Bulls of Guisando facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bulls of Guisando |
|
|---|---|
| Native name Spanish: Toros de Guisando |
|
The Bulls of Guisando
|
|
| Location | El Tiemblo (Ávila), Spain |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Historic site |
| Designated | 5 February 1954 |
| Reference no. | RI-54-0000010 |
The Bulls of Guisando (known as Toros de Guisando in Spanish) are a group of four ancient stone sculptures. You can find them on a hill in El Tiemblo, a town in Ávila, Spain. These large sculptures are made from strong granite rock. They represent quadrupeds, which means animals with four legs. Most experts believe they are bulls. This is partly because they have holes that might have held real horns.
Contents
Ancient Stone Animals
The Bulls of Guisando are special examples of ancient sculptures called verracos. Hundreds of these stone animal sculptures are known across Spain and Portugal. They were made by the Vettones, a group of people who lived in this area long before the Romans. The Bulls of Guisando might have been created around the 2nd century BCE, which is over 2,100 years ago!
It's not clear if the Bulls are still in their original spot. Some old Latin writings found on them suggest they might have been moved during Roman times.
A Place of History
The field around the Bulls of Guisando is famous for a very important event. This is where the Treaty of the Bulls of Guisando was signed. This treaty was an agreement between King Henry IV of Castile and his half-sister, Isabella of Castile.
They signed it on September 18, 1468. This agreement helped end a civil war in the Kingdom of Castile. The treaty made Isabella the official heir to the throne, giving her the title of Princess of Asturias. This was a big step for Isabella, who later became one of Spain's most famous queens, Isabella I.
The Bulls in Spanish Culture
The Bulls of Guisando are not just historical objects; they also appear often in Spanish literature. For example, the famous writer Miguel de Cervantes mentions them several times in his well-known novel, Don Quixote.
The poet Federico García Lorca also used the Bulls in his poem Llanto por la muerte de Ignacio Sánchez Mejías. In his poem, the Bulls represent something strong and ancient, like the deep history and spirit of Spain.
Protecting the Bulls
The Bulls of Guisando are very important to Spain's heritage. They are officially protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. This means "Property of Cultural Interest." They are listed as a "Sitio histórico," or historic site. This protection helps make sure these ancient sculptures are preserved for future generations to see and learn from.
See also
In Spanish: Toros de Guisando para niños
