Things2DoSpain

Best Travel Blog 2012 Vote Malaysia Asia ~ Malaysia Asia

2012-01-25T04:13:00.000-08:00

Best Travel Blog 2012 Vote Malaysia Asia ~ Malaysia Asia

This is a fantastic site, so useful and some amazing tips and information about great places to visit, often off the beaten track. Keep it up, and I am sure we will all keep on reading .. PS - Malaysia is an amazing country and well worth a visit.

http://www.aphroditeslodge.co.uk/

Holiday Crash Pads Spain

2011-05-17T02:15:00.000-07:00

If you own an apartment in Spain and you want rent a room out in Alicante, Murcia, Malaga, Marbella, Fuengirola, Benidorm, Torrevieja, Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia or Majorca, you should register free with Holiday Crash Pads Spain.

Travellers are looking for 2 bedroom apartments to rent out on the Costa del Sol, the Costa Blanca and the Costa Dorada, and if you own a 2 bed holiday apartment in Barcelona, Marbella, Sitges, Salou or Benalmadena, Spain, you could earn decent rental income throughout the year. Holiday Crash Pads is much different from all other property rental sites, as we are looking to connect property owners in Spain with spare rooms to rent with guests who are looking for cheap accommodation in Spain.

Whether you want to rent out your villa in Andalucia, hire out your air-bed, or rent your sofa in Marbella, Holiday Crash Pads specialises in renting out any unused space in your home, including spare rooms in Spain, tents, caravans, spare beds and whole houses. Spanish property rentals are at a premium in summer, and if you can offer affordable homes to rent on the Costa del Sol, an apartment for rent in the Costa Blanca or simply a room to rent in Spain, you can make a profit from charging cheaper rates than the guest houses and hotels close by.

If you become a host with Holiday Crash Pads you will have full control of your bookings, and you can refuse or accept bookings after reading the guest profiles. Once you accept a booking for your rental accommodation in Spain, you will receive the cash when the guest arrives. You can also take advantage of your own personal online calendar, to block out dates as your spare room to rent in Spain starts to get bookings. If you have an apartment to rent in Calahonda, a whole house to rent in Marbella or a studio to rent in Salamanca, you can advertise your space to millions of potential guests when you register with Holiday Crash Pads, and it won´t cost you a cent.

Holiday accommodation on the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca is plentiful but expensive, and if you have space you want to rent out, you could get repeat bookings for years to come. Whether you want to rent out a luxurious beach-side penthouse in Puerto Banus, or simply rent a cheap room in Spain, you can register quickly and easily at Holiday Crash Pads and not pay a penny for the pleasure. You may own a holiday home in Spain which you only rented out part of the year, or a spare room that is going free all year round. However small or grand your space is, make money from it by registering as a host at Holiday Crash Pads.

Spain is still the number one tourist resort for British tourists, and the vast majority are looking for 2 bed apartments in Spain, studios for rent in Spain and spare rooms for rent, which will work out much cheaper than similar hotel accommodation.

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2010-04-29T13:31:00.001-07:00

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The top 25 water parks in Spain

2010-03-09T04:42:00.000-08:00

Spain offers visitors thousands of things to see and do, and one of the most popular attractions are the water parks, which provide family fun for thousands of holidaymakers every year.

The best 25 water parks in Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Costa Brava, Ibiza, Tenerife, Costa Dorada, Mallorca, Madrid,

More things to do Spain

Lanzarote, Barcelona, Gran Canaria and Menorca include:

1. Aqualandia Water Park, Benidorm, Costa Blanca

2. Aquapolis Water Park, Torrevieja, Seville and Costa Dorada

3. Parque Aquatico Water Park, Mijas-Costa, Costa del Sol

4. Aqualand Water Park, Torremolinos, Costa del Sol

5. Aqua Brava Water Park, Las Garrigas, Costa Brava

6. Aqua Diver Water Park, Costa Brava

7. Marineland Water Park, Costa Brava

8. Aquaola Water Park, Granada

9. Aqualandia Water Park, Talamanca, Ibiza

10. Aqualandia Water Park, Mallorca

11. Marineland Water Park, Mallorca

12. Hidropark Water Park, Mallorca

13. Aqualand Water Park, Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

14. Ocean Water Park, Gran Canaria

15. Aqua Centre Water Park, Menorca

16. Aqualand Water Park, Costa Adeje, Tenerife

17. Octopus Water Park, Tenerife

18. Waterworld, Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava

19. Aquapolis Water Park, Madrid

20. Aquasur Water Park, Madrid

21. Aranjuez Water Park, Madrid

22. Aqua Lanza Water Park, Costa Teguise, Lanzarote

23. Marineland Water Park, Catalonia

24. Aqualeon Water Park, Costa Dorada

25. Illa Fantasia Water Park, Barcelona

All the water parks in Spain provide rides, attractions and slides for visitors of all ages, and most have special play areas and scaled-down slides for the smaller kids. If you are planning to travel to Spain during the summer months, you can even book tickets online for most of the water parks, which will save you time and money when you arrive.

10 things to do in Ibiza

2010-03-01T09:28:00.000-08:00

If you are planning to visit Ibiza for the first time, here are some great things to do during your stay:

1. Take a walk around Dalt Vila. Before you start, it might be an idea to buy some espadrilles. The traditional Spanish ropesoled sandals. The whole history of the Pine Islands is set out in Eivissa's upper town.

2. Find a quiet section of coast and go for a walk. Near Cap de Barbaria, on Formentera, you can gaze out across the Mediterranean in the direction of Africa and imagine you are a Moor looking towards home

3. Take a boat trip around a part of the islands' coast and try to understand how it must have felt to see the islands for the first time.

4. Find a quiet inland village on Ibiza and stroll around. Admire the distinctive architecture and relax, the way the locals do.

5. Join in a ball page, the traditional island festival with music and singing, discover that the locals do occasionally let their hair down.

6. Buy a drink or a meal at El Corsario, Dalt Vila´s most famous hotel/restaurant.

7. Go for a swim. No visit would be complete without a dip in the clear, warm waters. If you really want to swim in style, take off all your clothes at one of the official nudist beaches.

8. Eat fresh fish at a beach restaurant. The islands are famous for their fish dishes and sometimes you can watch the fish you are going to eat being caught.

9. Take a stroll through La Marina in Eivissa to watch the comings and goings of they younger visitors as they seek out the latest Ad Lib fashions.

10. On your last night take a glass of sangria to a cliff top on the western side of the island and watch the sun setting over the Mediterranean.
Rural Ibiza

With mass tourism and the club scene filling several of the towns and most of the beaches it could easily be assumed that peace and quiet were the hardest things to find on Ibiza. In fact it could not be easier Just walk away from a crowded beach for a few minutes and you will be on a deserted section of coast, or drive for a few miles from any town and you will be in countryside that seems to have been untouched by time.

The coast of Ibiza

On Ibiza, and even more so on Formentera, wild flowers can be found clinging precariously to life in rocky crevices and other unlikely places. On the beaches and In the backing sand dunes there are sea daffodils and sea holly, but also some much rarer plants. The islands are the only place in Europe where a particular form of squill is found.

In the remaining wooded areas behind the dunes the woodland chiefly Aleppo pine those willing to spend time exploring will find many types of orchids. Mirror orchid, with blue flowers edged with brown, is relatively common, as is the sombre bee orchid (Ophrys fusca). By contrast, the bee orchid is rare and endangered.

The Mediterranean is home to surprisingly few seabirds and waders. The lack of tides and, therefore, an intertidal region, discourages wading birds, while the sea's warm waters are less densely packed with food than the colder waters of northern Europe. Nevertheless, the yellow legged gull will be easily recognized. However, if the gull you are watching has dark legs and a red beak with a yellow tip, then you could have an Audouin's gull in view, claimed to be the rarest gull in the world.

Formentera flora and fauna

Formentera is almost too small to have an 'inland' area, but inland lbiza is a real contrast to the crowded beaches. Here you will be able to find real peace and quiet and fascinating flora and fauna. At almost any time of year inland lbiza is colorful. In February, January's yellow mimosa is replaced by pink and white almond blossom, and bunch flowered narcissus. In March, spring arrives, heralded by lavender, rock roses, moon daises and the surprisingly beautiful yellow flowers of the prickly pear cactus. In summer, the bougainvillea, oleander and honeysuckle are brilliant against the blue of the sky, while the arrival of autumn brings violets, narcissi and squills. The winter months see the heathers blooming and then the bright fruits of the citrus trees.

Antonio Riquer and Ibiza

Antonio Riquer was the most famous of Ibiza's Corsairs a vigilante sea captain or a pirate, depending upon your point of view. His most famous action was the defeat of a feared Gibraltarian pirate called Miguel Novelli, who was nicknamed 'The Pope'. Riquer intercepted 'The Pope' as he was sailing from Formentera to attack Ibiza. Despite having a much smaller ship and being completely outgunned, Riquer's superior seamanship won the day, 'The Pope' breaking off the battle and fleeing just before his ship was about to be boarded or sunk. Riquer is remembered in a street name near Eivissa's harbour, his house in Dalt Vila is on the touristic route, and he was one of the main reasons the Ibizencos raised EI Obelisco a los Corsarios, the monument to the Corsairs on La Marina's sea front.

Hannibal and Ibiza

Although the Carthaginians probably originated in what is now Lebanon and had an empire which was vIrtually confined to the North African coast, they did colonize Ibiza. Legend has it that It was on Sa Conillera, the now uninhabited island lying off Ibiza's western shore, near Sant Antoni, that Hannibal, the most glorious Carthaginian general, was born. Hannibal is chiefly famous for crossing the Alps with his elephants to defeat Rome, but as important to him as his elephants were the lead pellets fired by his army's slingers. These pellets were formed from lead that had been mined on Ibiza.

Joaquim Vara de Rey Close to the Tourist Information Office in Paseo Vara de Rey is a statue of the man for whom the street is named. The General is Ibiza's most famous soldier. He died in 1898 defending Cuba, one of Spain's last American colonies, against an invading US army.

Places to visit in Ibiza

There are several Ibizas, each distinctly different. At the island's heart, though not at its centre, is Eivissa, the capital. Even here there are several different towns the old walled city of Dalt Vila and the Carthaginian necropolis beside it; the trendy shopping area near the harbor where visitors crowd to see the latest Ad Lib fashions; and the new town where more elegant shops and pavement cafes stand among the offices.

There are several coasts, too. Mass tourism has peopled some beaches with sun-worshippers and hotel developments have blighted the natural scenery. Yet within a few minutes' walk of these areas the visitor can be alone in coves as beautiful as any to be found on the Mediterranean coast.

Finally there is inland Ibiza, rural villages of white cube houses and black-shawled women, and upland areas where ancient vegetation still thrives. Here the plant lover can search for flowers found only on Ibiza, while the bird lover will delight in rare and exotic species.

Eivissa Ibiza

There are few more dramatic sites on the Mediterranean coast than that of Eivissa's Old Town, Dalt Vila, especially when viewed from the sea, its walls and bastions rising above the rugged coast and turquoise water.

Under Franco's centralist regime only Castillian names were allowed in areas of Spain that had their own language or dialect Then. and still occasionally. the town was merely 'La Vila' to the locals, 'Ibiza Town' to visitors.

However, democracy has allowed regional pride to flourish and many of the island's names are now both written and spoken in Ibizenco, a dialect of Catalan. In Ibizenco the town is Eivissa, a name that echoes the ancient names of the island the Carthaginian age, the Greek Ebysos. the Roman Ebusus and the Moorish Yebisah.

Eivissa is a marvellous place in summer. an exciting assault on the senses. Within its close confines it captures the essence of the island Dalt Vila. Sa Penya, La Marina and the local coast offering quite different aspects of Ibiza. Go to Dalt Vila for historical Ibiza, to Sa Penya's tight-knit streets for shopping and local colour, to La Marina or the harbour for the smell of the sea and to gape at the expensive boats, and to the nearby beaches for the modern, brasher Ibiza.

Compansation Claims in Spain

2010-02-28T04:02:00.000-08:00

Food Poisoning In Spain

Being taken ill at home is bad enough but if this happens whilst on holiday it can be a nightmare. Food poisoning is the most common complaint by holidaymakers usually caused by the hotel failing to meet the required standards of hygiene.

Many people may put an upset stomach down to a change in diet or water but recently there have been record numbers of claims made against hotels in Spain by British tourists. The types of illness include salmonella and E.Coli which can lead to nasty after effects such as irritable bowell syndrome which can last for a long time.

If the hotel has failed in it`s duty of care in the preparation of food or generally in it`s standard of hygiene and you become ill because of it you will have a claim against the tour operator with whom you booked your holiday. You can also bring your claim in the UK rather than having to make it in Spain.

It is also worth mentioning that if you have suffered food poisoning in Spain then it is likely that other people in your hotel will have suffered the same fate as they will have been eating the same food. You should, if possible, take their details to help you with your claim. You should also make sure you obtain medical treatment and keep your receipts for outlay.

For advice or assistance call us on 08000 154321

Legionnaire's Disease In Spain

This is a particularly nasty illness being an uncommon form of Pneumonia and if you are unfortunate to catch it your holiday will be ruined.

Legionnaires` is spread through aerosols of water containing the legionella germ usually air conditioning systems and cooling towers.

If a hotel fails to properly maintain its water systems legionella can grow and if undetected can affect many people. It is particularly dangerous to older people. The incubation time from infection to illness is 2 to 10 days but usually 3 to 6 days.

The disease is usually transmitted through breathing in aerosols from contaminated air conditioning systems, showers and spas. The disease is not thought to be transmittable from person to person.

The symptoms may not become apparent until you return home. It would be helpful in locating the source if you can contact anyone else at your hotel or ship to see if they know of anyone else infected.

If you have contracted Legionnaires` you may be able to make a claim and we at Worldwide Holiday Claims can assist.

For advice or assistance call us on 08000 154321

Road accident in Spain

Following a change in the law in 2003, if you have a road accident in Spain that is not your fault and you suffer injury and loss you can now bring your claim for compensation in the UK.

The incidence of road accidents in Spain is higher than in the UK and many British drivers are killed or injured in such accidents. All cars insured in Spain are registered on a database and therefore, provided you have kept details of the driver and registration number of the vehicle at fault, it should be possible to obtain the identity of the insurers.

The insurers will nominate someone to deal with the claim in the UK and this will make your claim for compensation easier to make as it can be dealt with by a British lawyer without you having to find and pay for one in Spain.

If you have the misfortune of having an accident in Spain which is not your fault, you must take details of the other vehicle and driver and if possible the name and address of any witness. This will help you in making a successful claim for your compensation claim. You should also keep receipts for all out of pocket expenses which you suffer as a result of your accident such as medical fees.

For advice or assistance call us on 08000 154321

Accidents On Flights To Spain

If you have an accident during your flight to Spain or even when embarking or disembarking from the aircraft you may well have a claim for compensation against the airline or the tour operator who arranged your holiday.

The liability of the air carrier is set out in the 1999 Montreal Convention which states that if a passenger suffers bodily injury during the flight or whilst embarking or disembarking then the airline is liable in damages. This is called strict liability and you do not need to show that the accident was the airline`s fault.

It even means that if you are taken by bus from the terminal building to the aircraft by bus, if the bus has an accident or brakes sharply, and you are injured, then they would be liable.

Common types of accidents on aircraft are:

*
Objects falling out of overhead lockers
*
Aisle passengers getting hit by food trolleys
*
Burns from spilt food and drinks
*
Trips and tumbles

If you suffer an injury on a flight to Spain you should make sure that you report this immediately to the staff and keep the flight details.

We at Worldwide Holiday Claims can assist you in your claim for compensation. Our solicitors operate on a no win no fee basis and you keep 100% of your damages. We provide a fast and efficient service and will speak to you in plain English.

For advice or assistance call us on 08000 154321

Accidents In Hotel Grounds In Spain

2010-02-28T03:55:00.000-08:00

Hotel grounds are often the source of accidents for British holidaymakers in Spain usually due to poorly maintained walkways or equipment.

Hoteliers are obliged to provide safe surroundings for their guests but unfortunately often fail to reach the required standard resulting often in serious injury to the victim and thus completely spoiling their holiday.

Reported accidents often involve slipping on unmarked wet floors, tripping on rough and poorly maintained footpaths and falling down stairs. You could also suffer injury due to using faulty equipment provided by the hotel.

Such dangerous conditions can be caused by faulty handrails, inadequate lighting or spillage not cleaned up, or a combination of all of these.

If you have suffered an accident causing you injury which is not your fault you may well be entitled to claim compensation against the tour operator who organized your holiday in Spain.

If you are injured in an accident you should report it to the travel representative and enter details in the hotel accident book. Taking photographs of the location is a good idea and get names and addresses of any witnesses to the accident. You should also of course take medical advice and keep all receipts for any expenses caused by the accident.

Worldwide Holiday Claims can assist you with your claim for compensation. Our solicitors work on a no win no fee basis and you keep 100% of your damages. We will deal with your claim in a fast and professional manner and will speak to you in plain English. For advice and assistance call 08000 154321

Accidents In Hotels In Spain

2010-02-28T03:52:00.000-08:00

If you have an accident in your hotel, then you may be entitled to compensation if you suffer an injury as a result.

The hotel owes a duty of care to it`s guests to provide safe and secure accommodation and if it fails in it`s duty then it will be liable for any injuries and losses suffered by victims.

There are many ways in which someone could sustain an injury but the most common are slips and falls caused by slippery flooring, either in the hotel room or on a staircase.

Faulty electric or gas appliances can be a source of danger to holidaymakers in Spain, a lack of maintenance can have serious or even fatal consequences.

Badly laid out rooms or sharp edges on furniture can also cause nasty injuries.

If the balcony to your room has not been properly maintained this could have disastrous consequences.

If you suffer injury and loss in a Spanish hotel you can bring a claim for compensation in the UK as the tour operator who arranged your holiday is responsible for the failings of your hotel.

If you are injured you should make sure that you report your injury to the travel representative and the hotel manager. Take photographs, if possible, of the site of your accident. You should also take medical treatment and keep details of any expenses that you incur.

At Worldwide Holiday Claims our solicitors operate on a no win no fee basis and you keep 100% of your damages. We provide a fast and efficient service and you will find us sympathetic and approachable.

For advice and assistance call us on 0845 337 0654.

Granada - A Potted History

2010-02-28T03:46:00.001-08:00

Established by the first Iberian tribes to settle the south of the peninsular, Granada's turbulent history has witnessed a host of invading armies from the Phoenicians to the Moors. It has withstood sieges, occupation and destruction to flourish into a vibrant, modern city with a rich blend of cultural influences that continue to attract the hordes; only now they arrive armed with digital cameras and guidebooks rather than swords and chariots.

This, the first of three articles, takes us from the city's foundation to the expulsion of the Moors from their last stronghold in Spain.

Granada, I'm falling under your spell
And if you could speak, what a fascinating tale you would tell
Of an age the world has long forgotten
Of an age that weaves a silent magic in Granada today

("Granada I'm falling under your spell" -Frankie Laine 1954)

Corny it maybe, but the old Frankie Laine song somehow captures the essence of Granada; the feeling that everywhere you look there is magic and a tale to tell.

There was little but bare hillside when the first Iberian Tribes made their home in the area near the present day Albaicin district. They remained for the better part of a millennium, until ousted by the Phonecians who, just 500 years later, were dispatched by the Cartheginians.

In 250BC the might of the Roman Empire descended and, for the next seven centuries, created a thriving municipality which covered the Albaicin, the Alcazaba and the area up to the Alhambra hill. It became a city of two names: Iliberis and the more poetic Florentia (City of flowers and fruits). However, as the Roman Empire began to decline in the 5th century, the Visigoths, never ones to miss an opportunity, moved in and for the next 200 years they ruled over a city that was expanding in population, wealth and influence. The Jewish neighbourhood of Garnatha established itself alongside Iliberis and in 711 their support was a crucial factor in enabling the invading Moors to eject the Visigoths and drive north to occupy the entire peninsula.

The Moors would remain for almost eight centuries, adapting the Jewish name to Karnattah, and creating one of the richest and most forward-looking medieval cities in Spain, attracting traders, artisans and learned men. In 1010 Zawi ben Ziri - the founder of the Ziri dynasty - began to expand the area of the Albaicin and three years later Granada became an independent Kingdom. The Ziris reigned for another 200 hundred years until, in 1238, Muhammad Ibn Yusuf Ibn Nasr took control and the Nasrid dynasty, builders of the Alhambra, came to power.

The city went from strength to strength, creating alliances and changing sides to maintain its position but, as the Catholic armies of Ferdinand and Isabella spread across the peninsula, Granada found itself the last stronghold of the Muslim world. In 1491 the Monarchs, with a united Spain behind them, laid siege to the city. Weakened and isolated, it crumbled within months. Boabdil, the last Nasrid king, having been granted refuge in the Alpujarras, gold and a promise of political and religious freedom for his subjects, surrendered. Ferdinand and Isabella entered Granada with great pomp and ceremony, flags flying and set up court in the lavish Alhambra. Granada was now part of a newly unified Spain.

As for Boabdil, as he fled the city he turned for one last look and the tears flowed. "You do well," said his unsympathetic mother, "to weep like a woman for what you could not defend like a man." The spot from which Boabdil looked for the last time on Granada is still marked, and is known as "The last sigh of the Moor" (el Ãºltimo suspiro del Moro).

