SANTANDER, SPAIN ORIENTATION€¦ · Santander, Spain 11149 Research Blvd. Suite 100 Austin, TX 78759 USA I 512-502-7505 phone I 512-532-0803 fax I [email protected] SANTANDER –

11149 Research Blvd. Suite 100 Austin, TX 78759 USA

www.spiabroad.com I 512-502-7505 phone I 512-532-0803 fax I [email protected]

Santander, Spain

SANTANDER, SPAIN ORIENTATION



Santander, Spain

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Living in Spain o History o Spanish Culture o Cultural Differences o Religion o Language: El Castellano o Map of Spain o Conversions & Measures o Shopping Sizes

Santander – Your Host City

o History o Food o Beaches o Language o Orientation o Nearby Sites

School Info o Universidad de Cantabria Information o Classes o Grading & Participation

Excursion Guide o Madrid o Segovia o Bilbao o Picos de Europa o Toledo

Important Contacts Sheet



Santander, Spain

LIVING IN SPAIN History Spanish history dates back to the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century when Spain was held by a barbaric white tribe, the Visigoths. Though they were Christians, their brand of Christianity was cruel and unjust. For this reason, Spain's Jews, serfs, and slaves aided the Islamic conquerors called Moors, and took over Spain. The Moors ruled for more than 700 years and were perhaps the greatest influence on artistic and intellectual strength in Spain. Despite periods of instability, Spain flourished as a center of learning, trade and culture characterized by a blend between the Christian and Arab worlds. Following Columbus’ revealing of the New World in 1492, the century saw a culmination of Spain's power and influence on a global scale. For 150 years, no Spanish army was defeated in a pitched battle. Spanish kings controlled all or parts of what are now Portugal, the Netherlands, Italy and France, and was a great power in Europe for a long time. Unfortunately, imperial ambitions brought on excess that eventually slowed the strength of Spain. By the late 1800s, the country nearly lost all of its colonial possessions. The 20th century began with an economic disaster as its traditional culture clashed with modern political and social forces. The culminating turmoil snapped in 1936 at the start of the horrific Spanish Civil war. Fascist dictator, General Francisco Franco, ruled until he died in 1975. Spain was then taken over by King Juan Carlos I, who led Spain toward democracy. As a fruit of its new freedoms, the country celebrated a cultural renaissance in the 1980s and 1990s.

Spanish Culture Spain has much more to offer than its famed Flamenco music, dance, bullfights, fantastic beaches and lots of sunshine. It is, and has been for thousands of years, one of the cultural centers of Europe. Spain has an extraordinary artistic heritage. The dominant figures of the golden age were the Toledo-based artists El Greco and Diego Velasquez. Francisco Goya emerged in the 18th century as Spain's most prolific painter and he produced some wonderfully unflattering portraits of royalty. The art world in the early 20th century was influenced by a remarkable group of Spanish artists: Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris, Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí.



Santander, Spain

Spain's architecture ranges from prehistoric monuments in the Balearic Islands, the Roman ruins of Tarragona, the decorative Lonja in Sevilla, Gothic cathedrals, castles, to the fantastic modernist monuments such as Gaudí's intricate architectural style. Spanish food has a deservedly fantastic reputation, and tapas (small portions of food which are served in bars before lunch and dinner) are probably one of the most civilized inventions. Paella, gazpacho and chorizo may be familiar to most Western diners, but Spanish cuisine goes well beyond these, with a wide assortment of rich stews, soups, beans, seafood and meats, all of which have been influential in Latin American cooking. The guitar was invented in the 1790s when a sixth string was added to the Moorish lute, and gaining its modern shape in the 1870s. Spanish musicians have taken the humble guitar to dizzying heights of virtuosity and none more so than Andrés Segovia who established classical guitar as a genre. Flamenco, music rooted in the cante jondo (deep song) of the gitanos (gypsies) of Andalusia, is also experiencing a revival.

Cultural Differences As mentioned before, there are a number of cultural differences between Spain and the US. Here are a few culture tips to make your transition a little smoother: The Spanish People (La gente española)

Personal pride and individualism are highly valued.

