By looking at this picture you would think this is somewhere other than in Spain. But trust me this is Spain, Merida to be exact. This very special Roman theater can be traced back to 16/15 B.C. while the amphitheater is right next to it connected by an under the road tunnel which passes through a museum.

Just imagine what happened in these huge arena, gladiators fighting animals, all for show. With the passage of time water damage and natural disasters deteriorated these two theaters that eventually became the source for raw material to help build other buildings.

A must see when in Spain, along with everything else you need to see.

source travelinginspain

If you are in Madrid a quick day trip to Segovia is a must. You can easily take a bus to Segovia where you will enjoy all the sites along the way. Once there you will be in total wonder of this small little city with so much to see.

The first and most amazing site is the Roman aqueduct which is the largest and best preserved of its kind anywhere, it served as the mintmark on all coins struck in the city from 1455 to 1864. There is the Alcazar castle which some say was the source of inspiration for Walt Disney.  The 16^th century cathedral is a truly amazing site and on and on with beautiful architecture all around.

Once there you will need to eat the typical dish the “cochinillo suckling pig” which is so moist it is cut in pieces with a plate and then the plate is thrown off to the side.. A perfect day in Spain.

More info spain info

When you go to a new city for the first time where do you start? Do you have a plan of where you want to go, what places you want to visit or do you play it by ear? I need to plan ahead and know where I´m going, I like to have everything mapped out and ready to go, call me a freak but I need control.

So, if you are planning a trip to lets just say Barcelona you will need a list of the must see places and start there. This city is full of wonder and new architecture thanks to Antoni Gaudí who has left his mark in this marvelous place. To start of you should go see la Sagrada Familia, one of the most visited places in Spain, The Casa Batlló, a very colorful apartment building that needs to be seen. You can visit wesites such as ihes that has a great list of the best places to go and the official website of Barcelona for more information.

On the third anniversary of the terrible train bombings in Madrid which killed 191 people a remembrance memorial was inaugurated for the honor of the victims. The 11 meter tall cylinder glass monument stands just outside the Atocha train station.

Held in the inside of this structure are the inscribed messages of condolences made in the days after the attacks by people from all around the world. Currently on trial are the 29 people thought responsible for the attacks which will go on for months.

If you are in Madrid , a visit to this monument is a destination that must be made.

Source bbc

]]> http://spainispassion.com/cities-to-visit/11m-memorial-in-madrid/feed/ 0 http://spainispassion.com/museums/virtual-tour-of-codorba/ http://spainispassion.com/museums/virtual-tour-of-codorba/#comments Tue, 20 Feb 2007 09:00:15 +0000 julia http://spainispassion.com/museums/virtual-tour-of-codorba/

Cordoba is one of the eight provinces that make up the Andalucia community and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There is so much to see in this inspiring part of the world that I suggest you plan to extend your stay so you can enjoy every single monument and museum to the most it offers.

The Cathedral is one of the most amazing sites you will ever see. Built at the end of the eight century its grandeur, splendor and magical feel will bring you closer to your inner being. There are also several palaces and gardens that will also take your breath away.

The sites are not the only wonderful thing in this city the restaurants and the warmth of the people make it a place you will long to return or simply just stay..

virtual tour cordoba

The Tower of Hercules (Torre de (57 Hércules), dating back almost 1900 years and standing 185 feet (57 meters) is said to be the oldest active Roman lighthouse in the world. It is located outside of the city of A Coruña in Galicia.

Many mythical stories have been told about the hero Hercules who slew the giant tyrant Geryon after three days and three nights of continuous battle and buried his head and weapons upon where a city would be built. The lighthouse atop a skull and crossbones representing the buried head of Hercules’ slain enemy appears in the coat-of-arms of A Coruña.

more information | infohub

The Andalucia region of Spain is known for its picturesque Moorish monuments. With places to visit such as Seville, Granada, Malaga, Cordoba and many more you will find yourself in a warm and friendly place.

Within this region one of the most amazing and most renowned sites is the Alhambra located in the city of Granada. The name Alhambra comes from an Arabic root which means “red or crimson castle”. It was originally created for military purposes, known as an alcazaba (fortress), but also known as an alcázar (palace) and a small medina (city), all in one.

The history here is as overwhelming as its beautiful surroundings. There are official guided tours that will show you all the wonders this place has to offer. This should be one of the first things on your list to see here in Spain.

more information al hambra

photo world66