In Part 2; Ferdinand & Isabella, the Inquisition, Granada's Golden age and the war with France that almost destroyed the Alhambra.

Family Fun in Barcelona

2010-02-28T03:44:00.001-08:00

When taking children on a trip to Barcelona, you will undoubtedly want to plan your itinerary to include activities to keep the little ones amused. Thankfully, there is a lot to see and do in this wonderful city, even if you're under a meter high!

What family holiday to Barcelona would be complete without a trip to the zoo? Everybody, young and old, will enjoy Barcelona's lovely zoo. The zoo was made famous by Snowflake, the Albino gorilla, but he has now passed away. Today, visitors can see a wide range of exciting and exotic animals, ranging from dolphins to Iberian wolves, from the red panda to the Eurasian otter. There is an impressive conservation centre too, that is bound to be of great interest to the kids.

Continuing the wildlife theme, adults and children alike cannot help but enjoy the wonderful Barcelona Aquarium. With over 10,000 fish and underwater creatures to see, the kids will be absolutely mesmerized watching this secret world unfold before their very eyes in front of the 35 tanks that make up the aquarium. The aquarium regularly holds workshops, theatre activities and story telling sessions, so it is a good idea to check out the upcoming events on its website.

For little boys (and big boys too!) the Barcelona Football Club Museum is a definite must. Absolutely everything about this famous team, from historical photographs to interesting paraphernalia, is housed in this 3,500 square meter complex. There is also an art museum for the girls to meander around while the boys gape at Barca exhibits.

Barcelona's answer to Disneyworld can be found just 90 minutes outside the city in the form of Port Aventura, a wonderful activity park that is divided into five exciting areas for children to enjoy. A full day 'or even longer' can be spent in Imperial China, the Far West, the jungles of Polynesia, Aztec Mexico or in the Mediterranean, enjoying theme-related rides, shows, shops and restaurants. The park caters for kids of all ages from the very little ones who would appreciate gentler rides, to adrenaline junkies who need their fix from rides such as the notorious Dragon Khan or Furious Bacus.

Finally, if Port Aventura is not your style, or you are simply after a slower change of pace, don't miss out on a visit to the nostalgic Tibidabo, a one hundred year old funfair that boasts some of the best views of the city. The park is packed with delightful amusement park offerings, including the must-ride funicular railway. While Tibidabo's rides are reasonably tame compared to Port Aventura, there is something about the charm and historical importance of this park that makes it a firm favourite among children.

As can be seen, there is a great choice of things to do in Barcelona to keep the kids amused. Combined with other natural attractions such as the long stretches of beaches along the coast, no kid should ever go bored in this stunning city.

Spain's Sporting Success

2010-02-28T03:42:00.001-08:00

Whether it's the wonderful climate, Spaniards' innate self confidence or simply exceptional coaching, Spain is one of the world's leading sporting nations and, with Madrid having recently emerged as one of the favourites to host the 2016 Olympic Games, it seems there has never been a better time to embrace sport the Spanish way.

While the failings of Spain's national football team are well documented (they are yet to win a major football tournament), the selección, as they are known, rarely fail to qualify for the big tournaments (unlike all of the Home Nations for the forthcoming Euro 2008) and are often among the favourites to win. Their time will surely come. However, football-mad as Spain may be, the country can still call upon a number of other sporting heroes as testaments to Spain's enduring sporting success.

Had Britain's Lewis Hamilton not choked on the final Formula 1 race of the 2006-7 season, Spain would no longer be able to boast the youngest ever Formula 1 World Champion. But choke he did and, as it stands, Spain's Fernando Alonso retains that accolade, for another season at least. In tennis, with the Swiss Roger Federer sweeping all before him, only one man can ever seriously hope to stand in his way - Majorca's Rafael Nadal. In fact, on a clay surface it is Nadal, not Federer, who is held up as THE man to beat.

Likewise in Basketball - a sport played passionately throughout the globe - it is Spain, not the USA, who are world champions, led by the towering, talented and charismatic Pau Gasol, whose face adorns everything from credit cards to cheese snacks. There are numerous other fields where Spain competes at the highest level, such as volleyball, hockey, handball, water polo and superbikes. And the last two winners of the Tour de France? That's right, Spaniards - Oscar Pereiro and Alberto Contador. With three Spaniards ranked among the top 10 male tennis players in the world, the argument is irrefutable - Spain produces exceptional sportsmen and women. But how?

A combination of national pride, an inviting climate, excellent facilities and supreme self confidence ensures young Spaniards are given a head start in almost any sport. Still riding high off the back of the successful 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, the whole nation has embraced sport and seen the benefits it can bring, be they physically, emotionally or financially. Should Spain be awarded the Olympic Games for only the second time in its history, other nations should watch out - there might just be no stopping them!

If you are sports mad and are travelling to Spain, you really will be spoilt for choice for things to do. Kids are especially well catered for - take a look at the links below to see which sporting activities are available in your region.

* Madrid will be up against bids from Prague, Tokyo, Chicago, Rio de Janeiro, Doha and Baku in the race for the 2016 Olympics.

Property in Spain

2010-02-28T03:36:00.000-08:00

A Buyers Guide to Costa Del Sol

Buying a property in Spain can be hassle-free provided you follow the correct procedure and appoint an English-speaking lawyer. Areas such as the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca have been popular with British buyers for decades, but such is Spain's appeal that other costas and even inland regions are now attracting property buyers from the UK. Spain's wonderful weather, varied scenery and excellent infrastructure means finding that home of your dreams is as easy as 1,2,3.

So, once you have found a home you wish to buy, and your (locally-based) lawyer has checked that the property is registered in the Registro de Propiedad (which will outline who the property belongs to, its exact size specifications and any outstanding debts tied to it), you will need to place a deposit on your home to secure it and have it taken off the market. The deposit is 10% for a secondhand property and between 25%-40% for a new build (off-plan) property. At this stage, you will also need to apply for a Numero de Identification de Extranjeros (more commonly known as a NIE number).

Next, a notary will be appointed to draw up the purchase contract (called the contrato de compraventa in Spanish)and oversee the proceedings. This is where the buying process differs to that of the UK and why it is essential to appoint a good, English-speaking lawyer to check all the paperwork. A notary's job is to impartially ensure that every step of the sale process is followed legally and fairly. You can appoint your lawyer with power of attorney to sign the purchase contract if you so wish - this is a good option if it is difficult for you to be in Spain when the contract is ready to be signed.

Property in Spain

If your property is being bought off-plan, you will first receive a deed of declaration of new construction, plus an occupancy permit. You will be required to make staged payments throughout the building process (normally three payments, with the final one due once building work has completed) and, once your home is ready, you sign a deed of sale which, just like with a resale purchase contract, will be witnessed by the notary. For secondhand properties, it normally takes between six to eight weeks from the time you place your deposit to the time you sign the final contract (escritura).

Mortgages are available in both the UK and Spain, with the maximum mortgage currently available being 80%, which means that you have to provide a deposit of 20% of the property's purchase price. It is also important to consider additional legal fees, stamp duty and property taxes before committing to a purchase because these will usually amount to an additional 10% of the purchase price, so be sure you can afford this additional expense before going ahead!

Additional Information

Residencia: You should decide whether you wish to apply for official residence (residencia) in Spain before you proceed with your purchase. Becoming a resident in Spain can help speed up Spanish mortgage applications and also carries additional tax and inheritance benefits. If you plan to spend more than six months a year in Spain, then it is advisable to apply for official residence.

Spanish Will: It is essential to draw up a separate will in Spain, regardless of whether you have one in the UK or not. Spanish inheritance laws differ to British ones, so take the advice of your solicitor and draft a will which covers all your assets in Spain.

NIE: A NIE number is an essential document for anybody buying a property in Spain. It is easy to obtain and you require one to do the following:

* Apply for a mortgage or loan
* Buy or sell a property
* Buy or sell a vehicle
* Obtain a job
* Inherit assets in Spain
* Insure property
* Pay Taxes
* Sign on to social security

To obtain your NIE number, you must attend your local police station and visit the Foreigners Department (Departmento de Extranjeros). This can be a fairly lengthy and arduous process, so be sure that you are armed with all the relevant paperwork - it is not an experience you want to have to go through twice! Take with you the following:

*
Your passport and a photocopy of your passport number and photo
*
Your full address in Spain (either the address of your rented accommodation, a friend's address or the address of the property you intend to purchase)

*
Written reason for applying. This can be either a letter from your bank in Spain or your lawyer, stating that you are purchasing a property, or an employer, if you have a job lined up.

An official will then fill in the paperwork for you and present you with a stamped copy of the application form. Take this copy with you when you return to collect your number, usually between four to six weeks later.

About Barcelona

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Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Spain, and it offers visitors a vast range of things to see and do.

Barcelona is unique. It has something for everyone and is one of Europe's top destinations. The only problem you will encounter is that there will never be enough time to explore its many museums and monuments, churches and galleries, its fascinating coastline and its delectable cuisine.

To enjoy your stay to the fullest, you will need to adopt the Barcelonan lifestyle a striking blend of business-like efficiency combined with long alfresco lunches, lazy siestas, ritual evening promenades and an intoxicating nightlife. You will long remember its proud yet generous people, who will welcome you back with open arms when you return, as you surely will.

Inventive and innovative, radical and racy, Barcelona is one of Europe's most dynamic cities. Strolling through its streets is like wandering through a living museum, a legacy of its remarkable 2,000 years of history. From the ancient maze-like Gothic quarter built within the Roman city walls, to the astonishing regimental grid plan of the turn-of-the-19th century Eixample district. Studded with eye-catching jewels of Modernista architecture, the city contains some of the finest and most eccentric art and architecture in the world. Outstanding even by Barcelonan standards is Gaudi's extraordinary Sagrada Familia, which is reason enough to visit the city.

Just as Modernisme the movement that has made Barcelona unique emerged at the end of the 19th century as a desire for change and renovation, so today the city is celebrating its past.

It is restoring its old buildings, introducing new art and architecture and eradicating some severe urban problems, while staying at the forefront of contemporary culture. As a result. Barcelona today is very much alive a city bursting with new pride and self-confidence, which cannot fail to excite and delight.
Barcelona geography

Barcelona is in northeastern Spain, 166km (103 miles) from the French border. The city occupies 99sq km (62sq miles), with 13km (8 miles) of Mediterranean coastline, including 4km (25 miles) of sandy beaches. It is bounded by the mountains of Montjuic (to the south) and Tibidabo (to the northwest), and framed by the rivers Llobregat (to the south) and Besos (to the north).

CATALUNYA (CATALONIA)

The autonomous region of Catalunya (Catalonia) covers an area of 31, 930sq km (12,325sq miles) (6.3 per cent of Spain) and has a population of around 7 million (15 per cent of the Spanish population), 70 per cent of whom live in greater Barcelona. It is Spain's leading economic region, producing 8 per cent of the country's gross national product. Nearly 40 per cent of all visitors to Spain come to Catalonia. No one visiting Barcelona should leave without trying its cuisine, described by the American food critic Colman Andrews as 'the last great culinary secret in Europe'.
Rooted in the fresh local ingredients of the mountains, the plains and sea, the food is delicious and surprisingly subtle in flavor.

MEDITERRANEAN DIET

The main ingredients of traditional Catalan dishes are typically Mediterranean: tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, aubergines (eggplant), courgettes (zucchini), peppers and herbs, which, when blended, to form samfaina, a delicious sauce served with many dishes. Other principal sauces include pieada (nuts, bread, parsley, garlic and saffron), sofregit (a simple sauce of onion, tomato and garlic lightly fried in olive oil) and allioli (a strong, garlicky mayonnaise).
For centuries pork has been the cornerstone of the Catalan diet. Little is wasted even the peus de pore (pigs' trotters) are considered a delicacy. No bar would be complete without its haunch of pernil (cured ham), a popular tapas dish, and you often see a variety of sausages hanging from the rafters of restaurants and delicatessens. Lamb, chicken, duck, beef and game also feature strongly, often prepared a la brasa (on an open charcoal grill) and served with a large serving of allioli (garlic mayonnaise).

MEAT AND SEAFOOD

In Catalan cuisine, meat is commonly combined with fruit, creating such mouthwatering dishes as pollastre amb pera (chicken with pears) and eomll amb prunes (rabbit with prunes). However, it is the unique 'surf'n'turf' combinations that sea and mountain (Mar i Muntanya) produce which differentiates Catalan cuisine from the cookery of other Spanish regions. Se Pia amb mandonguilles (cuttlefish with meatballs) and mar i eel ('sea and heaven' made with sausages, rabbit, shrimp and fish) are especially tasty. Near the coast, fish dishes reign supreme, ranging from simple grilled sardinas (sardines) and hearty zarsuela (seafood stew) to eyecatching shellfish displays Try suquet de peix (fish and potato soup) or the more unusual broudegos ('dog soup') made with fish, onions and orange juice, followed by speciality dishes arras negre (rice cooked in black squid ink), fideua (a local variant of paella, using vermicelli and noodles and not rice) or bacalla (salt cod), which comes a la lIauna (with garlic, tomato and white wine), esqueixada (a salt cod and black olive salad), amb samfaina or amb romesco (a piquant sauce, made from a mixture of crushed nuts, tomatoes and spicy red pepper).

BARCELONA WINES

A short distance south of Barcelona, the Penedes is the main Catalan wine region, producing red (negre), white (blanc) and rose (rosat) wines. Look for the reliable Torres, Masia Bach and Rene Barbier labels. Catalan cava (sparkling wine) also comes from the Penedes wineries, made by the methode champenoise. Famous names include Freixenet and Codorniu, which can be sampled in the cava bars of Barcelona.
To the north, the Alella and Emporda regions produce white wines, while Priorat produces excellent, heavy reds. If you have only a short time to visit Barcelona and would like to take home some unforgettable memories you can do something local and capture the real flavour of the city. The following suggestions will give you a wide range of sights and experiences that won't take very long, won't cost very much and will make your visit very special. If you only have time to choose just one of these, you will have found the true heart of the city.

FLIGHTS TO BARCELONA

Spain's national airline, Iberia, has scheduled flights to Barcelona's EI Prat de Llobregat Airport from major Spanish and European cities. The city is served by over 30 international airlines and has direct flights to more than 80 international destinations.

Airlines operating flights to Barcelona include easyJet, from Gatwick, Luton and Stansted and Ryan Air which flies from Stansted and Luton to Girona (80km/50 miles north of Barcelona) from where there is a bus to Barcelona. British Airways and its alliance partner, Iberia, fly from Gatwick, Heathrow, Birmingham and Manchester. British Midland (bmi) flies from Heathrow, and easyJet also flies from Liverpool. Iberia flies from Dublin, in association with its Oneworld partner Aer Lingus.There are no direct flights to Spain from Australia or New Zealand; connections via London, Frankfurt or Paris are the most common.

BARCELONA BY ROAD

The AP7 highway connects the French border with Barcelona, a distance of only 166km (103 miles), though tolls are expensive. The AP2 connects the Spanish capital of Madrid with Barcelona, a distance of 660km (410 miles); most of the trip is also via toll roads. Well paved and lit multi-lane toll roads are common all over Catalonia, and although free carreteras nacionales provide alternatives, they are generally less safe owing to poorer surfaces and lighting

THE METRO BARCELONA

The metro is the easiest and fastest way of moving around the city. There are two different underground train systems, the Metro with its six lines identified by number and color, and the FGC, an older service which is above ground in outer Barcelona. Both lines have been integrated into the same system.
Buses Barcelona has an excellent bus network; pick up a free plan from any tourist office (or download from www.tmb.net). Timetables are also shown at individual bus stops. Buses run 6am10pm. At night there is a Nitbus with routes centered on Plaga de Catalunya throughout the year the Bus Turistic, a hop-on, hop-off service, circuits the main city sights.

BARCELONA BY RAIL

The main regional, national and international rail station is SantsEstacio. Comfortable, fast, express trains connect the city to Paris, Madrid and Valencia and other destinations in Europe.

TAXIS

Pick up a black and yellow taxi at a taxi rank or hail one if it's displaying a green light and the sign Lliure/Libre (free) Fares are not unduly expensive but extra fees are charged for airport trips and for baggage, and at weekends and after 8.30pm. Prices are shown on a sticker inside.

CAR RENTAL BARCELONA

The leading international car rental companies have offices at Barcelona airport and you can reserve a car in advance (essential in peak periods) either direct or through a travel agent. Local companies offer competitive rates and will usually deliver a car to the airport.

FARES AND CONCESSIONS

Travel cards (called targetas) come in options of 2 to 5 days or for 10 journeys (called a T10) and are available from all Metro stations. They are valid for Metro, FGC, bus and some overland (RENFE) trains; transfers (on the same mode of transport) are allowed. With targetas, you generally end up paying half the price (or less, depending on the amount of travel you do) of a single journey.
Most museums and galleries offer a 50 per cent discount on entrance fees to older people.

New Ryanair routes from Malaga Airport 2010

2010-02-23T02:35:00.000-08:00

Ryanair will be opening its new Malaga Airport base in June, 2010.The budget airline will now be operating over 360 flights per week from Malaga Airport to international and Spanish destinations. New routes include:

• Aarhus (from 23rd June)
• Berlin Schoenefeld (from 25th June)
• Bratislava (from 23rd June)
• Eindhoven (from 23rd June)
• Gothenburg (from 23rd June)
• Krakow (from 24th June)
• Maastricht (from 23rd June)
• Memmingen (from 24th June)
• Oslo Torp (from 23rd June)
• Paris Beauvais (from 23rd June)
• Pisa (from 24th June)
• Santander (from 24th June)
• Santiagho (from 23rd June)
• Stockholm Skavsta (from 24th June)
• Tampere (from 25th June)
• Valladolid (from 23rd June)
• Venice Treviso (from 24th June)
• Wroclaw (from 25th June)
• Zaragoza (from 24th June)

The new routes will follow the opening of the new terminal at Malaga Airport, which has been under construction for the past three years, and the expansion at Malaga will offer passengers many new routes worldwide with Ryanair.
Along with cheap flights, cheap car hire can be pre-booked from Malaga Airport, and all other airports throughout Europe, to avoid delays and hassle when you arrive

The best festivals in Spain

2010-02-06T06:13:00.000-08:00

In Spain, the calendar year is a kaleidoscope of celebration, a constant whirl of dancing, drinking, and devotion. There are festivals to honor saints, bulls, horses, flowers, grapes, and shellfish. There are symphony orchestras and blaring local bands, dancers in ballet slippers and on stilts, and evenings lit by chandeliers or fireworks.

The festivals provide a chance for young Spanish men to show off their skillsand the original machismoin climbing poles, wrestling bulls, or standing on each other's shoulders to form Catalonia's six-story castellers, or human towers. Each festival bears the trademark of its town, like the stomp, strum, clap, and yodel of Granada's Festival IntemacionaL de Musica y Danza (International Festival of Music and Dance) or the flowers and frills of Seville's Feria de Abril (April Fair).

Most festivals coincide with Catholic holidays, Camava Fiesta de Corpus Christl, and Semana Santa (Holy Week, the week before Easter) are celebrated everywhere but many still show traces of their pagan roots - the Hogueres de San Joan (St. John's Bonfires, celebrated in Alicante) mark the summer solstice. For a complete listing of events, contact the National Tourist Office of Spain.

A word of caution to those planning to hurl themselves into the merriment at one of Spain's frothiest celebrations: Crowds are very much a part of most festivals, so be prepared for crowded hotels, crowded restaurants, crowded streets, and crowded auditoriums. Advance planning will mitigate much of the discomfort so reserve rooms ahead of time but it's still necessary to be prepared mentally for being jostled, for waiting in line, and more for a can of warm cola all part and parcel of festival going.

For details on the most important festivals in Spain's major cities, including Pamplona's Fiesta de San Fermin; Semana Santa and Feria de Abril in Seville; Valencia's Les Falles de Sant Josep (Feast of St. Joseph celebration); and the Festa do ApostoL (Feast of St. James the Apostle) in Santiago de Compostela, visit the tourist office in Spain.

The Mystery of Elche Alicante Spain

The residents of Elche have been staging this religious dramaa celebration of the Assumption of the Virgin for more than six centuries, making it the world's longest. running play. Performances take place in the 17th century Iglesia de Santa Marfa (Church of St. Mary). While the songs feature an ancient dialect akin to Catalan, the action is actually fairly easy to follow, especially with the added benefit of breathtaking special effects (the descent of the angels from the church's lofty blue dome is a definite emotional highlight), Admission is free though competition for seats is keen.

The El Rocio Pilgrimage Spain

Pilgrims pour through the fields and olive groves of Andalusia in a slow stream of flower-festooned horses and beribboned oxen, converging on the rural sanctuary of EI Rocio, 40 miles (64 km) from Seville.

As in the grand finale of a Broadway musical, the white covered wagons and little surreys with a fringe on top trundle westward, flanked by extras in wide-brimmed hats and brightly colored, flouncy skirts, dancing to the music of flutes and tambourines. The festival mixes equal parts of fervor and fun. Pilgrims march silently at night over the candlelit marshes, then break out into foot-stomping, finger-snapping seguidillas. The climax comes with the parading of the statue of the Virgen del Rocio, hoisted on the shoulders of the faithful in a brilliant scene painted in sun, sweat, and tears.