Modesty is valued over assertiveness. Flaunting superiority, intelligence, or ability is not appreciated.

Be patient. Nothing is done in a hurry. Spanish trademarks are procrastination and delay. Meeting and Greeting (Reuniones y Saludos)

Men may embrace each other when meeting (friends and family only).

Women may kiss each other on the cheek and embrace.

Expect to be interrupted when speaking. Body Language (Gestos-Gestures)

Never touch, hug or pat a Spaniard you do not know well, unless a friendly Spaniard touches you first.

Generally, Spaniards stand very close when talking. (As close as 12 inches!)

Spaniards speak a lot with their hands. Dining and Entertainment (Gastronomía y Entretenimiento)

It is acceptable and common to be late by 15-30 minutes for social meetings.

Lunches/dinners are vital to establishing a relationship. It is a time to see if the chemistry is correct and to develop trust.



Santander, Spain

No bread and butter plate is used. Bread is set directly on the table. Restaurants generally charge for bread by the piece.

Spaniards don't waste food. It is better to decline food rather than leave it on your plate. Dress (Vesitir)

Appearance is extremely important to Spaniards. They dress elegantly, even for casual occasions.

Dress conservatively.

Shoes are the most important element of dress. Shabby looking shoes can ruin a very nice outfit. Gifts (Regalos)

When invited to someone's home, it is common to bring a small gift.

Give: pastries, cakes, chocolates, flowers, drinks, etc. SPANISH TIME Perhaps because of the benign climate and the long hours of sunshine in Spain, Spaniards tend to get up later in the morning and stay out later at night than the rest of their European neighbors. Shops and businesses are usually opened from 9-9:30 am to 1:30pm and from 4:30-5pm to 8-8:30pm though it has become more and more common for businesses to stay open through the traditional "siesta" hours. Business establishments are usually closed for a day and half per week, most often Saturday afternoon and Sunday, while many shops close only on Sunday. In tourist areas and during the summer, business hours are often expanded to 10-11pm with stores open 7 days a week. Restaurant hours are varied, with the norm being from 1:30 to 3:30pm for lunch and from 8:30 to 11:30pm for dinner. In summer, these hours are often expanded, with many establishments offering continuous service and still other serving food into the small hours of the night.

Religion Catholicism is the predominant religion in Spain and is celebrated in the many churches and cathedrals you will see and visit. Regardless of your beliefs, experiencing a religious service in your country of study is an important part of understanding the culture. Due to Spain’s history and strategic location on the Iberian Peninsula, its religious history is solidified by its beautiful cathedrals that coat the Spanish countryside.

Language: El Castellano The emergence of modern Spanish, or castellano, more or less coincided with the re-conquest of Moorish Spain, which was completed by Isabella of Castile & Ferdinand of Aragón. The city of Toledo is where the first set of Spanish grammar books were recorded. Isabella & Ferdinand pronounced Castilian (Spanish) the official language of the territory and that language still remains today. Spanish is one of the most widely dispersed languages with nearly 400 million speakers around the world. The largest numbers of Spanish speakers are in Mexico followed by “la madre patria,” the mother country, Spain.



Santander, Spain

Map of Spain



Santander, Spain

CONVERSIONS, MEASURES & SHOPPING SIZES Spain, along with the rest of Europe, uses the metric system. Measurements of clothes and shoe sizes are also different.

Weight multiply by

ounces to grams 28.35 grams to ounces 0.035 pounds to kilograms 0.45 kilograms to pounds 2.21

Length & Distance multiply by

inches to centimeters 2.54 centimeters to inches 0.39 feet to meters 0.30 meters to feet 3.28 miles to kilometers 1.61

kilometers to miles 0.62

Volume multiply by gallons to liters 3.79 liters to gallons 26

Temperature oC to

oF multiply by 1.8 and add 32

oF to

oC subtract 32 and divide by 1.8

Fahrenheit: 0 14 32 41 50 68 77 86 95 104 Centigrade -17 -10 0 5 10 20 25 30 35 40

