The capital of the Bajo Aragon district of eastern Aragon, the town of Alcaniz stands on the banks of the Guadalope river, some 430 kilometres from the countries capital Madrid. Overlooked by its castle which was formerly the HQ of the Order of Calatrava, Alcaniz has a population of 16,392, and a history going back to the Moorish occupation. It suffered various conflicts before finally being taken from muslim control in 1179, by Alfonso II of Aragon. Places to visit in Alcaniz include the Santa Maria la Mayor church, the town hall, the Lonja and the castle which has now been turned into a parador (hotel). Alcaniz can be reached from the N-232, between Hijar and Monroyo, 120 km from Zaragoza, the regional capital.
October 25, 2010
October 22, 2010
Tarazona Aragon
Situated in the valley of the River Queiles at a distance of 86 kilometres from the city of Zaragoza, the town of Tarazona lies in the foothills of the Moncayo, at a crossroads between the Spanish regions of Aragon, Navarre, Castilla and La Rioja. Accessible only by road, as it has no railway connections, Tarazona has a population of about 11,000 and a history going back to before the Roman invasion of Spain. The earliest remains date from the 1st century BC, and the Romans called the town Turiaso, at which time it was a thriving city. Later controlled by the Moors it was reconquered for the Christians by Alfonso I in 1119. An interesting place to visit, especially if you are interested in Mudejar architecture, Tarazona now relies a great deal on tourism for its survival though it has been important for textiles and matches. Tarazona is to the north-west of Zaragoza.
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September 9, 2010
Stroud Gloucestershire
Boasting some 5,000 years of human settlement the Gloucestershire town of Stroud is a fascinating place to visit. First settled by peoples of the Neolithic period, who practised agriculture in the areas around Stroud, and an ancient barrow (Hetty Pegler’s Tump) gives evidence of their time here, and dates from around 2,800 BC. Two of the finest ancient burial grounds in the region, Uley Bury and Nympsfield are also close by. Much later during the Industrial Revolution, Stroud became important for cloth production, and its perfect location for the powering of water mills, was a significant factor in this. Rainy weather brought a deluge of water from the Fibe Valleys, which meet at Stroud, and this power was well utilised in the production of woollen cloth for which the area became well known. Only 2 woollen cloth mills remain from 150 which once stood here, a sign of the ever decreasing industrial production of both Stroud and England in general. Among places to visit in Stroud are the Bank Gardens, the Church of St Lawrence, the Cornhill Market Place, Sim’s Clock and the Museum in the Park. Stroud is situated south of Gloucester and Cheltenham and is around eighty five miles from London.
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Tewkesbury Gloucestershire
The Gloucestershire town of Tewkesbury stands at the confluence of the River Avon and the River Severn, a fact which has resulted in many floods in the town over the centuries, during rainy weather. A charming old world town, Tewkesbury still has many fine old timbered buildings in the town centre, with picturesque old inns and houses to look at, two of the finest and best known of these houses are known as the Ancient Grudge and the Golden Key, both located in the High Street and worth a look if you are visiting. Tewkesbury has a magnificent Norman Abbey Church which was consecrated in the early 12th century. Tewkesbury is located to the north of Cheltenham and is around eighty seven miles from London.
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September 8, 2010
Cheltenham Gloucestershire
Starting life as a typical Cotswolds village, Cheltenham was transformed into a bustling town after the discovery of a mineral spa in 1715. A pump room to utilise the spring was built in 1738 and immediate approval given by George III, resulting in the town developing at a rapid rate, with some first class architects working on the varied building projects. Cheltenham became prosperous and in turn attracted the rich and educated to the town. Cheltenham still has a Regency feel and much of that architecture still exists today giving the town a grand look indeed. Of course this Gloucestershire town is also very famous for its Steeplechase meeting the Cheltenham Festival which takes place in March, again attracting the very best of what horse racing has to offer. When the weather is pleasant this is a great event to attend, and indeed thousands do attend, being especially attractive to the Irish racing fraternity.