The Horse Fair Jerez de la Frontera Andalusia

Jerez is famous for sherry and horses, and even has a museum devoted to both, but during May's Feria de Caballo, the steeds steal the show. Straightbacked riders in felt hats and embroidered uniforms canter through the streets, and carriage drivers guide harnessed teams through the myriad maneuvers of dressage.

All around the city, horses jump, trot, whinny, rear, gallop, spar with bulls, or simply stand still to be admired. The preening white Cartujanos with cottony manes are the graceful stars, descended from the horses the Moors rode during their conquest of Spain, and bred through the centuries in Andalusia. The fair is still faithful to its 13th-century origins as a livestock market; you may have come for the costumes, parades, and bullfights that are part of any Spanish festival, but if in a Walter Mitty life you ever cast yourself as a cowboy, or if you have a weakness for gambling, you just might ride away on your own, newly purchased, horse.

Santa Cruz Carnival Tenerife Canary Islands

Rooted in an ancient pagan rite, and mixed with the apocalyptic Catholic bingeing before the severity of Lent, this carnival has the flavor of a Spanish Halloween. It is celebrated for 12 days in February throughout Spain, but nowhere more extravagantly than on the island of Tenerife, where tradition melds with a Greenwich Village sense of fashion to produce wild parades and costumes that would have made Liberace look staid.

It is an orgy of purple make up, leopardskin leotards, sequined hats,
masks, feathers, capes, and wigs. Ornate carts function as mobile bandstands, stages, and puppet theaters, and the air is filled with strums and songs and wheezing clarinets.

Semana Santa in Castile La Mancha

This celebration froths over the sides of its cliff, leaving a frozen dribble of houses hanging in the gorge above the Rio Huecar (Huecar River). During Semana Santa (Holy Week), which leads up to Domingo de La Resurreccion (Easter Sunday), trumpets echo between the sheer, rock walls eerie calls from the Middle Ages to the modern world below. Above, austere processions, silent except for the solemn fanfares, wind slowly through the narrow alleys. Penitents carry sculpted and painted scenes from the Passion story, and members of religious brotherhoods (cofradas) march together in the forbidding robes and pointed hoods of the Spanish Inquisition.

A rowdy procession of Los borrachos (the drunkards), accompanied by drum rolls, is well attended by the local youth. Each evening, in a new auditorium built into the cliff, orchestras and choirs from all over Europe perform recitals of religious music ranging from somber motets to Wagner's mystical Tannhiiuser. Every year, a new work commissioned for the festival is played here for the first time.

Sacred Spain

All over Spain, every invasion, migration, and wave of conversion left its signature in stone, much of which has been all but erased by time and the furor of the Reconquest. As generations of Catholics poked at the hegemony of the Moors, finally pushing them back into North Africa in 1492, they destroyed mosques and erected huge cathedrals in their place. And despite the recently named calles de la juderfa (streets of the old Jewish quarter) that crop up in medieval neighborhoods, the statues of Maimonides, and the Star of David pendants for sale in trinket stores, not many traces remain of the thousands of Jews who, until their expulsion or forcible conversion that began in 1492, lived in Spain for centuries alongside Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths, Berbers, Arabs, and Christians.

Spain travel information

2010-02-06T06:03:00.000-08:00

The Iberian Peninsula is like a hypothetical aisle marked Experience in a choice-laden supermarket full of good things that come in a variety of enticing packages. So just as sherry comes in fino, amontillado, manzanilla, and dulce, flamenco can be either raucous sidestreet strumming, a tourist sideshow in Granada's Cuevas de Sacromonte (Sacromonte Caves), or a whirl perfect spectacle on a limelit Madrid stage. Gazpacho can be eaten with a spoon or drunk with a straw, and there are endless varieties of seafood, from the hearty cod stews of the Basque Country and octopus of Galicia to the elaborate mussel and shrimp paella of Valencia. Nor do all Spaniards speak only Castilian.

There is a language similar to Portuguese spoken in the region of Galicia, a different form of Catalan in each of the regions of Catalonia including on each Balearic Island and the exotic (and impenetrable) tongue of the Basques, called euskera, that apparently isn't related to anything else on this planet.

The San Fermin Festival Pamplona

Iberia's range of flavors comes from its capacity for absorption. One of Spain's most notable painters, El Greco, was a Greek (as is the current queen, Sofia); the Bourbon dynasty was French; and an American popularized Pamplona's Fiesta de San Fermin (in recognition of which the city named a square for himPlaza Hemingway). The Americas contributed tomatoes, potatoes, chocolate, coffee, and the gold that decorated Toledan swords and made Madrid one of the most powerful cities in Europe. Africa gave Spain an architectural heritage and the microtonal wail of Spanish flamenco.

And Mother Nature bestowed on many parts of the country an often crushing heat that spawned such relaxing institutions as the afternoon siesta, the eveningpaseo, the strategically placed cafe, and the evening gathering around the motor scooter in a small town square.

Bullfighting Spain

Still, there are several experiences that capture the special spirit of this singular country, and provide a visitor with an insight into its irresistible personality. Bullfight in Pamplona, Navarre The corrida de toros, a Sunday ritual heralded by fanfare and pop, is an assault on all the senses: the ocher turf glaring in the late afternoon sun; the band's tinny blare; the gaudy, spangled costumes of the procession; the bandilleros' ballet; the coarse, feverish crowd watering its passion with warm wine squirted from bulging skins; the bull's thundering fury; the graceful arrogance of the matador; the swirl of the fuchsia and yellow muleta; the flash and plunge of the sword.

This celebration of life and death and grace under pressure, as Hemingway described it, is watched on television in living rooms and bars all over Spain. The president of the corrida (usually a local public official) sits in box seat high above the arena with a group of advisors, and decides when to begin each phase of the event. The matador's artistry and daring determine whether the president, like an emperor decreeing mercy or death for a gladiator, will award him one or two ears.

The crowd plays a major role by wildly waving white handkerchiefs at the president to show their support for the matador. An extraordinary performance will bring two ears and a tail. Each morning during Pamplona's Fiesta de San Fermin in July, the bulls for the day's corrida are sent galloping down narrow, barricaded streets on a 2mile route to the Plaza de Taros. The animals receive a measure of revenge when they gore some of the hundreds of brave (or crazy) men and a few women who, dressed in the red and white colors of the festival, race before the bulls (in 1994 more than 50 people were gored or otherwise injured).

Castles of Andalusia

It takes a car, a sharp eye, a love of detours, and a wellstocked picnic hamper to find the romantic, weed-strewn ruins of castles that once guarded every hill and port in Moorish Al-Andalus. Perched on cragtops, these worn, but still stern, battlements formed a Maginot Line along the tense border between the Muslim and Christian worlds of long ago, where the names of towns bore the epithet de la frontera (on the border). But this martial past acquires a latter-day peaceful haze if the scant remains are contemplated with the benefit of a bottle of wine, a hunk of manchego cheese, some smoky slices of jamón serrano, and a handful of Spanish olives.

Because the road to the top can be nearly vertical, it's probably best to leave the car in the olive grove or by the cluster of whitewashed houses that invariably cower in the castle's shadow. Count on being alone at the top, except perhaps for a state employee who is likely to be as lonely as the ruins he guards and will be more than happy to point out the storerooms, the water drains, the narrow L-shaped passageways meant to thwart a battering ram, the direction from which the Christians finally came, the best angle for a snapshot, and the precise plot in the distant cemetery where his grandfather is buried.

Tapas and patios in Cordoba Spain

Andalusia - The glare of the southern sun and the heady odor of orange blossoms are everywhere in Cordoba, settling on the city, seeping from the cobblestones, sliding through the painted shutters, making everyone sleepy and sultry and hot. A tapas bar is the perfect refuge for sodden sightseers and lounging locals, who gather in the grudging breeze from a creaking electric fan, nursing chilled sangria and gazpacho.

Beneath the glass counter are countless accompaniments to a glass of beermarinated mushrooms, shrimp in garlic sauce, olives seasoned with thyme, fried squid, bits of sausage, roasted sweet peppers with olive oil, smoked ham, spicy meatballsall available in the mouthfulsize portions that make them tapas and not a meal. Throughout the day, the floor becomes littered with shrimp tails, toothpicks, and crumpled paper napkins (it's traditional for patrons to let them fall to the ground).

For those who can bring themselves to step out into the sticky Andalusian summer, occasional cool gusts of comfort come from the patios not quite hidden behind wrought-iron grilles or wooden doors left ajar just enough for one to peer in and breathe deeply. Geraniums, jasmine, and lemon trees lovingly arranged against patterned, tiled walls offer sunstroked visitors a fresh, perfumed caress. The lushest and most colorful patios win prizes in Cordoba's twoweek Fiesta de los Patios in May.

Flamenco in Seville

The impromptu stomp, strum, snap, clap, and growl gets going around 1 or 2 AM in the working class district of Triana. The patrons of the earthy bars along the Calle Betis bring their own guitars and tambourines, the dancing is unrefined and improvised, and the singing is soulful and throaty. Flamenco grew out of a mixture ofsevillanas, liturgical chants, the call of the Moorish muezzin, and plaintive Gypsy folk tunes, catalyzed by the Inquisition into a music of guttural sounds lamenting the fate of the heathen in brutally Catholic Spain.

Although the song and dance performances tablaos in the more gentrified Barrio de Santa Cruz (where foreigners pay pricey cover charges) are filled with high artistry, this, with its rough edges and drinking and picking of pockets, is the real thing.

Extremadura Spain

The name means beyond the Douro River, where the local specialties are blackbull steaks and cured hams made from snake-fed pigs. Ride here in the spring, before the heat has burned away the tapestry of flowers and turned the rich, red soil a cracked and sunbaked brown.

At a leisurely canter, you can't help but savor the cork woods and chestnut groves that motorists mostly miss on their way to the hilltop monasteries of Guadalupe and Yuste. In some parts, you and your mounts will be the only visitorsfew cars ever make it up the stomachchurning curves through the forests of Las Hurdes, the northernmost part of Extremadura. There is some poetic justice in the stares you will attract as you ride into a dusty shepherd town, for it was Extremaduran peasants-turned-conquistadores who rode the first horses off Spanish galleons and into places like Mexico and Peruand were taken for half-equine gods.

The Royal Trail Castile Leon

Like children romping in a playroom shin-deep in toys, the kings and queens of Spain scattered palaces, gardens, and summer retreats all over Castile. They all can be visited, but take it slow, because if you try to retrace the dainty steps of royalty in one whirlwind day, your tour will melt into a sumptuous haze of polished wood and tarnished mirrors and the very chair where Carlos the Somethingth sat. Start at the Prado, once the storehouse for the king's art collection, to see court life through Diego Velazquez's keen, cruel eye for the pomposity, frills, and formalities of the 17th century.

His portraits of the royal family and paintings such as Las Meninas (The Maids of Honor) seem like sociological studies of how the other half a handful lived. The itinerary then spirals out from King Juan Carlos's current throne room in Madrid's Palacio Real, swooping through extremes of opulence: the once suburban, still idyllic Parque del Buen Retiro, a couple of uphill blocks from the Prado; the tapestried walls of El Prado, 9 miles (14 km) from Madrid on the road to the royal monastery of El Escorial; the passionate austerity of El Escorial itself, in the mountains above Madrid; the weave of graveled walks and marble stairways at Aranjuez, on the La Mancha plain 30 miles (48 km) south of Madrid; and the bursting geyser fountain at La Granja de San Ildefonso, outside Segovia.

Paradors in Spain

No visit to the Iberian Peninsula is complete without a visit or an overnight stay in a Spanish parador. Imagine sleeping where kings and queens lay their heads, walking corridors and chambers where medieval Franciscan monks trod, and dining in elegant rooms where nobles and aristocrats sat down to countless formal meals over the centuries. Many Spaniards pride themselves on their rich sense of such traditions, and for more than a half-century their government has been building a network of impeccably restored and converted ancient landmark castles and monasteries into magnificent hotel accommodations, offering travelers a return to the past, complete with modernand often luxurious facilities.

Spain's first parador (an inn that offers food and shelter to travelers) was introduced west of Madrid in the Sierra de Gredos in 1928, when King Alfonso XIII opened a lodge to be used primarily as a base for hunting excursions. This concept of lowcost accommodation (often in areas that, though lovely and historic, were considered unpromising by many commercial hotel concerns) became so popular that it eventually expanded into the world's most successful program of transforming long-abandoned national treasures.

Many of the paradors are restored convents, palaces, manor houses, monasteries, and castles, filled with original decorations and antique furnishing. Other paradors are constructed of gleaming marble and boast the latest modern touchesincluding swimming pools (mostly outdoor), golf courses, and other sports facilities. All have good or even fine restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and featuring regional specialties and wines. All also carry the red, white, and rose wines bottled under the parador label by a quality Rioja winery.

Not all paradors are for everyone. Most of the rooms are doubles furnished with twin beds. Travelers who want a double bed should request a room with a cama de matrimonio, but be advised that normally there are only a few per parador. Some paradors are remote, located on the outskirts of town (requiring a car to get to most sightseeing stops). Travelers unable to climb stairs should inquire about elevators, since some paradors do not have easy access to all rooms and public areas. Rooms are equipped with TV sets and minibars, though not all have radios or air conditioning.

Although it is possible to travel through Spain from parador to parador by hire car, without reservations, this practice is not recommended. Ask the parador concierge to call ahead to determine availability and to make reservations. Rates are seasonal in the majority of the paradors, but some have one price structure yearround. Low season runs from November through March, midseason is from April through June, and high season is from July through October.

Car hire at the airport in Spain

If you are planning a trip to Spain, hire a car from the airport before you fly. Car hire at Malaga Airport, Madrid Airport, Alicante Airport, Murcia Airport, Valencia Airport and Barcelona Airport can be pre-booked which will save you time and money when you arrive at your destination.

The Parador del Golf Torremolinos

This parador (built in the 1970s), between the resort centers of Torremolinos and Malaga on the Costa del Sol, is a golfer's paradise. The 18-hole course was designed by English architect Tom Simpson, and it has a resident professional and a well-stocked pro shop. Besides 60 air conditioned rooms, it also boasts an ocean-front location, a circular swimming pool, tennis courts, a playground, a library, and gardens. Thanks to its nongolf facilities, this place is also popular with vacationing families.

The Parador de Almagro Castile La Mancha

Don Quixote loved the region of La Mancha, and so will any guest staying in this former 16th-century Franciscan convent. The air conditioned rooms are built around no fewer than 16 galleried inner patios, and the building abounds in decorative touches that recall its original function. It also features gardens, a wine cellar, a swimming pool, and a convention hall. The parador's popularity often exceeds its room capacity, so make reservations well in advance.

The restaurant is especially good, featuring imaginative presentations of the region's raw materials, fabulous desserts, and an excellent selection of reservas from the wine co-operative of nearby Daimiel. From May through October Almagro's main square becomes an open-air theater for classical work performed by topnotch national and international companies. The town is also famous for its lace.

Parador de Chinchon Castile la Mancha

This lovely village, a half hour's drive southeast of Madrid, is primarily known for its anisette liqueur, its Semana Santa (Easter week) recreation of Christ's crucifixion and res. urrection, and its summer amateur bullfights in the main square. Fourteen years ago, the town's 17th-century convent was transformed into a parador with 38 air conditioned rooms. The interior is adorned with murals, wall 'tapestries, and other ornate furnishings, and there's a wonderful glass.

walled circular hallway overlooking a beautiful court yard a perfect Spot for afternoon tea. The parador also boasts a chapel, a garden with winding paths and goldfish ponds, a swimming pool, and a convention hall.

Parador San Marcos Castile Leon

One of the most impressive hostelries in the country, this converted 16thcentury monastery hosted pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela for centuries. Travelers making the trek from Madrid to northern Spain today find this parador, with its 16th-century coffered ceiling, Plateresque exterior, and grand staircases, a perfect stop. The 256 air conditioned rooms make it the largest property in the parador network. Facilities include gardens, a nightclub, a hair salon, a childcare center, and a convention hall.

Parador Virrey de Toledo Castile la Mancha

According to legend, this massive medieval stone castle was built by Hercules' army, and later housed powerful Spanish and Moorish lords and kings. Today it looms over a valley of squat olive trees and small farms, about 72 miles (117 km) from Toledo.

A short walk from Oropesa's Plaza Mayor, this 48-room air conditioned parador is just 2 miles (3 km) away from the small town of Lagartera, famous for its lacework. Local women still can be seen sitting outside their homes and practicing this centuries-old craft. Facilities include gardens, a swimming pool, and meeting rooms.

Parador Zurburan Guadalupe Extremadura

Adventurous travelers should take a ride south from Oropesa to the town of Guadalupe in the province of Caceres to visit the Monasterio de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe (Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe) and the 40room parador now occupuying a former hospital adjacent to the monastery.

The unearthing in the late 13th century of a long-buried statue of the Virgin Mary was the reason for the construction of the monastery (the statue is now enshrined on the altar). Queen Isabella stayed here in fact, the building was used for the signing of contracts with explorers setting out for the Americas.

Today the parador offers magnificent sunset views of the town and monastery grounds nestled in the mountains. The air conditioned rooms look out over a central courtyard with Moorish-style gardens.

Parador Gil Blas Santillana del Mar Cantabria

This peaceful manor house and former home of the local Barredabracho family, helps visitors to envision what life was like centuries ago in Cantabria, a verdant region next door to the Basque Country, on Spain's north coast. The building is made of heavy stone walls and arches, and the 56 rooms feature woodbeamed ceilings, tile floors, rustic furnishings, and all the amenities.

Shopping in Spain

No mattcr where the pound stands relative to the euro, the temptation of shopping in Spain is irresistible. Colorful handpainted tiles and lovingly sewn handicrafts are eyecatching, easily luring the visitor into the country's many stores and openair marketplaces. Although there are no great bargains anymore, the quality is high and there's a wide array of leather goods, embroidered items, jewelry, fine porcelain, and fashion ranging from very basic handicraft sweaters and clothing to haute couture.

Spaniards are traditional strollers

They take to the streets as a pastime, particularly for browsing in the plethora of small specialty shops found in most cities. But the relaxed ambience and threehour lunchtime shop closings (except for major department stores) mean that visitors must make careful shopping plans. Standard shopping hours in Spain are weekdays from 9 AM to 1 or 2 PM, and following an afternoon break, again from 3 or 4 to 7 or 8 PM. Many shops also stay open on Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM. In smaller towns and cities, some shops may close one day a week in addition to Sunday (most typically on Monday).

Department stores are open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 AM to 8 or 9 PM. Many shops are closed in August, but department stores remain open year-round.

What to buy in Spain

The following is an item by item guide to what to buy in Spain. For listings of recommended shops in Spain's major metropolises.

Antiques Spain

Spain is an excellent hunting ground for antiques, with a wide range of dealers, auction houses, and non-commercial institutions that offer many items at bargain prices. For additional details, see Antiques and Auctions in this section.

Books and maps Spain

Even if you're not able to read Spain's treasured old books, it's still fun to browse. Many bookstores have dozens of shelves and stalls filled with books both old and new from around the world; some stores specialize in reducedrate and secondhand books, old editions, and rare titles. Much of Spanish literature is printed in both Spanish and English; for students of Spanish, there are few better ways to practice than by reading one of the classics in its original language.

Spanish ceramics and tiles

The diversity of Spain's regions is highly evident in the country's wide range of ceramics. The 700-year Moorish domination prevails in ceramic designs of the southern regions, where wall plates are enameled and trimmed in 24-karat gold. Later, when the English settled in the area around Cadiz, florals and busy scenic designs became the preferred style. One major ceramics center is the town of Talavera de la Reina, an hour south of Madrid and 45 minutes to an hour west of Toledo.

Designer Clothes Spain

Spain demonstrates a cosmopolitan flair for fashion, especially in the cities and towns close to the French border. Spanish designers have emerged as strong rivals to French and Italian creators. Their fashions are provocatively alluring and au courant, yet usually keep a classical line. Whatever the latest trend, visitors can rest assured that the fashions are up to date in Spanish cities.

Embroidery and lace Spain

In Spain, embroidery prices are determined by the intricacy of the stitch, not by the size of the item. Look carefully: Stitches made by a human hand cannot duplicate themselves over and over, and will therefore lack consistency; the more perfect the stitch, the more likely that an item was machine made.

Palma de Mallorca, on the Balearic island of Majorca, is known for its beautiful handmade embroidered items. Toledo and the nearby village of Lagartera are famous for their embroidery, lace, and needlework. In Lagartera, where the best La Mancha embroidery originates, every cottage has its own display of the freeform floral stitching, which decorates silk hangings, tablecloths, peasant bonnets, and full skirts.

Food and wine in Spain

Food shopping in Spain is a pleasure, probably because local customers are so demanding. Everything is fresh - sometimes so fresh that food stores hang unskinned rabbits in their windows. Unskinned rabbits and most non-canned meat products, however, cannot be legally brought back to the US (nor can soft cheeses or fruits and vegetables).

Some typical Spanish foodstuffs that can, though, include olive oil; turron (nougat candy), found all over Spain, especially around Christmas; mazapan (marzipan), found all over and a particular specialty in Toledo; azafron (saffron); mojo picon (hot sauce) from the Canary Islands; queso manchego, a hard goat cheese from Castile's La Mancha region but sold throughout Spain; and, of course, alcohol (Spain also is well known for its wines, especially Catalan champagne, Andalusian sherries and cognacs, and table wines from the northcentral Rioja region east of Burgos).

