Archive for 'Churches & Religious Buildings in Spain'

Santuari de Lluc is a monastery and pilgrimage site located in north-west Mallorca, ringed by mountains, in a lush green and heavily forested plain. A stunning collection of buildings in the most scenic and peaceful of locations, it is a must-see gem. If you have found a vacation rental on the Balearic Islands and are exploring Mallorca, it is certainly worth a visit.

The Santuari de Lluc was founded in the 13th century when a Moorish shepherd named Lluc found a statue of the Virgin Mary amongst rocks in a stream on the site that would ultimately become home to the monastery. It was then taken to the nearby Church of Sant Pere d’Escorca but then was discovered to have disappeared and mysteriously found back in the stream where it was discovered the very next day. This mysterious and miraculous event gave locals pause to build a chapel on the site and the it is now considered to be the most important pilgrimage site on the island. Thousands visit each year and it has become an integral part of Mallorcan history and culture.

This week, we're talking about the famous Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James, in Spain, one of the most famous walks in the world. This network of paths makes up a pilgrimage route that was once, and still is, one of the most important Christian pilgrimages. However, it is now also a tourist destination that attracts hiking and cycling enthusiasts and organized tour groups. For many, it is something that they have always wanted to do and it features on many a person's bucket list. If you are one of those people, why not find a vacation rental in Galicia and finally do it? Before you do anything, be sure to take note and keep the following tips and facts in mind. Here are the rest of our top ten things to know for those braving the Camino de Santiago!

6. Take some music.

Even if you're trying to immerse yourself in the whole experience of the Camino or are even really seeking spiritual enlightenment, walking the route can become dull or tough and music or radio or audio books will help. Trust us.

The Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James, is one of the most famous walks in the world and a network of paths that make up a pilgrimage route to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain.

It was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during the Middle Ages and, today, is still an essential destination for many seeking spiritual growth. However, it is also now a tourist destination in a more general sense for those beyond the religious and is popular with hiking and cycling enthusiasts and organized tour groups.

A UNESCO heritage site, it is, for many, a must on their bucket list. If it has always been on yours, why not find a vacation rental in Galicia and set aside time to make the journey yourself? If you're planning on doing so, be sure to keep the following tips and facts in mind. These are our top ten things to know for those braving the Camino de Santiago!

An Egyptian Temple standing in Madrid, Spain: not what you might expect, right? Yet, that is exactly what you will find. It's the Temple of Debod and it is a genuine, reconstructed Ancient Egyptian Temple that stands, stone for stone, as it once did in Egypt!

If you are fond of oddities and strange attractions, this is a must see. In fact, we imagine most people would find such a bizarre sight and interesting background tale to be of interest. Just find a vacation rental in Madrid and see it for yourself. I mean, there are plenty of other reasons to visit the city anyway, this is merely the very odd cherry on top.

The mountain of Montserrat, located around 45km northwest of Barcelona, in the region of Catalonia, is around 1,200m high and topped by the beautiful Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat. From a distance, it is a magical sight: stone buildings seeming to spring from the cliff-face and lush green surroundings. However, from up close, from the top, it offers the best views in the area, with a sweeping vista across almost the entirety of Catalonia. Rich in artistic and cultural heritage, surrounded by natural beauty and decidedly charming, the whole place is an incredible attraction and the perfect spot for anyone who has found a vacation rental in Catalonia.

The highest point of Montserrat is Sant Jeroni, which can only be reached by a footpath from the top station of the Funicular de Sant Joan.