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Date: | Sat, 13 Dec 2003 21:58:31 -0500 |
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Although I haven't been there in years I have always enjoyed Santillana
del Mar. The town remained largely unchanged since the late middle
ages. It is also near the caves of alta Mira, sadly no longer open to
the public. I still remember my visit there years ago. If you can
afford it the Parador Natl Gil Blas is quite nice. At one point it was
touted as King Juan Carlos' favorite hotel, one of mine as well.
I have a soft spot for early romanesque architecture, so the entire
north coast is full of places that I have been, and others I want to go
to. There are a number of Asturian (almost Visi-Gothic) churches along
the north coast that date to the 6-7th century AD. If you are interested
I can look up the names and send them along. Of course Santiago de
Compostella is quite a spot as well. I went there with my parents when I
was a teen and Spain was still inexpensive. We stayed at the Hostal de
Los Reyes Catolicos (a pilgrim hostal built by Ferdinan and Isabel). It
is on the central square with the cathedral and bishop's palace. The
bathroom in our room was larger than the house I live in (slight
exaggeration). But the hand sewn suede bedspread, antiques in our room,
and the fact that the "hotel" has a chapel that rivals many cathedrals
was impressive.
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