Spanish souvenirs

Spanish porcelain pieces, particularly the LJadro figurines, are collectors' items. The Lladro factory is located in Valencia, along the Mediterranean coastline. There is also a factory store that sees hard to distinguish seconds for one third to one half off retail. Spanish ceramic and porcelain tableware and giftware are well made and exported worldwide.
Spanish jewellery

There are excellent jewellery bargains in Spain. Look for the famous Majorca pearls, but watch out for imitations. There is only one authentic brand. Look for the official agency seal and for the unique l0-year International Certificate of Guarantee that comes with each piece. Sizes run from 4 to 14 millimeters in diameter, in hundreds of combinations. The pearls can be found throughout Spain, but the factory is in Manacor, on the island of Majorca. Cordoban silver filigree pieces are another favorite souvenir item. Pieces of bronze, gold, and silver in contemporary designs are also widely available. Fine gold jewelry, by law, is 18 karat.

Leather goods in Spain

Spanish leather items are subtle, soft, and a good value. Most leather on the Iberian Peninsula comes from sheep and lambs; cows produce a heavier quality skin that's made into jackets and coats. There are thousands of stores selling leather jackets, coats, gloves, pocketbooks, wallets, and other items. Generally speaking, shoppers can tell the quality of the leather by the feel. The softer it is, the better (and the more expensive).

Spanish vineyards

Spain has a longstanding enological tradition. Since the days of the Phoenicians and Greeks, sweet wine has been made in southern Spain. Under the Romans, wine production spread throughout the country and was eventually brought to the Americas along with the Spanish conquistadores.

Today, Spain is the world's third-largest wine producer. Until recently, Spain had more acreage devoted to vines than any other European country, but due to an excess of wine in the European Union, many Spanish vineyards have been uprooted or abandoned under an EU incentive plan. Much like Italy, production is fragmented and spread over a wide area, with 65% of it managed by 600 cooperatives comprising more than 100,000 members.

Running the full range from the aperitif and dessert wines of Andalusia to the brut cavas of the Penedes and a fine assortment of brandies, Spain's viniculture is a vast and varied adventure in good drinking. In addition to the famous Rioja reds, Spain produces a large assortment of other vino tinto (red wine), the best hailing from the temperate northern climes.

Navarre wine Spain

East of the Rioja region, Navarre makes full-bodied, fruity red wines from the same Rioja grape varieties; south of the Rioja along the Duero Valley, the Ribera del Duero appellation is gaining increasing cachet; and Catalonia's Penedes and Lleida areas produce some of the country's best red wines from native grapes, as well as from such acclimatized varieties as the cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and pinot noir. Less sophisticated, but still eminently drinkable, are the reds of the central La Mancha plateau and the regions around Valencia and Alicante.

Though vino blanco (white wine) is produced throughout Spain, the vintages of Rioja and Catalonia have earned international renown. The Rioja whites, often made with the native viura grape, were formerly matured in oak but are now mostly cold-fermented in stainless steel to retain the crisp freshness of the fruit. La Mancha now produces a flowery white from the airen grape, and the fastrising Rueda appellation relies on verdejo or sauvignon blanc.

In Galicia, the whites have a light, natural effervesence, while Jerez produces a small amount of table wIne from the sherry grape. Admission fees are rare at Spanish wineries, and the bodegas (wine cellars) are accustomed to receiving visitors. Even those that have regular visiting hours tend to close for a couple of hours each day between noon and 3 PM. Many wineries sell a selection of their products on the premises; if not, local wines can usually be obtained at nearby shops.

(light reds or roses) and dry whites. There are dozens of vineyards in the Rioja, with the most important ones found in Logrono (the region's cap: tal), Haro, Cenicero, and Fuenmayor.

Bodegas Herceo

Established in 1872, this winery in Haro, some 30 miles (48 km) from Logrono, makes fresh, fruity whites and roses, fruity young reds with good color, and well rounded reserva reds with body and acidity. Visits must be arranged in advance.

Bodegas Campo Viejo

Visitors to the regional capital will enjoy wines from the eel. lars of this enormous bodega. The whites and roses are young and fruity; the reds, mature, aromatic, and light on the palate. Visits must be arranged in advance.

Bodegas Marques de Caceres

This Cenicero winery, located 14 miles (22 km) from Logrono, has made quite an international name for itself since opening in 1970. Its whites and roses are fresh and fruity, and its reds are full-bodied, smooth, and long. Visits must be arranged in advance.

Catalonia Wines

This region in the northeast corner of Spain borders the Mediterranean and produces a great variety of wines; the best known are those of the Emporda (reds and roses), Alella (dry or sweet whites), and the Penedes (whites and reds). But the Catalan pieces de resistance are the champagnelike sparkling wines known as cavas, produced in brut, see, and demisec varieties. Since 1872, when Spain produced its first bottle of cava, the country has become one of the largest producers of sparkling wines in the world. Although cava is made by the methode champenoise, or Champagne method, it is not a budget substitute for champagne, since the native parellada, macabeo, and xarello grapes give it its own distinctive regional characteristics. About 95% of Spanish cava comes from the Penedes, with the majority of producers grouped around the town of Sant Sadurni d'Anoia.

Penedes wines Spain

Table wines are also produced in Penedes, which spreads across the south of Barcelona province and the northeast of Tarragona province. The careful harvesting and elaboration of base wines to create sparkling wines have given rise to highquality whites that are fruity and fresh and have an alcoholic strength of between 9% and 13%. The roses are similar to the whites, and the area also produces light, smooth reds.

Bodegas Miguel Torres

Founded in 1870, this winery makes premium wines from cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay grapes, as well as fine popularly priced red, whites, and roses. A 30seat tour bus transports visitors around the winery and through the vineyards. Open daily.

Codorniu Spain

Since 1551, the Codorniu family has been producing still wines. In 1872, it produced Spain's first cava. Now a national monument welcoming more than 200,000 visitors a year, the winery produces more than 45 million bottles of cava annually in its underground wine cellar network extending 15 miles on five levels. These pale yellow sparkling wines have a flowery aroma and lovely flavor. The winery is closed Friday afternoons, weekends, and August.

Jerez wines

Among the world's most popular aperitif wines, genuine sherry comes only from the region of Jerez de la Frontera at the southern tip of Spain. Produced in great cathedral-like bodegas, these wines are continuously blended, the younger and older wines mixing in a series of casks that constitute the solera (blending). The result: virtually no vintage sherries and a quality that is absolutely consistent from year to year.

The predominant grape varieties are palomino fino, palomino jerez, Pedro Ximenez, and muscatel. The four standard styles of sherries are finos (pale, dry, and light, often with a hint of bitter almonds), manzanillas finas (very dry, with the tang of the sea air of their native Sanlucar de Barrameda), amontillados (amber sherries with more depth and body, and a nutty flavor), and olorosos (dark and fragrant, dry in their natural state, but often sweetened with Pedro Ximenez wine to achieve the rich, raisiny creams that elegantly top off a meal). In addition, pale cream is a new stylea light, medium sherry with a touch of sweetness.

Gonzalez Byass Spain

Established in 1835, this winery produces a fine range of finos olorosos, and sweet sherries. It also offers a unique ritual, featuring a mouse that climbs a miniature ladder to sip a daily dram of sherry from a glass Set out expressly for it. Visits are on weekdays only, and must be arranged in advance through the public relations department.

Pedro Domecq

A maker of wines since 1730, Domecq produces the full range of sherries in its vast facilities. All visits must be arranged through the public relations department; the winery is closed on weekends and during August.

Airport car hire in Valencia Spain

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Airport car hire in Valencia, Spain can be pre-booked from the airport before you travel. You can also pick up a map of Valencia at the car hire office at the airport, to help you navigate your way around the region.

Things to do in Valencia Spain

Valencia is known the world over as the home of paella, possibly the most international of all Spanish dishes. But this city, an agricultural capital that is Spain's third largest population center, offers far more than seafood, sausage, and rice. The city has, as its local cheerleaders say, mucha marcha - lots of life. Like nowhere else in Spain, the residents of Valencia took to the Moors' love for flame and fireworks, still evidenced in the city's falles, riotous celebrations that draw tens of thousands of visitors every March. The cafes of the Ciutat Vella (Old City) abustle with people year-round, and the economy thrives.

But Valencia is a rose with thorns. The Ciutat Vella, set along an elbow of the Rio (River) Turia, is surrounded by a depressing sprawl of working-class housing blocks, and many travelers bypass it in favor of the better-known sites to the north and south. However, it's in the Ciutat Vella that you find the architecture, museums, and unusually rich historical heritage of what once was one of Spain's most powerful kingdoms. Valencia lies at the heart of the huerta (orchard), a crescent of alluvial plain made fertile by a complex irrigation system that has been in use for some 2,100 years.

History of Valencia

Water has transformed the area into an agricultural paradise: a flat, rich plain covered with millions of orange trees and numerous market gardens, flower nurseries, and nut tree orchards. Everything depends on the precious water of the Rio Turia, and the elected judges of Valencia's Water Tribunal have been meeting every Thursday since the Middle Ages outside the cathedral to settle disputes. The proceedings are open to the public and are held in Valencia (Valencian, a dialect of the Catalan language).

The Romans founded Valentia in 137 BC on the site of the previous Greek settlement of Thuris (Greeks, Phoenicians, and Carthaginians sailed the coast in this area and traded with the native Iberians long before the Romans arrived on the scene; the name Turia is still in evidence today, attached to the local river, streets, and some publications). The city eventually fell into the hands of the Visigoths and, in the 8th Century, the Moors (some of whom were Arabs but most of whom were North African Berber tribesmen), who invaded the peninsula from northern Africa.

El Cid and the Moors in Valencia

It was the Moors who gave the region many of its most trademark features - its orange groves, the palm trees that line its avenues, the glazing techniques that made its ceramics famous, tremendous improvements to the irrigation system still in use today, fireworks, silk, and rice, which is grown in paddies to the south. In the centuries following the Christian reconquest of Valencia, all Moorish landmarks were razed, leaving only a bathhouse that today is closed to the public. The first of the Catholic liberators was El Cid, the legendary hero from Burgos who took the town in 1094 and died here five years later. Following his death, his brave wife, Doña Jimena, was unable to maintain the Christian hold on the city, and it slipped back under Moorish control for another 150 years.

Valencians regard King Jaime (James) I of Aragon, known as the Conqueror, as their true liberator. Following a five month siege, the warrior king marched into the city in triumph one September day in 1238, granting its Christian inhabitants special rights, or costums, in return for their allegiance to the crown of Aragon. During the Middle Ages, the Black Death ravaged the city twice, and a violent pogrom in Valencia's old Jewish quarter set off popular attacks on Jews and converted Moors.

Vicent Ferrer, a brilliant but virulently bigoted Valencian cleric who was later saint d and made patron of his native city, delivered inflammatory anti-Semitic diatribes and helped frame discriminatory laws aimed at religious minorities. When the Holy Inquisition came to the city in 1482, at least 100 Valencians were burned at the stake for refusing to convert. This sad story of religious intolerance would be brought to a climax about 130 years later, with the expulsion from Spain of the last remaining 170,000 converted Moors in 1609

The Bourbons in Spain

The Bourbons (called los borbones in Spanish) came to rule Spain in the early 18th century via the War of the Spanish Succession, in which Valencia, along with Aragon and Catalonia, backed the defeated Habsburgs. The city paid for its mistake with the Nueva Planta decree of 1707, which stripped it of its ancient rights and generated resentment that still exists today. The kingdom became a province; its viceroy, a captain general sent from Madrid.

For better or for worse, Valencia has since been involved in just about every war and rebellion in Spain, winning a gritty reputation for independence and liberalmindedness. In 1808, led by one Father Rico, the populace stormed the city arsenal and rose bloodily against Napoleon's occupying troops; Marshal Louis Gabriel Suchet managed to restore French rule only four years later. Over the following decades, Valencia was a hothouse of conspiracies, plots, and failed uprisings, notably the Republicaninspired insurrections of 1856 and 1864. A rebellion during the Revolution of 1868 was settled only with an artillery bombardment of the city.

True to its liberal past, Valencia fought on the losing side during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). For most of 1937, with Madrid under siege, Valencia became the Republican capital. It was shelled and bombed until it finally fell to Generalissimo Francisco Franco's Nationalist rebels. In the decades of repression that followed, the local language was almost stamped out; but after Franco died, it made a strong comeback and is now widely spoken. The city is now the capital of the comunidad valenciana, also known as Valencia, one of Spain's 17 comunidades autonomas (autonomous Communities). It comprises Valencia province along with Alicante (Alacant in valencian) and Castellon de la Plana.

The city today of Valencia has the feel of an overgrown agricultural capital, despite its heavy industry and sprawling development. Although past its age of glory, Valencia boasts one exceptional and famous 20th century writer: Vicente Blasco Ibanez (1867-1928), best known to English speakers for Sangre y Arena (Blood and Sand), possibly the finest novel ever written on bullfighting.

One of the great attractions of Valencia is precisely that it is not a major tourist attraction. With its many industries (furniture and ceramics foremost among them), and the grim industrial port of El Grao, it can be offputting to the casual passerby. But visitors soon find it to be a charming, a place with a good deal of local character. Valencians are less affecte than most residents of the Mediterranean coast by the onslaught of tounSln in recent decades, so most have a genuine desire to show the visitor why their city deserves a second look. Valencia At aGlance
Places to see in Valencia.

For those who don't mind a grueling, 207 step climb, a perfect view of the city can be had from Valencia's most popular monument, El Migueleze (in valencia, Micale!), the cathedral's 14th century octagonal belltower on the Plaga de la Reina. Clustered around the tower are all the principal buildings of the Ciutat Vella, and the visitor sees a vista of bridges over the Rio Turia bed, bluedomed churches, and the fertile huerta stretching beyond the ends of the city's streets.

Special places to visit in Valencia

Valencia's last set of city walls was torn down in 1865, but almost all af the city's main monuments and museums are within the relatively small area they once enclosed, now called the Ciutat Vella. The quarter is defined to the north by the bed of the Rio (River) Turia (which has been rerouted farther away from the city to solve the chronic flooding that had long plagued the Ciutat Vella), and on the west, south, and east by Avenida de Guhlem de Castro Calle de Xativa, and Calle Colon, respectively.

Keep in mind when planning visits that in Valencia, as in other Spanish cities, churches, museums, historic sites, and other places of touristic interest are usually open from 9:30 or 10 AM to 1 or 2 PM and then again from around 4 or 5 to 7 or 8 PM; schedules may change with the seasons. Some museums are open mornings only, and weekend hours are also often abbreviated. Closing days tend to be Sundays or Mondays. If possible, it's best to call for exact hours.

Valencia Cathedral

Angled oddly into a corner of the Plaza de la Reina, the main square of the Ciutat Vella, the cathedral (also known as La Seu) is a mixture of styles, as reflected in its three portals, which are Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque. Construction was begun in 1262 on the site of a mosque razed by the Catholic conquerors. Although the basic structure of the cathedral was completed towards the end of the 13th century, the main chapel and some side chapels were not completed until the 18th century.

Highlights include the tower, the Gothic dome, the chapter house, and the main altarpiece, which depicts the life of Christ on six panels. The main chapel contains the pulpit used by Vicent Ferrer to give some of his apocalyptic orations, and one of the leading Spanish candidates for the true Holy Graila muchrevered agate cup, set with emeralds and pearls on a base of pure gold. The church also boasts some fine paintings, including the Baptism of Christ by Juan de Juanes, but the real art treasures are housed in the Museo de La CatedraL, which contains works by Zurbaran, Juan de Juanes, and others. Notice also the Goya paintings in the museum.

The Basilica in Valencia

An arcade connects the cathedral to this eliptical building, which was completed in 1667 and is said to have been the first mental asylum in the world. The structure contains fine frescoes by Antonio Palomino on the interior of the dome, and a sculpted image of the Virgin of the Forsaken, the patroness of Valencia, that was supposedly sculpted by angels. On the Festa de La Verge (Feast Day of the Virgin), the second Sunday in May, and during the Festa de Corpus Christi, the Virgin is carried through nearby streets in processions marked by showers of rose petals and other flowers. Plaza de la Verge.

The Provincial Fine Arts Museum Valencia

Many people come to this first-rate art museum, one of Spain's best (but least-visited), just to see the small, brooding self-portrait painted by Velazquez in 1640. While this is its single unquestioned gem, the museum also houses an interesting collection of Valencian religious primitives of the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries.

These paintings are remarkable for their graphic, naive vigor: Blood gushes from Christ's sword wound into a goblet in one painting; the lactating Madonna spouts milk fro her swollen breasts ito he mouth of the infant Christ in another. Downstairs, there are early Iberian and Hispano-Roman artifacts. There is also a small treasure of works upstairs from Francisco Ribalta (who died in Valencia in 1628), Ribera, Murillo, El Greco (St. John the Baptist), Van Dyck, Hieronymus Bosch, and Goya, who once taught at the fine arts academy that runs the museum.

Nex door to the fine arts mseum, this small paradise of rose gardens, bouganvillea, palms, mimosas, jacarandas, cypress, and myrtle trees also has a diminutive but pleasant zoo. The gardens and the zoo are open daily.

The Silk Exchange Valencia

This structure in the heart of the Ciutat Vella is the finest example of Gothic architecture in a city renowned for the genre. In addition to an array of gargoyles, the facade features a series of fantastic and often even erotic small figures. The first room is the main Lonja de La Seda, a great vaulted hall supported by 24 twisting columns reminiscent of massive hanks of silk; on Fridays from 1 to 3 PM, fruit wholesalers hold auctions reminiscent of 16th-century silk fairs here. Next to this hall is the tower of La Lonja, said to have once served as a prison for bankrupt silk merchants. A remarkable circular stairway, with no central support, leads from a courtyard of orange trees to an upstairs hall noted for its elaborately gilded and carved wooden ceiling.

The Central Market Valencia

One of the finest and largest market buildings in Spain is made even more delightful by the colors and smells of the products of the huerta, along with the azulejos (glazed tiles) showng Valencian citrus fruits and vegetables. Built in 1928, the market is a fine example of Valencian modernism, and is visually similar to a turn-of-the-century railroad station, with glass skylights supported by an elaborate framework of iron girders. The market offers a quick taste of modern Valencian life.

The Natural Ceramics Museum Valencia

The amazing facade of this 18th-century rococo palace was designed by the painter Hypolito Rovira, who died in a Valencian mental aylum in 740. Its main entrance is a riotous alabaster fantasy of crocodIles, Cupids, a Virgin with Child, and two men spilling jugs of water the two waters of the Marques de Dos Aguas. The building now houses the Museo Nacional de Ceramica, Spain's leading ceramics museum. The gilded and tiled interior of the building, a kind of Hollywood version of a European palace, is a showcase of centuries of excellent pottery and azulejos from the outlying towns of Paterna, Alcora, and Manises, beautifully glazed work that was widely sought across Europe in the late Middle Ages.

In other rooms, there are works by Picasso, a Valencian tiled kitchen, and pottery from other regions of Spain and abroad.

The Bullfighting Museum Valencia

Almost hidden away in a covered concourse next to the bullring, one of Spain's leading taurine museums is filled with bullfighting memorabilia. The collection includes examples of 19th-century bullfighting garb; savage-looking lances, swords, and pics; the suits of lights worn by some leading toreros when they were gored; and the stuffed heads of some of the bulls. Valencia was for many centuries a leading city for bullfighting, though its reputation has fallen off in recent decades.

North Station Valencia

Many visitors, whether arriving by train or not, take the time to visit this charming railroad station, one of the most beautiful in Europe. Both the interior and exterior are decorated with azulejos bearing such Valencian motifs as oranges, the huerta, and barracas, the region's traditional thatch-roofed houses. The ticket counters and the cafeteria are especially delightful.

The Serranos Towers Valencia

The 14th-century gate next to the northern Puente Serranos (Serranos Bridge) was fully restored in 1930 and remains an imposing fortified arch. A second gate, another remnant of the medieval walls, is the 15th-century Torres de Quart, nearby on Avenida de Guillem de Castro. Like a proud old warrior, it still bears the scars of French cannonballs from the Peninsular War (1808-1814), waged by Napoleon against the British, the Portuguese, and the Spanish guerrillas.

The Institute of Modern Art Valencia

Hard by the remnants of the old city walls (in fact, a vestige of the medieval ramparts protrudes into one of the galleries) not far from the Torres de Quart, this is one of a recent crop of museums in Spain devoted exclusively to modern art. The collection is housed in two locations - an ultramodern stone and glass building called the Centre Julio Gonzalez and, in complete contrast, a nearby restored 13th to 16th century Carmelite convent called the Centre del Carme.

In addition to the permanent collection of some 1,400 pieces (paintings, drawings, and sculpture by Julio Gonzalez, a lifelong friend of Picasso, form the nucleus), the Centre Julio Gonzalez has an auditorium, a restaurant-bar, and a bookshop. It's also host to a year-round schedule of changing exhibitions and special cultural events.

