Most Singaporeans only know of Barcelona as a lovely travel destination in Spain, but few know of the beauty that lies in the country’s center. I used to be ignorant, with knowledge of this beautiful country limited to football, flamenco, tapas and bullfighting.
Nothing prepared me for what was coming my way – medieval castles, grand fortresses, gothic cathedrals, gargantuan ancient Roman monuments. The list goes on. I was awestruck by the wondrous region of Central Spain, and hope to share some of those moments with you here.
Here are 25 reasons why Central Spain has to be on your bucket list – the same reasons my pining heart is still 11,374km away from my head.
With its grand palace, quaint village houses, arched bridges and a moat that seems to be protecting the city from pillagers and fire-breathing dragons, I could almost imagine a knight in shining armour coming to whisk me away any second.
Winter’s barren tree trunks pierce the setting like thousands of thorns, mirroring the scene from Sleeping Beauty in which Prince Philip had to cut through thorn bushes to wake the cursed princess. In the same picture, spring’s lush green starts to display its sparse but blooming flowers.
The backdrop of The Alcázar of Segovia completes this enchanting scene, and if you’re imaginative enough, the castle looks a little like the bow of the Titanic.
Today, the University of Alcalá continues to embrace its rich history while placing emphasis on modern courses in Arts & Humanities, Law, and Social Sciences.
The university has some interesting past traditions. Hidden among thousands of other carvings on the main entrance is a frog on a skull said to bring students luck. Bullfights were also held in celebration of students who graduated with doctorates. The blood of the bulls was then used to graffiti the walls of the university as a mark of success.
Address: Calle Conde de Miranda, 1, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Opening Hours: 7.30pm – 12am
With personal shopper services, hands-free shopping, tax redemption points and interpreters, shopping is pleasant and easy!
Address: Calle de Raimundo Fernández Villaverde, 79, 28003 Madrid, Spain
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm
In the past, only nobles and the rich resided within the walls while commoners lived outside. Till today, housing within the walls remains more expensive.
To get to the lookout point at The Four Pillars, you can take a city tour on the tuk-tuk which picks passengers up from within the walls. It costs €5/person, and includes an audio guide as you tour around the city.
From juicy meats like Jamón (ham) and Cochinillo (roasted suckling pig) to sweet treats like Churros and Torrija, eating in Spain is a delight for the tastebuds. Check out the list of foods to eat in Spain before you die here.
With a backdrop of the outstanding cathedral tower, walking down this pathway transported me to when Harry Potter first made his way down Diagon Alley. The hustle and bustle along shops selling swords, armours, sweets, marzipan, and vintage books created a magical scene which tingled all my senses.
It is a humongous stadium, and the celebratory atmosphere of past glories is tangible though it was empty. You get to bask in the success of all the trophies won, roll around the pitch, sit in the presidential box and players’ tunnel, and tour the very changing room where Ronaldo takes his baths.
The Aqueduct was built by the Romans in the 1st Century AD, and it’s amazing how there was such ingenuity almost 2000 years ago.
Even if you’re there during Summer, it’s not as unbearable as Singapore as it’s not humid. Winter can get chilly though, so be prepared for cold when you travel!
The Cathedral is considered the greatest work of Gothic Art in Spain and it took nearly 300 years to construct (from 1226 to 1493). No detail is spared, from the florid Gothic altarpiece to the golden treasury to no two stained glass windows being the same. The only thing I regret is not having more time to marvel at its beauty. You’ll need to spend at least half a day here!
You see the magical fairytale castle of Alcázar, the rolling pastures of green, the snow-capped Guadarrama mountains that silhouette a sleeping princess, storks nestled on treetops, quaint Spanish houses of earthy hues – you can live here a lifetime and never get tired of the view.
The expert shared interesting pieces of information with us, like how the best way to retain a wine’s flavour is to open the bottle without a pop. Wines such as Quinta Milu and Altos de San Esteban were well-balanced, with rich bursts of flavour from the mixed berries.
Address: Calle Mayor, 52, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
It’s not for the faint-hearted though – the balcony’s platform is made of interconnecting metal bars, so there are many small rectangular holes. You can look down and see the entire street from 30m in the air!
When we finally made it, I rushed to the balcony to bask in the warm rays of the setting sun, taking in the lovely view of the golden city as it prepared for nightfall.
The Temple of Debod was a gift from Egypt, thanking Spain for their help in saving the temples of Abu Simbel from the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this temple is a unique piece of an exotic culture.
It’s a Dominican convent built in the 15th Century, as well as the burial place of Catholic King Fernando and Queen Isabel’s only son who died at 19. It’s also home to an oriental museum featuring Asian antiques brought back by missionaries. One thing I’ll never forget is the life story of a Chinese Jesus painted on ceramic plates.
