There are only 4 of the 17 places that competed to be the Best Corner 2014, a contest organized by the Repsol Guide that aims to anonymize the most beautiful towns, landscapes and natural landscapes in Spain with the aim of supporting national tourism, which is extremely important for the economic and social development of our country.
It has been the Internet users who, through the 350,000 votes cast, have chosen the corners that will continue to compete to achieve this precious award. Today we want to talk to you about these four beautiful places located in Extremadura, the Basque Country, the Balearic Islands and La Rioja. Do you want to join us?
Alcantara Bridge, Extremadura
One of the four corners that is still competing to rise as the Best Corner 2014 is the Puente de Alcántara, located in Extremadura. The truth is that we are not surprised that this wonder that crosses the river Block has managed to be among the best, as it is one of the most relevant engineering works in Roman Hispania. Built in the early 2nd century by Cayo Julio Lacer, it is also one of the most important Roman bridges in the world. Its name comes from the nomenclature that the Arabs gave it: "al-Qantarat", which meant "the Bridge". It is striking that it has some inscriptions despite having been modified over the centuries. One of the most impressive is the one that says:
This bridge will last as long as the world lasts.
Valle Salado, Basque Country
The Salt Valley of Salinas de Añana, in the oldest town of Álava, in the Basque Country, has also been among the four finalists, a unique heritage that has been declared a Historical Monument for its more than 1,200 years of history and for being the best preserved salt springs in the world. Curiously, everything in this ancient architecture (canals, wells, eras, warehouses ...) is built in wood to avoid rust. It is especially surprising in summer, when the salt is exposed as the water evaporates and leaves a landscape that seems snowy. Of course, today only 150 eras of the almost 5,500 that are preserved are exploited in an artisanal way.
Las Canteras de S’Hostal, Balearic Islands
The Quarries of S’Hostal (Pedreres de S’Hostal), in Ciudadela (Menorca), have also made their way into the Best Places of 2014. These are some Marés quarries that have been active for at least 200 years. And although it ceased its activity in 1994, they were acquired by the Lithica association, which aims to preserve its status. Its impressive walls, its gigantic prows and its mazes of stacked blocks. Concerts are held at the bottom of the deepest quarry during the summer, since the acoustics of the venue are incredible. In addition, in the oldest quarries there is a botanical garden and a park.
Hermitage of San Felices, La Rioja
Finally, we have to talk about the Ermita de San Felices, in La Rioja, which offers an impressive panoramic view throughout the year. Of course, when it is most impressive is June 29, when the Battle of Wine is celebrated. From here you can see how the Ebro enters La Rioja and winds its way through the vineyards. The hermitage is located on the Bilibio cliffs, in a place where there was first a Roman castle and then, at the end of the 5th century, San Felices retired, which has its own effigy of stone crowning the hill.
On August 26 the names of the two finalists will be announced and on September 16 the champion. Which of these corners would you choose?
LA TASCA SPANISH CORNER /THE BEST SPANISH RESTAURANT IN NAIROBI,KENYA.???????? ???? (April 2024)
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