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Gloucester in Gloucestershire
Originally a Roman fortified city guarding the routes into nearby Wales, when it was known as Colonia Glevum, Gloucester, now the county town of Gloucestershire, was later a market town receiving its first charter from King Henry II in 1155. Its early cathedral built in the Norman to Perpendicular style, has the tomb of the murdered King Edward II, and an interesting 14th century stained glass window in the east wing. Still boasting many medieval and Tudor half-timbered buildings, Gloucester is a fascinating place to visit at any time of year. The timbered Parliament House, dates from the 15th century, other places of interest to visit include the City Museum, in Brunswick Place, ideal for spending an hour or two when the weather is inclement, and the cross of the martyred Bishop Hooper in The Close. Gloucester has a population of 123,205 and is located thirty two miles from Bristol. Gloucester Map.
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September 2, 2010
Teignmouth Devon
A popular town and seaside resort located in the county of Devon, England, Teignmouth stands on the River Teign estuary to the north of Torquay. With a population of around 14,000, Teignmouth is just a small town, though its numbers of course grow during the summer season as thousands of holidaymakers descend on the resort for their summer vacation. For many centuries just a small fishing village, Teignmouth became popular as a holiday destination during Victorian times, after the arrival of the railway line connecting it with neighbouring towns as well as London and Penzance. The fine weather experienced by the town was of course the major draw, but bathing in the healthy sea waters was much the rage during the Victorian era. Historically Teignmouth is famous as being the last place in England to be invaded by a foreign power (1690). The port of Teignmouth has had significance since the 13th century, and handled grain, timber and clay, the first quay was built during the 18th century. These days tourism is the major industry for the town and it has plenty of hotels and guest houses for those wishing to visit the town.
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Paignton Devon a Brief History
A lovely seaside town located in the town of Devon in south-west England, Paignton has a population of around 48,000 and lies on Torbay between the equally popular resorts of Torquay and Brixham. For many centuries just a small fishing village Paignton traces its history back to the times of the ancient Celts, though it is first recorded as a settlement in the Domesday Book of 1086 when it was called Peynton, a name derived from the Celtic language meaning “town of Paega”. Paignton mostly grew as a town during the 19th century when a new harbour was constructed (1847) to improve the towns seabound communications, and the railway arrived, linking the town with London via Torquay. The town grew considerably after this taking in several surrounding villages such as Preston and Goodrington. Becoming popular as a seaside resort during the Victorian period due to its fine weather and healthy atmosphere, Paignton has its pier erected in 1879, in the height of the British seaside resort era in the 1960’s the Festival Theatre opened to provide entertainment for its many visitors. Paignton has plenty of guest houses and hotels, should you wish to stay overnight or for a holiday and such establishments as the Preston Sands Hotel should prove adequate for your needs, larger hotels are of course available as are holiday cottages in the surrounding villages, which may be your preferred accommodation. When staying in Paignton you should take a day out to visit the nearby Dartmoor National Park, a large area of great natural beauty with many charming little villages and some interesting archaeological sites. Paignton can be reached by road by way of the A380, can be reached by rail, and is also within easy driving distance of Exeter airport, it is about 20 miles from Exeter, only 8 miles from Newton Abbot and its racecourse, and just 2 miles from Torquay.
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August 28, 2010
Guadalajara Spain
A city, municipality and province, located to the north-east of Madrid, Guadalajara was once greater than its illustrious neighbour, which is of course now capital of Spain. Many centuries of conflict and wars brought Guadalajara to its knees, and rendered it a mere shadow of its former self. Sitting beside the River Henares, present day Guadalajara has a population of 75,493 inhabitants, with its history, which stretches back to the times of the Romans, lost in its modern day look, though some gems can still be found by its visitors. Once a favourite base of the Mendoza family, Guadalajara still boasts the former palace of this rich family (now restored), in the form of the Palacio de los Duques del Infantado, well worth a visit if you are in the area.