The Music Palace Valencia

Across the Puente Aragon (Aragon Bridge) from the Ciutat Vella, Valencia's concert hall, built in the now dry bed of the Rio Turia in 1987, is a rather bizarre mix of reflecting pools, palm trees, small temple-like structures, and a main building that resembles an exceptionally swank greenhouse. It is known to locals as the micro ondas (microwave) because of its initial lack of air conditioning, and its designers also failed to 'include a system to clean its vast glass surfaces leading the city to hire mountaineers to do the job. Apart from performances, the building is open for group tours if arrangements are made in advance.

Places to visit near Valencia

The town of Manises was a major pottery center in the Middle Ages, when emissaries from the richest courts of Europe vied to buy its fine wares, characterized by distinctive blue and white patterns. While otherwise unattractive, the town today is packed with ceramics factories and retail shops, many of which sell good reproductions of pieces in Valencia's Museo Nacional de Ceramica at bargain prices. Manises is about 41 miles (7 km) west of Valencia, and is well served by city buses.

Sagunto near Valencia

In 219 BC, the Iberians, the first inhabitants of this fortified rocky ridge, set their possessions and themselves afire rather than surrender to the Carthaginian general Hannibal. The Romans eventually rebuilt the town, and it was successively held by the Visigoths, the Moors, and, in the 19th century, the French. Today, the archaeological site at Sagunto has an impressive 8,000seat amphitheater, as well as an ancient castle acropolis, and nearly half a mile of mostly Moorish medieval walls and ramparts.

An old Roman forum is marked by a huge broken stone marked with the letters FORV. The long ridge occupied by the fortifications provides a dramatic 360-degree view of orange groves, the surrounding mountains, and the Mediterranean.

Things to do in Toledo Spain

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Cervantes hailed Toledo as that rocky gravity, glory of Spain and light of her cities. Indeed, throughout its history, the city has been a shining center of scholarship and spirituality. The Romans founded the city of Toletum in 193 BC on a site originally settled by a tribe of Celtic Iberians. The city was part of a Visigoth kingdom in the 6th and 7th centuries, then was invaded by the Moors in 712. For centuries it flourished as a city of silk and steel where clergy, merchants, and the military peacefully coexisted under Moorish rule.

Even when King Alfonso VI and El Cid recaptured the city for Christendom in 1085, a cosmopolitan tolerance endured. Christians, Muslims, and Jews cooperated in intellectual exchange and trade, and for nearly five centuries, Toledo enjoyed a reputation throughout the Mediterranean as a center of learning. Alfonso the Wise, King of Castile, grew up in this heady cultural mix and founded the influential Escuela de Traductores (School of Translators) here during the 13th century.

The history of Toledo Spain

Under his rule, Castilian Spanish became the official language, replacing Latin. His court of Jewish scholars made esoteric Greek and Arabic science (as well as Islam and Judaism) accessible to the people of northern Europe. Alchemists studied and worked alongside mathematicians and philosophers. Prosperity brought commissions for mudejares (pronounced mooday harace), or Mudejars, who were Moors staying on under Christian rule. Their exquisite craftsmanship is characterized by intricately ornamental plaster ceilings and sumptuously patterned tile and brick wallsmuch of which can still be seen in Toledo's chapels, synagogues, hospitals, and palaces.

The city, however, was also the seat of the Catholic Church in Spain, and eventually the full weight of the church pressed down to obliterate or banish rival religions during the Spanish Inquisition. An abrupt pogrom in 1355 and a 1391 massacre at a synagogue subsequently turned into a church called Sinagoga Santa Maria la Blanca (White St. Mary) were early warnings that Toledo's tolerance would not last, regardless of local traditions.

After Ferdinand and Isabella summarily expelled unconverted Jews from Spain in 1492, the Jews of Toledo who refused to be baptized were either banished or killed. Seven years later, 4,000 Toledan Moors were baptized as Christians. After Queen Isabella's death in 1504, her husband, the aging King Ferdinand ruled from Toledo. When the new king, Carlos I of Spain, inher ited the mantle of Holy Roman Emperor in 1519 and became Charles V Toledo became an imperial city.

In addition to Spain, Charles commanded Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, Germany, FrancheComte (Burgundy), and the Low Countries, as well as the American lands newly plundered by the Conquistadores. But resentment quickly grew against the king and his Court of foreigners. Between 1520 to 1521, Toledo's Juan de Padilla joined with Juan Bravo of Segovia in a local citizens' revolt, known as the Comuneros uprising, which was quickly crushed.

In 1556, just five years after he assumed the throne, Felipe (Philip) II, son of Charles V, moved the capital to Madrid. Toledo, however, remained the spiritual center of Spain. To distance himself from the established church, Philip decided to build a state palace north of Madrid that would overshadow the great ecclesiastical splendors of Toledo. Eager artists from all over Europe competed for commissions at El Escorial, but one Cretan painter, Domenikos Theotokopoulos, soon fell from Philip's favor and was dismissed. He set up his studio in Toledo, where he became known simply as El Greco (the Greek).

Today, it is El Greco's skewed, Mannerist vision of Toledo, with its rolling clouds over elongated figures and startling clashes of color in almost geometric compositions, that most visitors come to see. Indeed, the skyline has not changed measurably since he completed his View of Toledo. The artist's adopted hometown has no shortage of his work. In fact, it's rare to find so many of a major artist's paintings still in the place they were created.

After the capital was moved to Madrid, Toledo's status as merely the capital of La Mancha province and the fact that far more politically significant prizes were within striking distance spared this city from the worst of the battles that ravaged Spain in succeeding generations. But the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) was fought here with full fury. The huge restored Alcazar, which dominates the highest ground in Toledo and was once rebuilt by Charles V as a royal residence, was besieged for a grim two months in the summer of 1936. Francisco Franco's Nationalist rebels held out against the Republican government forces despite blasts of dynamite that collapsed much of the fortress, formerly the most prestigious military academy in the nation.

Fortunately, today Toledo faces no more threatening an onslaught than the hordes of visitors who inevitably get lost in its tangle of narrow alleyways. City residents resolutely provide directions, respond to queries in countless languages, and rarely lose their graciousness. When the last tour bus pulls away at dusk, however, Toledo is returned to the toledanos and, it seems, to its past. This is the best time to explore the twisting byways of this ancient city, finding the way back by remembering the coats of armS carved in stone on the buildings along your route.

Car hire in Toledo

To explore Toledo, take a hire car from Barajas Madrid Airport, which can be pre-booked before you travel, saving you time and money. Cheap airport car hire is available online, and you can visit most of the attractions of Toledo and plan your route with a map of Toledo from the tourist office or car hire company.

What to see in Toledo

For an overall perspective, drive along Carretera de Circunvalacion, following the banks of the Rio Tajo (Tagus River), which surrounds Toledo like a moat. As the road climbs the hillsides, it passes close to a little hermitage called Virgen del Valle, and provides a sweeping view of the city. Close by is an outcropping called Cabeza del Moro (Moor's Head). Anywhere on the hillside offers a good view. Just to the left is the Parador Conde de Orgaz, the best place to watch the sunset, a drink in hand on the patio, with all of Toledo stretched out below.

Just above the Puente de Alcantara (Alcantara Bridge) is the Castillo de San Fernando, a monastery converted into a school, which offers a panorama from a different angle. For a more intimate view over Toledo's tiled rooftops and spires, climb the cathedral's belfry. A door on Calle Hombre de Palo (Stick Man Street) opens onto stairs in the cloisters that ascend the tower. In the neighborhood known as Miradero (the name literally means lookout), not far above the Puerta del Solon the Cuesta de las Armas, cafes offer a fine vantage point out over the river and beyond. From nearly any strategic spot along the old walls, there is a sentry's view of the surrounding countryside.

Special places to go in Toledo

Toledo has so many points of interest that tourists would be hard pressed to view even the exteriors of all historically important monuments on a single visit. If time is especially limited, pick up the free brochure from the tourist office at the Puerta de la Bisagra and follow its essential itinerary, which is arranged in a very convenient sequence.

The Alcazar Toledo

Despite numerous sackings, torchings, and even bombings, this strategic building has been re-girded, patched up, and continually put back into service. The Moors re-fashioned the Visigothic citadel, which had been built over an old Roman fort, and El Cid reputedly served as the city's first governor here. The present structure dates from the time of Charles V, who converted it into a palace, though most of it is now a product of reconstruction.

The north facade, with its Plateresque portal, was designed by Alonso de Covarrubias, as was the east facade, which is by far the oldest. Since the imperial court left the building almost 500 years ago, it has been wracked by misfortune. The palace became a state prison in 1643, and German, British, and Portuguese troops burned it in 1710, during the War of the Spanish Succession. After restoration by Cardinal Lorenzana, it stood only 35 years before being gutted by French troops during the Peninsular War. The Alcazar later re-emerged as the national military academy, though it suffered another blaze at the hands of careless cadets and again had to be overhauled.

Its worst days were during a civil war siege in 1936, when a band of Nationalist rebels under Colonel Jose Moscardo, along with over 600 women and children, holed up inside for two months until Republican government bombs again reduced the structure to ruins. The building also houses the Museo de Armas Blancas de la Real Fabrica de Armas (Royal Arms Factory Museum of Hand Weaponry; ).

Cathedral of the Primates of Toledo

For such an enormous building, the cathedral can be surprisingly difficult to locate. Boxed in by other buildings, on approach it seems to disappear. In the main (west) facade, between the tower and the dome, there are three lovely Gothic portals: the Puerta del Perdon (Gate of Forgiveness) in the middle, flanked by the Puerta del Juicio (Gate of Judgment) on the right and the Puerta del Infierno (Gate of Hell) on the left. The 14th-century Puerta del Reloj (Clock Gate), also called Puerta de la Chapineria (Shoemakers' Gate, because it was financed with help from the shoemakers' guild), in the north wall, is the cathedral's oldest, and is lavishly adorned with Gothic pointed arches and ornaments.

The Puerta de Los Leones (Lions' Gate), on the south, is the most flamboyant, with great bronze doors. The modern entrance is a plain doorway to the left of the Puerta de Mollete, just off Calle Hombre de Palo.

Inside, the architectural styles run the gamut from Gothic to Mudejar (which combines Moorish and Gothic elements) to flagrant rococo. The wrought-iron screens are magnificent, and 800 stained glass windows from the 15th and 16th centuries help light the vast space. Yet even the glorious rose window looks ordinary next to the skylight that directs a single celestial beam onto the altar.

Known as the Transparente, the altar which stands behind the Capula Mayor (Main Chapel) is a bit of Baroque heaven, a swirl of saints and chubby angels created by Narciso Tome in 1732. Some of the paintings have three-dimensional appendages, innovations that have remained controversial throughout the centuries. The polychrome retable above the altar is exquisitely carved, and the walnut choir stalls are also exceptional.

The sacristy contains a wealth of paintings, including 28 by EI Greco, as well as works by Velazquez, Titian, Van Dyck, and Goya. The Capilla Mozarabe (Mozarabic Chapel) beneath a dome designed by El Greco's son, is the only place on earth where the ancient Arian Christian rituals of the Visigoths, dating from the 5th and 6th centuries, are still observed (Christians who were allowed to live and worship under Moorish rule were called mozarabes).

The chapel is open for these daily services in Latin and Spanish. The 16th-century octagonal Sala Capitular (chapter house), which combines Gothic, Mudejar, and Plateresque styles, has a series of paintings of Toledo's bishops and wall frescos. The Tesoro (treasury) displays the gold and silver Arfe monstrance, which is carried through the streets on the Fiesta de Corpus Christi.

Standing 10 feet high and weighing 450 pounds, this elaborate reliquary incorporates gold from Columbus's first shipload back from the Americas. The cathedral is still in use, and visitors often encounter a mass or a lavish wedding in progress. Next to the sacristy is the Capilla de Los Reyes Nuevos (New Kings' Chapel), built in the 16th century for Enrique II and containing a multitude of tombs and likenesses of Spain's kings. Open daily.

The Church of St Thomas Toledo

This unremarkable 14th-century Mudejar church, whose name is an arcaic form of Tomas, is usually crowded with visitors because of one masterpiece, El Greco's El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz (Burial of the Count of Orgaz). The famous canvas was painted some 250 years after the funeral of the count, who had funded the church's first major reconstruction. The scene is split into heaven and earth, with a row of mourners marking the divide. Their faces are portraits of prominent Toledo citizens, all in 16th-century dress.

EI Greco's own face is supposedly just above that of the young St. Stephen, and the boy in the foreground is the painter's son, Jorge. The monogram on his pocket handkerchief is El Greco's signature.

The Moors Workshop Toledo

This almost palatial 14th-century building was once used as a workshop by Moorish masons completing cathedral commissions. Displays are mostly of carpentry and tiles. The Mudejar style of the building, with its artesonados (inlaid wood ceilings) and plasterwork, is exemplary.

The El Greco House and Museum Toledo

The name is a misnomer, for El Greco never lived here, but this was his old neighborhood, and this house did belong to his landlord. Admirably restored to its 16th-century state, the house is charming due to the small scale of the furnishings, especially the tiny kitchen, and its quaint, cobbled courtyard, surrounded by a woodcarved gallery, Renaissance porticos, and intricately carved Mudejar friezes. Spectacular views of the surrounding hills, dotted with patrician villas that have changed little since El Greco's day, can be had from the southfacing balconies on the upper floor. The garden is very pleasant, and there's a fine collection of the painter's later works, particularly noteworthy for its bold portraits of the apostles.

Synagogue of the Thoroughfare Toledo

This major synagogue, built in 1366 as a palace for Samuel Halevy, treasurer to Pedro I of Castile (and later executed by him), was converted into a monastery after the expulsion of the Jews, but many of the original trappings were preserved. Rich cedar carvings grace the 39 foot high artesonado (inlaid ceiling) and the lacy Mudejar plasterwork.

Exhibits at the Museo Sefardi (Sephardic Museum) installed here include a marble pillar from the 1st or 2nd century with carved Hebrew inscriptions, alongside silver manuscript cases, robes and wedding costumes, amulets, and elaborate objects used in Jewish festivals. It takes its name from the street on which it stands.

The Santa Maria Synagogue Toledo

This architectural gem, built in 1180, was once the primary Jewish synagogue in Toledo and was later converted into a church and renamed by the Christian Knights of Calatrava (after a supposed apparition on the premises, to a stable boy, of the Madonna clothed in purest White). The facade is rather drab, but inside, white horseshoe arches and delicately carved white columns shimmer with light. The polychrome altarpIece was added in the 16th century.

Demoted in 1791 to a shelter for reformed prostitutes, then a barracks, until a general commanded its makeover into a quartermaster's warehouse and saved it from further abuse, the synagogue is now a museum and has been remarkably restored to the original splendor it had under the Almohad Moors. About a hundred feet east of the synagogue are the remains of a 14th century mikvah, or ritual bath.

The Monastery of San Juan

The outside walls of this grandiose monastery are hung with chains once worn by Christian slaves in Moorish Granada. The chains were brought here after the slaves gained their freedom in testament to a faith that fueled the final Christian victory of the Reconquista (the centuries-long reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from the Moors). Inside, the great church is done in soaring Isabeline style, and incorporates Mudejar and other Gothic touches with Renaissance art. Construction began in 1476 and wasn't completed until the early 17th century.

An important center for the Franciscan order, the monastery was originally planned as the mausoleum of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella (they were actually buried in Granada). The initials F&Y (for Fernando and Ysabel) appear repeatedly throughout the building, along with the shields of Castile, Leon, and Aragon; the pomegranate of Granada; and the royal yoke and arrows motif. The Flemish architect Jan Guas designed most of the interior, with its massive round columns and the great shields supported by haloed eagles.

The Hospital of Santa Cruz Toledo

Cardinal Pedro Gonzalez de Mendoza initiated plans for this elaborate orphanage and hospital just off Plaza de Zocodover in the early 16th century, and the project was completed by Queen Isabella after his death. The building now houses the Museum of Fine Arts and the Provincial Archaeology Museum showcasing swords and scimitars, ceramics, vestments, furniture, tapestries, and paintings, including 25 by El Greco. Off the lovely Plateresque patio is an archaeology exhibit of mostly Roman finds.

A display of prehistoric items is in the basement. The intricate ceilings, lavish stairways, and spacious rooms are typical of 16th-century hospitals, where pleasant surroundings were considered vital to the cure.

Church of the Christ of the Light Toledo

Also known as the Mezquita, this minuscule mosque, perhaps intended originally as a sepulchral chamber, was built in 980 AD, and is one of the most venerable Moorish buildings on the Iberian Peninsula. Near the Puerta del Sol, it was erected on top of Visigothic ruins and later became a Mudejar church. Delicate horseshoe arches inside are supported by more ancient Visigothic capitals, and paintings in the Mudejar annex, though worn, are rare surviving examples of Toledan Romanesque art.

Cristo de la Luz is shrouded in legend; according to one, EI Cid's charger fell to its knees here during a post reconquest victory parade and refused to rise until a Visigothic crucifix, with a votive candle still flickering, was miraculously uncovered in a brickedup niche. Opening hours are erratic. No admission charge. Calle Cristo de la Luz.

Hospital de Tavera Toledo

This large 16th-century hospital located outside the city gates contains Cardinal Juan Pardo de Tavera's extensive collection of paintings and also features apartments furnished by the Duchess of Lerma in a lavish 17th-century style. The cardinal's magnificent tomb and the family crypt of the Dukes of Medinaceli are in the chapel off the double patio. Impressive portraits by Titian, including the huge Portrait of Charles V, hang in the vast dining hall, but Jose Ribera's odd Bearded Woman is stashed in a side room, camouflaged by bland cityscapes on either side. Upstairs are works by Tintoretto, Zurbaran, and, of course, El Greco, most notably his enormous last canvas, the Baptism of Christ by St. John. Open daily. Admission charge. Calle Baja.

The Roman Circus Toledo

Not much remains of the Roman arena, only a few mosaics and a reconstructed building in an open area outside the gates north of town. Still, this is a pleasant place to stroll after the cramped and twisting streets of the city, and its size hints at the strength of the Roman settlement of Toletum. Open daily. No admission charge. Off Avenida de la Reconquista.

Places to see near Toledo

South and west of Toledo, along either the C401 road or the N401 highway and the local routes branching off of them, rise the harsh uplands that were long celebrated in troubadors' couplets. Streams interlace the scrubby bush cover of rock roses, heather, and cork oaks. The area is best explored by car.

Picnickers should be aware of the wild game deer, wild boar, lynx, foxes, and even wolvesthat lives in the area, mostly in the heights. Much of the land is private hunting ground, particularly in the southern stretches near Los Yebenes, but there are prehistoric sites scattered throughout the region. The towns of Calancho, Los Navalucillos, and Hontanar all boast curious megalithic relics. Ciudad de Vascos, near Navalmoralejo, is an ancient HispanoMoorish ghost town protected by a fortress.

Odd stone boars or bulls called verracos can be seen at the castles Castillo de Bayuela and Torrecilla de La Jara, outside Talavera de la Reina. The town of Guadalerzas is spanned by an impressive late Roman aqueduct with 24 arches. One of the prettiest valleys, reached by heading west toward the higher sierra behind Guadalupe, is Robledo del Mazo, where the locals still wear traditional straw hats decorated with baubles and tiny mirrors.

Route of the Castles Toledo

The area surrounding Toledo is littered with castles, most constructed during the time of the Reconquista. About 8 miles (13 km) southwest of Toledo (local road 401) lies Guadamur, a small town dominated by a magnificent 15th-century castle that was restored in the 19th century. The rooms, occupied for a time by Queen Juana la Loca (Joan the Mad) and her son, the future Emperor Charles V, are furnished with Spanish period furniture, and can be toured on the 10th, 20th, and 30th of each month (for more information contact the Toledo tourism office). Leaving Guadamur and continuing south, take the first right turn toward, and then pass by, San Martin de Montalban.

The next right turn will bring you to the hamlet of Melque, which contains one of the most beautiful and least known castles in Spain, a jewel of mozarabe (MoorishChristian) architecture. The Melque castle, which also shows traces of Visigothic influence, boasts one of the largest pointed Gothic military arches ever built. Close to the castle lie the ruins of two Roman dams.

Other noteworthy monuments on this southwest circular route are the Gothic Renaissance chapel at Torrijos, the 15th century Mudejar castle at Maqueda, and the turreted edifice at Escalona on the banks of the AJberche River. Except for Guadamur, for the most part these sites are semiruins, and generally open to the public with no fixed schedule. El Greco lovers will want to head north 21 miles (34 km) on N401 to this village for a visit to the Convento deL HospitaL de La Caridad (Convent of the Hospital of Charity). The 16th-century convent contains five El Grecos, including a magnificent Coronation of the Virgin.

Traditional handicrafts in Toledo

Talavera de la Reina and Puente del Arzobispo, both traditional ceramics centers, are an easy day's excursion from Toledo via C502. Talavera is 49 miles/82 km from Toledo) and is the largest city in the province, so don't expect a quaint potter's village. The traditional pottery here features multicolor designs; browse along the main street, where vendors sell shelf after shelf of platters, vases, and bowls. On the fringes of the city, just past the main park, is the Ermita de la Virgen del Prado (Hermitage of the Madonna of the Meadow), a showcase for the famous azulejos, distinctive blue and yellow glazed picture tiles, which date back to the 14th century and were the preferred decorations for the finest palaces and monasteries.