St. Stephen was Christianity’s first martyr, who was stoned to death after denouncing the Jewish authorities. Eerie silence and a sense of serenity permeates the compound, making it a great place to seek solace or chill your bones.
Madrid is also well known for el Rastro, a popular open air flea market. Unfortunately, it’s only held on Sundays and I didn’t have the chance to scour through cheap vintage finds for myself. On the bright side, this gives me another reason to go back!
The sweet music of passionate buskers fill the air as people take time to appreciate it with their dogs. Al fresco diners bask in the warm sunshine as they catch up with old friends, and happy children run around practicing their football tricks. Time passes more slowly yet with more meaning.
Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to dine here. But you definitely should if you’re in Madrid!
Address: Calle Cuchilleros, 17, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Everywhere you go, people are so kind and open. Many were there to help when we got lost, and some of us even received random compliments from strangers!
In Toledo, my intrepid spirit got the best of me and I wandered out along the winding roads before stumbling upon this hidden trail. It’s so pretty I thought I was going to find Narnia at the end.
Unfortunately, I did not end up in Narnia. But the gorgeous view of the town bound by the coursing moat is surely a close comparison.
The lush greens of the Jewish Cemetery in Segovia reminded me a little of Hobbiton’s pastures. Take in the crisp air and allow the morning breeze to ruffle through your hair as you hike up the cobblestone steps.
At the end, the magnificent view of the fortress walls and the Alcázar will take your breath away.
I don’t think I’ve ever visited a country whose history is this rich and diverse. From the grandest monuments to the smallest nooks and crannies, the influence of the Romans, Muslims, Catholics, Jews and Protestants blend together harmoniously like a fascinating painting.
Gothic Cathedrals sport completely different romanesque and baroque styles in some halls, and parts of the ceiling are distinctively Islamic. We came across Christian churches built by Muslim Moors in the Jewish quarters of towns, and how everything could fit so oddly yet beautifully together was just mindblowing.
Thai Airways has many interconnecting round-trip flights from Singapore to Madrid. They have some of the most affordable flight tickets among non-budget airlines, and the service is top-notch.
From Madrid, you can easily sign up for day trips to the neighbouring towns of Alcalá, Toledo, Ávila, Salamanca and Segovia. These towns are also accessible by public transportation and taxi.
This luxury hotel is located in what was previously a 17th century monastic school. It has been a convent, a college and then a prison, but there is no trace of its gloomy past. In fact, it’s fascinating how the revamp has transformed the interior into a space so sleek, modern and comfortable.
Parador de Alcalá de Henares houses a spa, meeting and convention rooms, a pool which is open during the summer, and the loveliest bunch of staff. The food its restaurant serves is also delectable! It’s only an hour’s drive to Madrid and 40 minutes from the Madrid Barajas International Airport.
Hotel Domenico has rooms offering stunning views of Toledo from the spacious balcony. Waking up to the city drenched in the golden glow of sunrise was enough to make my day.
The Parador in Ávila is easily my favourite hotel. It’s located in the previous Piedras Albas Palace which connects the medieval city walls, and the decor makes you feel like you’re staying in a royal castle.
The rooms are so spacious and comfortable, with a view of the parador’s lovely garden. It’s also just a stone’s throw away from the city’s main attractions.
I’ll always remember how I was blown away by the view of Salamanca from this hotel, which is already visible from the main lobby.
The rooms are so huge, warm, and welcoming that I felt immediately at home. It’s only 14km from the Madrid Barajas International Airport and a short walk to the metro station.
This hotel has the cutest rooms. Nearly each room is tastefully designed to be different, and I was fortunate enough to get a pretty pink room with a large balcony overlooking the grand cathedral and Guadarrama Mountain range.
The hotel is in the heart of the shopping area in Segovia, and the town square is right at your doorstep.
In partnership with Novotel, Hotel Convencion is undergoing a full revamp. The sleek and stylish proposed interior exudes modernity, and there will be 790 rooms, 21 conference rooms, a fitness club, roof pool, and gourmet bar. The new and improved hotel will open its doors mid-2016, with final touches to be completed by 2017.
Hotel Convencion is a 5 minute walk from the beautiful El Retiro Park in Madrid, with convenient access to public transport. It’s also less than a 20 minute drive from Barajas International Airport. If you’re planning a trip to Madrid next year, this is a hotel to look out for!
Central Spain flaunts the diverse beauty of this huge world, so it’s the perfect place to start! The intensity of its history, the openness of its people and the grandeur of its landscapes are all things that we can marvel at and grow from.
Start saving up for an adventure to Central Spain. I promise that just as I did, you’ll have the time of your life.
“Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected for the rest of my life” – Michael Palin
This post was brought to you by the Spain Tourism Board. Photos edited by Adam Yee
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