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El jardín del Turia / The Turia Garden (Valencia)

Streets and monuments, Valencia

turia garden

Valencia has about 800,000 inhabitants being the third largest city in Spain. The Turia garden (Jardín del Turia) is one of the most visited parks of Valencia, and it is placed in the centre of the city, close to the City of Arts and Sciences.

Its name comes from the Turia river, because it is located in the dried bed of this river after being changed the original course of the river. In fact, on 14th October 1957, Valencia was flooded by the Turia river once again, and the river overflowed its banks causing considerable damage in the city and surroundings. The flash flood was so devastating that the Government decided to divert the course of the river far away from Valencia City in order to avoid other floods in the future.

Nowadays, the Turia Garden is a public green park of more than 7,000 metres long being covered its more than 1,000,000 square metres with great variety of trees, plants ,flowers, herbs, grass, many fountains, several sports areas, some playgrounds, a lot of places to relax and rest, so on.

 

What to see in The Turia Garden

Being the Turia Garden one of the most visited park in Spain it is also the largest park in a metropolitan area in Spain. It starts at the Valencia Zoo goes through more than 15 emblematic bridges and finishes at the breathtaking City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia (La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias de Valencia).

The Turia Garden has plenty of leisure activities including several playgrounds for children and a little funny train to go sightseeing around the park. However, children must not miss the fantastic Gulliver Park, which is placed inside the Turia Garden, it is a colossal statue of Gulliver where the children can go into to play.

Visitors will be spellbound when they come across the big iron statues while they are strolling in the park, enjoy the lovely places with a lot of benches to sit down when they want to admire an artwork. Besides, they can also do all kinds of sports in the excellent facilities, such as baseball, football, basketball, rugby, cycling and others.

It is very easy to arrive at the Turia Garden, it is in the city centre. However, it can take several days to visit the whole city.

 

 

Other interesting sites to visit in Valencia

– Silk Market: A must for visitors who arrive in Valencia is the Silk Market ( la Lonja de la Seda) a masterwork of the 15th century declared a world Heritage site by UNESCO in 1996.

– City of Arts and Sciences: Visitors interested in architecture, art, nature and sciences should visit the amazing City of Arts and Sciences (la Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias de Valencia), designed by the architect Santiago Calatrava.

– “Las Fallas” festivals: Most visitors to Valencia enjoy the bonfires in the Fallas de Valencia Festival on the 19th March, it is a unique experience to go for a walk through its lively streets.

– The beach: Most tourists spend spare time in they sunny beaches of white sand. Do not miss out the traditional delicious paella dish. Do not forget the historical centre of the city.

Plaza del Torico / Torico Square (Teruel)

Celebrations, Streets and monuments, Teruel

torico square

Teruel is a small aragonese city of 36.000 inhabitants. It is between Zaragoza (173 km.) and Valencia (173 km.).

The Torico Square of Teruel (Plaza Carlos Castel, popularly known as “Plaza del Torico”), is the most important meeting point of the citizens in Teruel, and it is so called because of its history and customs. In fact, the King Alfonso II de Aragon and Earl of Barcelona, “El trovador” ( 1157-1196) founded Teruel in this point in 1170, since a black bull with a fire torch on his head appeared in this place after conquering the site. In this lively square there is a drinking water round fountain built in 1858, and in the middle of the fountain there is one high column with a tiny black statue of a bull on its top. This lovely square with an outstanding design is the icon of local people.

Being the heart of Teruel, the Torico square is ideally situated at the crossroad of seven traditional streets which go to the main places of the city. The Torico Square and its statue are the most famous landmarks of Teruel. It is not only popular with the tourists because its restaurants and surroundings but also its festivals, its typical porches, the beautiful buildings, its architecture, its museums, its gastronomy and so on.

It takes about one day to visit Teruel on foot. Visitors interested in culture should not miss the four mudejar towers, they were declared a World Heritage site in 1986 by UNESCO. Also, don’t forget the spellbinding unique Territorio Dinópolis.

