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SPAIN, HOST COUNTRY
Spain is in the south east of Europe, covering an area of 505,955 square kilometres, which places it amongst the
fifty largest countries in the world.
The situation of the Iberian Peninsula in the extreme south west of Europe and only
14 kilometres away from the African continent, endows Spain with a great strategic value: projecting into the Mediterranean on
one side and acting as an intersection on the path to Africa and America on the other.
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The climatic and geographic diversity found in Spain has produced natural spaces of great beauty, which have witnessed the
development of ancestral traditions and culture that make up a rich heritage reflecting the idiosyncrasy and personality typical
of the different Spanish regions and autonomous cities.
The population of Spain is close to 41 million. |
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National Parks. Thirteen parks that are deeply committed to the conservation and enjoyment of rich, diverse ecosystems found
nowhere else in Europe.
World Heritage Cities. Spain has the highest number of historic urban compounds that have been
declared World Heritage by UNESCO. Each of these cities is part of the rich, diverse cultural legacy of humankind throughout
history.
A trip to Spain is a celebration of diversity, an opportunity to enjoy its excellent climate, cuisine, and way of life.
But also, it is a chance to discover its exceptional monumental heritage; to experience its unique, dazzling natural environment;
to become acquainted with the customs of the people, and to share with them their holiday celebrations and popular traditions.
Taking a trip to Spain means to live an experience that you will never forget. |
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| CASTILLA-LA MANCHA, THE REGION |
The autonomous region of
Castilla-La Mancha includes much of the southern part of the Iberian peninsula. It is
on the southern sub-plateau and is bound by the Madrid (Region) and Castilla-Leon in the north, Aragon and the Region of
Valencia in the east, Murcia and Andalucía in the south and Extremadura in the west.
It is made up of the provinces of Albacete, Ciudad Real, Cuenca, Guadalajara and Toledo. The Autonomy Statute was approved
for Castilla-La Mancha in 1982. The capital of the region is Toledo.
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This region has an amazing geographical variety. Visitors will enjoy one of the largest and most spectacular
regions in Spain, where a big surface is devoted to natural reserves. Here you will discover landscapes of spectacular beauty,
conserved almost virgin: Ruidera Lagoons, Alto Tajo, Tejera Negra, Tablas de Daimiel, Cabañeros, Hoces del Cabriel…
Two cities in Castilla-La Mancha -Cuenca and Toledo- have been declared World Heritage by UNESCO, due to the importance of
their historic urban compounds and their landscapes. Any time is good to visit Castilla-La Mancha. You will discover differents
aspects of the region each season, due to its geographical variety and climate. |
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Every province in Castilla-La Mancha is well worth a visit. Apart from the natural and cultural heritage, you will discover
the customs and festivals, its rich craftwork and the delicious typical dishes.
The population of the autonomous region is around 1,800,000 inhabitants. |
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| ALBACETE, CITY OF THE CONFERENCE |
The biggest city in Castilla-La Mancha is situated on a vast, flat stretch of farmland of great natural value. This peculiar
orography gave the region its old Arab name: Al-Basit (the Plain). A journey through the region will let us perceive the
intense commercial activity along its main arteries, the piece and quiet of its corners, so typical of La Mancha, awakened by the
bustle that September brings, with its holidays and festivities that make this month the ideal time of year to visit.
Those who love the arts and customs of La Mancha will enjoy a modern city that has preserved all of its traditional flavour.
The cathedral of Saint John the Baptist is located in the oldest part of the city's perfect urban layout. |
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Although it is a Gothic
building, its architecture incorporates different styles, as it took 400 years to be built.
We must not leave the city without first taking a walk under the shade of the trees at Abelardo Sánchez Park,
and paying a visit to the Albacete Museum. It has exceptional collections of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Ethnology.
Shopping centres, as well as artisan shops devoted to popular crafts (cutlery, knives and swords in particular), are located around
Ancha Street.
The major festival in Albacete is its Fair, which is held from 7-17 September, in honour of its patroness, the Virgen de los Llanos, and
has been declared of national tourist interest.
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LA ASUNCIÓN CULTURAL CENTRE |
This building, the 16th c. former Monasterio de la Encarnación, is today used as a cultural centre. It is located in Las Monjas
street. It has been recently restored, with a ocre-coloured façade. Its church has preserved a magnificent coffered ceiling with
octagonal insets and a two-stored cloister.
The centre, owned by the Diputación of Albacete, houses some rooms of the Music School and the Institute of Studies of Albacete. |
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Spain, Host Country