| Segovia
 The
monumental size of the Roman aqueduct has become the icon of this
millennial city. Segovia is its walls, its great plaza, its cathedral,
its Romanesque churches, its convents, its narrow streets, and
its splendid mansions. It has been and is the meeting point of
cultures down through the millennia: Roman, Arabic, Jewish and
Christian.
 The
city today vibrates with the same power and drivethat symbolizes
themajestic Alcazar of the Middle Ages. Any traveler will be able
to see that once they are there it was worth the trip. Discover
its Muslim architecture, be amazed at the sheer mass of the aqueduct,
and tour the castle that looks as though it came straight out
of a fairy-tale.
Ciudad Rodrigo
Unlike the popularity of Segovia
and out shown by the dazzle of Salamanca, Ciudad Rodrigo is one
of the best-kept secrets. It is a city with one of the longest
recorded histories in the Iberian Peninsula and was a strong hold
during the Peninsula War. Although a good proportion of its Old
Quarter was destroyed, the Cathedral demonstrates a collection
of several different styles as a result of having been started
in 1165 and not completed until 1550. Close by the Cathedral is
the Chapel of the Marquess of Cerralbo, a superb example of classic
Herrera-style with a fine interior.
Bejar
 Long
famous for its capes, woolens and blankets, Bejar has now become
a local industrial and administrative center. Sights of major
importance include the Palace of the Dukes of Béjar, rebuilt
in the 16ht century over the still visible remains of a castle,
the 13th century Churches of St. Mary Major and St. John the Baptist.
In addition la Antigua Park commands a stupendous panoramic view
of the local mountain scenery. Not all is architecture however;
there is also the exquisite Italian Renaissance-style garden,
El Bosque, with its promenades, ornamental palace and pond. |