Clothes: Women’s Dresses US: 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 Europe: 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 Men’s Shirts US: 14 14.5 15 15.5 16 16.5 17 17.5 18 Europe: 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Men’s Pants US: 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Europe: 71 73 76 79 81 84 86 89 91

Shoes: Women’s Shoes US: 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 Europe: 35 35.5 36 37 37.5 38 39 39.5 40 Men’s Shoes US: 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 10.5 11 Europe: 40 40.5 41 42 42.5 43 44 44.5 45



Santander, Spain

SANTANDER – YOUR HOST CITY

As the last thousand years of its history makes clear, the city of Santander is a community that has always been open to all approaching it. Neither the sea (to the north) nor the mountains (to the south)

have ever prevented the people of this area from opening their doors to outsiders. The Middle Ages gave rise to an extraordinary demographic and economic burst of growth that played a large role in shaping the city until present times. In the 18th & 19th centuries, Santander, a city as of 1755, continued its vocation of being an open community. But, thanks to the Royal Decrees of 1865 and 1778 which authorized trading with the Western Atlantic seaboard ports, Santander also fixed its sights on America. The natural beauty of the Bay of Santander drew more

people and created a characteristically cosmopolitan city. When in 1891, Queen Isabella II decided to imitate the local inhabitants by diving into the clear waters of the Sardinero beach, it gave rise to what has been one of the city’s most characteristic features over the last century: its identification as a peaceful place where contact with the sea dispelled the stress of the hot summer. The end of the 19th century and beginning of the 12th, was the most brilliant in the city’s recent history. The Palace of “La Magdalena” was built to accommodate the Royal Court, wile aristocrats and bankers completed the construction of grand villas. There became such a proliferation of writers and painters that the city became known as the “Athens of the North.” This cosmopolitan cultural tradition together with a friendly atmosphere has continuously thrived in Santander. Moreover, the European Union has designated the city as one of a select group of “healthy cities” based on the most demanding parameters for quality of lifestyle. Twelve “blue flags” bear proud witness to the superb standards of the region’s beaches and the highly attractive mountain area near Santander known as the “Picos de Europa,” which was recently declared a National Park. Natural beauty, historical traditions and high academic standards make Santander an ideal site for study abroad. SANTANDER’S PORT The city of Santander is thought to have been an ancient Roman Portus Victoriae. During the early Middle Ages, the city grew to be an important commercial port on the Atlantic. As the area grew, the city gained economic and religious importance. Since the 17th century, Santander has been the capital of the province of Cantabria, although it was not officially recognized as such until 1779. In the 18th century, increased commerce with the Americans led to port improvements and more economic growth. Today, the port continues to enrich the tourist trade as well as the local economy of this vibrant and elegant state capital.



Santander, Spain

SANTANDER’S BEACHES A major northern beach resort, especially for Spanish tourists, the city is surrounded by beaches that happily lack the package-tour feel of most Mediterranean resorts. It is a lively place, but quite conservative. Beyond the Magdalena Peninsula, wealthy locals have built mansions facing the long stretch of shoreline known as ‘El Sardinero’ – the city’s best and biggest beach. In addition to providing tourists with crystalline waters and spectacular views, Santander’s restaurants specialize in the fresh seafood for which Cantabria is famous REGIONAL CUISINE High quality natural produce forms the basis of Cantabria’s simple cuisine. Its recipes make no attempt to disguise the taste of food with an excess of condiments. The divisio0n of Cantabria into sea and mountain zones determines the nature of the cuisine, which is based on the superior quality of local

meat, seafood and fish. In Santander, try the gooseneck barnacles, clams, sardines, sea bream, sole, turbot, hake, and tuna. The mountain streams also provide salmon and trout. Famous pastries of the region are Sobaos and Quesadas (cream cheese tart.) These together with sweet-mile rice, custard and the region’s exquisite apples are very highly recommended at dessert time. The range of quality of Cantabrian cheeses deserves a special mention all its own. The best known, make with cream, is now factory-produced. However, many of the cheeses found in small towns in the Picos de Europa, are still produced by hand.

