Remains of the past in Lebanon and Damascus in Spanish texts from the 19th century

Abstract

After the destruction of the Spanish convent of Damascus in the events of 1860, Spain showed a certain interest on the Levant, through the consulates in Lebanon and Syria. Some of the diplomats posted there left us books where they describe their experiences and travels, including interesting descriptions of historical places, like Baalbek or the city walls of Damascus. This is not the only source of books about these places, though; we can find similar point of views in the books of travelers, pilgrims and tourists, as the Levant became a touristic destination. The ruins that played an important role in the Romanticism are still present in the second half of the 19th century from a more realistic perspective, often similar to the one they have in encyclopedias or books about Arts, History or Geography.