To reach Puente del Arzobispo, popular for its more subdued, green-toned pottery, drive west from Talavera on the NY highway to Oropesa, then south for 9 miles [14 km) to a fortified bridge across the Rio Tajo (Tagus River). Shops and vendors in the village sell ceramics for less than the equivalent items would cost in Toledo, but since quality here is consistently high, there are no astonishingly inexpensive wares. Yaldeverdeja, a smaller and prettier village, lies just 4.5 miles (7 km) to the west and sells distinctive unglazed red earthenware. Farther west on the NY highway, just past Oropesa, is a turnoff to Lagartera, the village where the best La Mancha embroidery originates.

Special events in Toledo

Holy Week
Semana Santa (Holy Week), preceding Pascua (Easter), has subdued beauty in Toledo; especially moving is the Procesion del Silencio (Procession of Silence), which winds through the streets On Viernes Santo (Good Friday). A more boisterous procession the carrying of the Virgen del Valle (Madonna of the Valley) around the hillsides near her hermitage on the far side of the river occurs during the local Romerfa, on Primero de Mayo (May Day, the first of the month) afternoon. Enormous excitement is unleashed for the Fiesta de (Feast of) Corpus Christi (June), when the townspeople dress up in folk costumes and the precious Arfe monstrance from the cathedral treasury is carried through the city streets.

This has been Toledo's ultimate celebration for eight centuries; it takes place on the Thursday of the ninth week after Easter. Check with the tourist office for full details and the traditional parade route. Fireworks light the August skies during the Fiesta de la Virgen del Sagrario (Feast of the Madonna of the Shrine), held annually in August.

Things to do in Seville

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Although Seville had no opera house until 1991, the city has been the stage for some of the world's most famous operatic heroes and heroines. Carmen, the barber of Seville, and Don Giovanni (aka Don Juan) all played out their high drama in its winding alleys, secluded patios, jasminescented gardens, and fountainfilled plazas. And no one has ever taken down the set. Carmen's cigarette factory, Escamillo's bullring, the wrought-iron balconies where Don Juan trysted even, some claim, the barber shop are all still in place.

A university center, Seville is Spain's fourth largest metropolis, exceeded in population only by Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. It's also one of Spain's loveliest cities, and it works at preserving the fascinating Roman Moorish Judaic Christian past that made it so. In this capital of the eight province Autonomous Region of Andalusia, Andalusian details are faithfully maintained on the traditional whitewashed buildings with gold trim. Alvero (golden sand) is trucked in 20 miles from the hills of Carmona to be used ornamentally in local gardens, and the famous Seville orange trees shade the town's tiled sidewalks. Restaurants, hotels, and shops lean to fanciful Moorish arabesque details, colored tiles, and whitewalled beamceilinged interiors.

Holy week in Seville

Beginning in spring, Seville (Sevilla in Spanish) lives in its streets. Semana Santa (Holy Week), the week leading up to Pascua (Easter), fills them with seven nights of religious pageantry. On its heels, the Feria (April Fair) is a week of non-stop revelry, and even after it's over the fun goes on: Teenagers strum their guitars at cafe tables, the rattle of castanets sounds from around a corner, a group at the tapas bar breaks out in steady, syncopated flamenco clapping, and 10-year old senoritas in brilliant polkadot dresses dance sevillanas in the plaza.

But although Seville fervently preserves its traditions, much of the city sports a new look, thanks to the remarkably far-reaching changes wrought for Expo '92, the world's fair celebrating the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's history-making voyage.

The most extensive new development is Isla de la Cartuja (La Cartuja Island), which served as the site of the fair, and has been converted into a large public area that will eventually include a science theme park and a business and technology complex. Seven new bridges cross the Guadalquivir River, linking the island to downtown Seville. Other improvements include several miles of a new, downtown riverfront esplanade, new railroad and bus stations, a new main terminal at Aeropuerto de San Pablo (San Pablo Airport) and dramatically improved roads in and around the city and province.

In addition to the Teatro de la Maestranza (Maestranza Opera House), Seville gained 22 new hotels, dozens of refurbished muse urns and other buildings, a vast new Palacio de Congresos (Convention Center), and cemented its status as a prime tourism destination. Prized for its river, a 70-milelong highway to the sea, Spain's only inland port city has been taken by the Romans, Phoenicians, Greeks, and Carthaginians.

But its character today dates largely from the 8th century, when the Moors (mostly North African Berbers) crossed the Strait of Gibraltar to begin their fruitful 500-year reign. The city enjoyed a flourishing 100 years under the Almohads, Moorish conquerors who arrived in the mid-12th century and fostered an unprecedented climate of intellectual, artistic, and commercial cooperation among the resident communities of Christians, Muslims, and Jews. Expert engineers, they built up the port and repaired the city's fortifications; the outer walls of the Alcazar, the clean-lined Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold) and the lower portion of La Giralda tower remain in testimony to their skill.

Though Seville fell to Fernando III in 1248, the Moorish influence continued for at least two centuries. It can be seen inside the Alcazar walls, in the ornate 14th-century palace of King Pedro the Cruel, which was built by Mudejar workmen (Moors who continued to live and work in Spain after the Christian reconquest) using their culture's traditional designs.

Columbus and Seville

Columbus's voyage to the Americas was the beginning of Seville's most glorious period. The Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella (Fernando and Isabel, the Reyes Catolicos, in Spanish), established their headquarters for overseas exploration and trade in the Alcazar, and Columbus's return up the Guadalquivir River inspired successful trips by Ferdinand Magellan and Amerigo Vespucci, who sailed out from the Torre del Oro. The golden age of Seville was under way though not for the city's ill-fated Jews, who were forcibly converted, slain, or driven from their homes in the juderia (the present Barrio de Santa Cruz) by the Spanish Inquisition.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Seville was the richest and most powerful city in Spain, filled with Renaissance palaces, churches, and monasteries decorated with frescoes and paintings by native sons Bartolome Esteban Murillo and Juan de Valdes Leal and by adopted son Francisco de Zurbaran, who was born in a village nearby.

(Seville-born Diego Velazquez left early for the court in Madrid, and his hometown is seriously deficient in his works.) Ironically, the river that earned the city its earlier acclaim was the same conduit that would turn its economic tides. The gradual silting up of the Guadalquivir and resulting impaired navigation from Cordoba led to a sharp slump in the city's fortunes, and Cadiz, perched on the Atlantic, took over Seville's lucrative trade.

Today, with the river long since restored to its original course, Seville is again a major port, shipping minerals, manufactured goods, and agricultural products. Seville is better than ever. Once you've been here, you'll agree, Quien no ha vista Sevilla no ha vista maravilla Whoever has not seen Seville has never seen a wonder.

Seville car hire

The best way to explore Seville is to hire a car from the airport. Car hire at Seville Airport is easy to pick up and drop off, and by booking before you leave home, you can pick up some real car hire bargains and cheap car rentals deals online.

Places to visit in Seville

The core of Seville sprawls along the east bank of the Guadalquivir River. The most breathtaking city view and best orientation point is from the top of La Giralda tower, 308 feet high. Aside from the cathedral, La Giralda is as symbolic of Seville as the Eiffel Tower is of Paris. Enter at the Plaza Virgen de los Reyes.

Visitors to Seville spend most of their time on the east bank of the river in the compact area of the centro historico, an old town that once huddled inside the city walls. Most touristic highlights are concentrated around or between the city's two most central bridges, the mid-19th-century Eiffelesque Puente Isabel II, commonly known as the Puente de Triana, and the Puente San Telmo to the south.

Closer to the former are the old Maestranza bullring, the Teatro de la Maestranza, downtown shopping streets, and the refurbished Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts). Near the Puente San Telmo are Parque de Maria Luisa, the university, and the Torre del Oro. Clustered in the middle, a few blocks inland, are Seville's four greatest treasures: the cathedral, the adjoining La Giralda tower, the Alcazar, and the winding streets of the Barrio de Santa Cruz.

The Barrio de Triana Seville

Across the Guadalquivir, on the west bank, is the Barrio de Triana, a working class district with its own colorful personality. Once a Gypsy haven, it still resounds with flamenco music from tabernas (traditional music pubs); the traditional music can even be heard during special evening masses at the Iglesia de San Jacinto. Countless sevillanas lyrics sing praise to Triana.

North of the Puente de Triana are other bridges, both motor vehicle and pedestrian only, crossing the river to Isla de la Cartuja.Museums, historic sites, and other public attractions are usually open from 9:30 or 10 AM to 1:30 or 2 PM and from around 4 or 5 PM to 7 or 8 PM; hours may change with the seasons. Some museums are open mornings only; closing days tend to be Sundays or Mondays (there are also places that close altogether during July and August).

Seville city centre

The Royal Palace of Seville
For all their furor against the Moors, the Spanish monarchs recognized the Moorish talent for palaces. This delicate Mudejar creation boasts the work of Moorish craftsmen left unexpelled after Seville was reconquered in the 13th century (the Mudejar style combines Gothic and Moorish elements). A favorite of Spanish royalty, it was begun in the 14th century by King Pedro the Cruel and later expanded by Ferdinand and Isabella and by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. The lavish interior, similar to Granada's Alhambra but on a smaller scale, is full of mosaics, patios, wroughtstucco windows, and finely tooled ceilings.

However, unlike the Alhambra, which deteriorated during years of abandonment and has required massive restoration, the Alcazar compound was maintained by Spanish royalty, who used it as a residence into this century, adding upper stories and new wings. The best way to see the palace is to wander through the clusters of courtyards and chambers, with their lacy plaster decoration, dazzling carvedwood ceilings, and graceful Arabic script of verses from the Koran. The colonnaded Patio de las Doneellas (Court of the Maidens), with its multi-lobed arches resting on sets of twin marble columns, is a good place to start.

This was the center of official palace life and it leads to the great, square Salon de Embajadores (Ambassadors' Hall), where Charles V was wed to Isabella of Portugal. Not to be missed is the graceful Puerta de los Pavones (Peacock Arch), a surprising note, since Moorish designs rarely portrayed animals. Among the dozens of other splendid royal rooms, a universal favorite is the Patio de las Mufieeas (Dolls' Court), which was the hub of the palace's living quarters; to ensure privacy, only blind musicians played here. The Patio de la Monteria (Court of the Hunt), Queen Isabella's 15th-century addition, houses the Cuarto del Almirante (Admiral's Apartment), where she established the Casa de Contrataeion, headquarters for Western Hemisphere exploration and commerce. The austere rooms hold such mementos as a model of Columbus's ship the Santa Maria and 15th-century navigators' maps.

Another wing, added by Charles V, is accessible through Pedro's palace. Filled with an exceptional series of Flemish tapestries woven with silk, gold, and wool, chronicling the Holy Roman Emperor's triumphs in his Tunisian campaign of 1535, it's also the wing that leads to theovergrown palace gardens, a sight straight out of the Arabian Nights.

The Alcazar Gardens Seville

Moorish, Renaissance, and modern gardens are all part of the Acazar complex. There's a choice of paths through flower-filled plots past the Pabellon de Carlos V (Charles V Pavilion) and an orange tree supposed to have been in existence in Pedro the Cruel's day, to a myrtlewood maze, palm groves, rose gardens, and a fountain where ducklings bathe. Hours are the same as for the Aleazar, above. The admission charge to the Aleazar includes the gardens.

The Bullring Seville

The giant crimson door of Seville's bullring swings open on Easter Sunday to begin the bullfighting season, which runs through September. The Spanish spectacle of the corrida, or bullfight, is quintessentially Andalusian-modern bullfighting began in the Andalusian town of Ronda, near Seville, in the 18th century and while the bullring in Madrid may be larger, Seville's Maestranza, built in the 1760s, is more beautiful. An appearance here is a must for all of the world's greatest matadors. The eonidas are held sporadically on Sunday and holiday afternoons around 6:30 PM.

Seville Cathedral

It is somehow symbolic of Spain's religious history that her largest cathedral should be squeezed between a Moorish Alelizar and a once Moorish and Jewish neighborhood renamed for the Holy Cross, and that its bell tower should be a dressed up minaret.

The cathedral was begun in 1402 as a grandiose symbol of Christian Seville at a time when Granada was still in Muslim hands (and would be for another 90 years). The Great Mosque of the Almohads, on the same site, was demolished, but its most exquisite minaret (the present La Giralda) was saved to become the cathedral's spire. Built to be so large that those who come after us will take us for madmen, Seville's cathedral is the third-largest Christian church in Europe after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Three hundred feet long, 250 feet wide, and 184 feet high, the building has three carved, arched portals but not the soaring facade that might be expected.

Go around to the Plaza del Triunfo visitors' entrance. There, at the south transept, stands the 19th-century tomb of Christopher Columbus (though at least two other countries also claim to be the final resting place of the explorer, called Cristobal Colon in Spanish).

The enormous sweep of the cathedral is hard to appreciate because bulky choir staJls and a soaring Capilla Mayor (Main Chapel) block the center aisle, and the Flemish stained glass windows are set so high that their light barely penetrates the shadows. A magnificent three-sided gold reja (grille) encloses the chancel and its 70-foot high carved wooden retablo (altarpiece), the largest in Spain.

At the apse stands the domed 16th-century Capilla Real (Royal Chapel) with a reja showing Fernando III, conqueror of Seville and later sainted, receiving the keys to the city. His wellpreserved body, displayed to the public on the Fiesta de San Fernando (May 30) and on the anniversary of the day he reconquered the city from the Moors (November 23), lies in a silver tomb at the foot of the statue of the city's paron saint, the Virgen de los Reyes (Madonna of the Kings). King Pedro and his mistress, Marfa de Padilla, are in a crypt below the chapel.

Masterpieces by Murillo, Valdes Leal, Zurbanln, and Jacob Jordaens are in the badly lit Capilla de San Antonio (St. Anthony Chapel). Two more Murillos are in the treasure rooms of the Sacristia Mayor (Vestry) along with the crown, studded with more than 1,000 colored stones that is worn by the Virgen de los Reyes for her procession on August 15. Also in the vestry are a 650pound silver monstrance, which is carried in the Fiesta de Corpus Christi procession, and a cross said to have been made from the first gold Columbus brought back from the Americas.

Murillo's Holy Family and works by Leal, Zurbaran, Titian, and Goya are in the Sacristia de los Calices (Chalice Vestry), and Murillo's Immaculate Conception is in the oval Sala Capitular (Chapter House). On the north side of the cathedral is the Patio de los Naranjos (Orange Tree Court) with remnants of the original fountain of ablutions and the bronzesheathed Puerta del Perdon (Door of Forgiveness) from the Great Mosque. Open daily. Admission charge. Plaza del Triunfo.

La Giralda Tower Seville

On a clear day, it's possible to see the olive groves around Seville in a 360 view from this 20-story bell tower, the same one from which the muezzin called the faithful to prayer when it was the minaret of the Great Mosque. Its ingenious sebka rhomboid brick patterning so pleased the Christians that they spared the tower and used it for their new cathedral. The four huge golden spheres, called the Apples of Yanmur, with which the Almohads had topped their tower in the 12th century no longer exist. Instead, the 308-foot tower is topped with a belfry, lantern, and an almost 12-foot high revolving statue representing the Christian faith - all additions of the 16th century. The statue, known locally as the Giraldillo, serves as a weather vane (giralda in Spanish, hence the name of the tower).

There's no elevator, but the climb is not problematic, via 35 inclined ramps and some stairs, designed to be ridden up easily on horseback. Windows along the way present gargoyle-framed previews of the full panorama. The towering Giralda is visible from all over Seville, and is brilliantly illuminated at night. Open daily. Admission charge to the cathedral includes La Giralda.

Santa Cruz Seville

Hugging the walls of the Alcazar is the old Jewish quarter, or juderia, a medieval neighborhood of narrow, winding streets, handkerchief-size plazas dotted with cafe tables, whitewashed houses dressed with wrought iron balconies and geraniums, and flower-filled patios behind fanciful gates. Seville's Jewish community flourished here for generations under the Moors; by the 14th century there were 23 synagogues.

But in 1391 a great pogrom decimated the community, which declined and eventually vanished in the 15th century after the Inquisition and the 1492 expulsion of all Jews from Spain. Later the area became the playground of the aristocracy, and today it still attracts the Spanish well-to-do. One convenient way to begin a tour is by turning right upon leaving the Patio de Banderas at the exit of the Alcazar and walk up Calle Romero Murube. Turn right again at the Plaza de la Alianza and head up Calle Rodrigo Caro into the lovely pebblepaved Plaza de Dofia Elvira, where there are inviting benches under the orange trees. From here, any street will lead to one or another of the barrio's loveliest places.

Casa de Murillo Seville

Seville's favorite son, Bartolome Esteban Murillo (1617-1682), lived his last years in this typical old Barrio de Santa Cruz house, now furnished with period pieces (not Murillo's own) and five of his lesser paintings. The visit is especially interesting if the caretaker has time to take you around.

Hospital de la Caridad Seville

The man who founded this 17th century Baroque masterpiece was the model for Don Juan. Saddened by the death of his wife or repentant over past peccadilloes, the aristocrat Miguel de Mafiara became a monk and used his wealth to build this hospital for the indigent. It's now a home for the elderly poor, and residents can still be seen taking their ease among the tropical plants in the ocher and rosewalled patios. De Mafiara also financed the adjoining Iglesia de San Jorge (St. George's Church), worthy of a visit for its rich ornamentation, including great golden twisted columns before the altar, and for its trove of Murillos and Valdes Leals. Closed Sundays in winter, Sunday afternoons in summer. Admission charge. Near the Torre del Oro. 3 Calle Temprado.

The Golden Tower Seville

Seville's most romantic symbol, on the banks of the Guadalquivir, was one of 64 defensive towers built along the city wall (remnants of the wall can be seen near the Basilica de la Macarena, in the northeast section of town). Dating from 1220, its clean lines are typical of the simple but forceful Almohad style that produced the Alcazar walls and La Giralda. The tower is 12-sided and was originally faced with ceramic tiles finished in gold, an Andalusian specialty. The tiles have disappeared, but when it's illuminated at night the Torre del Oro still glows. The tower contains a small maritime museum and provides a nice view. Open mornings only; closed Mondays. Admission charge. Paseo de Colon.

Archive of the Indies Seville

Juan de Herrera, the same architect who planned the 16th century El Escorial monastery near Madrid for Philip II, designed this building to house the old Lonja (Stock Exchange). In the 1660s, the building was home to the Academia de Sevilla (Seville Academy), the art school founded largely by Murillo. Today it's the repository of documents on Spain's role in Western Hemisphere exploration, conquest, and commerce.

A majestic red marble stairway leads to a great gallery where there are 43,000 cardboard files filled with an estimated 80 million original documents. Some 400,000 priceless papers, which include correspondence between Columbus and Queen Isabella, are locked away in air conditioned storage. Only researchers with university credentials may examine the documents, but anyone will get the idea from the displays of drawings, charts, letters, account books, and royal decrees.

The Maestranza Opera House Seville

Over the years, Seville's winding alleys, romantic patios, graceful plazas, and gardens heady with the scent of jasmine have served as the inspiration for some of the world's best loved operas - Rossini's Barber of Seville, Verdi's La Forza del Destino, Mozart's Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni, Beethoven's Fidelio, Donizetti's La Favorita, and Bizet's Carmen. It was not until 1991, however, that Seville got an opera house of its own. Now considered one of the world's premier venues of its kind, it hosts world class operatic performances (with an emphasis on the obligatory Sevilleinspired works), as well as quintessentially Spanish zarzuelas (operettas), classical music, and jazz. Open only during performances. 5 Nunez de Balboa.

The Fine Arts Museum Seville

Still farther north, near the Plaza de Armas, this recently renovated museum has a collection of international art from the 16th through the 20th centuries that is second in Spain only to that of the Prado in Madrid. There's an especially fine selection of paintings by Murillo, Zurbanin, Valdes Leal, and other Spanish masters. It's housed in the 17th-century Baroque Convento de la Merced (Mercy Convent), whose patios, cloisters, and chapel are works of art in themselves. Closed Mondays. Admission charge. 9 Plaza del Museo.

The University of Seville

The monumental Real Fabrica de Tabacos (Royal Tobacco Factory) that Bizet used as the setting for the first act of his opera Carmen has been part of the Universidad de Sevilla since the 1950s. It's the largest building in Spain after El Escorial. Look for carved bas reliefs at the main entrances, and walk through some of the vast graffiticovered halls and courtyards for a view of contemporary student life. Just south of the Alfonso XIII hotel. Calle San Fernando.

The Maria Luisa Park Seville

Palacio San Telmo, whose colorful Baroque facade can be seen behind the Alfonso XIII hotel, was built as a naval college and now is used as a seminary. During the 19th century, however, it belonged to Marfa Luisa, sister of Queen Isabel II, and the present Parque de Maria Luisa, Seville's answer to the Bois de Boulogne in Paris, was the palace grounds.
This swanky park and elegant Plaza de Espana (see below) out of some fairytale colonial city were given to Seville in the early 1900s, and the extravagant buildings in it were built for the 1929 Iberoamerican Exposition. In summer, sevillanos delight in strolling the park's long, forested alleys. Av. de la Constitución.

