the largest aquarium Mediterranean marine fauna.
returned
After by Las Ramblas and we went along a lane a few meters in length, which led us to the Plaza Real (cat.Plaça Reial), a plaza with palm trees and buildings with porches with bars and restaurants, and in which weekends together collectors stamps and coins . Here was a caravan of motorcycles with sidecar of all colors and patterns.
From here try to see the Guell Palace, but restoration was all covered with Adami and fabrics. We returned to Las Ramblas and had a very lively atmosphere with a group of entertainers on stilts and drummers playing and drums.
found out for a lunch spot called "All You Can Eat", which means "all you can eat", so we broke the mouth with dessert and drink included for 9, 95 euros. After lunch we went to a typical neighborhood Catalan Modernism, with its characteristic buildings, square blocks of songs sectioned (diagonal corners), its leafy streets and broad avenues.
went there to Passeig de Sant Joan to visit the Arc de Triomphe (built for the Universal Exhibition , 1888). I must say that of Paris impressed me this does not change.
Then take Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes and Passeig de Gracia arrived to see the Amatller House built between 1898 and 1900, the Casa Batllo (filled and ceramic tiles ) , and Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera "(with original fireplaces and balconies). The last two houses are works by the famous architect Antonio Gaudí . Also in Barcelona belong to him, the church the unfinished Sagrada Familia , and the wonderful Guell Park (with stairways and columns ).
We take the metro green line station to station Diagonal Espanya to see the Plaza Spain. There is the Plaza de Toros Arenas call Barcelona (which was amended), the exhibition grounds of the Fira de Barcelona , the Palace of Congresses Barcelona and the Palau Nacional . This is the most significant work Montjuich. Was carried out for the Universal Exhibition of 1929, and was built as a monumental, eclectic building, culminating in a majestic dome. Here is the headquarters of the National Museum of Catalan Art, which showcases collections of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Here is the light source Montjuich , known as the Magic Fountain. We recommend going at night to view this source, but did not give us time.
As night fell and we went back to fit and we are getting ready to watch the match for Barcelona against Sevilla.
the third day in Barcelona get up 9:30 am, breakfast very strong and we went to Guinardó subway station and got off at the station Barceloneta. Is a typical neighborhood of sailors, with medium and buildings all the same. Although the occasion of the Olympic Games suffered a sweeping transformation, yet still retains its aroma sailor.
There
walk along the promenade from the beach of Barceloneta. It seems that the beaches of Barcelona is one of the attractions that has built Barcelona in recent years. Thanks to the regeneration of the coast made in 1992 , during the Olympics , Barcelona now has six beaches that occupy more than 4.2 linear miles of coastline. The beaches are full downtown, are well communicated and are located just minutes from anywhere in the city. The beaches are subjected to cleaning every day throughout the year. The six beaches are, from east to west, the beach of San Sebastian, Barceloneta, New Icaria, Bogatell, Mar Bella and Nova Mar Bella. In the latter there is a space reserved for nude sunbathing.
We walked along the beach to the Poble Nou where the Olympic Village, a new district created on the occasion of the 1992 Olympics including Olympic Marina. There stand two tall towers: the Hotel Arts and the Torre Mapfre. His height, about 150 meters, is similar to that of the new Torre Agbar (2003).
From there we took the metro yellow Bogatell to Verdaguer station in which we combine with the blue line and got off at the station Sagrada Familia to see the greatest work of famous architect Antonio Gaudí . It appears that Gaudí left unfinished Sagrada Familia church and continues to be built in the same way as the cathedrals in the Middle Ages, with donations and contributions. On the basis of modern construction, is scheduled for completion by 2020. The church will have 18 towers that symbolize the 12 apostles, the 4 Evangelists, the Virgin and Jesus Christ (which should be the highest to stand out from the others.)
From here we Gaudí Avenue pedestrian section which has a restaurant with tables crowded. Here we come to strange Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau . This is another work of Catalan Modernism but not Gaudí but the architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner . It occupies 9 blocks of houses in the enlargement of Barcelona (where are all perfect square blocks) and the architect built it in a diagonal to the grid extension to show their disagreement with that straight Cerdá Plan. It is composed of specialized pavilions whose connections are made through underground tunnels, as there is outside an area with gardens and fountains. This was very strange to see young people taking the sun in the courtyard of a hospital.
There we took the metro blue in the Hospital de Sant Pau station to Sants Station and there combine with the green line to the station Palau Reial, where we visited the gardens of the Palacio Real de Pedralbes.
From here we walked to the stadium of FC Barcelona Nou Camp called, through the Gran Hotel Princesa Sofia is where players stay away teams before each game. We were at the door but had just closed and there was no press card is worth. Here had been the game yesterday between Barcelona and Sevilla. Here I learned the Nou Camp tomorrow turned 50 and Foster presented a draft where you become the Camp Nou stadium with lots of color reference, and also kind of modernist works do not affect sports.
Then we take the blue metro at the station at Plaza de Sants Collblanc in which we combine with the red line to the station Espanya. We spent by the great cultural center Caixa Forum, which is installed in the former textile factory modernist Roman House, designed by Puig, 1908. Since its opening in 2002 has become one of the most visited art centers of the city.
continue toward the Pueblo Espanyol where we just free because it was the People's Festival because of the Fiestas de la Mercé 07. The English Village is on the right of the magic fountains of Montjuic , and enters the door of Avila. Was carried out for the Universal Exhibition of 1929, was born with the spirit of becoming the synthesis of monumental Spain, combining in a picturesque village, representative samples of traditional architecture of the different areas of Spain. This was a very nice ride for a ride was different from what we were seeing in Barcelona.
At night we went back to fit, omelette dinner and went to sleep, after thanking the people so friendly that we received at home and made us feel right at home in Uruguay .
Barcelona was our last stop in the Mediterranean then take the route north to Madrid .
