Statistics
(Castile and Leon) |
Area: 94,223 km2
Population
(may be an estimate):
2,510,849 (2005) |
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 Español •  Français •  Português •
The territories of Castilla and León, two rival medieval kingdoms of central Spain, were definitively united in the beginning of the 13th century and now form the largest Autonomous Community of the country.
The extension of the region comprises a variety of natural sceneries, roughly dominated by the vast plains of old Castile in contrast with the fringe of highlands and mountains on the north of León.
The importance of this immense territory also gave birth to an extremely rich patrimony, characterized by historical cities such as Salamanca (boasting of Spain's oldest university) or Burgos (the first capital of the united kingdoms), magnificent monuments, including the wonderful cathedral of León and the famous Alcázar of Segovia, as well as many castles, great monasteries, churches and other architectural treasures.
It was also at the region, near Burgos, that was born the legendary hero El Cid, the most charismatic figure of the 11th-century Christian Reconquista (takeover) against the Moors.
In parallel, the region also offers visitors beautiful country sceneries dotted with picturesque villages, still preserving much of their traditional architecture.
The central plateau of Spain, characterized by harsh winters and searing summer heat and also marked by centuries of poverty and isolation, favoured a gastronomy based essentially on rural flavours, namely with a variety of sucking-pig and lamb dishes, traditionally roasted in huge baking ovens.
Castile and Leon is also a major wine-producing region, specially known for the excellent wines of Ribera del Duero or the popular reds of Toro, both from vineyards cultivated high above the River Duero.
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Attractions
(Castile and Leon) |
Salamanca
--> Salamanca (Spain)
The monumental city of Salamanca exhibits the most important collection of Renai... [ ]
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