View of Plasencia © Turespaña
San Miguel de Lillo. Oviedo © Turespaña
Alcázar fortress in Zafra © Turespaña
León Cathedral © Turespaña
View of the Roman wall and the Episcopal palace Astorga © Turespaña
Plaza de España square, Seville © Turespaña
Since ancient times, northern and southern Spain have been linked by a great natural corridor. When the Romans came to the Iberian peninsula, they built a road to improve communications and trading. This is the origins of the Silver Route, which goes from Seville to Gijón, passing through monumental cities such as Mérida, Salamanca, León and Astorga.
The road initially used to go from Mérida (Emérita Augusta) to Astorga (Asturica Augusta). Later on, it was extended north to Gijón, and south to Seville. This route was used by Romans, Moors and Christians, from the 1st to the 19th century. Its long history has enabled the towns it runs through to preserve rich monuments and buildings, which can be discovered today. Theatres, churches, bridges, aqueducts… As well as its great Roman legacy, on this journey we'll discover ancient castles, palaces and buildings. We'll share some of the places that are not to be missed.
Silver Route in Andalusia
Our route begins in Seville, with the Torre del Oro tower, the Santa Cruz neighbourhood and María Luisa Park. There is a lot to see, so it's best to take things slow. Don't miss the Cathedral, together with the Alcázar palace and the Indias Archive of Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as other places of interest, near the city we'll find the Roman necropolis in Carmona, and the Itálica ruins, in Santiponce.
Silver Route in Extremadura
The route continues in the province of Badajoz. Zafra, with its 15th century Alcázar palace, currently a Parador Hotel, is one of the places on the route. Another important landmark on the way is Mérida, with its Roman archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous Classical Theatre Festival is held every year in Mérida's Roman theatre. Another essential place to visit is, without a doubt, the National Museum of Roman Art.
In the province of Cáceres we must stop in the city sharing the same name, Cáceres, because the old town is also a World Heritage Site. There are still other interesting places to be discovered: Trujillo, the birthplace of the conqueror Francisco Pizarro, with its impressive Plaza Mayor square and the castle; Plasencia, where we can see the cathedral and many palaces; and Hervás, which has a beautiful Jewish quarter.
Silver Route in Castile-León
The route continues in this region, where we'll discover a good number of monuments and buildings. We start at Béjar, a town situated in the Béjar and Francia Mountains, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Another very recommendable place to visit is Salamanca and its old town, which is also a World Heritage Site. Further along, the walls in Zamora reminds us the reason why the city used to be called "La bien cercada" (The well defended). In the old town, the cathedral and its unique dome are sure to impress you.
The route in Castile-León has more surprises in store: Benavente, Astorga and León, for example. In Benavente we’ll fine the Torre del Caracol tower and the Church of Santa María del Azogue. In Astorga we'll be amazed by cathedral and the Episcopal Palace, designed by Gaudí. In León, the old Convent of San Marcos and the cathedral are just a few examples of the many things we can see in the city. The stained glass windows in the cathedral are a veritable work of art.
Silver Route in Asturias
In this region there is an especially interesting place: Oviedo. Here we'll be able to see an architectural style that is unique in the world: Asturian pre-Romanesque. The churches of Santa María del Naranco, San Miguel de Lillo and San Julián de Prados are part of the group of buildings in this style, which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Finally, in the last city on the route, Gijón, we'll be able to take a relaxing dip in the sea. But we'll also find buildings in the historic quarter such as the Palace of Revillagigedo and the extension of the promenade. There we'll see the spectacular sculpture by Chillida, Elogio del Horizonte, with the Cantabrian Sea in the background.
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