| sightseeing |
Sightseeing in Spain Thanks to a rich history and confluence of culture spanning two continents, plus the entire Spanish Empire, Spain has stocked up on a wide variety of historical, cultural and architectural attractions, many of which fortunately were not subjected to the bombing of recent years – Spain’s historical beauty remains intact. It is also a hot destination for sun worshipers. Despite the beauty and import of the man made structures throughout the country, the numerous coastlines of sunny Spain are among its most desired attractions.
Tourists swarm the Costa del Sol, Costa Brava and Costa Blanca throughout the year, these seaside attractions offer resorts, water sports, entertainment, nightlife and beaches stacked with hardbodies from all over Europe and the United States. More artistic and cerebral attractions can be found an hour’s drive north of Costa del Sol in Granada, the last Moorish fortress to be taken over by the Catholics in the late 15th century. Not coincidentally, the strongest Moorish holdout today offers the most impressive Moorish structure in all of Europe and, perhaps, all of the middle east and Africa: the Alhambra. Tickets must be purchased for entrance into the Nazarene Palaces, whose intricately sculpted archways, thin, forest-like supports and chambers leading into marble expanses and reflecting pools will take your breath away.
Another fantastic attraction in southern Spain (the region called Andalusia) is the tapas. Tapas are delicious, prepared snacks ranging from simple sandwiches to seafood tortellini dishes that accompany the purchase of beer or wine. In Granada, not only are the tapas servings ample and different every place you go, but they are free. Other cities, such as Seville, offer exquisitely prepared seafood, shishkebabs, croquettes – the list goes on and on – but they come extra. Nevertheless, tapas are one of the most savory attractions of the South.
Madrid is home to two of Spain’s most important art museums, El Prado and the Reina Sofia. The first one houses more classical collections of the Spanish greats, including Velasquez, El Greco, and Goya. The Reina Sofia, with glass elevators and a more modern, sleeker architecture, is home to more modern Spanish painters such as Picasso and Dalí. Speaking of bizarre, artistic work – Guadi, who predated the surrealists, could almost be considered of their class. His incredible and, well, gaudy, constructions can be found principally in Barcelona: a must see attraction is his unfinished Church of the Sacred Family.
|
General Information
Gastronomy
Sightseeing
Culture
Weather