Spain Facts: Aragon Travel Trivia
Sos de Reyo Catolico, Dinopolis, Pyrenees Folklore Fest & Florida
Mar 29, 2007
Spain: Information on bombs in Zaragoza's basilica, Teruel, Henry VIII's wife Catherine, Alquezar canyoning, filming at Loarre castle & the birthplaces of Opus Dei & Goya
The region of Aragon in northern Spain is historically important and has plenty of tourist attractions. Here are some facts, trivia and information that may come in handy for visitors if they decide to travel there.
- The founder of Catholic cult Opus Dei, Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer, grew up in the Aragonese town of Barbastro. The cult, formally known as The Prelature of the Holy Cross and Opus Dei was founded by the priest in 1928, and recently became notorious after being featured in Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code.
- Without Aragon, there wouldn’t be the Church of England. English king Henry VIII wanted a divorce from his wife, Catherine of Aragon, but couldn’t under Catholic law. He also couldn’t have her beheaded like two of his other wives because of the political consequences it would have. So he formed the breakaway church, and made himself the head of it, allowing divorce in the process.
- Teruel is home to Spain’s version of Romeo and Juliet. In this instance the tragic lovers are called Diego and Isabel, and on February 14th (Valentines Day) every year, locals re-enact the legendary story. And let’s face it, any town that sets its marketing sights so low that it brands itself with the slogan ‘Teruel Exists!’ needs all the help in can get in terms of tourist draws. That said, it is also home to Dinopolis – a pre-historic theme park.
- The basilica in Zaragoza still contains two unexploded bombs dating back to the Spanish civil war.
- Fans of Spain’s most celebrated architect, Goya, can visit the house where he was born in Fuendetodos. His birthplace now contains a small exhibition.
- For fans of adventure sports, head to Alquezar. It modestly bills itself as Europe’s canyoning capital.
- Fernando II, arguably Spain’s most famous king was born in the Palacio do Sada in Sos de Reyo Catolico
- Anyone who has watched the Ridley Scott-directed film Kingdom of Heaven may find Loarre Castle in the Huesca province fairly familiar. This was the backdrop for many of the early scenes in which Orlando Bloom’s blacksmith finds out who he really is.
- If you’re after events, then Florida is famous for its techno music festival, whilst Jaca holds archery displays in May and the Pyrenees Folklore Festival.
- The Hotel Monasterio de Piedra in Catalayud was formerly a monastery, but it was converted into a hotel once the monks cleared off.
MORE TRAVEL FACTS AND TRIVIA
Countries: Austria, Australia,Bolivia, East Timor, Estonia, France, Indonesia, Italy, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Morocco, The Netherlands, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Spain
Cities: Birmingham, Chicago, Detroit, Paris, Philadelphia, Rome, Sydney, Venice
Regions: Algarve, Aragon, Basque Country, Puglia, Sicily
US States: Arizona,Kentucky, Michigan,Virginia
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