posted by Charles H. Russo on Sep 20
It is a city on the pilgrimate route of St James and as such many medieval master artisans left their imprint on its Romanesque buildings and on its various well-preserved sculptures. Pamplona had a lot of Romanesque art, but the need to expand churches, rebuild and progress have all resulted in many of them being lost and Gothic-style works being built in their place.However, the Romanesque church of San Nicolas, in the heart of the city near Sarasate Avenue, remains almost intact in its original structure beneath a number of extensions and renovations made over time.
Another example of the impressive Romanesque legacy is the image of Santa Maria La Real, which lies within the cathedral itself.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Sep 20
The greenways programme offers a unique way to get to know Spain. The project involves the rejuvenation of old rail lines in order to convert them into paths for walking, cycling and horseriding. The main aim is to promote a new culture of open air leisure and sport, which at the same time respects the environment and finds new ways of exploiting disused facilities.
The birth of the greenways programme
The programme began in 1993, springing from an initiative involving the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Environment, the state rail company RENFE, the narrow gauge rail operator FEVE and the Spanish Railways Foundation.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Sep 13
The train makes additional stops in cities such as Bilbao, with its avant-garde Guggenheim Museum in Modern Art; Santander with its famous Sardinero beach and its noble promenade; Oviedo, capital of the Christian Reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula; and Leon, key point in the Spanish Way of St James with its streets full of history. It finally arrives at Santiago de Compostela, the destination of one of the largest annual pilgrimages in Europe.
Along the journey, passengers discover towns and places of special interest such as the Peaks de Europe National Park, the medieval town of Santillana del Mar, the typical Asturian fishing town of Cudillero, and the Romanesque art and architecture of the province of Palencia.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Sep 7
Fall in Rome, full of events. September starts with the “Notte Bianca ” on the 8th (the night when all shops, museums attrctions will be open all night long), with the reopening of the “Palazzo delle Esposizioni”. From the 5th of October the Palazzo will be open to the public
posted by Charles H. Russo on Sep 6
And, like the old wine of the Gods, its geometric complexity seems to flee from its foundations, to escape from its cask in order to drink a toast with the setting to the success of the wine culture and of the architecture as the driving force behind the updating of the traditional vinicultural industry.
If the Guggenheim has become the symbol of the urban revival of a city, the building designed by Frank Gehry for the Bodegas Marqu?s de Riscal go further: it will be the idol of a new city built in honour of the wine. The project has Rioja Alavesa Designation of Origin. It is located in Elciego, in the heart of an area of 100,000 m2 given over to the study, care and production of the historic wine. The City of the Wine has just uncorked its Gran Reserva: a construction in which the alliance between gastronomy and architecture generates even more art.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Sep 4
posted by Charles H. Russo on Aug 30
It is now possible to review the evolution of beer in Spain in the first museum dedicated to this beverage in Madrid.The new Spanish Beer Museum is already a reality in the restaurant ?La Fabrica? in Madrid. Those who feel curious about finding out more details regarding this drink can go to 21 G?nova Street and contemplate an exhibition of historical objects related to this refreshing beverage. Needless to say, national products take up all the attention. This is the case of the first Mahou advertising poster, which dates form 1800, or the collection of Spanish bottles, a kind of retrospective from the 19th century.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Aug 23
By Cassie Davis
If you need a true break and are looking for a getaway that is both serene and interesting, Saugatuck, Michigan is definitely the ideal destination. With the water lapping at your feet and a perfect balance of man-made and natural beauty, this town definitely offers all that you could ask for. Located on the bank of Kalamazoo River, Saugatuck is a perfect location to unwind and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Activities at Saugatuck
While the option of having a lazy holiday is always open, Saugatuck also offers a lot of different activities that can keep you busy through your vacation. If you are a water lover, you could consider sailing boats, yachts, pontoon boats or opt for a peaceful boat ride. If you want an adrenaline rush, you may want to look into the racing boats. Of course, Saugatuck is one of the world’s best destinations for perch fishing, so fishing enthusiasts alike should have no problem keeping themselves busy.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Aug 16
A Celtiberian city, an important Roman town, capital of the Visigothic kingdom, centre of rebellion against C?rdoba?s Muslim caliphate, and metropolis of the Spanish empire with Charles I. These are just some of the roles which Toledo has played throughout the years. All of these eras and their accompanying cultural influences have left their mark on the city. Together with the blocks of granite that form palaces or monasteries, it is not unusual to come across synagogues where the Hebrew inscriptions combine with writings in Arabic. Such places also provided shelter and inspiration to great artists, as shown by the works of the Cretan painter El Greco.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Aug 16
From its historical Old Quarter to the urban expansion area, every corner exhales a marked personality. If the founder of the town of Bilbao, Mr. Diego L?pez de Haro, could rise from his grave, he would probably not recognize that little early settlement that emerged around seven streets. This northern city has experienced such changes that have little or nothing to do with the industrial appearance it offered some years ago. The so-called