 

 

Teruel celebrations: “The Angel Festival”

Most tourists to Teruel want to enjoy the “The Angel Festival” (or “Fiestas del Angel / Fiestas de las Vaquillas”) on 5th of July. During a week the Torico square comes alive with thousands of people who wear the traditional red cachirulo (a red neckerchief). They can run around the bulls, dance all the night, listen to the live music, drink regional wine, taste the delightful ham of Teruel in the Torico square and in the area. By the way, they can also see the citizens climbing the column and put a small red cachirulo to bull statue, watch fire bull (toro de fuego) (a bull with a fire torch on his head) running through the streets of Teruel.

 

Another interesting festival in Teruel: The Weddings of Isabel de Segura

People interested in medieval Festivals must not miss the Weddings of Isabel de Segura festival which is performed in the streets of Teruel by local people who wear medieval clothes style. Furthermore, the character of Isabel really comes alive during the representation of the Lovers of Teruel, and markets, taverns and all sorts of performs go back to 13th century.

In fact, Teruel becomes a medieval city where tourists and citizens can enjoy it together in February every year.

 

More places to visit near Teruel

– Mudejar Towers of Teruel: Teruel attracts visitors from all over the world in order to see its beautiful Mudéjar Towers of Santa Maria, San Pedro and Salvador and San Martín , which were declared World of Heritage sites in 1986 by UNESCO.

– Aragón: Read here more about this region, placed in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula and in the south of France. Read also our post about the Top cities and monuments of Spain

Basilica de la Sagrada Familia / Church of the Holy Family (Barcelona)

Barcelona, Emblematic buildings

SagradaFamilia

The Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family, known as “La Sagrada Familia”, is obviously one of the most beautiful building of Barcelona. Although its construction began in 1882, nobody really knows when it will be finished. It is said that in 2030, it will have been completed with 18 towers. ( one dedicated to Jesus, other to Mary, 12 to the apostles and 4 to the evangelists ).

sagrada familiaNowadays, this wonderful church has more than enough artwork to be the landmark most visited of Barcelona, therefore it is a must for tourists that arrive in the Condal City see its outstanding architecture, design and sculptures. It is well worth a visit inside or outside.

One can have heard other visitors talk about the spectacular Sagrada Familia, but until oneself sees it, it is impossible to imagine its absolutely unique artwork. Visitors will be absolutely spellbound when they look up and see the wonderful colourway of its stained glass windows, its high columns and the amazing ceiling. Besides, taking the lift to the towers (about 55 metres height one and 75 metres height another), they can see a breathtaking view of Barcelona, and go down the unbelievable narrow spiral staircase.

In addition, this church had been begun its construction in 1882 by the architect Francisco de Paula del Villar Lozano (1828-1901) who quit the direction of the project in 1883. Anyway, Antoni Gaudí i Cornet (1852-1926) designed the current project and directed the building from 1883 until his death on the 10th June of 1926. In fact, The Sagrada Familia is the masterwork of Antonio Gaudí, who was buried in the crypt of this church.

To add, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.

Queues are very long, so tourists should book the ticket in advance to avoid the wait. It is in city centre. Better go on foot.

More monuments designed by Antoni Gaudí

– Casa Mila: Popularly known as La Pedrera, Casa Mila is a unique modernist building located at Paseo de Gracia. The building was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí and built between 1906 and 1912.

– The Güell Park: People who visit the beautiful Güell Park can enjoy strolling in its area, sitting down on its decorated benches or admiring its fantastic architecture and the perfection the artwork.

More popular places to visit in Barcelona

– Las Ramblas Avenue: Las Ramblas goes from Catalonia Square to the seaport, and it has a lot of cafes, terraces, pubs and discotheques. In the end of the street, there is the Cristobal Colon statue, one of the icons of Barcelona.

– La Barceloneta beach: In summer, you can sunbathe or swim in the beach of La Barceloneta, which is 5 minutes walking from Las Ramblas – Columbus Statue.

– Columbus Monument (Monumento a Colón): One of the most famous statues of Barcelona city. It was built in 1888 for a Universal Exposition and it represents a statue of Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colon) above a pillar, pointing with his right hand to the sea.

 

If you want to visit the whole county, read also our post about the best cities and monuments in Spain.

Parque Güell / The Güell Park (Barcelona)

Barcelona, Streets and monuments

guell park
The spellbinding Güell Park (Parque Güell) was designed, planned and built by the architect Antoni Gaudí Cornet (1852-1926), being constructed between 1900 and 1914. It is one of the most emblematic site of Barcelona. Its construction was ordered by the wealthy Eusebi Güell Bacigalupi, Earl of Güell (1852-1918), who died in his house of this park. The stunning park is located in a strategic place of  Barcelona – the Condal City, having a breathtaking views of Barcelona and its surroundings.

