Stork nests on the bell tower

Another European Vacation

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June 10th 2017
After an enjoyable sleep-in we were off to Manzanares de Real to see a 15th century castle in the Elizabethan Gothic-style. The castle was initially conceived as a fortress but quickly became a residential palace. On arrival to the town we noticed there was a huge medieval fair going on. It was enjoyable to wander through the decorated streets with a large variety of vending stalls. We enjoyed a c ... read more

Europe » Spain » District of Madrid » San Lorenzo de El Escorial

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Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in ... ... read more