A trip to the Spanish town of Zamora must surely include a visit to its Mills or “Aceñas de Olivares”. These are a group of mills of medieval origin located along the Duero River, which marked the beginning of the production of wheat flour in this city. Continue reading “The Mills of “Olivares” of Zamora”
In the highest part of the Spanish city of Zamora, in Castilla-León, is located its castle, built on rock and adapted to the natural and irregular shape of the terrain. According to the chronicles, its construction was ordered by Alfonso II, however, recent studies by historians suggest that it was actually Fernando I who ordered its construction. Therefore, it is estimated that the castle dates from the mid-11th century, although very few traces remain from that period. Continue reading “The Zamora Castle, Spain”
The main archaeological museum in Greece is the National Archaeological Museum of Athens and houses one of the most significant collections of archaeological objects found in the country, dating from prehistoric to late antiquity. Continue reading “National Archaeological Museum of Athens, Greece”
The Church of Agios Nikolaos Rangavas, located in the heart of Athens’ historic Plaka neighborhood, is a hidden treasure that offers a window into the city’s rich Byzantine heritage. This elegant Orthodox church, dedicated to St. Nicholas, is renowned for its unique architectural features, historical significance and for being the oldest church in Athens. Continue reading “Saint Nicholas Church of Athens, Greece”
A hidden treasure in the vibrant city of Athens in Greece, which certainly deserves a visit is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Dionysius the Areopagite. This temple is a true jewel of religious architecture that captivates with its rich history and is a palpable testimony of the cultural heritage and religious fervor that characterizes this city. Continue reading “Cathedral Basilica of St. Dionysius the Areopagite of Athens, Greece”
Located between the Acropolis of Athens and Monastiraki Square is the impressive Roman Agora. This enclosure, a legacy of the Roman presence in Greece, was built between 19 B.C. and 11 B.C., under the rule of Emperor Augustus, and later expanded by the philhellenic emperor Hadrian, a great defender of this culture and its traditions. In 267, after the invasion of the Heruli (Germanic people who inhabited Northern Europe and participated in the invasion of the Roman Empire), the city of Athens was limited to the interior of the late Roman wall. The administrative and commercial center of the city was moved from the ancient Agora to the Roman Agora and Hadrian’s Library. Continue reading “Roman Agora of Athens, Greece”
The Aljafería Palace, a majestic fortified building, was built in Zaragoza, Spain during the second half of the 11th century. Its construction was ordered by Abu Ja’far Ahmad ibn Sulaymán al-Muqtadir Billah, known by his honorific title of Al-Muqtadir, “the Powerful”, as his recreational residence. The name of Aljafería is derived from the pronoun of Al-Muqtadir, Abu Ya’far, and from “Ya’far”, “Al-Yafariyya”, which evolved into “Aliafaria” and from there to “Aljafería”. Initially, the construction was carried out outside the Roman wall, on the plain known as La Almozara, a place where Muslims carried out their military exercises. With the passing of time and urban expansion, the building has been integrated into the city. Continue reading “The Aljafería Palace, Zaragoza, Spain”
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, known to Greeks as Mitropoli, is a majestic church of Byzantine origin dedicated to St. Mary of the Assumption. Located in the Plaka district, right at the foot of the Acropolis, it is currently the largest church in Athens and the seat of the Archbishop of Greece. Continue reading “Athens, Greece: Its largest church and its smallest church”
From the Cathedral Square you can see the smallest and oldest of the eleven cathedrals of the Community of Castilla y León. Dedicated to the Savior, it is located at the highest point of the city of Zamora and belongs to the so-called Romanesque of the Duero. In 1889 it was declared a National Monument. Regarding the dates of the beginning and end of the works of the cathedral, there is no agreement among historians. It is said that it was built by a single master and that it was finished in 1174, coinciding with the reign of Alfonso VII. Continue reading “Cathedral of the Savior, Zamora, Spain”
The Church of Panagia Kapnikarea, is considered a relic of Byzantine architecture and one of the oldest Orthodox churches in the city of Athens. According to archaeological research, this Byzantine church where the ancient Greeks worshipped the goddess Athena or Demeter, was built over an ancient temple in the 11th century, probably in the year 1050, a common practice among early Christian churches. Today, it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, known as “Panagia”. Continue reading “The Kapnikarea Church, one of the oldest in Athens, Greece”