Nearby Sites SANTILLANA DEL MAR & COMILLAS Altamira Caves Although this site is a short drive out of the city, it is highly recommended by locals and by the tourist office. Guided visits are the best way to see the cave, which is full of prehistoric paintings and engravings. Archeological remains were also found in the cave, including ancient tools made from bones. To see the inside of the cave, visitors must apply in writing or by fax at the Altamira Museum - but the amazing, vivid Stone Age paintings on the ceiling are worth the effort. LAREDO: A short 30 minute bus ride from Santander’s main bus station (6 Euros Rountrip.) Laredo boasts one of the longest and most pristine beaches in all of northern Spain! The views of the ocean are marvelous and the small town atmosphere is a good escape from the larger hustle and bustle of Santander. Laredo is mainly a summertime resort where Spaniards vacation in their ‘summer homes.’ Enjoy a paella on the outdoor restaurant located at the start of the beach. When the waves are good – there is great surfing here! SOMO: Great beach just across the bay from Santander. You can take the boat (Los Reginas) from Puerto Chico for about €4 roundtrip.

http://www.10best.com/Santander/Sights_&_Activities/Historic_Sites/index.html?businessID=35213



Santander, Spain

SCHOOL & CLASS INFORMATION

LA UNIVERSIDAD DE CANTABRIA, which satisfies the province’s needs in higher education, consists of some 14,000 students, a teaching staff of 1,000 and approximately 500 administrative workers. It boasts one of the most favorable staff/student ratios within Spain, and now ranks 3rd out of all Spanish universities. You will have at your disposal state of the art installations, computers, library, and gym. SPANISH CLASSES Classes will be held Monday-Friday in the mornings for four hours a day including breaks. Directors will inform you of exact class schedules upon arrival. It is important to come prepared for class each morning and to take advantage of each intensive, yet fun, class. The teaching method is unlike what is used in your U.S. classroom. All classes – grammar, culture, conversation – are focused on improving your speaking and understanding of the language. A placement test will be administered on the first day of classes to place students in the appropriate class levels. GRADING & PARTICIPATION Once classes have started it is your responsibility to attend regularly and to take advantage of all learning opportunities by participating actively. No matter how much you already know, you will learn exponentially more Spanish in your classes. These are college level classes and you are expected to behave in an appropriate manner. You will be evaluated on your participation and grades on exams. Grades will not be reflected on your diploma but you must not miss more than 1 day of class to receive full credit.

IMPORTANT: It is important to save all of your coursework, including exams. Most colleges and universities require students to show the work they did while attending a foreign school.

Directions to School Your host family will help guide you to school on your first day.

Address: Escuela Superior de la Marina Civil Calle de Gamazo, 1

39004 Santander (España)

Office hours are from 9am to 2pm Spain time daily in the

summer.



Santander, Spain

EXCURSION GUIDE

MADRID ¡Bienvenidos a Madrid, el Centro de España! Madrid sits at the center of the Iberian Peninsula and serves as Spain’s political, intellectual, and cultural hub. Surrounded by cities of far greater importance such as Toledo, Segovia, and Valladolid, Madrid was little more than a fortified village when Felipe II decided in 1561 to make I t the permanent capital of the Spanish empire. Madrid is the largest city in Spain and boasts a population of over 3 million people. The city sits atop an arid plateau, making it the highest capital in Europe. Madrid is strategically situated at the hub of both road and rail networks in the country, and incorporates boundless energy, blue skies, art, culture and some of the most exhilarating and exhausting nightlife in Europe. Like any large city, please be observant of your surroundings when touring Madrid. Madrid relatively safe, but pickpockets are active near busy tourist sites. MUSEO DEL PRADO The Museo del Prado is one of the buildings constructed during the reign of Charles III to embellish this area of Madrid. The importance of the Prado is in its “royal collection.” The wealth of foreign art (including Dutch, German, Italian, and French) reflects the historical power of the Spanish crown. Founded as a museum of paintings and sculptures ranging from the 12th to 19th centuries, it also has important collections of drawings, prints, coins and medals, and decorative objects. INTERESTING FACTS: Many of the museum’s rooms are devoted to 3 of Spain’s greatest artists: Velazquez, El Greco, and Goya. Be sure to make note of Velazquez’s Las Meninas, where he depicts himself in the painting with the king and queen. El Greco’s La Crucifixion and San Andres y San Francisco are his most striking works, characterized by long, slender figures. Finally, Goya is the most extensively represented artist in the Prado. La Maja Vestida and La Maja Desnuda are probably his best known paintings. The portraits are of an unknown woman, but many believed her to be Goya’s lover. MUSEO DE ARTE REINA SOFIA On the September 10, 1992, Royal Highnesses King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía of Spain inaugurated the Museo de Arte Reina Sofía as a substitute for the Spanish Museum of Contemporary Art. To date, the artistic ground exhibited there has been constantly growing. The gallery’s collections are arranged chronologically from the ground up, starting from the beginning of the 20th century to present day works. INTERESTING FACTS: The highlight of the museum is Picasso’s Guernica. This 1937 Civil War protest painting was inspired by the mass air attack on the Basque town of Gernika-Lumo by German pilots flying for the Nationalist air force. It hung in a New York gallery until 1981, reflecting the artist’s wish that it should not return to Spain until democracy was re-established – after the rule of Franco.