People who visit the beautiful Güell Park can enjoy strolling in its area, sitting down on its decorated benches or admiring its fantastic architecture and the perfection the artwork. Therefore, if visitors touch its scultures, they will realize the experience of feeling the shapes and the colorful of its artwork, such as the dragon, the 86 colums, the benches, the stairway, so on.

On the other hand, City Hall bought this park in 1922 to become a lively public park. Occupying more than 15 hectares the park has several buildings, a lot of plants and trees (palms, oaks, pines), by the way, the house in the park in which Gaudí lived from 1906 until 1925 is now a museum of furniture designed by Gaudí called Gaudí House Museum.

To sum up, The Güell Park is certainly worth a visit although it takes several hours to see the whole park. In fact, it is said that more than 3,000,000 people a year visit the park. To add, UNESCO declared the Güell Park a World Heritage Site in 1984.

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes. It is near city center. It takes 50 minutes on foot, 30 minutes by bus and 15 minutes in car or taxi to arrive at the park.

More monuments designed by Antoni Gaudí

– Church of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia): It is a must for tourists that arrive in the Condal City see its outstanding architecture, design and sculptures.

– Casa Mila: Popularly known as La Pedrera, Casa Mila is a unique modernist building located at Paseo de Gracia. The building was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí and built between 1906 and 1912.

 

More popular places to visit in Barcelona

– Las Ramblas Avenue: Las Ramblas goes from Catalonia Square to the seaport, and it has a lot of cafes, terraces, pubs and discotheques. In the end of the street, there is the Cristobal Colon statue, one of the icons of Barcelona.

– Columbus Monument (Monumento a Colón): One of the most famous statues of Barcelona city. It was built in 1888 for a Universal Exposition and it represents a statue of Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colon) above a pillar, pointing with his right hand to the sea.

– La Barceloneta beach: In summer, you can sunbathe or swim in the beach of La Barceloneta, which is 5 minutes walking from Las Ramblas – Columbus Statue.

Palacio de la Aljafería / The Aljaferia Palace (Zaragoza)

Emblematic buildings, Saragossa / Zaragoza

aljaferia
A must for all tourists that arrive in Saragossa is to visit the Aljaferia Palace, which is really the most visited historic site in Saragossa / Zaragoza. This medieval Islamic palace was built by Muslims on the banks of the river Ebro in the 11th century. Abu Ya far Ahmad, known as Al-Muqtadir, king of Saraqusta ordered its construction and it was called Qasr al -Surur (The Joy Palace).

 

The history of the Palace

When aljaferia 2the king Alphonso I of Aragon (1073 – 1134) ,well known as the Batallador, conquered Saragossa on the 18th December 1118 this fortified palace became the residence of the kings of Aragon. This islamic palace has a spellbound garden called the Courtyard of Saint Isabella (mudejar style) because Isabella of Aragon (1271-1336), daughter of the king Peter III of Aragon ( 1240- 1285), was born in this fortified palace, however, she is also known as Saint Isabella of Portugal since she got married to the king Dionysius I of Portugal (1261-1325) when she was 12 years old.

It is said that the famous Saint Grial was watched over in a chapel of this mudejar palace as soon as the prior of Saint John of the Peña, the brother Bernard, gave it to the king Martin I the Human (1356-1410) on the 26th September 1399.

The Catholic Kings, Isabella (1451- 1504) and Ferdinand ( 1452-1516) lived and built an upmarket mudejar palace in the Aljaferia between 1488 and 1493. On the other hand, there was a prison cell during the inquisition in this medieval castle and Antonio Perez was locked up in it when the king Philips II ( 1527- 1598) ordered his arrest.

 

What to see in La Aljafería

aljaferia interiorAljaferia Palace is more than a fortified castle or an islamic palace, it is a mudejar monument and its extraordinary architecture is unique, its great richness and beauty in its decoration impress visitors, so one can stare at the best mudejar and contemplate The Courtyard of Saint Isabella, The Throne Room, The Mosque, the Church of Saint Martin, the mudejar palace of the king Peter IV and The Troubadour Tower which is one of the oldest construction of the palace about 10th century.

