November 5, 2009

Learning to Appreciate the Cultural Heritage of Spain Reflected in Architecture

History leaves its marks in many special means; it can leave its mark on a nation’s language, arts, and most remarkably in its architecture. Spain is rich in both non-physical and physical legacies of their culture, especially since there are a lot of foreign influences at work when it comes to the improvement of their culture. Many tourists go to Spain and come home very much content and impressed by the magnitude of beauty and the complexities of the buildings, bridges, and other structures that can be found in Spain.

First things first, all the same, when it comes to preparing for a trip to Spain, it’s important that you understand the things that can make your voyage more prudent and more convenient for you. A lot of people prepare for the voyage money-wise but fail to plan for some of the more important part of the vacation such as planning carefully which hotel to stay in; it’s important that you are acquainted with what places you plan to visit so that you can find rooms near those places. Evidently, it could be fun to get lost in Spain, as long as you know how to ask people for directions; it’s also important that you know some fundamental Spanish phrases and sentences so that you can stop and ask locals for directions, just in case you really can’t find your way back to your hotel. Rocket Spanish Download is an excellent tool that can aid you in learning to speak Spanish.

It’s quite amazing that some of the oldest architectural structures consist of manmade buildings dated back to as far as the Bronze Age. Spain’s existing historic buildings consist something that dates as far back as the Bronze Age; the structures in the Balearic Islands are probably the best-preserved structures symbolic of that time. In areas like Avila and Santa Tecla, you’ll find what is popularly referred to as the walled villages; these villages are typical indicators of Iberian and Celtic influences on the Spanish culture, and most houses are circular in shape, with thatched coverings and a central pillar that holds the roof up.

Roman influences can be seen in many cultures around the world, and Spain is no exemption; the Roman influences in their structures translate to lighthouses, aqueducts, cathedrals, and graveyards. It is during these times when many churches were erected like the temples of Cordoba, in addition to Christian cemeteries and burial places. One definite Roman-inspired architectural structure that still survives to this day is the Aqueduct of Segovia; once more, it is moderately well-maintained, merits to the struggle of the government and other sectors.

One of the most well-preserved memories of Roman influence on Spain is the Aqueduct of Segovia which is still standing until this day. This cathedral can be found in Old Castile, and was originally planned to be some sort of defensive turret that amplifies as a cathedral. There’s still a understated Roman influence on the design, but it’s already unmistakably Gothic.

The structures above only barely scratches the surface of what makes up Spain’s amazing architectural riches. In fact, you can spend the better part of your day discovering, observing buildings, only to find that you’ve only scratched the surface of Spain’s architectural fortune.

Tags: Computer Assisted Language Learning, Rocket Spanish, Rocket Spanish websites, Spain, Spanish lessons

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