Alba de Tormes. Importancia geográfica, histórica, cultural, religiosa y turística

Abstract

This article seeks to demonstrate the importance of Alba as regards its geographic, historical-cultural, religious and tourist interest. Its appeal is surprising given that it is such a small town that has never been the seat of any official institution. Its geographical significance derives, in the first place, from its natural environment, with outstanding contrasts between the open country of the NE, separated by the fertile plain of the Tormes River from the peneplain used for livestock grazing known as «Charro Country». It is also important for its age-old human occupation, with very different activities being carried out in each of the above-mentioned areas. But, above all, it is of interest because of its relation to the Ducal House which took its name and established in it an interesting Renaissance court where important writers and artists worked. The Ducal House of Alba was also an outstanding influence in the presence and continuity of St. Teresa there, the reason why Alba is today the most important centre in Spain for Teresian and Carmelite spirituality.