Spain is a land of charming villages and stunning landscapes, where time seems to slow down, and every corner tells a story. Whether youre navigating the ancient Roman Route, following the trails of Don Quixote, or discovering the legacy of Spanish Jews, youll find a tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. The Roman Route, stretching from Seville in Andalusia to Astorga in CastileLeón, is a remarkable journey through the architectural marvels of ancient Rome. Along the way, youll encounter the magnificent aqueduct in Mérida, still standing strong after two millennia, and the Roman Theatre, where you can imagine the roar of the crowd as gladiators battled. In Cáceres, the Roman city of Norba Caesarina, the past comes alive as you stroll through its atmospheric streets lined with centuriesold buildings. The Via de la Plata, or Silver Route, is another path rich in history. Originating in Seville, this ancient trade route leads to Santiago de Compostela, passing through picturesque towns like Zafra, Plasencia, and Salamanca. Each stop reveals a new facet of Spains heritage, from the stunning Roman walls of Lugo to the grand Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. For those seeking a literary adventure, the Route of Don Quixote takes you through the heart of La Mancha, where Cervantes legendary character journeyed. In Almagro, youll find the famous Corral de Comedias, a 17thcentury openair theatre still hosting performances today. As you wander through the windmilldotted landscapes of Campo de Criptana, its easy to imagine Quixote tilting at these iconic giants. In El Toboso, the town of Quixotes beloved Dulcinea, youll discover a wealth of Quixotethemed memorabilia, making it a delightful stop for fans of the novel. The Route of the Spanish Jews is a journey into the rich Jewish heritage of Spain, which once boasted a thriving Jewish community. This route takes you to towns like Toledo, Córdoba, and Girona, where Jewish culture flourished for centuries. In Toledo, the former capital of Spain, youll find the Santa María la Blanca Synagogue, a stunning example of Mudejar architecture, and the Sephardic Museum, housed in the former Samuel haLevi Synagogue. In Córdoba, the Jewish Quarter is a labyrinth of narrow streets and whitewashed houses, where you can visit the 14thcentury Synagogue and the Casa de Sefarad, a museum dedicated to Sephardic culture. Finally, Gironas Jewish Quarter, or El Call, is one of the bestpreserved in Europe, with its medieval streets and the Museum of Jewish History, offering a glimpse into the vibrant Jewish life that once thrived here.
Spain’s hidden historical villages are a treasure trove of stories waiting to be uncovered. In the north, nestled among the green mountains of Asturias, lies the village of Cudillero. This fishing village, with its colorful houses cascading down the hillside to the sea, is a perfect example of how history and nature blend harmoniously. As you stroll through its narrow streets, you’ll feel the vibrant pulse of a community that has thrived for centuries on the bounty of the ocean. The port, still bustling with fishermen, echoes with tales of the sea, while the Gothic church of San Pedro houses a collection of maritime relics, offering a glimpse into the village’s nautical past. Crossing over to the Basque Country, the village of Hondarribia, perched on the border with France, is a fortress of history. Its old town, surrounded by medieval walls, is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, where every turn reveals a new story. The Plaza de Armas, dominated by the imposing Castle of Charles V, is a testament to the strategic importance of this village throughout history. As you walk along the promenade, with views of the Txingudi Bay, it’s easy to imagine the naval battles that once raged in these waters. The Basque cuisine, celebrated for its pintxos and seafood, is another chapter in the village’s rich tapestry, with every dish telling a story of the land and sea. In the heart of Navarre, the village of Olite is a fairy tale come to life. Once the seat of the Kingdom of Navarre, Olite is dominated by a majestic castle, with its towers and battlements rising dramatically against the sky. The castle, built in the 13th century, was the residence of the Navarrese court, and its halls and gardens still echo with the splendor of a bygone era. As you explore the castle’s labyrinthine passages, you’ll discover hidden treasures, from the Gothic cloisters to the royal chapel. The village itself is a living museum, with its medieval streets lined with noble mansions and ancient churches. Every summer, Olite hosts a medieval festival, where the streets come alive with knights, damsels, and artisans, recreating the vibrant life of the Middle Ages. Further south, in the region of Extremadura, the village of Trujillo stands as a monument to Spain’s colonial past. Known as the cradle of conquerors, Trujillo was home to famous explorers like Francisco Pizarro, who set out to conquer the New World. The village’s Plaza Mayor, one of the most beautiful in Spain, is surrounded by grand palaces and churches, each reflecting the wealth and power of the conquistadors. The 10thcentury castle, perched on a hill overlooking the village, offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains, where the stories of those who left to seek their fortune in the Americas still linger. As you explore the village, you’ll find museums dedicated to these explorers, filled with artifacts and documents that tell the tale of their adventures. Finally, in the heart of Andalusia, the white village of Ronda is a breathtaking blend of natural beauty and history. Perched on the edge of a dramatic gorge, Ronda is a place of legend, where myth and reality intertwine. The Puente Nuevo, an 18thcentury bridge spanning the gorge, is an architectural marvel, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The village’s rich history is reflected in its ancient walls and the Moorish Alhambra, a miniature version of its famous counterpart in Granada. Ronda’s bullring, one of the oldest in Spain, is a symbol of the village’s deeprooted traditions, while its many churches and palaces showcase a blend of Moorish and Christian influences. As you wander through the village’s winding streets, you’ll feel the weight of centuries of history, from the Moorish conquest to the Christian reconquest, each leaving its mark on this enchanting place.