This medieval islamic mudejar palace has suffered continuous alterations in its construction for many years. Nowadays it contains the Cortes of Aragon and is the most beautiful and important building in Saragossa.

To add, UNESCO declared the Aljaferia palace monument patrimony of humanity in 2001 as one of the most representative mudejar architecture .

It takes about 3 hours to visit the palace. It is very easy arrive at the Aljaferia on foot or by bus. It is in the city centre.

 

 

More places to visit in Zaragoza (Spain)

– El Pilar (The Pilar Cathedral): This cathedral is placed in the centre of the city, near the Ebro river and in the same square than “La Seo” Cathedral. The current cathedral was built in the XVII century, based in earlier constructions.

– The Expo 2008 Zone:  In summer 2008, Saragossa received the international exposition Expo Zaragoza 2008, which was placed aside the shore of the Ebro River. Currently, the Expo Zone is open to all the visitors who want to see the area and enjoy its activities.

– Parque Grande: It has more than 15 fountains, a botanic garden, balconies, terraces, paths and statues, a swimming pool and many more activities to do.

– More popular places in Saragossa

– What to visit in Zaragoza: Read here our two-days tour in Zaragoza. Read also our article about The best cities of Spain

Cementerio de Torrero / The Old Torrero Cemetery (Zaragoza)

Emblematic buildings, Saragossa / Zaragoza

Torrero cementery

There are a lot of wonderful, beautiful and interesting places in Saragossa where people can sightseeing, however, there is a special and unforgettable place that tourists are not used to visiting, it is the ancient Torrero Cemetery which was built between 1832 and 1834. If you visit this cemetery you can find stunning graves with stone statues which were made by famous sculptors, such as  Ponciano Ponzano and Gascon, Enrique Clarasó and  Dauli, Dionisio Lausén Ferrer, Jose Bueno Gimeno, Carlos Palao Ortubia and others.

Nowadays, if tourists visit this spellbound place  in the morning or in the evening they can see the graves where famous and important citizens were buried devotedly, for instance: Joaquin Costa, Tenor Fleta, Pilar Bayona, José Camon Aznar, and others. Who would not like to listen  to Jose Oto singing a jota?  How about feeling the best voice of Aragon when Fleta sings a  song?  Sensitive people could imagine Pilar Bayona playing the piano during the mystery tour. Moreover if tourists are keen on visiting cemeteries,  they  can require a  guided tour  with candles and music  during the night on  Saturdays.

On the other hand, gossipy visitors might like to read the most unbelievable  epitaphs  written on many graves and know more about  these burial places. To sum up, visiting  this cemetery can  be other way to enjoy the holiday wandering and walking through its mysterious and quiet streets with an unique landscape of tall straight cypress trees. Besides, people can have a real  and full view of this friendly and lively city and the lifestyle  of its citizens.

One can go by bus 34 and C1,  the C4 get off before arriving at Venice Port.  It takes 30 minutes on foot if one likes to walk along  Sagasta and America Avenue.  Also, Hispanidad Avenue is another road to arrive at cemetery.

More places to visit in Zaragoza (Spain)

– El Pilar (The Pilar Cathedral): This cathedral is placed in the centre of the city, near the Ebro river and in the same square than “La Seo” Cathedral. The current cathedral was built in the XVII century, based in earlier constructions.

– The Expo 2008 Zone:  Currently, the Expo Zone is open to all the visitors who want to see the area and enjoy of its activities. Don’t miss it if you are visiting Zaragoza!

– La Aljafería (The Aljafería Palace): A must for all tourists that arrive in Saragossa is to visit the stunning Aljaferia Palace, which is really the most visited historic site in Saragossa. This medieval islamic palace was built by muslims on the banks of the river Ebro in the 11th century.

– Parque Grande: It has more than 15 fountains, a botanic garden, a view point, many terraces, paths and statues, a swimming pool and many more activities to do.

– Paseo Independencia (Independence Avenue): The main street of Zaragoza. Beginning at the end of Gran Via, the avenue runs from Plaza Paraiso all the way to Plaza España.

– More popular places in Saragossa

Read also The best cities and monuments of Spain