san sebastián, spain orientation guide

Transcription

san sebastián, spain orientation guide
San Sebastian, Spain
SAN SEBASTIÁN, SPAIN
ORIENTATION GUIDE
TANDEM
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San Sebastian, Spain
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Living in Spain
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History
Spanish Culture
Cultural Differences
Religion
Language: El Castellano
Map of Spain
Conversions & Measures
San Sebastian – Your Host City
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History
Food
Beaches
Language
Orientation
Nearby Sites
School Info
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Tandem Spanish Language Institute
Classes
Grading & Participation
Excursion Guide
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Madrid
Segovia
Bilbao
Biarritz & St. Jean de Luz
Toledo
Important Contacts Sheet
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San Sebastian, 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
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San Sebastian, Spain
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.
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.
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San Sebastian, Spain

Lunches/dinners are vital to establishing a relationship. It is a time to see if the chemistry is correct
and to develop trust.
 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. Avoid bright or flashy colors.
 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.
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San Sebastian, Spain
Map of Spain
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San Sebastian, 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
28.35
0.035
0.45
2.21
ounces to grams
grams to ounces
pounds to kilograms
kilograms to pounds
Length & Distance
inches to centimeters
centimeters to inches
feet to meters
meters to feet
miles to kilometers
kilometers to miles
multiply by
2.54
0.39
0.30
3.28
1.61
0.62
Volume
gallons to liters
liters to gallons
multiply by
3.79
26
Temperature
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C to F multiply by 1.8 and add 32
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F to C subtract 32 and divide by 1.8
Fahrenheit: 0
Centigrade -17
14
-10
32
0
41
5
50
10
68
20
77
25
86
30
95
35
104
40
Clothes:
Women’s Dresses
US:
2
Europe:
34
Men’s Shirts
US:
14
Europe:
36
Men’s Pants
US:
28
Europe:
71
4
36
6
38
8
40
10
42
12
44
14
46
14.5
37
15
38
15.5
39
16
40
16.5
41
17
42
17.5
43
18
29
73
30
76
31
79
32
81
33
84
34
86
35
89
36
91
6.5
35.5
7
36
7.5
37
8
37.5
8.5
38
9
39
9.5
39.5
10
40
7.5
40.5
8
41
8.5
42
9
42.5
9.5
43
10
44
10.5
44.5
11
45
Shoes:
Women’s Shoes
US:
6
Europe:
35
Men’s Shoes
US:
7
Europe:
40
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San Sebastian, Spain
SAN SEBASTIAN – YOUR HOST CITY
Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, La Concha is the home of San Sebastian,
one of Spain’s most modern cities. A popular watering hole with Royals, aristocrats, poets and artists,
this beautiful Basque city still retains an air of classical glamour
despite having been extensively rebuilt after the bombing of
WWII. To the north of the city lies a large area that was
untouched by the bombing, the Parte Vieja. Here it is possible to
see some of the city’s original character. The narrow streets with
their crowded apartment buildings are home to the very best
restaurants and bars. The best views of the city are to be enjoyed
from the top of Mount Urgull. Crowned by a castle wall and
magnificent statue of Christ, you can see the entire bay. At night
the whole city is lit up making a truly magical scene.
Food
Originally founded in the 12th century, San Sebastian is the culinary capital of Spain.
Indulging in up to six meals a day, the people of San Sebastian really do know their
food. The city has more bars and restaurants per head of population than anywhere
else on earth. Indeed throughout the Basque regions, chefs are treated like football
stars. The Basque influence combined with the city’s proximity to France creates a
distinctive cooking style using a variety of ingredients including fresh fish, shellfish
and wine.
Beaches
San Sebastian also boasts some of the best city beaches in Spain, in
particular Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta. Although the sea
may be a little cooler than in other parts of the country, water sports are
still very popular. There are plenty of opportunities for surfing, sailing,
scuba diving, and other water sports. If you feel energetic enough you can
even swim out to Isla Santa Clara, or, take one of the regular boat trips to
the island. It is a popular place for sunbathing and picnicking and has an
amazing view of the beaches and the entire city.
Language
Before you get confused, it is a good idea to explain that Donostia is Basque for
‘San Sebastian’. The two official languages in the Euskadi (Basque Country) are
Euskera and Castellano. Euskera is spoken by 35% of donostiarras (San Sebastian's
residents) although everyone is bilingual in Spanish. Nearly all signs in the Basque
Country are in both languages.
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San Sebastian, Spain
Orientation
Landmarks in the Parte Vieja are the city’s two principal churches, the Santa Maria Basilica, a Baroque
building considered the most important in San Sebastian and San Vicente Church, a sixteenth century
gothic edifice which is considered to be the oldest building in the city. Another noteworthy place is the
Museum of San Telmo. It displays assorted medieval findings and an art gallery from the Renaissance,
Baroque, and 19th century artists that are predominantly Basque in origin. Other places of interest
include the Naval Museum and Aquarium. San Sebastian offers international film, music and dance
