SPANISH HISTORY.
UNESCO.
TASTE SPAIN.
SPANISH ART.
SPANISH DESTINATIONS.
My preconception of Spain was of dusty plains and windmill chasing knights. (Possibly from a production of Man of La Mancha). I was not ready for the mountains, rugged shorelines and sandy beaches of the Mediterranean also.
Spain is a significant influence on the cultures of Mexico, Central America and much of South America, but it’s different. The food, though similar is unique. Whereas the influence on the new world was predominantly Spanish, the effect on Spain was a melting pot of cultures. Even the language in Spain, though primarily the same has specific nuances.
So even if you have been to Spanish-speaking countries, you do not know what Spain has to offer.
Although its history does not reach back as far as countries to the east, it is still a colorful one. Many relics from this history remain.
Spain sits on a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean on the north and west, and the Mediterranean on the South. The Pyrenees mountains separate the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of Europe. France (and Andorra) to the east from Spain to the west.
Many people do not realize the size of Spain. From Madrid, in the center of the country, it is more than five hours drive to Santiago de Compostela in the northwest. It is also more than five hours from Madrid down to Malaga in the South. Barcelona to the east is closer to six hours driving. On the positive side, Spain does enjoy good high-speed train service between most of its major cities.
Mainland Spain consists of 15 different regions. Also, there are the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean. In the Atlantic Ocean, Sitting off the coast of Africa is the Canary Islands.
Palaces, Princes, and Parcs.
Any talk about Spain must include its UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Spain is a country overflowing with history, culture and natural beauty. As a result, it has a total of 46 sites currently on the list. All worth seeing.
Spain from Tortillas to Tapas.
Until you visit Spain, you have not had Spanish food. It just tastes better in Espania. Also, the cuisine of the north is different from that of the south.
In the south, you have the Paella of Valencia, gazpacho from Andalusia, the Iberian ham and of course seafood. Rice, saffron and other spices that came with the Moors from North Africa show up in many dishes.
Whereas, in the north, you have the cuisines of the Basques, and Asturias, with influences from the Celts. Stews, as well as steaks and seafood from the colder Atlantic, appear on many menus.
Modern Spanish wine was an evil word up until the end of the Fascist rule. (The vintners mixed the good and the bad making a blend of mediocre). In the last forty years, the wines have gone from awful to award-winning.
From Caves to Cubism.
The country’s oldest art is the Cueva de la Pileta, a series of wall paintings dating back 25,000 years. Although it has influences from Africa, Italy, and France, Spanish art is very distinctive. Artists such as Velázquez, de Ribera, and Goya push the traditional styles.
In the 1920s – 30s, Salvador Dali leads the Surrealist movement. Miro is also a leading artist from this period.
In the area of Cubism, Pablo Picasso is pioneering the style. Also, George Braque helps establish it as one of the most influential art movements of the 20th century.
The Prado Museum in Madrid is the largest art museum in the country and one of the largest in Europe.
You call that Architecture?
While talking about art, you need to talk about the architecture of Antoni Gaudi. What? You want us to look at architecture as art? Gaudi integrates ceramics, stained glass, wrought iron,
and carpentry into his architecture. That is why several of his buildings are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
(BACK TO TOP)
WOW!, Spain has so much more to offer. We better get a start.
Come, let’s experience the World of Spain.
NORTHWEST
Galicia
Asturias, Principado de
NORTH
Castilla and Leon
Cantabria
Basque Country
La Rioja
NORTHEAST
Navarra, Comunidad Foral
Aragon
Catalonia
EAST
Valencia, Comunidad
SOUTHEAST
Castilla-La Mancha
Murcia, Region de
SOUTH
Andalucia
WEST
Extremadura
CENTRAL
Madrid, Comunidad de
ISLANDS
Balearic Islands
Canarias