The Plaza de España Seville

Practically at the entrance to Parque de Maria Luisa, along Avenida Isabella Católica, is a grandiose, semicircular plaza surrounded by a Renaissance-style government office complex, originally built for the 1929 exposition. Twin Baroque towers, ornate lamp posts, and bridges with blue and white terra cotta balustrades make the Plaza de Espana look like a Mexican-flavored fantasy of Venice. The canal that follows the semi-circle of the plaza is so long that row boats can be rented for mini-excursions. Take time to walk over the canal's beautiful all-tile bridges and to browse the alcoves set into the curving plaza wall. Each highlights one of Spain's 50 provinces with a lively tiled mural.

Plaza de America Seville

At the far end of Parque de Maria Luisa, in a beautifully laidout area of palmshaded terraces, rose gardens, lily ponds, and splashing fountains, stand three more stunning buildings left from the 1929 exposition. The one in the center houses Andalusia's government headquarters; the other two are the Museo Arqueologico and the Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares, a folk museum with exhibits of regional life.

The Archaeological Museum Seville

This museum, in a Plateresque-style exposition building, contains a definitive collection of artifacts from excavations in western Andalusia. Don't miss the Roman section, which has statues, jewelry, and coins found in the ruins of the ancient city of Italica , just outside Seville.

The House of Pilates Seville

A trip to this 16th-century mansion, the last of the great private houses in Seville open to visitors, is an entree to the splendid lifestyle of an Andalusian nobleman of days long past. The Marquis of Tarifa, who finished it in 1540, is supposed to have been inspired by the house of the Roman procurator in Jerusalem, but his architects didn't spare Mudejar, Plateresque, and Gothic glories. The ceiling of the grand staircase has been compared to the Alcazar and the tiled walls and patios are sensational. There's also a collection of Roman sculpture. Open daily.

La Isla de Cartuja Seville

The site of Expo '92, Isla de la Cartuja is now one of Seville's permanent attractions. Before the advent of the exposition, this barren island was inhabited only by the 15th-century Cartuja de Santa Maria de las Cuevas (Carthusian Monastery of St. Mary of the Caves)where Christopher Columbus lived and prepared for his voyages and the adjacent 19th century ceramics factory. Both were impeccably restored to become the lavish Pabell6n Real de Espana (Royal Pavilion of Spain), now an exhibition hall that features rotating exhibits, as well as some displays on the monastery itself.

Two thirds of the 98 pavilions and other buildings erected for Expo '92 remain, and every weekend concerts and a variety of other outdoor events are staged here. Also on the island is a hightech industrial park which houses multinational corporations, a monorail, and track and rowing facilities. In the planning stages is an interactive science theme park comparable to Epcot Center at Florida's Walt Disney World.

Located in the Guadalquivir River, just offshore from northern downtown Seville, Isla de la Cartuja is easily accessible from downtown Seville via the Puente de la Cartuja pedestrian bridge at Plaza de Armas. A newer pedestrian bridge, La Barqueta, is farther up the river in the northern part of the city. Motor vehicles can cross on the Calatrava, the Chapina, and other bridges.

Italica Seville

The impressive ruins of this Roman city, founded at the end of the 3rd century Be by the Roman general Scipio Africanus, are about 5 miles (8 km) northwest of Seville, just outside the town of Santiponce. The birthplace of Hadrian and Trajan, its main attraction is the colossal amphitheater, said to have held 25,000 spectators. The site has been completely excavated, revealing largely intact mosaic floors, baths, and temple remains. There's a museum, although major finds are in Seville's Museo Arqueologico. The Roman amphitheater is used as a stage for dance festivals.

Semana Santa in Seville

Perhaps one of Seville's most popular fiestas is Semana Santa, a seven-day celebration that begins on Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) and lasts through Domingo de Resurreceion (Easter Sunday). The week is highlighted by some of the most colorful floats around (guaranteed to dazzle even the most weary parade-goer), as well as rows and rows of masked paraders prancing through the streets.

The April Fair in Seville

Two weeks after Semana Santa, the colorful Feria, which began in the mid-19th century as a rural livestock market, dominates the city. Andalusia's high-stepping horses, in tassels and bells, go through their paces, and brightly costumed groups parade around town in flower-decked coaches. There are nightly corridas, fireworks, amusements, and dancing - mainly sevillanas in the streets.

Shopping in Seville

Anyone looking for the bargains of a few years back will do better shopping at home, but if you covet a gorgeous hand-embroidered, silk-fringed shawl, you've come to the right place. Seville has Andalusia's largest selection of mantillas, fans, handembroidered linen and shawls (if prices sound too low, make sure it's not machine embroidery), flamenco dresses, castanets, and guitars. Plenty of the above can be found in colorful shops around the cathedral and in the Barrio de Santa Cruz. For more, plus shoes and handbags, go downtown, and don't miss Calle Sierpes.
Seville's favorite pedestrian street, tiled in rose and blue, winds downtown for about five blocks between Plaza de San Francisco, behind the Ayuntamiento (City Hall), and Plaza la Campana, an intersection of several streets near Plaza del Duque (some maps give its full name, Plaza del Duque de la Victoria).

Seville Map

If you are exploring Seville by hire car or on foot, pick up a map of Seville from a tourist information office. Seville maps are normally free and clearly mark the tourist hotspots in the city.

Seville Market

The city's biggest outdoor market sets up its stalls from 10 AM to 2 PM every Sunday along Alameda de Hercules. This is the place for crafts, costume jewelry, antiques, and novelty items. The Plaza del Cabildo (opposite the cathedral) hosts a coin and stamp market every Sunday from about 10 AM to 2 PM. In addition, a leather crafts and jewelry fair takes place daily except Sunday on Plaza del Duque opposite El Corte Ingles. The picturesque Mercado de Triana food market occupies tumbledown stalls under the Puente de Triana across the river, and the indoor EI Arenal food market is near the bullring at Calle Pastor y Landero. Both food markets are open in the mornings only; closed Sundays.

Segovia car hire

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If you are planning to visit Segovia, the best way to get around the region is to hire a car from Barajas Airport Madrid. Airport car hire can be pre-booked and you can save time and money by arranging your car hire before you travel.

Segovia things to do

Occupying a rocky perch high above two deep valleys, between the northern slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama and the high, flat table-land of Castilla y Leon, Segovia has a city center that reaches an altitude of 3,280 feet. Many compare its overall silhouette to that of a ship, with the Alcdzar rising high in the west like a prow above the confluence of the Eresma and Clamores Rivers. Only 57 miles (91 km) northwest of Madrid, Segovia is a favorite retreat for both foreign travelers and Spaaiards, who often make day trips from the capital to savor its scenic charm, historic sights, and out standing food.

The Romans endowed the city with its greatest marvel: a 2,000-year old aqueduct that rises almost 100 feet above the Plaza del Azoguejo and is still in use today. City traffic once passed through the same slender arches that Roman chariots did; but the aqueduct is now closed to traffic as engineers study the extent of damage caused by the vibrations of cars, trucks, and buses rumbling underneath.

Two Roman roads also converged in Segovia, further attesting to its former stature as a strategic military town. With the incursion of the Visigoths in the 6th century, a gradual decline began, subsequently accelerated by 200 years of Muslim rule. Then, revitalized by the Reconquista, Segovia received another boost in prestige in 1474 when Isabella the Catholic was proclaimed Queen of Castile in the Plaza Mayor (she and her husband, King Ferdinand, later tarnished the city's reputation on March 31, 1492, when they signed the decree expelling the Jews from Spain at the Alcdzar).

Decline set in again after the Comuneros uprising of 1520-21, when the comunidades (autonomous cities) of Castile, led by Juan de Padilla of Toledo and Juan Bravo of Segovia, revolted unsuccessfully against the absolutism of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. The city was left badly damaged, and regained its prominence only after Philip V chose nearby La Granja as the site for his castle in the early 18th century.

At the turn of the 20th century, two artists - one painter and one poet focused their creative attentions upon Segovia and Castile. The painter Ignacio Zuloaga was a master at capturing Segovia's special light and the earthy quality of its inhabitants. The poet Antonio Machado, an Andalusian who lived for more than a decade in a house on Calle de los Desamparados that is now a small museum, proclaimed his enchantment with the region in a book of poems entitled Campos de Castilla (Fields of Castile).

The Jewish Quarter of Segovia

Today Segovia rests largely on its historic laurels, and the population depends greatly on a steady stream of visitors from the capital for its continuing prosperity. In recent years the city has been striving to conserve and recover its Jewish heritage by sponsoring conferences and unveiling plans to create a center for Sephardic studies in Segovia's old juderia (Jewish quarter). There are also plans to restore the former Jewish cemetery, which sits on EI Pinarillo hill above the Rio (River) Eresma across from the Alcazar.

Many visitors return to Segovia again and are lured by its great beauty and by its many gastronomic attractions, the greatest of which is cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig). Most Sundays throughout the year, the Plaza Mayor bristles with exuberant throngs honing their appetites on aperitifs and tapas in anticipation of the succulent, sweet pork nestled beneath crisp brown skin.

Later, sated diners walk off their extravagance with a stroll through the narrow streets of the Casco Viejo, the old city centre, making their way from the Alcazar to the cathedral to the Roman aqueduct, past Romanesque churches, buildings covered with the multi-layer plaster esgrafiado designs characteristic of Segovia, ad numerous Spots from which to admire panoramic views. Before returmng home they usually partake of a merienda (afternoon snack) of sweet Segovian mazapan (marzipan) at one of the cafes on the Plaza Mayor or simply stock up on this delicacy for the week. It's a modest but fittingly rich treat for a handsome city that is small yet among Spain's richest in historical treasures.

The Parador at Segovia

Approximately 1'/. miles (2 km) north of Segovia along the N601 highway leading to Valladolid, the Paradorde Segovia offers a marvelous view of the entire city. On Saturday and Sunday nights, the aqueduct and cathedral are illuminated.

Segovia monuments

The major monuments of Segovia are within the confines of the old walled city, the Casco Viejo. Although the walls, which date fo the time of the Reconquest, are barely in evidence today, three of the original seven gates - San Cebrian, Santiago, and San Andres still stand. The walls gave the old part of Segovia its ship-like shape, with Alcazar the bow and the Roman aqueduct the stern. The cathedral and Plaza Mayor are roughly amid ships.

Segovia is known for its remarkable collection of Romanesque churches. They (along with numerous other monuments) are within the walls, but a number of remaining sights are beyond and w the walls on the starboard side (to the north) of the old section, on both sides of the Rio Eresma. As with most medieval cities in Spain, you are advised to drive your hire car to the outskirts and explore the city by foot.

Alcazar Segovia

This Disneyesque castle-palace at the western end of town perches above the confluence of the Eresma and Clamores rivers. In fact, Walt Disney used it as a model for the castle in Sleeping Beauty. Built during the 12th and 13th centuries on top of an older fortress, it was enriched and enlarged in the 15th and 18th centuries with numerous magnificent chambers. Princess Isabella first met Ferdinand in this castle, and in 1474 she set forth from the Alcazar to be crowned Queen of Castile in Segovia's Plaza Mayor; a painting commemorating that event today hangs in the castle's Sala de la Calera (Hospital Ward).

The Alcazar was also the site of Philip II's fourth marriage - this one to Anne of Austria.In the 16th century, the Torre del Homenaje (Tower of Homage, also known as the Torre de Juan II), covered with the typically Segovian esgrafiado decoration suggestive of Moorish times, was used as a state prison. King Carlos III installed the Colegio Real de Artilleria (Royal Artillery College) in the Alcazar in the 17th century.

In 1862 a fierce fire gutted the place, and it was rebuilt in a romantic vein, with a simple charm that is still magical and elegant. Of special interest are the authentic period furnishings and the Mudejar ceilings and tilework (Mudejar is the hybrid Gothic-Moorish style of the Moorish artisans-mudejares permitted to continue living under Christian rule). The 360 view of the Castilian countryside from the top of the Torre del Homenaje is worth the 152 steps up, but you can get a good view of sights outside the city walls from the garden in front of the Alcazar.

Segovia Cathedral

Built in the late Gothic style at a time when Renaissance structures were in vogue (1515 to 1558), this cathedral was, by order of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, constructed on a higher and more secure site than the cathedral it replaced, which had been destroyed in the revolt of the Comuneros. Though in Spain it is known as the lady of the cathedrals because of its elegance, slender lines, and restrained austerity, its treasures are not comparable to those of the cathedrals of Leon or Salamanca.

Noteworthy, however, are the Flamboyant-style choir stalls and Isabelline Gothic cloister, both brought from the old cathedral; the 16th-century carving of La Piedad (Pieta) by Juan de Juni in the Capilla del Santo Entierro (Chapel of the Holy Burial, the first chapel to the right as you enter the church); and the altarpiece in the Capilla de Santiago (St. James Chapel, next to the museum entrance).

Also note the chapels around the apse; painted in pale rococo colors, they are quite different in feeling from the rest. The Sala Capitular (chapter house), used for meetings of the cathedral's clergy, has Flemish tapestries, a 16thcentury Castilian School sculpture of Christ on the cross, and a fine artesolado (wood and gold inlaid ceiling) from the 17th century. The museum contains an 18thcentury gold carriage used in Corpus Christi processions each June. Open daily.

Plaza de San Martin Segovia

This square, at the heart of the walled city, is bordered by old mansions, including the Casa del Siglo XV (House of the 15th Century), often mistakenly identified as the house of Juan Bravo, a 16th-century Segovian who was one of the leaders of the Comuneros uprising and whose statue presides over the lower level of the square. The tower off to one end is the 14th-century Toreon de Lozoya, and the portico running along a side belongs to the 11th-century Iglesia de San Martin, the most centrally located of numerous Romanesque churches in Segovia.

The Segovia Aqueduct

This striking landmark is one of Europe's finest examples of Roman architecture, and the most complete Roman monument in Spain. A majestic row of double arches, made only of oiled granite blocks, the aqueduct was built some 2,000 years ago without the use of cranes, pumps, or even mortar, but with that sense of elegance that the Romans brought to even their most functional creations.

They cut the granite to a perfect, jigsaw fit, then stacked the blocks, creating a remarkable feat of engineering a means of siphoning water from the Acebeda River and transporting it to the city. Stretching from the dusty orange hills above the dry Castilian plain to the city, the aqueduct is 21,500 feet long and 96 feet high, with 166 arches in two tiers.

The most impressive frontal view is from Plaza del Azoguejo, where the aqueduct reaches its highest point.Climb the steps on the left side of the square for the best longitudinal view of the arches stretching into the distance and •the sea of red tiles created by the city rooftops. At the very top, go through the wall, under an arch, and around to the lookout point. Plaza del Azoguejo.

Things to see near Segovia

Iglesia de la Vera Cruz
Across the Rio Eresma just northwest of the city, this early l3th-century house of worship was constructed by the Knights Templars in the late Romanesque style. Modeled after the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, it has 12 sides, an unusual shape for a Spanish church. Inside is a two-story circular room (a sort of churchwithinachurch), a 13thcentury carved wooden Christ above the central apse, and the Capilla Lignum Crucis (Wood of the Cross Chapel) in the base of the tower. The church is said to have once housed a sliver of the actual cross of Christ's crucifixion, hence its name (this relic is now housed in the nearby village of Zamarramala). Closed Mondays. Admission charge. Carretera a Zamarramala.

Monastery of the Vineyard Segovia

Founded by Henry IV in the mid-15th century and given to the Spanish order of St. Hieronymus ( aka Jerome), this monastery is also located across the Rio Eresma a halfmile (1 km) north of the city. The church, a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Plateresque elements, was designed and begun by Juan Gallego at the end of the century, but Its faade was left unfinished.
The monastery was abandoned after the suppression of religious orders in 1835, but it has been restord and is once again occupied by jeronimos. Notable are the alabaster tombs of the Marquis of Villena and his wife, and the polychrome altarpiece, all carved by Juan Rodriguez.

The San Antonio Convent Segovia

Built by Enrique IV during the mid-15th century as a country house, it was later gIven to the Franciscans and the Poor Clares religious orders, who inhabit it to this day. The church has a wonderful original Mudejar ceiling over a huge, lavish altarpIece, plus three smaller altarpieces, including one with a remakable 15th-century Flemish rendering of the Calvario. A nun takes visitors around the cloister and adjoining rooms, where there are more original ceilings and, set in the walls, several small Flemish crucifixion scenes. Open daily. Admission charge to the cloister. To reach the convent, follow the Roman aqueduct from behind the Meso de Candido side of Plaza del Azoguejo; when it ends, with arches about waist high, the convent is only a short distance away.

The Riofrio Palace Segovia

Heading back to Segovia from La Granja on N601, look for the sign and turn-off marked Riofrio. Follow the road 4 miles (6 km) and pass through the intersection following the second sign marked Palacio y Bosque de Riofrio. Continue another 4 miles•(6 km) and turn left at the intersection for SG724. A guard signals the entrance to a protected parkland where an amazing multitude of friendly deer greets you along the last few miles of the road leading to the palace.

The rather plain exterior of the 18th-century peach-colored palace with limegreen shutters belies the elegance within. Built by Isabella Farnese, who feared that she might be ousted from La Granja after Felipe V's death by her stepson, the new king, originally it was conceived as a hunting palace for her own son and later served as a residence for Alfonso XII, grandfather of king Juan Carlos I. Notice the striking series of draped doorways; the chandeliers (mostly of Spanish construction); several tapestries by Goya and Bayeu; and the furnishings and decorations from the days of Alfonso XII.

The northern wing of the palace has been given over to a Museo de La Caza (Museum of the Hunt), which features reproductions of hunting paraphernalia from the prehistoric to the modern era.

Santiago de Compostela Car Hire

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During the Middle Ages, it is estimated that anywhere from 500,000 to 2,000,000 visitors a year poured into this city in north-western Spain. They arrived from all over Europe from as far away as Scandinavia and Britain, from Italy, Germany, and France. Many who came were guided en route by what is considered to be the world's first travel guidebook, written in 1130 by Aymeric Picaud, a French monk.

Though they may have set out alone, they eventually became duos, trios, bands, and masses traveling together across the continent, and the exposure to other cultures fostered by this movement of peoples eventually had enormous influence on medieval thought, art, and architecture.

Santiago became an object of pilgrimage in 813, when the supposed grave of St. James (Santiago is a Spanish form of the name), one of the 12 apostles, was discovered by a hermit, said to have been led to the spot by a bright shining star. (Some say Compostela derives from Campus Stellae, meaning field of the star, while other etymologists say it has little to do with the saint at all, and simply comes from the same Latin word from which compost is derived.) Though the saint was beheaded in Jerusalem, the myth holds that somehow his head was reattached and his body transported by stone ship to Galicia and interred in a field.

A church erected over the site to protect the sacred remains eventually grew into one of the most splendid cathedrals in the world. As its fame spread throughout Europe, Santiago became, along with Jerusalem and Rome, one of Christendom's three holiest cities.

The convenient discovery of the relics served as a badlyneeded unifying force for European Christians, and in particular for their embattled brethren of northern Spain, who, thus inspired, redoubled their efforts to throw out the Moors.

Stories of the Reconquista (Reconquest) are filled with accounts of Christian warriors who claimed they were spurred to victory by visions of Santiago Matamoros (St. James the Moorslayer) striking down the infidels with his lightning-fast sword (some New World conquistadores later claimed similar visions while slaughtering Indians). While most scholars are doubtful that James ever really made it to Iberia, dead or alive, the belief in his presence did have a tremendous influence on Spanish history. With the proclamation of this miraculous discovery, Christian Spain found its patron saint.

The Camino de Santiago Spain

The famous Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James), the pilgrims' route to Santiago, is one of the world's oldest tour routes, marked by the churches, monasteries, hospitals, and hospices (the hotels of the day) set up to accommodate the faithful as they traveled toward their destination. The route remained heavily traveled until 1589, when Sir Francis Drake attacked the Galician naval port of A Coruna . The Bishop of Santiago de Compostela removed the relics to the church for safekeeping and they subsequently disappeared; the pilgrimages ceased untIl the relics were rediscovered in 1879.

Today, pilgrims and the city still honor the saint, and in Jubilee years when his feast day of July 25 falls on a Sunday.Beyond the cathedral, the city's main attraction, the narrow streets of Santiago's zona vell (old quarter) offer an appealing collection of smaller churches, monastenes, and convents, as well as bars, shops, and old merchant houses. The city is also the site of the Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, one of Spain's earliest and most important, which gives it the flavor of a modern university town, with tiny pubs, Celtic music, and non-stop conversations. When its inhabitants empty into the streets to discuss the affairs of the world in galego, the local language (akin to Portuguese), it seems that life in the Galician capital hasn't changed much at all.

Special places to visit in Santiago de Compostela

The main commercial streets - Rua do Franco, Rua do Vilar, and Rua Novaradiate from the right front of the cathedral and are exquisite examples of medieval thoroughfares, lined with opulent houses with elegantly sculpted facades and intricate ironwork. Behind the cathedral are the historic streets that for centuries led pilgrims - many on their knees - into Santiago at the completion of their long journey. A few blocks behind the cathedral, in the Plaza de Abastos, is the bustling town market-place, packed with fish, meat, fruit, and vegetable stands, open every morning except Sundays.

St James Cathedral Santiago de Compostela

The culmination point of one of the world's primary pilgrimages, the cathedral was built on the site of an oman graveyard and the foundations of a basilica built by Alfonso II in the 9th century to house the supposed remains of St. James. All but St. James's tomb were destroyed by the Moors in 997. The present structure was begun around 1075, and was largely completed in the 13th century. The saint's relics are buried under the high altar.