Santander, Spain

LA PUERTA DEL SOL Once the site of a city gate, La Puerta del Sol or “Gateway of the Sun” is Madrid’s most central point. It is also one of the city’s most popular meeting places. The “square” is shaped like a half moon, and in the center proudly stands the statue of Bourbon King Carlos III. This is also the gathering of New Year’s Eve – where Spaniards swallow a grape on each stroke of the clock, a tradition that is supposed to bring good luck for the rest of the year. Interesting Facts: Look for the small plaque on the southern side

marked “Km 0.” This is where distances along the country’s highways are measured. The bronze statue of a bear reaching for a fruit of a strawberry (madrono) tree is the symbol of Madrid PALACIO REAL (ROYAL PALACE) This vast and lavish royal palace was definitely built to impress. It had been occupied for centuries by a royal fortress, but after a fire in 1734, Felipe V commissioned construction which lasted for 26 year. All the construction was done vaulted, in stone and brick, so that no fire could destroy it. The palace was home to the royal family until 1931, when they moved to the outskirts of Madrid, but the Royal Palace is still used today for various government occasions. INTERESTING FACTS: The Dining Room, decorated in 1879, is filled with chandeliers, ceiling paintings, and tapestries, evoking the grandeur of regal Bourbon entertaining. The Throne Room maintains the original décor of Carlos III, with two gold and scarlet thrones. The Porcelain Room is entirely covered from walls to ceiling in royal porcelain. Most of it is white and green, depicting cherubs and wreaths.

SEGOVIA The city of Segovia is an historic town set high on a rocky spur, and was once occupied by the Romans in 80BC. Segovia was on the front lines of Muslim and Christian conflict until Christian forces captured the city in 1085. The population has remained relatively stable over the centuries and today hovers at around 50,000. Famous in the 15th-century for its wool production, today's activities are based on agriculture and tourism. The tourist sector was greatly assisted in 1985 when UNESCO declared Segovia a World Heritage City. EL ACUEDUCTO (ROMAN AQUEDUCT) The Segovia Aqueduct is one of the greatest surviving monuments of Roman engineering. Built in the 1st Century AD, it stretches 2950 feet, is 110 feet high, and has 166 arches. The aqueduct was invented by the Romans to transport clean water from nearby hills across a valley into towns. This proved to be quite challenging to build. It is made of massive granite blocks joined without mortar or clamps. Notice the large indents on the sides of enormous rocks. These indents are where the Romans picked the rocks up to position them in perfect order. The engineering had to be just right in order to get the water to



Santander, Spain

run through the channels at the right speed. An amazing fact is that the Segovia aqueduct continued to be used until the late 1900’s. INTERESTING FACTS: El Acueducto transports up to 8 gallons of water per second from the Fuenfria River, which lies 8.5 miles outside the city. This aqueduct continued to be used in Segovia until the late 1900’s! Also, look in the center of the aqueduct for a statue of the Virgin Mary. EL ALCAZAR (ALCAZAR CASTLE)

Originally a fortress, the Alcazar has also been a royal palace, the site of Philip II’s wedding, and a military academy. The construction of this majestic castle began in the late 1200’s by King Alfonso VI. Many royals resided here, who all altered the building to their liking, adding towers, slate roofs, and a mote. In 1862, the castle was devastated by a fire but was rebuilt 20 years later using old sketches of the interior. What is seen today is essentially a 19th century remake.

