Every year, Savremena Gimnazija organises a study trip for its graduates to various destinations across Europe. From Italy to Russia and Greece, this year, students had the opportunity to visit Spain.
The graduates travelled to Spain on Saturday, 7 October, accompanied by their class teachers Marija Janićijević, Stefan Radojičić, Natalija Stanković, Maja Timotić and Ivan Matejić, who also served as the trip leader. Upon landing at Barajas Airport in Madrid, the group gathered and embarked on a panoramic tour. Their first destination was Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, followed by numerous architectural landmarks that left everyone in awe. After the tour, the students headed to Hotel Porcel Avant, where they savoured local cuisine specialities.
Toledo – the city of three cultures
On the second day, the itinerary included a visit to Toledo, a city in Spain located about 70 kilometres southwest of Madrid. Throughout its history, Toledo has witnessed many historically significant epochs that shaped its formation and made it a valuable tourist destination. It is known as the city of three cultures due to the blend of Muslim, Jewish and Christian influences. Over the years, Toledo, located on the banks of the Tagus River, was inhabited by Celts, Visigoths, Romans, and Moors. It was renowned as a city of craftsmen and the capital of Charles V of Habsburg in the 16th century. The famous El Greco lived in Toledo and painted some of his finest works here.
Historical landmarks of Salamanca, one of the most important university centres in Spain
On the third day, students visited Salamanca, one of the most important university centres in Spain. This magnificent city, rich in cultural and historical landmarks, posed a special challenge for the students. The university has an interesting legend stating that anyone who finds a frog on the skull placed at the university's front gate will pass their exams and successfully complete their studies. Plaza Mayor, the Old Cathedral (Catedral Vieja), the New Cathedral, the Roman Bridge and La Clericia were just a few of the locations the students had the opportunity to see before heading to Segovia.
"Aqueduct" and the Royal Alcazar Castle in Segovia
In Segovia, upon arrival, the graduates immediately enjoyed the view of the beautiful and enormous Roman aqueduct, "Aqueduct," which is one of the best-preserved in the world and still supplies the city with water today. Starting from the aqueduct, there is a broad pedestrian street that leads to the Royal Alcazar Castle. The castle has an otherworldly appearance, exuding a true medieval atmosphere, and its history is as old as Christianity, if not older. It went through various transformations, being Roman and Moorish, then Spanish, serving as a prison, a college, and a royal palace, and is best known to us as Cinderella's Castle, as its beauty and untouched natural surroundings served as inspiration for Walt Disney's fairy tale.
The beauties of Madrid and exploring the small town of Torrejón de Ardoz
The fourth day allowed students to explore the Prado Museum, the zoo, the beauty of Madrid, or simply bask in the Mediterranean sun, with the freedom to choose their activities.
On their final day in Spain, after checking out of their hotel rooms, the students visited the small town of Torrejón de Ardoz before heading to Barajas Airport, brimming with wonderful impressions and memories.
The visit and exploration of Madrid and the mentioned cities provided students with the opportunity to experience the spirit of bygone eras, enjoy the beauty of new cities and landscapes, gain insight into a different culture and way of life, and build relationships and interpersonal connections that are of great importance in today's world.
