Learn Spanish in Castille and Leon
Why Learn Spanish in Castile and Leon?
Why would you want to learn Spanish in Castile and Leon? The reasons are almost too many to list.
First and foremost, it's no exaggeration to say that Castile and Leon is the home of the language: 'Spanish', after all, is known as 'Castellano' because it comes from Castile, where it developed in the 10th century. As such, one of the very purest of all the many different global variations and dialects of modern Spanish is spoken in Castile and Leon.
Resources: the Apparatus of Learning a Language
Beyond its historical linguistic roots, as a region, in terms of the resources at the disposal of the student, Castile and Leon is practically unparalleled. Not only does it have some of the very finest language schools, but its universities are amongst the very best in Spain. Salamanca has been renowned as one of the greatest universities in Europe since medieval times and now is one of the preeminent destinations for Erasmus students from across the continent. And if Burgos, Leon and Valladolid don't quite have its grand historical reputation, today they stand shoulder to shoulder with it as superb modern centres of learning with an extensive variety of degrees offered.
The Heartlands of Spanish History and Culture
A major reason why you might want to learn Spanish in Castile and Leon, though, is for its historical and cultural importance to the country as a whole. The region is at the heart of Spain - both literally and figuratively: not only does it span the country's geographical centre, but it's also home to some of its most important historical figures - from monarchs and mystics to warriors and poets. Castile and Leon gave Spain one of its greatest rulers: Queen Isabel 'la Catolica'; it is the land of El Cid as well as key religious figures, Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross; the plains of Soria were the muse for one the country's most acclaimed poets, Antonio Machado, while one of its most notable thinkers, Miguel de Unamuno, presided over the University of Salamanca.
Castile and Leon as a Travel Destination
And with so much historical and cultural importance, Castile and Leon is, of course, a fantastic travel destination in its own right. Salamanca, stands out with its stunning UNESCO protected Old Town and jaw-droppingly beautiful Plaza Mayor; Burgos is home to one of the finest cathedrals in the whole of Spain; visitors flock to Segovia to catch a glimpse of its dramatic Alcazar and its Roman Aqueduct. Which isn't even mentioning the countless things to see and do in the region's other great cities - Vallodolid, Leon, Soria and Avila - or the towns of Ciudad Rodrigo, Medina del Campo, Tordesillas and countless others.
Away from the cities and towns, there are a host of other sights to see from some of the best of all Spanish museums to scores of wonderful churches, convents and other unmissable monuments. Naturally, too, its varied landscapes are perfectly packed with rural tourism potential, with the likes of the Valley of Las Batuecas and the lakeland of the Sierra de Urbión to the fore.
So... Outstanding universities and language schools. One of the country's great linguistic, cultural and historical heartlands. A fantastic travel destination. Why would you want to learn Spanish in Castile and Leon? Perhaps it would be best to rephrase the question. Why wouldn't you want to learn Spanish in Castile and Leon?
