About this book
The valley of the Duero River flowing through the plains of Castille and Leon to the borders of Portugal, embodies the essence of Spain. The churches, cathedrals, monasteries, castles and palaces of the region are among the greatest in Spain. In this travel guide, White describes the Duero region's rich Romanesque, Muslim and Gothic legacies, each of which has developed its own uniquely Spanish characteristics. The author's historical journey sheds light on some of the more important and colourful figures who made up the history of this part of the world, and the legends that grew up around it.
Contents
Introduction: some practical consideration. Part 1 The background: the setting - the landscapes, the urban scene; a historical review -ancient and Roman Spain; Visigothic Spain, the Muslim conquest, the Christian revival, the advance to the Duero (8th and 9th centuries), the advance to the Tajo (11th century), the advance to Andalucia (12th and 13th centuries), religious developments (11th to 13th centuries), Castilla and Leon (13th to 15th centuries), Ferdinand and Isabella, Spain from 1516; architectural notes - Visigothic, Muslim, Mozarab, Romanesque, Mudejar, Gothic, renaissance, Baroque, rejas and retablos, castles. Part 2 The itinerary: Soria province - approaches, history, south-eastern Soria province, Soria, the upper Duero, the Soria-Almazan-Burgos de Osma triangle, western Soria province; Burgos province - approaches, history, la Ribera del Duero, Aranda de Duero, the Arandilla Valley; an excursion to the north, west of Aranda de Duero; Segovia province - approaches, history, Segovia, northeast of Segovia, eastern Segovia province, the lower Duraton Valley; northwestern Segovia province; Valladolid and southern Palencia provinces - approaches, history, eastern Valladolid province, Valladolid, around Valladolid, Palencia province (southern), between Valladolid and Palencia, Palencia, tierra de campos I, return to Valladolid province, south of Valladolid, west of Valladolid, tierra de campos II, south of Tordesillas, west to Toro; Zamora province -approaches, history, Toro, zamora, north of zamora, west of Zamora; Avila province - approaches, Avila,La Morana, south and west of Avila; Salamanca province - approaches, history, Salamanca, around Salamanca, west of Salamanca. Appendix: rulers of Leon and Castilla, and later of Spain.
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