fact
There’s a village in the Spanish region of Málaga, Andalusia that celebrates 4th of July. Macharaviaya was the birthplace of Bernardo de Gálvez, one of the Founding Fathers of the US, who supported the colonists and their French allies in the American Revolutionary War.
The post There’s a village in the Spanish… appeared first on Crazy Facts.
Any fan of Outlander can tell you about the value of a good stone circle or megalith.
They are an incredible feat of engineering that evokes imagery of giants and druids and ancient gods and ancient humans overcoming extraordinary limitations (and doing math!) in the service of those gods.
There is something magical about such places, and even more magical when one emerges before our eyes like Atlantis.
View this post on Instagram
The Dolmen of Guadalperal is believed to be about 4,000 years old, built around 2,000 BCE.
Think “Stonehenge’s little sister.”
According to My Modern Met:
The Dolmen of Guadalperal is a collection of 150 large granite stones arranged in a circular structure with what appears to be an entranceway guarded by a menhir (standing stone) carved with snake and cup motifs.
Incredibly, this Spanish structure was first discovered by a German archaeologist named Hugo Obermaier in the 1920s.
In case you were wondering what the difference between a henge and dolmen and a stone circle are, My Modern Met explains:
The term dolmen is typically used to describe an ancient structure where standing stones support a large capstone to create a chamber–a structure often used for early Neolithic tombs.
Whereas a henge is defined as a prehistoric monument consisting of a circle of stone or wooden uprights.
A henge may or may not include the topping capstone, and can be used for many ceremonies and purposes, as opposed to being a burial chamber.
(For extra nerdy readers, a megalith is one single large stone of several composing a henge or dolmen.)
Proving that modern humans are all pretty much alike, the historic structure was not protected for posterity, and in the 1960s, the Spanish government deliberately flooded the area in order to create the Valdecañas Reservoir.
This left the majority of the stones almost entirely submerged, with only a handful of the talest points visible above the water.
View this post on Instagram
Like much of the world, 2019 was a hot dry year for Europe, and Spain found itself in a deep drought.
By the spring of 2021, that drought had persisted enough that even NASA satellites could see the waters of the Valdecañas Reservoir had receded, and the magnificent stones had finally reemerged after decades.
View this post on Instagram
Understandably, the years under water have not been kind to the structure.
Granite is porous, meaning water was able to infiltrate the stones’ interiors.
Those snake carvings which once decorated the megaliths have largely eroded.
But they are still a sight to behold.
View this post on Instagram
Many local residents are now calling to protect the stones, even if that means moving all 150 of them to higher ground and reconstructing the existing structure, so that once the drought is over, the site can be preserved for tourists and researchers.
Moving the stones wouldn’t be quite the same, but it’s better than nothing, and I really hope they can do it.
I’m a sucker for stone circles myself, having visited both Stonehenge in England and the Standing Stones of Stenness on Orkney, and I’d love the chance to see these old stones in person.
What do you think? Planning a trip to Spain to check them out and attempt to travel through time?
Tell us in the comments!
The post A 4,000-Year-Old Dolmen of Guadalperal Stone Henge Emerged from the Depths of a Canal in Spain appeared first on UberFacts.
The origins of the cowboy tradition come from Spain, beginning with the hacienda system of medieval Spain. This style of cattle ranching spread throughout much of the Iberian peninsula, and later was imported to the Americas.
The post The origins of the cowboy tradition… appeared first on Crazy Facts.
The residents of the Spanish village Villar de Corneja near Avila, where the average age is 75, toast the New Year 12 hours before the rest of their countrymen in a collective decision to get to bed at a decent hour.
The post The residents of the Spanish village… appeared first on Crazy Facts.
The pandemic is still in full swing in the United States. As a result, many countries, including those that are part of the European Union, have imposed travel bans or restrictions against US citizens.
Thankfully, if you’re dead-set on taking that vacation this year, there are at least 10 U.S destinations that will make you feel as if you’ve journeyed across the pond, without ever leaving American soil. And each of these U.S cities is rich with the history and culture of the settlers who founded them.
Let’s take a look!
Image Credit: iStock
It’s no accident that Leavenworth, WA looks so charming and inviting.
In the 1960s, after thirty years of economic struggle, town leaders agreed to adopt a Bavarian theme and give the city a makeover in order to attract tourists.
They instituted a series of festivals, including the Autumn Leaf Festival, Maifest, and Christmas Lighting Festival.
Be sure to visit the Bavarian village for bratwurst & sauerkraut and enjoy a daily morning alp horn saerenade.
Image Credit: iStock
Michigan’s “little Bavaria” is known for it’s world-famous chicken dinners but it’s that German pride that really makes Frankenmuth special.
Enjoy German-inspired architecture, craft-beer and wine, and don’t forget to visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store, open 361 days a year.
Image Credit: iStock
Here you’ll find a touch of Bavaria tucked in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
This charming little alpine village makes the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway.
Tour local vineyards, enjoy scenic water falls and hiking trails, or even scout out the perfect location for your upcoming nuptials.
Image Credit: iStock
As the oldest city in the nation, St. Augustine has much to offer.
Gaze upon stately castles, enjoy historic reenactments, and even take a ghost tour.
Originally a busy port town for merchants, it’s also a great place for those who enjoy shopping or romantic water-side dinners.
Image Credit: iStock
With its stunning natural landscape and classic Spanish heritage, The American Riviera is hard to beat.
