The sun is the source of life on the planet. Its rays provide the necessary light and warmth. At the same time, ultraviolet radiation from the Sun is destructive to all living things. To find a compromise between the beneficial and harmful properties of the Sun, meteorologists calculate the ultraviolet radiation index, which characterizes the degree of its danger.

What kind of UV radiation from the sun is there?

The sun's ultraviolet radiation has a wide range and is divided into three regions, two of which reach the Earth.

• UVA. Long-wave radiation range

  315–400 nm

  The rays pass almost freely through all atmospheric “barriers” and reach the Earth.

• UV-B. Medium wave range radiation

  280–315 nm

  The rays are 90% absorbed by the ozone layer, carbon dioxide and water vapor.

• UV-C. Shortwave range radiation

  100–280 nm

  The most dangerous area. They are completely absorbed by stratospheric ozone without reaching the Earth.

The more ozone, clouds and aerosols in the atmosphere, the less the harmful effects of the Sun. However, these life-saving factors have a high natural variability. The annual maximum of stratospheric ozone occurs in spring, and the minimum in autumn. Cloudiness is one of the most variable characteristics of weather. The carbon dioxide content also changes all the time.

At what UV index values ​​is there a danger?

The UV index provides an estimate of the amount of UV radiation from the Sun at the Earth's surface. UV index values ​​range from a safe 0 to an extreme 11+.

• 0–2 Low
• 3–5 Moderate
• 6–7 High
• 8–10 Very high
• 11+ Extreme

In mid-latitudes, the UV index approaches unsafe values ​​(6–7) only at the maximum height of the Sun above the horizon (occurs in late June - early July). At the equator, the UV index reaches 9...11+ points throughout the year.

How is the sun useful?

In small doses, UV radiation from the Sun is simply necessary. The sun's rays synthesize melanin, serotonin, and vitamin D, which are necessary for our health, and prevent rickets.

Melanin creates a kind of protective barrier for skin cells from the harmful effects of the Sun. Because of it, our skin darkens and becomes more elastic.

The hormone of happiness serotonin affects our well-being: it improves mood and increases overall vitality.

Vitamin D strengthens the immune system, stabilizes blood pressure and performs anti-rickets functions.

Why is the sun dangerous?

When sunbathing, it is important to understand that the line between the beneficial and harmful Sun is very thin. Excessive tanning always borders on a burn. Ultraviolet radiation damages DNA in skin cells.

The body's defense system cannot cope with such aggressive influence. It lowers immunity, damages the retina, causes skin aging and can lead to cancer.

Ultraviolet light destroys the DNA chain

How the Sun affects people

Sensitivity to UV radiation depends on skin type. People of the European race are most sensitive to the Sun - for them, protection is required already at index 3, and 6 is considered dangerous.

At the same time, for Indonesians and African Americans this threshold is 6 and 8, respectively.

Who is most influenced by the Sun?

People with fair hair

skin tone

People with many moles

Residents of mid-latitudes during a holiday in the south

Winter lovers

fishing

Skiers and climbers

People with a family history of skin cancer

In what weather is the sun more dangerous?

It is a common misconception that the sun is dangerous only in hot and clear weather. You can also get sunburned in cool, cloudy weather.

Cloudiness, no matter how dense it may be, does not reduce the amount of ultraviolet radiation to zero. In mid-latitudes, cloudiness significantly reduces the risk of getting sunburned, which cannot be said about traditional beach holiday destinations. For example, in the tropics, if in sunny weather you can get sunburned in 30 minutes, then in cloudy weather - in a couple of hours.

How to protect yourself from the sun

To protect yourself from harmful rays, follow simple rules:

Spend less time in the sun during midday hours

Wear light-colored clothing, including wide-brimmed hats

Use protective creams

Wear sunglasses

Stay in the shade more on the beach

Which sunscreen to choose

Sunscreens vary in degree of sun protection and are labeled from 2 to 50+. The numbers indicate the proportion of solar radiation that overcomes the protection of the cream and reaches the skin.

For example, when applying a cream labeled 15, only 1/15 (or 7 %) of the ultraviolet rays will penetrate the protective film. In the case of cream 50, only 1/50, or 2 %, affects the skin.

Sunscreen creates a reflective layer on the body. However, it is important to understand that no cream can reflect 100% of ultraviolet radiation.

For everyday use, when the time spent under the Sun does not exceed half an hour, a cream with protection 15 is quite suitable. For tanning on the beach, it is better to take 30 or higher. However, for fair-skinned people it is recommended to use a cream labeled 50+.

How to Apply Sunscreen

The cream should be applied evenly to all exposed skin, including the face, ears and neck. If you plan to sunbathe for a long time, then the cream should be applied twice: 30 minutes before going out and, additionally, before going to the beach.

