Issue date: 23 Feb, 2017
450TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SPANISH ROAD
This year, to mark the 450th anniversary of the opening of the military supply/trade route known as the Spanish Road, Correos is issuing a new stamp featuring an illustration of the profile of King Felipe II. This monarch is considered the creator of the route, which was designed to bring money and troops to the war in the Netherlands.
In the background of the stamp, there is a blurred image of an old map with five red arrows traced over it, representing the five main routes of this road.
The Spanish Road is an historic route that was followed by the Spanish armies during the 16th and 17th centuries, and which ran between Milan and Brussels. Its purpose was to connect the Netherlands with the centre of the Spanish monarchy.
The routes crossed states which were allies with the Crown, such as Savoy and Lorraine, and also territories which were under its power.
In this way, they were able to protect the Mediterranean from attacks by the Ottomans and other possible enemies.
Down the years, various routes were used for the Road, but five may be considered to be the main ones:
1567 Route, Duke of Alba
1595 Route, Archduke Albert
1601 Route, Gressin Bridge
1604 Route, Virués
1634 Route, Nordlingen
This first 1567 route marked a turning point in European history. The Duke of Alba, along with 10,000 tercio veterans, travelled 1,100 kilometres to reach Brussels – one of the greatest logistical achievements in military and diplomatic history.
Although it was not the first time that the route had been used, it was the first time that it was taken by such a large number of people marching at the same time, and without causing problems for the locals who called the route “Le Chemin des Espagnols”.
Rate A - €0.75. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, up to 20 g.
Rate A2 - €0.85. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, between 20 g and 50 g.
Rate B - €1.65. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to Europe (including Greenland), up to 20 g.
Rate C - €1.75. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the rest of the world (except USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand), up to 20 g.
Rate D - €2.10. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, up to 20 g.