INTERESTING FACTS: “Monta Tanto” is displayed over the throne chairs of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. It signifies that the queen’s power is just as strong as the kings. This represents a dramatic change in power in Spain’s monarchy at this time. Queen Isabella is one of the most important figures in Spanish History – and is credited for formally establishing Castilian Spanish as the official language of Spain. The Alcazar is also where Christopher Columbus asked Queen Isabella & King Ferdinand for money to “discover America.” It is believed that Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World is modeled after this castle.

BILBAO Bilbao, Bilbo in Basque, is the center of Basque industry, Spain’s leading commercial port, and the largest Basque city, with a population of 947,000. Founded in 1300, Bilbao flourished as an industrial city in the 1800s as steelworks and chemical factories. A recent urban development scheme helped introduce pieces of modernist architecture to break up the monotone industrial sprawl. The revival has taken place specifically near the Nervión River basin as new hotels have emerged along a beautifully designed pedestrian walkway and park that leads directly to the city’s token, The Guggenheim Museum. GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM Designed by US architect Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim is Bilbao’s showpiece and instant tourist magnet. At a cost of $100 million, the swirling structure was inspired by the anatomy of a fish and the hull of a boat, elements of Bilbao’s past and present. It’s well worth to wander around the outside and catch the different colors reflected by the titanium, stone, and glass shell, meant to resemble fish scales. The museum was opened in 1997, and inside, 36,000 square feet of exhibition space for modern and contemporary artwork are distributed in 19 galleries.



Santander, Spain

INTERESTING FACTS: The exterior of the museum is made with titanium. This is usually used for aircraft parts, and rarely used in buildings. In total, 60 tons were used, but a 3 millimeter thick layer. Also outside, look for the grass/flower made “Puppy”, which was once a temporary work, but its popularity earned it a permanent spot outside ‘guarding’ the museum. Inside, the “Fish Gallery” is worth noting as well as “The Snake” (walk through and check out the aural effects it can create)

LOS PICOS DE EUROPA Los Picos de Europa are part of a national park that dates back to 1918, when don Pedro Pidal, Marquis of Villaviciosa, helped establish the law to create Montaña de Covadonga National Park. Since 30 May 1935, it has been called Picos de Europa National Park.

The climate is characterized by humidity and constant rainfall, a fact that is determined by its proximity to the sea (barely 12 miles). The Park's special climate means that there are frequent fog banks. The park boasts 200 peaks of over 6,500 feet, and vertical drops of over 7,500 feet. The Central Massif is the most abrupt of the three that make up the Park and the greatest heights can be found there. The Western Massif is the most extensive, and it possesses high summits, intermingled with meadows, hillside forests, beech and oak groves and moors. The famous Covadonga lakes can be found on this massif. The Eastern massif, shorter and lower, blends sharp crag with green pastures. The Park is crossed by four rivers channeled in deep gorges. There are numerous viewpoints in the Park from where you can admire its beauty. An interesting alternative is to use Fuente Dé funicular, via which you can go up to a height of

about 6,000 feet above sea level.

TOLEDO An important city in the middle ages, Toledo was Spain's capital until the 16th century. Nearly all the different stages of Spanish art are represented in Toledo. In the middle ages, Toledo was a melting pot of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish cultures. The three religions lived together in the same city in harmony, a phenomenon that has yet to re-exist in the world today. In the 16th century the painter El Greco

came to live in Toledo, and today the city is home to many of his works. Be observant of the various architectural styles present in Toledo due to the Moorish, Christian, and Jewish background. EL GRECO Born in Crete, Greece in 1541, El Greco came to Toledo in 1577 to paint the altarpiece in a convent. Enchanted by the city, he stayed; painting religious portraits and altarpieces for other churches, and soon became one of the most famous artists in Spain. The first completely personal work by the artist is “El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz” (The Burial of Count Orgaz), located in the Church of Santo Tome. It