Please check the cream instructions for the required volume for application.

How to Apply Sunscreen When Swimming

Sunscreen should be applied every time after swimming. Water washes away the protective film and, by reflecting the sun's rays, increases the dose of ultraviolet radiation received. Thus, when swimming, the risk of sunburn increases. However, due to the cooling effect, you may not feel the burn.

Excessive sweating and wiping with a towel are also reasons to re-protect the skin.

It should be remembered that on the beach, even under an umbrella, the shade does not provide complete protection. Sand, water and even grass reflect up to 20% of ultraviolet rays, increasing their impact on the skin.

How to protect your eyes

Sunlight reflected from water, snow or sand can cause painful burns to the retina. To protect your eyes, wear sunglasses with a UV filter.

Danger for skiers and climbers

In the mountains, the atmospheric “filter” is thinner. For every 100 meters of height, the UV index increases by 5 %.

Snow reflects up to 85 % of ultraviolet rays. In addition, up to 80 % of the ultraviolet light reflected by the snow cover is reflected again by clouds.

Thus, in the mountains the Sun is most dangerous. It is necessary to protect your face, lower chin and ears even in cloudy weather.

How to deal with sunburn if you get sunburned

Use a damp sponge to moisten the burn.

Apply anti-burn cream to the burned areas

If your temperature rises, consult your doctor; you may be advised to take an antipyretic

If the burn is severe (the skin swells and blisters greatly), seek medical attention

Ciudd-Rel is a city in Spain, the center of the province of the same name. Located in the Autonomous Community of Castile - La Mancha.

The historic center of Ciudad Real is a small area, shaped like an egg, with an area of ​​about 1.5 square meters. km, in the past surrounded by a city fortress wall. Now in place of the fortress wall there is a boulevard ring; among the surviving elements, the Toledo Gate, built at the northern end of the historical center, should be noted.

Distances within the historical center are short, and all of Ciudad Real's most important attractions are within walking distance of each other. The main city square, Plaza Mayor, is located almost in the very center of the “egg”; it is from it that the most important thoroughfares of the old city depart - Calle de Toledo, Calle de Mata, Calle de Postas, Calle de Calatrava and Calle de la Ciruela.

The most important religious landmark of Ciudad Real, the Cathedral, is located 300 m northwest of the Plaza Mayor, other interesting Gothic churches of the city are also located nearby: the Church of St. Peter is 200 m southeast of the Plaza Mayor, and the Church of St. James is 700 m to the northeast.

Ciudad Real train station is located outside the historic center, approximately 1.7 km east of Plaza Mayor.

Spain Ciudad Real attractions

Archaeological Museum Archaeological Park of Alarcos-Calatrava Gate of Toledo Main square Palace of Deputies Casino Cathedral Royal House of Mercy Fortresses of Ciudad Real Monastery of the Discalced Carmelites

Ciudad Real means "Royal City" in Spanish. It is the generally recognized historical capital of the Autonomous Community of Castilla-La Mancha, part of the Campo de Calatrava region and the center of the province of Ciudad Real. The city is located 180 km from the capital of Spain, Madrid. There is an airport and a railway line. All this, together with an impressive historical heritage, contributes to the dynamic development of the city.

History of the city of Ciudad Real

The foundation of the city dates back to the 13th century and is associated with the military confrontation between the Catholic kings and the Cistercian Calatrava order from Castile. The city was built as a fortification system, whose fortress walls were about 4 km long and had 130 towers. Thanks to the strong walls, the population living in the city was reliably protected from attacks from outside. In 1691, Ciudad Real became the capital of the province of La Mancha, which contributed to the serious development of the city; buildings of magnificent architecture were being built. In 1755, a powerful earthquake severely destroyed many buildings. And during the Napoleonic war, the city was devastated. In the 20th century, during the Civil War, the city was a powerful center of resistance to the Franco regime and surrendered only two days before the end of the war.

Ciudad Real city on the world map

Attractions of Ciudad Real

Cidad Real is famous for its historical sites, and in its surroundings there are famous national parks and many cities of great historical value. The city itself has the following historical and cultural monuments that deserve the attention of tourists:

• Cathedral Santa Maria del Prado (XIII-XIX centuries), built in the Gothic style with the addition of Baroque and Renaissance styles during restoration;
• The Gothic Church of San Pedro, built in the 14th century, resembles more a fortress than a temple;
• Puerta de Toledo, the only surviving part of the powerful fortress wall founded at the founding of the city;
• The main city square, Plaza Mayor, is located in the center of the old town;
• Alarcos Hill, located next to the city where the Costilians were defeated by the Moors in 1195;
• Archaeological Museum;
• Don Quixote Museum;
• Cabarnero National Park is rightfully considered one of the best natural reserves in Spain;
• Spain's smallest National Park, Tablas de Daimiel, is a special area for some unique bird species.

