Highlights of Spain, What To Expect From This European Country
When you think of travel to Europe, often you dream of magnificent cathedrals, old-world buildings, bustling markets and romantic castles. Europe has a certain alluring charm that has inspired millions of visitors year after year, but Spain is a unique example of how Europe can still surprise you. This is a European country with a very definite Moorish influence, and not just in the cities you may think. Spain is a tale of 2 occupations, the Catholic cathedrals of the North that give that expected European feel and the Islamic Moors of the South which make it so exotic and different from the rest of the continent.
So what are some of the highlights of this amazingly refreshing destination?
- Mosque of the Caliphs- Cordoba. This site is very unique throughout the world, not only for its beautiful architecture and decoration but because it is a centuries old mosque with a catholic church inside. Instead of destroying the mosque that was built over Roman ruins, the Spanish decided to build a Catholic church inside the existing structure, during the years of Catholic expansion in the country. The Mosque of the Caliphs is a physical example of religion existing in harmony, where the East meets West and is the first introduction to the more typical architecture of southern Spain.
- Seville, a city that really captures the essence of Spain with a beautiful city center, cathedral where you will find Christopher Columbus buried and Plaza de Espana. A city that best mixes the 2 styles found in the country. The cathedral stands imposing in the middle of the city, surround by the Jewish Quarter, which has its own secrets and mysteries. One of the highlights though is actually the more modern Plaza de Espana, built for the World’s Fair in the early 1900s, it combines the artistic crafts of Spanish tiles with the history of a country that had expanded their influence to the Caribbean and South America.
- The Alhambra Palace (pictured to the right.) This iconic sight might be your inspiration to visit Spain and it will certainly make a lasting impression. Built by Moors during the Islamic occupation of Spain, it was conquered by Isabel and Ferdinand who peacefully conquered it, to protect the beauty of the palace complex. Peace is a very tangible feeling as you explore the Alhambra. Through water and design the Moorish rulers built a retreat that stayed cool and created a sense of serenity, with gorgeous gardens for further relaxation. The infusion of Northern African cultures like the Barbary also provide for some exotic shopping in the medieval streets at the foot of the palace complex.
- Flamenco in Andalucía. This dance is the embodiment of a combination of distinct and unique cultures. A blending of Gypsie, Moorish, Jewish and native Andalucians, this art form is a combination of rhythm, dance and music. Flamenco is not just the touristy Spanish version of a Moulin Rouge experience, but an emotional expression of folk stories orally passed from generation to generation. Feel the inspired fervor of the singers and dancers that are often described as performing in a trance-like state, in the tablaos of Seville, Madrid and Granada.
- Gothic Quarter, Barcelona. Find your way to the grandiose La Seu cathedral as you explore the district. Nearby is the Museu d’Historia de Barcelona (City History Museum). The Barri Gotic also holds several other treasures, so you may want to plan more than one day in the area. The highlights are the Museu Picassoand another magnificent Gothic church, Santa Maria del Mar. Next, visit the Sagrada Familia. The foundation stone was laid in 1882, and Antoni Gaudi worked on the building for more than 40 years, leaving it unfinished when he died in 1926. Of course you must take a walk down La Rambla, Barcelona’s famous avenue. Although it is technically five streets (Rambla de Santa Monica, Rambla des Caputxins, Rambla de St. Josep, Rambla d’Estudis and Rambla Canaletes), the separation has not been clear for at least two centuries, and all are generally referred to as La Rambla. At least once during your visit, you should plan to stroll its full length, from Placa Catalunya to the statue of Christopher Columbus presiding over the port. Read more about Must See Sites in Barcelona.
- Prado Museum, Madrid: Art aficionados will love the “golden triangle” of the Spanish Capital’s art museums, all located within a few blocks of each other. Considered by many to be the world’s finest art gallery, the Prado is filled with Spanish, Flemish and Italian masterpieces.The best place for souvenirs and people watching is Plaza Mayor, located in the old part of Madrid. Shops selling berets and espadrilles (believed to be invented by the Basques) are next to outdoor cafes tempting passersby with the aroma of fresh seafood in garlic sauce.
What other mysteries will you discover on your vacation to Spain? There is no better time to start exploring, than now. For a wonderful visit to Spain, consider Trafalgar’s Spanish Wonder. In 9 days you visit the best of Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Seville and Madrid. There is also a special itinerary for families called Spanish Salsa where you visit all the same cities, but with added experiences for children including helping prepare a paella, visiting a football (soccer) stadium and learning how to do the flamenco.