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depicts the soul of Count Orgaz (the baby figure in the middle of the painting) ascending to heaven while his physical body is being lowered into a coffin. The soul is being assisted in its ascent by an angel. The painting is very clearly divided into two zones, the heavenly above and the terrestrial below, but there is little feeling of duality. The upper and lower zones are brought together compositionally. The powerful emotion expressed by the group of participants is sustained through the composition by the splendor, variety and vitality of the color and light. TOLEDO CATHEDRAL This massive cathedral reflects its history as a celebration of Christian power after the re-conquest from the Moors. The entire structure is built like an entranceway to heaven, with the entrances such as Hell, Pardon, or Judgment Door leading you deep inside. The Cathedral was built on the site of a 7th century church, and work began in 1226 until completion in 1493. The long period of construction explains the cathedral’s mixture of styles: French Gothic exterior, and various Spanish styles for the interior. INTERESTING FACTS: Inside, the High Altar reredos, one of the most beautiful polychrome reredos (ornamented wall that rises behind the high altar of a church, forming a background for it), depicts scenes from Christ’s life. Also inside, the Transparente, depicting the uniquely Spanish style, Churrigueresque, is an altarpiece made of marble, jasper, and bronze which stands out from the mainly Gothic interior. “Toledo is a constant reminder of the power of faith and of our own humble existence here on earth.”



Santander, Spain

On-Site Director Cell Phone Numbers: (Will be provided upon arrival) SPI Head Director: ____________________ Assistant Director:____________________ Assistant Director:____________________ SPI Main Office: (Please EMAIL for all non-emergencies) From US: 1-866-502-7505 From Spain: 001-512-502-7505 SPI Email: [email protected]

Universidad Cantabria: Director: Raul Lopez Aguirre From US: (001-34) 942 201313 From Spain: 942 201313

IMPORTANT CONTACTSEmergency Numbers: General Emergency 112 (Similar to our 911) National Police 091 Local Police 092 Fire 080 Ambulance 061 Policia Municipal Office C/Castilla 942 200243 Tourist Info Center Office 1: Plaza Porticada, 5 942310708 Office 2: Jardines de Pereda 942203000 Office 3: En El Sardinero 942740414 www.santanderciudadviva.com Hours: 8:00-20:00 h June-September Hospitals Hospital Nacional Marques de Valdecilla Avenida de Valdecilla Tel. Main 942 202 520 Emergencias Hotline 942 202 577 Centros de Salud (Dr. Offices) C/Tetuán, 59 Tel. 942 270 072 C/Isabel II, 17 Tel. 942 218 161 C/ General Davila, 71 Tel. 942 228 770 C/ Alcalde Vega Lamela, 6 Tel. 942 393 006 Red Cross 942 273 058 24 Hour Pharmacy 942 220 260 U.S. Embassy Madrid c/ Serrano, 75 28006 Madrid SPAIN

Public Transportation Municipal de Transportes Urbanos Visit www.ayto-santander.es for schedules and routes: €1/ride – Bonobus Pass €5.80/10 rides Main Bus Station (long routes) Across from Train Station - C/ Atilano Rodriguez Bus Information & Schedules Tel. 942 211995 Taxis Look for a taxi stand before trying to hail one down. The boulevard at the edge of the old town has a convenient taxi stand. To call a cab: 942 333 333 OR 942369 191 Post Office Main Station: Avda. Calvo Sotelo Train Stations RENFE – Main Station C/ Atilano rodríguez – across from bus station Tel. 942 280202 Schedules: www.renfe.es FEVE – Regional Trains Tel. 942 211687 www.feve.es

mailto:[email protected]



Santander, Spain

Documents

SANTANDER, SPAIN ORIENTATION€¦ · Santander, Spain 11149 Research Blvd. Suite 100 Austin, TX 78759 USA I 512-502-7505 phone I 512-532-0803 fax I [email protected] SANTANDER –