Its distinct architectural style comes from the early Spanish settlers who built Old Mission Santa Barbara, now the County Courthouse.
Soak in the sun and the culture with a walk down Santa Barbara’s Museum Mile or take yourself on the Red Tile Walking Tour.
Image Credit: iStock
This quaint but colorful city is picture-perfect for a relaxing vacation.
Tour Windmill Island Gardens or make your way downtown for authentic Dutch architecture and cuisine.
Be sure to visit in the spring, during the Tulip Time Festival for the true Dutch experience, as millions of tulips burst into bloom.
Image Credit: iStock
Visiting Solvang is like stepping into a storybook.
Enjoy this “little slice of Denmark” by strolling through the village, Danish pastry in hand.
Or maybe hop a ride on a historic, wooden, horse-drawn streetcar!
Be sure to take your picture with Danish icons, including the Little Mermaid Fountain, five windmills, the giant red clog Round Tower.
Image Credit: iStock
You’ll find this European-influenced city Nestled in California’s Napa Valley.
Home to wineries, geysers, and plenty of natural beauty, Calistoga is the perfect spot for endless outdoor adventures.
Take it all in during your hot-air balloon tour.
Image Credit: iStock
Modeled after the ski districts of European Switzerland, Vail is the perfect spot for the adventurous vacationer.
Take advantage of the country’s largest free transportation system and visit the cobble-stoned, Bavarian-inspired village of Lionshead.
In the summer, come prepared to hike, bike, and enjoy the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens; be sure to bring your snowboard or skis if you’re visiting in the winter.
Image Credit: iStock
A pillar of community and resilience, this French-influenced city is a must-see.
While Mardi Gras always draws a crowd, there are so many other reasons to visit this city, including its whimsical architecture.
Enjoy mouthwatering beignets and Creole cuisine as you take in the romantic and jazzy vibe of French Quarter.
Now you know! You can enjoy the experience of visiting Europe, without the overseas flight. Visit each city’s websites to learn about the safety measures in place keeping both locals and tourists healthy and happy.
Even if you don’t feel safe traveling right now, it doesn’t mean you can’t start planning for the future.
I don’t know about you, but Santa Barbara is calling my name. Which city would you like to visit first? Let us know in the comments!
The post American Destinations That Make You Feel Like You’re in Europe appeared first on UberFacts.
The Spanish Inquisition was devoid of its own budget, meaning it depended exclusively on the confiscation of the goods of the denounced. Due to this organization and possibility of abuse, someone wrote a letter to the king saying of the inquisitors “if they do not burn they do not eat”.
The post The Spanish Inquisition was devoid… appeared first on Crazy Facts.
In Spain, people who are owed a debt can hire men in top hats and black suits to “haunt” the debtor into paying up. The men stand silently near the debtor (outside of his/her house, next to the table in a restaurant where the debtor is seated, etc.) until the debt is paid.
I have a feeling that this news is going to excite a whole lot of people out there. Combine two great things – chocolate and travel – and what do you get? The Eurochocolate Cruise.
The cruise is a collaboration between Costa Cruises and the annual Eurochocolate Festival, and it will set sail in April 2020 from Civitavecchia, Italy. The cruise will take guests through the Mediterranean for eight days.
Chocolate-themed cruise to set sail in 2020 It's every chocoholic’s dream come true. Travel https://ift.tt/2WfRW0P
Posted by Getlivenews on Thursday, October 24, 2019
If you’re lucky enough to book a spot on this excursion, you’ll be treated to eight days of chocolate tastings, chocolate workshops, a visit to the Chocolate Museum in Barcelona. Oh, and the boat itself is stocked with chocolate fountains, chocolate sculptures – even chocolate experts to answer all your chocolate questions.
The ship will also stop in Genoa, Palma de Mallorca, Malta, and Catania. Carlo Schiavon, Costa Cruises’ Italy country manager, said,
“We try to offer unique experiences to our guests […] and this is possible also thanks to prestigious partnerships like the one with Eurochocolate. [It] will allow us to have for the first time aboard a cruise ship the vibe, the fun and the tastes of the greatest international festival dedicated to chocolate.”
Make it a #SundayFunday to remember by booking your next Costa #cruise with our Fall for Savings deal! Receive up to…
Posted by Costa on Sunday, October 27, 2019
The annual Eurochocolate festival takes place in Perugia, Italy, attracting around 900,000 visitors each year. Next year’s festival is set to kick off on October 16 and run until October 25.
I really need to get in on this whole “chocolate tourism” thing…what have I been doing with my life?
This looks like an excellent trip. Let us know if you plan to go!
The post A Cruise Dedicated to Chocolate Will Set Sail Around Europe in 2020 appeared first on UberFacts.
The Spanish once granted automatic Spanish citizenship to Irish people. Due to their belief that the Irish were a group of ancient Spanairds who left Spain with a Spanish King called Míl Espáine to settle the Island of Ireland.
In 2015, Spanish workers destroyed a 6,000-year-old Neolithic tomb, mistaking it for a broken picnic table. They replaced it with a ‘better’ picnic table. 00
#perugia #italy
#chocolate #festival #chocolatefestival #umbria #wonderful #icecream #churros #nutella#eurochocolate #minimetro #jam #perugiachocolate #eurochocolateperugia#fontana #fontanamaggiore #sanlorenzocathedral #palazzodeipriori