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August 6, 2010
Castilla-La Mancha Spain
A region immortalized by Spanish author Miguel Cervantes, Castilla-La Mancha was previously known as Castilla Nueva (New Castille), and comprises vast treeless plains, scenic mountain ranges, historic cities and two National Parks.
The best known city in the region is Toledo, the seat of the Catholic church in Spain for many centuries, after it was captured from the Moors in the 11th century. In Toledo you will find lots to see and do, with must visit places including the cathedral and the Alcazar (Charles V’s fortified palace).
Other interesting towns and cities which are worth seeing are Cuenca, Almagro, Consuegra, Albacete, Valdepeñas and Guadalajara. If you enjoy visiting castles, then Castilla-La Mancha could be just the place for you, with virtually any town of any consequence having an ancient fortification of some kind or another, this being the scene of much conflict between Christians and Moors in the early part of the Reconquest.
Castilla-La Mancha also has the largest expanse of vineyards in the world, producing huge amounts of red wine for both domestic consumption and export.
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July 29, 2010
The Attractions of Rome Italy
When visiting the city of Rome there is such a wide range of attractions that it can be a little confusing as to where exactly to start, this will of course also depend on individual choice so some planning is essential before setting out on your journey.
The capital city of Italy, Rome is a huge place with a population of around 3 million. The centre of ancient Rome is contained within an area bounded by the Colosseum, the Palatine Hill, the Capitoline Hill and the Imperial Forums, this area is a good place to see a selection of historic buildings and monuments, also some excellent museums.
To lighten the mood you might head for some of the many piazzas and fountains that are scattered throughout the city, the Trevi Fountain is one of the best known.
The Vatican City will of course be a must for most people and you should allow a day for this very special place. There are over 900 churches in Rome so you will need to be particular in your choices if you don’t wish it to take up too much of your time, among the best are St Peter’s Basilica, the Basilica of St John Lateran, the Basilica of Mary Major and the Basilica of St Paul.
If museums are your thing, then again you will be spoilt for choice in Rome, one of the best is the Vatican Museum, other excellent ones include the Museum of Roman Civilization and the Capitoline Museums.
If you are visiting Rome in the summer, it can get very hot, so you might want to take a day out to head for the coast, a fascinating place to visit is the city of Anzio, 57 kilometres south of Rome, another ancient city it is now a busy fishing port and popular ferry port for those heading to the Pontine Islands. In Anzio you can visit the Beachhead Museum which outlines the history of the Allied landings which took place during WW2.
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July 28, 2010
Tavira Algarve
Located in the eastern section of the Algarve in Portugal, the historic city of Tavira is one of the oldest in the region. Established by the Phoenicians in the eighth century BC it developed into a significant trading port. In the 8th century AD, Tavira came under the control of the Moors and the current name is derived from the Arabic Tabira (“hidden”). Conquered by the Christians in 1242 much of Tavira was rebuilt only to be later destroyed by the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755. Present day Tavira is a popular holiday destination with some fine facilities, nice sandy beaches and superb golf courses. The region enjoys a super climate with Tavira weather being especially pleasant between May and October. Easily accessible from Faro airport, which is about 35 kilometres to the west, Tavira can also be reached from southern Spain.
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June 29, 2010
Falmouth Cornwall
A leading holiday resort on the south coast of Cornwall, Falmouth enjoys a mild climate and boasts some excellent beaches with safe bathing conditions. The largest dock in England is located here and it takes in tankers up to 90,000 tonnes, Falmouth harbour has a dry dock and safe anchorage. Established as a port beside the older town of Penryn, in the early 17th century, Falmouth is overlooked by the 16th century Pendennis Castle, which Henry VIII built to defend Carrick Roads. Its parish church King Charles the Martyr was so named after Charles II who awarded the town its first charter. Holidaymakers arrive in Falmouth to enjoy the pleasant weather conditions, and the many attractions of the town which is one of Cornwall’s most popular resorts. Falmouth Map.
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