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Travelers with flights to Atlanta will find the city full of culture and fun, with so many attractions that visitors will never find themselves bored. Start with the Georgia Aquarium, where you are sure to find interesting displays and hundred of species of fish and other creatures to enjoy. Be sure to make a trip to the World of Coca-Cola, a popular Atlanta attraction that displays a huge collection of memorabilia, hands on exhibits, and video presentations detailing the history of the popular soft drink. As a bonus, you’ll be able to taste unlimited samples in many flavors.

For a more history experience, other Atlanta attractions include the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, including the home of his birth and the church where he preached. The High Museum of Art boasts over 11,000 pieces in a four-story building, including American, European, and African art, as well as photography and other art forms.

The Fox Theatre is a favorite Atlanta attraction, recently restored to ins original 1920’s design and featuring a classic Moller organ with over 3,600 pipes, nicknamed “Mighty Mo”. The CNN Center, home to the first and largest 24-hour news network in the world, offers a Studio Tour, going behind the scenes of a live newsroom.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a serene collection of floral displays that rival any artwork inside a museum. The Zoo Atlanta is one of the oldest zoos in the United States and, having undergone a multi-million dollar renovation in the 1980’s, is one of the biggest Atlanta attractions. Centennial Olympic Park, built for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, boasts weekly free concerts and entertains children with a dancing water fountain. Also visit the memorial quilt sewn in remembrance of the victims of the Olympic bombing.

With so many things to see and do, it’s no wonder that Atlanta’s attractions draw tourists from all over the country. These are just a few of the fun and exciting things you can do while in the area - Atlanta is a tourist draw, and for good reason.

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One of the reasons this mighty fortress that is the Parador of Cardona was built was to protect the largest deposit of salt in Europe - La Salina, the Mountain of Salt. These salt deposits go so deep into the earth that the ancient Romans who excavated them thought that the the salt “grew” from the depths of the earth - ever replenishing whatever they took away. It is estimated there is still 500 billion tons of salt remaining!

Located in Catalonia about 60 miles northwest of Barcelona, Parador Cardona began as a fortress started at the order of Louis of Aquitaine around 798. It rises far above the town below and the views from the top of the old Minyona Tower (and many of the rooms) are magnificent.

There is a sad, but interesting legend associated with the tower. In the 11th century, a daughter of the Viscount that resided there fell in love with a Moorish governor of a nearby area. The Viscount refused to allow such a relationship and had his daughter locked up in the tower. She stubbornly held to her demands to love whom she would, and after several lonely years, died in the tower. Some say her ghost still haunts the Parador - particularly room 712. During the restoration that made this a Parador, it is said a dog sat in front of that room and barked without ceasing for over a month!

Another historical note of interest: At this Parador died a man named Ramon Nonato - Nonato meaning “un-born.” He was delivered by cesarean section after his mother died in childbirth, and in those days this was still considered a miracle. Later sainted, he has become the patron saint of women who are expecting. On his feast day, August 31st, pregnant women from all over come in a sort of pilgrimage to his shrine which is located on the road to Berga.

The Parador at Cardona is lavishly decorated with antiques, and all the spaces, both public and private are very rich. Catalan-inspired medieval furniture predominates. There is a Roman Temple here that has been made into a small museum of sorts that is well worth exploring.

Interesting excursions from the Cardona Parador include:

- The Collegiate Church of San Vincente which is inside the Parador grounds.

- The salt mine has visiting hours and its grottos are very interesting.

- The maze-like streets of the town of Cardona make for interesting walking.

Interesting day trips from the Cardona Parador include:

- A nearby “must see” side trip is the incredible monastery at Montserrat about 80 miles away.

- The remains of the Iberian town of Solsana.

- Barcelona is within easy driving distance. You could go into the big city for day trips while returning to the peace of the Parador in the evening.

The Parador Cardona makes a good point from which to explore much of Catalonia. It is a wonderful place to stay for a night, or a week of nights!

SpainParador.com makes it easy for you to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty - the wonderful Paradors of Spain. http://www.SpainParador.com

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