Navarre - The Region With a Rich Historical Heritage

Navarra is an interesting, unusual blend of fantastic landscapes, interesting history of the medieval kingdom, magnificent climate, fabulous peaks of the Pyrenees and unique cultural traditions!

Nowadays this former kingdom is an autonomous region and a province. Navarre is located in the north of the country and borders with France. The territory of the province is divided into three large areas: the southern zone has steppe landscapes, the northern mountainous zone, and the middle is characterized by valleys, gorges and even reliefs.

The climate directly depends on the influence of the Mediterranean Sea. Therefore, in the winter there are quite abundant precipitation in the region, but the summer pleases with hot, dry weather.

The international airport is located 6 kilometers from the administrative center of the region. Although there is a characteristic mountainous landscape, but the roads are very comfortable for travel. Between cities and villages it is convenient to travel by train or bus. And the international network embraced all the cities of Navarra. At local highways - the radial structure and highways connect the capital of the province with Barcelona, Madrid and other large populated cities of Spain.

History

The history of the ancient kingdom of Navarre is directly connected with the history of Castile, Aragon, France and the Basque Country. A great influence on the development of the province was the pilgrimage of St. James, passing through its territory.

Local residents of the mountainous regions have preserved ancient traditions and language to this day, just like in the Basque Country. In the valley, on the contrary, the customs of the peoples formerly inhabiting Navarre spread. The Kingdom reached its peak in the tenth century, but in 1512 it was annexed to the Spanish crown, although it retained the right to autonomy, laws, bank notes and borders. On the border with France, there are many evidences of past historical grandeur.

sights

If you are a fan of medieval history, then Navarra will be a real find for you! The ancient fortress walls of Artaxon or the stunning castle palace in the city of Oolite will delight any tourist! The area will bring a lot of joy and lovers of golfing, hunters, fishing, mountain climbing and hiking.

But not only the sights famous for Navarra (Navarra). Healing sources and fantastic landscapes always attract tourists here. Very popular thermal spa Baños de Fitero, located in Fitero.

In addition, the region has many national reserves, where nature is in its original form.

The largest of the cities of Pamplona will surprise you with the famous holiday of San Fermina, which is dedicated to the Bishop of Fermin, who saved the city from the plague in the Middle Ages. Now it is a modern city with many charming parks. Pamplona is a fairly calm city, rich in historical heritage. The brightest attractions: the Old Quarter, the cathedral (built in 1390-1527), the bell towers and watchtowers. It is very pleasant to stroll through medieval narrow streets with many ancient buildings and churches.

A small medieval town of Olite has a unique palace-palace, the former patrimonial nest of many monarchs and princes.

The main feature of Puente La Reina is its location at the crossroads of the pilgrims' roads. Through the river Arga Romansky bridge is laid - the most outstanding and outstanding example of Romanesque architecture.

Tudela - a fairly large by Spanish standards city, famous for many attractions. Tourists with interest get acquainted with the most beautiful cathedral in the Gothic style, many churches, interesting women's monasteries and the local arena for battles of bulls. Attention deserves the palace of Count Heredia-Spinola, the palace of the Marquis of San Adriana and other majestic buildings, formerly owned by the Spanish nobility.

Javier Castle is located 70 kilometers from the capital and is famous not only for its architecture, but also for a rich program of social, cultural and religious events.

Among the natural beauties, the biosphere reserve, located in the southeast of the province, was particularly prominent.

Culture

All the cities and villages of Navarre are united by dances and music. There are many festivals, which unite religious and pagan traditions.

The whole world is famous for the holiday of San Fermin, which takes place from 6 to 14 June. At this time thousands of tourists from all over the world try to come here to see the famous bull races through the narrow streets of Pamplona.

In addition, there are many interesting local customs. For example, in April, Almadia Day is celebrated, when people make rafts and descend trees on the river.

And carnivals in the north - this is a source of ethnographic heritage!

Kitchen

The cuisine of Navarre amazes with its diversity and richness and has an excellent reputation, thanks to the use of only natural and quality ingredients. And the dishes are prepared exclusively by traditional methods.

Be sure to try the local market gifts: juicy beans, chili, artichokes and asparagus. Enjoy the taste of tender cod, cooked in oil or steak on the bone. From desserts you will be surprised by the local plum pie and amazingly delicious waffles with whipped cream.

Crown dishes, which it is inexcusable not to try: quail in chocolate glaze and rabbits stuffed with snails. Sausages pureorra, Navarre lambs, shellfish with artichokes - all the magic of local cuisine can not be listed! Even sophisticated gourmets from all over the world are delighted!

If you are an art connoisseur, then choosing a trip to Navarre, you will not lose! Literally every piece of land will surprise you with a rich historical heritage. Unique landscapes, interesting history, local colorful traditions will impress any, even a sophisticated tourist!