festivals throughout the year, including popular festivities like "la Semana Grande", "la Tamborrada",
"los Caldereros", the Day of "Santo Tomás" and a lot of concerts and sports competitions. Every
neighborhood has a cultural house and a modern public sports center where they organize small
concerts, theatres, film-clubs and libraries.
Nearby Sites
Museo Chillida-Leku (Chillida Leku Sculpture Museum)
Set in a 16th century farmhouse, this museum displays a permanent collection of sculptures by the
acclaimed Basque artist, Eduardo Chillida. The museum is the fulfillment of a dream that the artist had
had for years: to create a space where he could bring together his work and allow others to follow the
evolution of his long career in different fields of study. However the farmhouse is also a sculpture in
itself: It has evolved into an open air museum with more than 40 large-scale sculpture works are on
display. Chillida’s unique designs can be found throughout the Basque country especially in San
Sebastián; a place he called home for many years.
Hondarribia/Irun
Less than 30 minutes east of San Sebastian is Hondarribia, a charming village filled with Basque culture.
Its quiet streets are lined with cafes and galleries that fill up in the summer with active tourists from
France. You can take the ferry across Txingudi Bay and land in the quaint French seaside town of
Hendaye. It is interesting to note the distinctive Basque architecture marked with red or green roofs and
often times a criss-cross style for its wooden balconies.
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San Sebastian, Spain
SCHOOL & CLASS INFORMATION
Tandem San Sebastian is located in one of San Sebastián’s “coolest areas” near to the
Zurriola Beach in the Gros neighborhood. Established in 1987, Tandem-San Sebastian
is a member of Tandem International, an international association of language schools, specializing in
the teaching of languages worldwide. All teachers at the school are certified teachers of Spanish for
foreigners and have years of experience teaching Spanish as a foreign language. Tandem-San Sebastian
exclusively offers small class sizes which allows for maximum classroom participation and individualized
attention.
Address of the School
Calle Pasajes, 4
20013 San Sebastián, Spain
Phone Within Spain: 943 326 705
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.
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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.
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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
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San Sebastian, Spain
order. The engineering had to be just right in order to get the water to 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.
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
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San Sebastian, Spain
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).
BIARRITZ, FRANCE
Biarritz lies on the southwest coast of France, just a few minutes from Spain’s border. The town has
long been known as a very chic resort for the rich (Napoleon
spent his summers here), known as “The Beach of Kings and
the Queen of Beaches.” It has recently gained popularity for
its excellent year-round surfing. It is modern in comparison
to many French cities, with most if its structures built in the
last 1,000 years. The water front and promenade that
encompass the city serve as the highlight attractions. The
promenade winds up and down cliffs, turning the flower
filled rocks into a magnificent park.
St. Jean de Luz
St. Jean de Luz is a beautiful seaside resort and active fishing port not far from the Spanish border. It is a
lively town, with one of the nicest bays of the Atlantic coast. The reputation of the city dates back to
the17th century, when Louis XIV celebrated his marriage to Marie-Therese. The town center has a
medieval background, with a great deal of influence in the past from Spain and the Moors. Notice the
similarities and differences between the Spanish Basque architecture and the French Basque
architecture.
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 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
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San Sebastian, Spain
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.”
11149 Research Blvd. Suite 100 Austin, TX 78759 USA
www.spiabroad.com I 512-502-7505 phone I 512-532-0803 fax I info@spiabroad.com
San Sebastian, Spain
Important Contacts
Emergency Numbers
General Emergency 112
(Similar to our 911)
National Police 091
Local Police 092
Fire 080
Ambulance 061
Train Stations
RENFE – Main Station
Paseo de Francia
Tel. 943283089 / 943283599
www.renfe.es
EuskoTren – Regional trains in Basque country
Amara’s station – Pl. Easo, 9
Policia Municipal
c/ Easo, 41
943 45 00 00 (24 hours)
Tourist Info Center
c/ Reina Regente, 3-bajo
943 481166
www.sansebastianturismo.com
www.donostia.org
Hours: 8:00-20:00 h June-September
Hospitals
Hospital de La Cruz Roja
7 Matias
Tel. Main 943 31 66 10
943 214600, 943316215
Hospital Donostia
P. Doctor Jose Maria Beguiristain, 107,111, 115
Tel. 943 00 70 00
OR 943 00 60 00, 943 00 74 00
U.S. Embassy Madrid
c/ Serrano, 75
28006 Madrid SPAIN
Tel. 91 587 2240 8 am – 1 pm
Tel. 91 587 22 00 24-Hour
Post Office
Po. de Francia, 13
San Sebastián Postal Code: 2001
Public Transportation
Compañía del Tranvía de San Sebastián
Visit www.ctss.es for schedules and routes
Tel: 943 00 02 00 €0.80/ride
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: 943 46 46 46
or 943 40 40 40
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: info@spiabroad.com
Tandem Language School Office:
Director: Ana Mendikute
From US: 011+34+943326705
From San Sebastian: 943326705
11149 Research Blvd. Suite 100 Austin, TX 78759 USA
www.spiabroad.com I 512-502-7505 phone I 512-532-0803 fax I info@spiabroad.com