Population and notable natives

Cidad Real is a small city with a population of about 75,000 people. Positive dynamics of population growth over the past decades can be traced. Among the famous personalities born in the city are:

• Cristobal de Mena - participant in the conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century, who compiled and described everything he saw in a report published in 1534;
• Antonio Ciudad Real (1551 - 1617) - philologist and missionary who served on the Yucatan Peninsula, author of a multi-volume dictionary dedicated to the Mayan language.

Climate and ecology

The territory of Ciuade Real is dominated by a continental type of Mediterranean climate, with significant temperature differences between summer and winter. The landscape is mostly plateau. In the national parks near the city, unique birds such as Iberian eagles and black vultures are found.

Currently, Ciuad Real is an actively developing tourist city, rich in ancient cultural and historical monuments and surrounded by picturesque national parks. Also, travelers are attracted to visit these picturesque places by the desire to follow the paths of the book hero Don Quixote, traveling through the province of La Mancha, written by Cervantes.

Virail has the magic trick to find cheap train tickets to Madrid. You just need to enter your dates and set the departure and price filters according to your preferences. Once you choose the best travel options for your train from Ciudad Real to Madrid, virail will redirect you automatically to the provider's website for your purchase.

Which companies take you from Ciudad Real to Madrid by train?

To get to Madrid by train, you can count on Renfe and Renfe AVE, just an example, among all our partners.

Renfe is a national Spanish company that offers a very well developed high speed network served by Ave trains. It also covers regional short-distance routes, via the Feve train and international long-distance routes, for example with the Elipsos night train.

What is the price of train tickets from Ciudad Real to Madrid?

Booking in advance really saves money:. In fact, you can get cheap train tickets from Ciudad Real to Madrid also only PFL, while the average price is RUB 41.63

Ciudad Real- a small (about 60 thousand inhabitants) and not so old city, 200 km. south of Madrid. It received the name “Royal City” and, in fact, the status of a city in 1420, as a reward for supporting King Juan II in the dynastic feud. Before this, the settlement was called Villa Real.
Now it is a typical Castilian town, with some typical Castilian attractions.

Church of St. Petra was founded by three local knights. It's pretty big building, built just at a time when its newly acquired urban status was attracting new residents. However, the same can be said about all other religious buildings in the city. The top of the clock tower appeared only in the 18th century.

Church of St. Petra
Iglesia de San Pedro (XIV-XV centuries)

I wrote about the Conceptionists in an article about Merida. In Ciudad Real there is also a monastery of this not very well-known order. The Spanish name “monastery of the Conceptionist Franciscans” recalls the times when the Conceptionists were, as it were, under the patronage of the Franciscan order. This is not the case now.

Monastery of Conceptionists
Convento de las Concepcionistas Franciscanas (XVI century)

It is assumed that the tower of the church of St. Jacob's was first a separate defensive structure, and then it was used as a church bell tower. In principle, it is very similar - small windows, more like loopholes, appear only at the very top of the tower. However, the entire church, judging by its appearance, could well have been used for defense.

Church of St. Jacob

Church of St. Jacob
Iglesia de Santiago Apostol (XIII-XIV centuries)

The Chapel of the Defenders received such an unusual name because it was first located at the prison, and then was part of the city hospital. All this, however, concerns the previous church; the current one was built later.

Chapel of the Defenders
Ermita de los Remedios (XVII century)

The Church of Mercy belonged to the monastery of the Discalced Mercendarians. Strictly speaking, the buildings located on both sides of it are buildings former monastery. Barefoot monks were those who took a vow to walk only barefoot.

Church of Mercy
Iglesia de la Merced (XVII century)

From another city monastery, destroyed in the 60s of the XX century. In order to build an apartment building, only the portal remained. Moreover, later research revealed that in fact this is the old city gate of St. Mary, which was used as a portal during the construction of the church.

Portal of the Dominican monastery
Portada del Convento de Madres Dominicas (XVI century)

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Ciudad Real has nothing to do with the famous Madrid museum or clothing brand. :) Prado translates as meadow, or rather pasture. So, probably, the name should be understood as the Church of Our Lady of the Shepherds.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Prado
Catedral de las Ordenes Militares de Santa María Del Prado (XIII-XIV centuries)

Near the cathedral there is a 15th-century residential building that belonged to the local military commander Hernan Perez del Pulgar, who distinguished himself during the capture of Granada by Christian troops.

House of Hernan Perez del Pulgar
Casa de Hernan Perez del Pulgar (XV century)

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