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Objectives of the Lesson
GeographyThe country of Spain has seventeen Autonomous Regions; each of which is broken up into various provinces. The autonomous region of Castilla y León is to the east of Madrid, the capital of Spain. The nine provinces of Castilla y León are: Ávila, Burgos, León, Palencia, Salamanca, Segovia, Soria, Valladolid and Zamora. Take a look at these maps to acquaint yourself with the area. Valladolid
Much history has taken place in Valladolid. In 1469, Ferdinand I of Aragon and Isabella of Castilla were married at Vivero Palace. Valladolid flourished during the Golden Age. It was the capital of the kingdom and a major center of trade, crafts and government. The Consejo de Indias (Council of the Indies) was seated in Valladolid and in 1506, Christopher Columbus died in the city. The son of Carlos V, Felipe II, was born in Valladolid in 1527. During the 17th and 18th centuries the glory of the town declined. A tour of the city will feature the home of Miguel de Cervantes. Prominent architecture reflects the splendor of its past from Romanesque towers, to mudejar portals, and renaissance monasteries. The late-gothic facade of the Church of San Pablo is breathtaking. Holy Week is a major event to witness while in Valladolid. BurgosHome of El Cid Campeador, the birthplace of El Cid is just ten kilometers north of the city of Burgos. The statue of El Cid on horseback is located in Burgos, at the bridge of St. Pablo, by the sculptor, Juan Cristobal.
Founded in the 9th century, Burgos was the capital of the kingdom of Castile and León from 1035 until 1560. In 1833 it became the capital of the province. During the Spanish civil war (1936-39), Burgos was the seat of the Nationalist government of Francisco Franco until the capture of Madrid at the end of the war.
Of all the monument in Burgos, the famous cathedral dominates the city. It is one of the greatest examples of Gothic style in Spain. The construction of the cathedral began in 1221. The tomb of El Cid and his wife rest within the cathedral. León
Formerly the capital of the medieval kingdom of the same name, it was united with Castilla in the 13th century.
The city's most famous monument is its great 13th-century Gothic cathedral known for its stained-glass and rose windows. Also important to visit is the Romanesque Church of San Isidoro with the pantheon of monarchs from Castilla y Leon. One of Antoni Gaudi's more conservative buildings is in León, Casa de Botines. The San Marcos monastery is a good example of the Renaissance period. On the outskirts of Leónare the Roman gold mines, Las Medulas. Salamanca
From the Plaza Mayor (by the Churriguerra father and son), to the University, past the two cathedrals (the Old & New Cathedrals) and on to the monasteries, the atmosphere is completely medieval. The old roman bridge still crosses the Tormes River, and on the banks of the river is the "Toro Vetón," the stone bull made famous by El Lazarillo de Tormes. A statue of El Lazarillo and the Blind Man are also nearby. Salamanca is the center for language schools for students wishing to study Spanish in Spain. There are many to choose from, ranging from the University of Salamanca - Cursos Internacionales, to many private schools such as the Academia don Quijote. Avila
Known as the "City of Saints and Stones", it is the birthplace of Saint Theresa. In Avila are found the burial ground of the Great Inquisitor Torquemada. Throughout time, Avila has kept its medieval charm, seen in its Gothic cathedral and its fortifications which are the most complete in Spain. Related Links to Castilla y León
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[Lake
Tahoe Community College] [World
Languages Dept.] [LTCC
Study Abroad] |
Valladolid is the capital of
the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León. The region is surrounded
by castles and vineyards. The Duero River, a region well known for wine
production, runs
through the region.
The
The
University of Salamanca is one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in
1243. The statue of Fray Luis de León is found in the courtyard of the
University and his classroom in the older section of the university can be
visited.
Avila
is a beautiful historic town, entirely enclosed by Romanesque walls with over 80
towers and nine gates. In the 11th century Avila was founded to protect
the Spanish territories from the Moors.