Zaragossa–A Thousand Notable Things

Zaragossa, in Aragon, could be written about for dozens of pages without repeat and leaving much left unsaid. Zaragossa is generally known for its visual appeal, both architecturally and artistically. Zaragossa’s buildings mainly survived the war of independence and so some great enlightenment buildings stand to this day, much to the delight of visitors.

One such building is the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar. The Basilica should be considered one of the wonders of the world. With its enormous domes, towers and bell-laden spires and multiple smaller bell towers the basilica looks like a Spanish Taj Majal. Another beautiful site, and one where you can do some shopping, is the art nouveau style Mercado de Lanuza. The Mercado is located beside actual ancient Roman walls. The history and beauty of the area makes separating yourself from your money a bit easier, as well.

Also waiting to be explored is the Goya filled art collection of an eclectic nobleman called the Museo Camón Aznar, housed in Pardos Palace. If you get tired of the town itself, seek diversion outside it. Zaragossa is situated in a valley with geography ranging from desert to forest to meadow to mountain and at a crossroads with Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao and Toulouse, France. Its location makes it a perfect place to base your vacation if you intend to explore.

Portugal ‘s Three Royal Beach Resorts

Cascais, which has been a harbor since prehistoric times, became a fashionable resort in the 1870s when the monarch Luis I built his summer palace there. It says a lot for a place when the man who can be anywhere chooses to be there, and what was said was heard and answered by a wave of recognition washing over the lovely beach. The upscale shops in the pedestrian section of the glorious old town bear homage to the exalted rich who ones vied for produce along the same streets. The port is still in use, and the day’s catch is auctioned near the harbor in the afternoon.

Three kilometers east of Cascais is the beach resort of Estoril. Estoril is home to excellent hotels and grand villas, helping to retain a sense of the place’s past. In years gone by, Estoril was the home of exiled European royalty. The beach is pristine and popular, and it’s not hard to understand why.

To west, ten kilometers from Cascais is Guincho. Guincho’s beach is magnificent and sandy and looks over an endless sea. Its atlantic breakers make it a haven for surfers, and the spirit of youth is ever present to electrify any who come near. A seafaring empire since its inception, Portugal holds on to her love of the ocean in her seaside resorts and no visit to Portugal is complete without a walk on the beach.