Zaragoza is the fifth largest city in Spain and capital of the Aragon region. It is situated in the northeast of Spain Jordan Hicks Limited Jersey , roughly halfway between Madrid and Barcelona. The city has been relatively untouched by tourism, although this is now likely to change with the recent opening of a new high-speed rail link from Madrid. Zaragoza has some notable historic monuments, including a Moorish palace and several fine churches. There are also many tapas bars, cafes and restaurants, while Zaragoza's 40,000 students help to give the city a lively feel.

The Romans founded Zaragoza around 2 Mack Hollins Limited Jersey ,000 years ago, and the city takes its name from the Roman emperor Caesar Augusta. Zaragoza was ruled by the Beni-Hud dynasty in the 11th century. Despite having a reputation as a Christian hero, the legendary El Cid was in fact a mercenary leader who fought for the Islamic Beni Huds during this time. The city is also famous for resisting Napoleonic forces during the great sieges of the early 19th century.

The majority of Zaragoza's tourist attractions, including La Lonja, El Pilar and La Seo cathedral, are situated around the Plaza del Pilar. Between this large public square and the River Ebro is the huge Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar. This impressive Baroque church has a large central dome surrounded by 10 smaller domes Donnel Pumphrey Limited Jersey , with four tall towers in each corner. It was built to honour the Virgin of the Apostle who, according to legend, appeared before St James on this site in AD40. The basilica's interior is notable for its carvings and elaborate frescoes, with the highlight being a series of paintings by Francisco de Goya within the central dome. One of Spain's best-loved painters, Goya was born in 1746 in a small village just outside Zaragoza. A couple of bombs were dropped on the church during the Spanish Civil War but fortunately they failed to explode.

The Gothic cathedral of La Seo was built on the site of Islamic mosque. Its museum contains many treasures, such as paintings Rasul Douglas Limited Jersey , tapestries and sculptures. A short distance from La Seo is the Renaissance exchange of La Lonja, constructed from thousands of small bricks. La Lonja's interior is notable its magnificent stone ornamentation. The Palacio de la Aljaferia, built during the 11th century, is located to the west of the city centre. Although it has been modified many times over the years, this Moorish palace still retains its original mosque and courtyard. The elaborately carved ceiling on the first floor contains images of the Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella.

There are some great views of the city from the much-photographed bridge Sidney Jones Limited Jersey , Puente de Piedra, which spans the River Ebro. Constructed in 1813, the bridge contains elements of Basque, French and Italian architecture. Other historic attractions in Zaragoza include the 18th century Puerta del Carmen, once part of the city walls, and the Arab Baths dating from the 13th century. Children will enjoy the science museum and the amusement park Derek Barnett Limited Jersey , which is set within attractive pine groves.
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For more advice and tourist information about Zaragoza please see Zaragoza Aragon, Spain.

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LONDON, July 22 (Xinhua) -- The University of Essex in eastern England is planning to build the deepest and largest research, training and development pool in the world.


The University of Essex announced on Wednesday said the project has entered exploratory discussions, and the pool under discussion would be 50 meters long and 50 meters deep.


With an investment of 40 million pounds, it is expected to be the premier marine and space research facility in Britain and Europe Corey Clement Eagles Jersey , which could be used to simulate outer space and deep sea environments in one location.


The university said the pool will specialize in training in advanced commercial diving techniques and free diving alongside research into marine environments, human physiology, remotely operated vehicle and aerospace development.


Working with the development partner Blue Abyss, the pool will be located at the Colchester Campus.


"This is a very exciting proposal for us, with many elements that fit very well with our strengths as a university," said Bryn Morris Jaylen Watkins Eagles Jersey , Registrar of University of Essex, adding "what also really interests us in this proposal are the business engagement and SME spin-out opportunities that could be generated from this development."


"I support Blue Abyss and sees this future facility as something that does not yet exist in Europe and that would compete with, or potentially even surpass, what is available in the United States and Russia. In my view this will be an outstanding 'European facility'," said Tim Peake, the next European Space Agency astronaut.


The current deepest pool Jalen Mills Eagles Jersey , Y-40 diving pool, which is located at Montegrotto, Italy, is about 40 meters deep.

Basketball the ever popular sport came into being in 1891. Designed by Dr. James Naismith, the game of basketball keeps players fit and can be played indoors when weather prevents outdoor sports.

A popular sport in schools and college basketball is now played professionally and the NBAs are popular world wide. The game is fast and vigorous and involves shooting, passing and dribbling. The game of basketball is regulated by rules with no disruptive physical contact and violations applicable to ball handling.

Players train hard throughout the year and teams plan strategies so that they can win competitions. Here are a few insights that can make you a winning player:

1. Run like the wind. Outrunning your opponent will give you an edge. So practice being quick on your feet and get a few moves that will guarantee you fast breaks.

2. Passing is the key. Learn to pick up a ball mid-dribble and pass it in a fluid movement to an open perimeter player.