Country of great traditions, crossroads of many civilizations, has preserved over the centuries, magnificent treasures of Arab civilization, the glories of kings and emperors, who have followed in the management of power, creating a very varied mix of civilizations and culture.
Land of sharp contrasts natural and cultural, Spain today is without doubt one of the emerging nations in Europe thanks to the strong thrust of acceleration that the eighties have led to both social and cultural as well as to live in ' economy and industry. Spain is a country with many thousands of miles of stunning coastline, countryside parched by the sun, deep gorges and ravines, inaccessible mountains and streams tumultuous ancient villages and modern and vibrant metropolis.
You can then choose between the call of the modern metropolis like Barcelona or Madrid, where the cultural, the vibrant nightlife and the dynamism of its people, well it blends with the tradition and splendor of the historic heritage or that of the ancient towns: Granada, Malaga, Cordoba, Segovia, Toledo, where every corner, every stone has a story to tell, to remember, to live. Do not forget the folkloric aspect: the gypsies of flamenco, bullfighting, the Fiestas, etc.. or gastronomic: the incomparable dishes of different regions with the usual complement of fine wines.
Cities in Spain
MADRID
Founded by the Arabs in the ninth century is today a modern and lively metropolis, with more than three million inhabitants.
And 'the highest capital of Europe, located practically in the geographical center of the Iberian Peninsula in 670 m of altitude, as well as the administrative capital, home to the Royal Household and active industrial center. Focus of cultural life in Spain because of his university and especially its wonderful collections of art, among which the famous Prado Museum, the Archaeological Museum and the Centro de Arte Reina-Sofia, which houses the famous Guernica by Picasso, offers countless references to its visitors.
Its monumental heritage is vast and agglomerates around "Los Austrias", the Puerta del Sol, the Plaza Mayor, one of the most beautiful squares in Spain and the Plaza de la Villa, home of the Palazzo Comunale, both Baroque works of the seventeenth century.
The magnificent Royal Palace, surrounded by gardens now partially open to the public, its picturesque narrow streets clustered around the Plaza Mayor is held the intense nightlife of the capital, became the symbol of the movida, the love of life that animates the Spain of today.
GRANADA
At the foot of the Sierra Nevada, has a truly privileged position, was the seat of the great Muslim kingdom in Spain. At that monarchs should, in fact, the building which is famous throughout the world as "Castillo Rojo," The Alhambra: one of the greatest expressions of Arab civilization. Royal city already receives the Alcazar, large and luxurious Arabian palace. Rich decoration of its rooms adorned with fine marble and decorative inlays and wood, in a succession of rooms and shady gardens with numerous fountains and water features.
Adjacent to the famous Alhambra gardens of the Generalife with countless varieties of flowers, fountains and lakes, all nestled in an oasis of peace with a splendid panorama of the city.
You also notable churches and the old Barrio de Albayzin, the medieval rich corners and lovely streets. Here was born the famous poet Garda Lorca.
BARCELONA
Capital of Catalunya is Spain second city in size and importance, the first for the spirit of initiative and autonomy.
Its port is one of the most important of the Mediterranean.
There are two basic modules: one is the 'Barrio Gotico' with the ancient Cathedral, the Episcopal Palace and the magnificent Palace of the Generalitat, the seat of the Catalan government, the other works of the brilliant architect "modernist" Gaudi: the Tempio Votivo (unfinished) Sagrada Familia, Parque Guell, Palau Güell, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, and others.
Among the various museums include the Picasso Museum and the Museum of Catalan Art.
Do not miss: A walk on the famous Ramblas, teeming with people and life, Plaza de España with its illuminated fountains, the Pasco de Gracia (shopping mall of the city), the Montjuic park with splendid views over the city and finally the Plaza de Toros "one of the most important of Spain, where from April to October are the bullfights.
Adviceblog to travellers going on cruise and honeymoon tips.