The cathedral is basically a Baroque shell around a Romanesque interior. Its western side, known as the Obradoiro (Goldwork) facade, is considered among the most beautiful cathedral facades in the Christian world. Facing the Praza do Obradoiro and towering above a broad flight of steps, the Obradoiro, completed in 1750, is a Baroque masterpiece of decorative flourishes and merging curves and lines.

Facing south onto Praza das Praterfas (also known, in Spanish, as Plaza de las Platerfas) is the cathedral's famous Porta das Praterlas (Silversmiths' Door), a 12thcentury Romanesque work. The Porta Santa (Holy Door), also known as the Porta do Perdon (Door of Forgiveness), open only in Jubilee years, faces east onto Praza da Quintana and dates from 1611. The north facade, facing Praza da Acibecherfa, also called Praza da Inmaculada, contains the Porta da Acibecheria (Jet Door, as in the form of coal used for jewelry).

Illuminated exclusively by candles and occasional shafts of sunlight, the cathedral's interior is a magnificent world of Romanesque opulence and hushed reverence. Just inside the Obradoiro entrance is the Portico da Grona (Gate of Glory), essentially an older, Romanesque facade within the Baroque one. Carved by the renowned sculptor Master Mateo between 1168 and 1188, the Portico da Groria was part of the original Romanesque cathedral.

A sculptural masterpiece, it has three arched doorways and more than 200 carved figures. The central column of the main doorway, carved as a Tree of Jesse, rises to a figure of the seated St. James. It is customary for pilgrims to touch the marble pillar upon their safe arrival, and after centuries, five smooth finger holes have been worn into the marble. At the base of the pillar, kneeling and facing the high altar, is a sculpted selfportrait of Master Mateo. Many pilgrims tap their head against his, hoping to receive Some of his genius.

Above on the central arch are the 24 old men of the Apocalypse surrounding Christ; they hold instruments, the central one of which is a Galician zanfona (hurdygurdy), found only in Celtic regions of the world. The left arch bears a grouping of statues of the imprisoned tribes of Israel, and Adam and Eve on either side of Christ. The Last Judgement is depicted on the right arch.

The high altar is a dazzling creation in silver and gold backed by another statue of St. James. The altar is built atop the crypt of St. James, and the faithful can climb down the stairs to pay their respects. Many pilgrims also climb up behind the altar to embrace the statue and kiss the saint's mantle. The cathedral museum contains ecclesiastic items such as the bota fumeiro (a giant incense burner swung over the congregation by five me during important services), a collection of tapestries depicting everyday Iif in the Middle Ages, and archaeological artifacts. The portico off the museum offers excellent views of the town and of the Plaza do Obradoiro.

Things to do in San Sebastian Spain

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Just 12 miles (19 km) from the French border, on Spain's North Atlantic Coast, San Sebastian is a world apart from the rest of the country, and also a city unlike any other in the Basque Country. Its cafes serve the best croissants south of the Pyrenees, it's the only city in Spain without a bullring, and it has no real business area. Its avenues are broad and tree-lined, its shops luxurious and chic, and its climate is more Atlantic than Mediterranean. Set around one of Europe's finest natural bays, the Bahia de la Concha (Seashell Bay), this most elegant turn-of-the-century Belle Epoque beach resort is protected from northerly winds by Mt. Urgull and Mt. Igeldo, which rise up on either side of the town.

The wide, curved Playa de la Concha, one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, is topped by an exquisite promenade of ornate railings and impressive buildings, and the walkways on either side of the Rio (River) Urumea are another taste of 19th-century elegance in this otherwise modern, tidy, and pretty city. In the summer, San Sebastian is packed with visitors from France, Italy, and the rest of Spain, and is especially busy during the international jazz and film festivals in July and September. Yet even during peak season, when there isn't a spare hotel room to be had, this surprisingly small city has the calm air of a small town.

The first recorded mention of San Sebastian was in 1014, when a donation was made by King Sancho el Mayor to a monastery here. In 1200 the watchtower on Mt. Urgull began to be expanded into a wider system of city defenses, and the Kingdom of Navarre, of which the town was a part, was joined with King Alfonso VI's Castile. San Sebastian joined the Sea Brotherhood with other coastal towns in 1294 and established trade relations with England and Brittany.

The history of San Sebastian Spain

Harbor construction began in 1450; in the Middle Ages, the city's inhabitants were well known for the whaling and cod fishing that took them as far as the Newfoundland banks. San Sebastian became a large port, and from its wharves, oil and wine were shipped to the rest of Europe. By the 18th century, the city had a special cacao trading deal with Caracas, Venezuela. With the growth of Bilbao along the coast, however, the city's importance as a port declined, and today its seafaring activities are limited to a little anchovy, sardine, and tuna fishing.

In 1813, near the end of the Peninsular War, which was fought by Napoleon and France against Great Britain, Portugal, and the Spanish guerrillas on the Iberian Peninsula, the town was burned down. Local residents rebuilt; in 1814 they laid the four cornerstones of the Plaza de la Constitucion in the center of the Parte Vieja (Old Town) adjacent to the old fishing port on the city's eastern promontory. By the 1840s, the Parte Vieja was resurrected and San Sebastian had quietly re-established itself as the major town on the Spanish coast between France and Bilbao.

It wasn't until 1845, however, when Queen Isabella II spent the surmmer in San Sebastian, that the city became a high class holiday resort. In 1863, the town was demilitarized and the city walls were demolished. This allowed urban expansion to boom in the 1860s, and the first buildings in the residential and shopping districts were raised as the glorious line of promenade buildings above Playa de la Concha began taking shape.

By the 1870s, San Sebastian was the summer home for many European aristocrats; in 1887 La Concha was awarded the title of royal beach; and in 1902 a municipal company was established to promote the city and build a grand hotel. By this time, San Sebastian had been a Spanish pioneer in installing a tram system, electric street lighting, and telephone service.

Hotel King Alfonso VIII San Sebastian Spain

On July 8; 1912, Queen Maria Cristina opened the grand hotel named after her. The hotel became her husband King Alfonso XIII's winter residence, and members of many European royal families spent long periods there. Completely restored during the 1980s, it's still one of the best hotels in northern Spain and, with the majestic Teatro Victoria Eugenia (Victoria Eugenia Theater) standing alongside, it is a marvelous example of the Belle Epoque architecture for which San Sebastian is renowned.

Basque language and traditions

Located in the midst of the Basque Country known as the Pais Vasco to the Spanish, as Euskadi to the Basques themselves, San Sebastian is also a center of Basque culture and nationalist pride. The town is in the province of Guipuzcoa (Gipuzkoa in the Basque language), the smallest province in Spain and of the three that make up the Basque Country the one that has best preserved its Basque customs.

The town is known to its inhabitants by its Basque name, Donostia, and the complex euskera language (also called euskara) is spoken by at least 50% of the donostiarras, as the city folk are known, and by up to 90% of the people in neighboring towns. If you want to make an impression on a donostiarra, try a couple of phrases in Basque: Egunon (pronounced Ehgoonawn) for good morning or good day, agur (ahgoor) for goodbye, and eskerrik asko (ehsskehrreek ahssko) for thank you.

Since the 1960s, Basque political upheaval has put San Sebastian on the front pages of Spanish newspapers for all the wrong reasons. Since Franco's reign ended with his death in 1975, the Basque nationalist movement intensified, resulting in the assassinations of some 800 people (most of them police or military men). San Sebastian's Parte Vieja and Alameda del Boulevard were, until the late 1980s, the scenes of frequent clashes between radical separatists and riot police.

Most Basques are nationalists who are demanding greater political independence from Madrid, but now only a small minority back the ETA (Euskadi ta Askatasuna; Euskadi and Freedom), who advocate armed struggle, not unlike Ireland's IRA. The Parte Vieja's walls still are splashed with graffiti extolling the justice of the Basque fight for self-determination and the violence of the ETA, but the 1990s have brought relative calm to the city. The Basque autonomous government established under Spain's 1978 constitution is currently dominated by the moderate PNV (Partido Nacional Vasco, or Basque National Party), and support for radical separatism has dwindled.

Basque festivals San Sebastian

The local sense of Basque national identity is also displayed during the many fiestas held throughout the year, when traditional Basque music is played on three-holed tin whistles known as txistus, and on small drums and there's Basque folkloric dancing. Rural sports are also an integral par of Basque culture; pelota (better known to Americans as jai alai), is well known outside the Basque region.

Basque food in San Sebastian

San Sebastian is also renowned for excellent food. The city is acknowledged as the birthplace of the nueva cocina vasca (new Basque cuisine), a culinary culture that emerged in earnest about 20 years ago. But the city's reputation as a culinary center goes back more than 100 years, when the first gastronomic societies were founded by local fishermen, who cooked their catches in quayside kitchens.

Today, there are 1,000 all-male societies in the Basque Country, whose dining rooms are for members and guests only (the best-known ones in San Sebastian's Parte Vieja now allow women to dine at certain hours). Visitors can inquire at the tourist office about the chances of being invited to a society dining room, but if it can't be arranged, San Sebastian's restaurants offer some of the best food in Spain, second only to the restaurants of Madrid.

To truly appreciate San Sebastian, take an early evening stroll along the Paseo de la Concha, walking along the charming streets surrounded by the deep, still bay and low, undulating hills. Then stop for the pre-dinner poteo (a glass of wine or two) and tapas in the Parte Vieja before feasting at one of the city's fine dining spots. You'll soon begin to understand why visitors fall in love with this beautiful, fascinating city.

Places to visit in San Sebastian

San Sebastian is best surveyed from either Mt. Igeldo or Mt. Urgull. Urgull, the more accessible of the two, is criss-crossed by wooded and winding paths that can be joined where the Parte Vieja (Old Town) meets the fishing port, or from the Paseo Nuevo, the promenade that begins beyond the aquarium and skirts the hill. Below is the tiny fishing port, brightly colored and more touristic than industrial. Then there's the splendid Playa de la Concha, backed by two miles of elegant hotels and apartment blocks (no building is higher than seven stories).

A rocky promontory separates La Concha from the next beach, Playa de Ondarreta, and beyond it is the higher Mt. Igeldo. Mt. Igeldo (the Basque form of the name is the one more widely used these days; in Spanish it's Igiieldo) is best ascended by car, by the bus (marked Igeldo) that leaves every few minutes from the Alameda del Boulevard, or by the funicular that leaves from the end of Ondarreta. The hill dominates the western end of the bay, and It offers wonderful views of the Basque coast toward Zarauz and Getana.

Special places to go in San Sebastian

Playa de la Concha is the pearl in the San Sebastian oyster and, with its promenade, the beach dominates the city except at night, when the Parte Vieja (Old Town) and the fishing port at La Concha's eastrn end take over. South of the Parte Vieja and La Concha is the charming shopping and residential area, bordered to the east by the Urumea River. This placid, pleasant area (from the Alameda del Boulevard to Plaza de Guipuzcoa, then on past Avenida de la Libertad to Plaza de Bilbao and the cathedral), which this year is to be made off-limits to all vehicles except those of district residents, is not much more than 100 years old.
Every single sight, monument, and museum can easily be exhausted in a day - even more reason for a calm and unhurried visit.

Car hire in San Sebastian Spain

If you are planning to travel to San Sebastian Airport or Bilbao Airport you can arrange car hire before you travel. If you plan to tour around the north of Spain, pre-book car hire to save you money and delays when you arrive. Car hire from San Sebastian Airport and Bilbao Airport will provide you with the perfect way to get around northern Spain.

Places to go in San Sebastian

Playa de la Concha

This superb strand is the symbol of San Sebastian and undoubtedly the most famous stretch of coastline in Spain. When the tide is out, several acres of fine sand are exposed. In the summer, it is a family beach, thankfully free of hordes of radio-blasting rowdies, In the winter, there are soccer tournaments here. The promenade above the beach - Paseo de la Conchais equally delightful, with ornate balustrades and richly ornamental Belle Epoque lampposts. Extending westward beyond a small rocky outlet is Playa de Ondarreta, another clean and excellent beach, but smaller than La Concha.

The old town of San Sebastian

The Parte Vieja is not architecturally significant, apart from a handful of buildings that survived the burning of the city in 1813, but it is the marketplace and social center of San Sebastian. Its narrow, bustling streets, bordered by the Alameda del Boulevard, the estuary of the Rio Urumea, Mt. Urgull, and the port, are packed with bars, taverns, specialty shops, restaurants, and gastronomic societies. The arcaded Plaza de la Constitución, with the former city hall at one end, stands in the center.

Bullfights used to be held in the square, and the numbered balconies where spectators once gathered still remain. The city's two most important churches are survivors of the 1813 fire -the Gothic Iglesia de San Vicente. San Sebastian's oldest building, dating from 1570, and the Baroque Iglesia de Santa Maria.

The Museum of San Telmo San Sebastian

The early 16th-century building opposite the Iglesia de San Vicente began as a Dominican monastery, became an artillery barracks in 1836, and was converted into a beautiful museum in 1932. Of greatest interest is the section dedicated to Basque ethnography, with paintings, statues, farming utensils, fossilized skeletons, and spinning tools. Artist Jose Maria Sert painted a series of works on the subject of Basque mythology especially for the museum; there also are three paintings by EI Greco.

City Hall San Sebastian

Originally a casino, this twin-towered building is now one of the most impressive city halls in Spain, with an exquisite decor and numerous marble staircases. Opened in 1887, the Gran Casino instantly became the center of business activity and progress in the city. Among other things, the casino financed the Jardines Alderdi Eder, gardens which brighten the area around the Ayuntamiento with squat tamarind trees and a children's playground. A ban on gambling in 1924 closed the building until 1947, when the City Council moved in.

The Aquarium San Sebastian

Officially known as the Museo Oceanografico, the aquarium has many types of marine fauna on view; the first-floor museum boasts collections of shells, fish, seabirds, seaweed, crustacea, and coral.

The Naval Museum San Sebastian

Set in an 18th-century building on the wharf, near the aquarium, this charming museum opened in 1991. Hundreds of nautical instruments, models, and maps document the historical Basque connection to the sea. A library and a video room are open.

The Santa Cruz de la Mota Museum

Around the ruins of the castle on top of Mt. Urgull are the remains of several rusting cannon left by Napoleon's troops when the Duke of Wellington stormed the town in 1813. Within the castle are three modern chapels topped by a nearly 100-foot statue of Christ, visible from anywhere in the city. Mass is held on Sundays in one of the chapels. Grounds open daily. No admission charge.

The River Urumea San Sebastian

The real delight here consists of the walks along either side of the river as it flows into the Bahia de Vizcaya (Bay of Biscay). The Urumea is spanned by three Parisian-style bridges of great charm for lovers of the Belle Epoque ornate. The 1905 Puente Marfa Cristina, which leads from the residential area at Plaza de Bilbao to Estación Norte, the main France-Madrid railway station, is especially flamboyant, with tiered turrets at either end. The Puente Santa Catalina, nearer to the sea, takes traffic over to the unspectacular Gros district, where there is a third San Sebastian beach, Playa de Gros, which is due to complete a $20million makeover by next year as a more spacious and protected strand with a breakwater and a promenade.

The third bridge, Puente Zurriola de Kursaal, is just yards from the sea, near the historic Teatro Victoria Eugenia and the Marla Cristina hotel. The 10-minute stroll to the bay on either side of the river, along the Paseo Republica Argentina or the Paseo de Francia, offers a pleasant alternative to La Concha.

The Good Shepherd Cathedral San Sebastian

The 250-foot high cathedral was inaugurated in 1897. A neo-Gothic structure with striking exterior flying buttresses and a belfry that opens to a central nave, it stands in a large square in the modern quarter. It made headlines on July 18, 1946, the 10th anniversary of the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, when Basque nationalist Joseba EIosegui climbed to the top and raised the then banned Basque flag. Open daily. Plaza del Buen Pastor.

The Miramar Palace

The English-style edifice (whose name translates as Seaview Palace) stands on a low hill overlooking La Concha and Ondarreta Beaches, with the residential district of Antiguo behind it. Built in 1893, it served as a royal residence until 1929, the year Queen Maria Cristina died. It was recently renovated but is closed to the public. The expansive lawns, however, are open daily. No admission charge.

The Ayete Palace San Sebastian

Built by the Duke of Bailen in 1878, this was the summer residence of King Alfonso XII and Queen Marfa Cristina until the Palacio Miramar was constructed. Set back from the bay on the Ayete estate, amid more than 25,000 acres of beautiful parkland, the palace was also the summer residence of Generalissimo Francisco Franco from 1940 until his death in 1975, and the site of his cabinet meetings every summer. The palace is closed to the public, but the lush forest trails are worth a stroll.

Monte Igeldo

A trip to the heart of Mt. Igeldo affords some idyllic panoramas of the dramatic coastline of the Bay of Biscay and the Guipuzcoan countryside, not to mention a chance to sample some traditional local sidra (cider), second in fame and quality only to that from Asturias.

Fuentrrabbia

Known as Hondarribia in the Basque language, euskera, this beautiful town lies 15 miles (23 km) east of San Sebastian, and overlooks the French town of Hendaye, from which it is separated by the Bidasoa River. Not surprisingly, Fuenterrabia was a fortress town for centuries, and historians have lost count of the number of sieges it suffered. So many Castilian kings honored it for fighting off French attacks that the town bears an official title meaning very noble, very loyal, very courageous, and always very faithful.

The town's Nagusi Kalea (Main Street) is straight out of the Middle Ages, and the nearby narrow streets are flanked by Renaissance and Baroque mansions with huge carved eaves and wroughtiron balconies. Its many fine restaurants make it a popular destination on Sundays. The town is dominated by an 11 th-century fortress that was restored by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V in the 16th century and is now home to the Parador el Emperador, which has reopened after extensive repairs.

San Sebastian Events

One of Spain's great undiscovered festivals, the January 19 and 20 Tamborrada (Festival of Drums), takes place in San Sebastian. January 20 is the Fiesta de San Sebastian (Feast Day of St. Sebastian), but the festivities start on the 19th, with a hearty feast in one of the gastronomic societies or restaurants. Then, for 24 hours beginning at midnight on the 19th, the Parte Vieja (Old Town) is filled with people dressed as 19thcentury soldiers, bakers, and chefs, all banging tambores (drums), in keeping with a tradition that began in the early 19th century although nobody knows exactly how or why. There are over 40 tamborrada processions, but the two most important are the adults' procession at midnight on the 19th in the Plaza de la Constitución, and the children's procession with 4,000 chiIdren at midday on the 20th outside the
Ayuntamiento.

The next important event is the Festival Internacional de Jazz, or Jazzaldia during the second half of July, followed by the Aste Nagusia (Big Week) of carnivals around August 15, which involves Basque Sports, processions, folklore displays, gastronomic competitions, and even pro-independence alternative events, in addition to incredible nightly fireworks displays.

The last two weeks of August offer the Quincena de Musica Donostiarra (Don ostia Music Fortnight), a cycle of classical music concerts. The Basque Fiestas, and celebrate euskera, the Basque language, begin on the fIrst Sunday in September. The famous Regatas de Traineras (fishing boat rowing races), which have been held on Bahia de Ia Concha since 1879 are held on the first two Sundays in September.

Tens of thousands gather to watch and wager money on teams from every town and village along the Basque coast and, during the week between the races, to participate in Basque Sports tree chopping, rock lifting, pelota, oxen dragging rocks as well as folkloric dancing, improvised poetry and theater performances in Basque, and basket making. San Sebastian's most prestigious annual event is the Festival Internacional de Cine de San Sebastian (San Sebastian International Film Festival), during the second half of September, now one of the premIer events of its type in Europe.

Things to do in Salamanca

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The golden glow of Salamanca lingers long after you have left this city. The splendid Plateresque, Renaissance, and Baroque facades of the buildings in the historic section of town made of soft, fine piedra arenisca (amber sandstone )have, with age, acquired a warm, distinctive patina that grows ever richer with the passing centuries and that makes the cityscape truly memorable.

Unlike other towns in Spain, Salamanca has remained reasonably free of the deleterious effects of modern architecture and mass tourism. The home of one of the world's most ancient universities, it has conducted itself through the ages with dignity so much so that its magnificent monuments and academic structures can seem somewhat imposing to visitors. But Salamanca is really an intimate, lively place, with an army of students to nip any nascent pompousness in the bud.

While the Phoenicians were busy establishing Cadiz in the south, the area of Salamanca was inhabited by Iberian tribes who left their mark with the imposing carved stone bulls, or verracos, that are seen throughout the province. Beginning about 900 BC, the Celts from the north mingled with the Iberians of the central plateau, creating two Celtiberian tribes known as Vettons (primarily herdsmen) and Vacceos (primarily farmers).

Hannibal conquered the city in 220 BC during the Second Punic War, and soon after, under the Romans, it became an important communications and trade center. A long, peaceful, and prosperous Roman reign was brought to a contentious halt with the arrival of Germanic tribes in the 5th century AD. Under the Vandals and Visigoths, and then the Islamic Moors, Salamanca fell into relative obscurity. After the Moors were driven out by the Christians in 1085, the area was resettled by an ethnic mix of Franks, Castilians, Portuguese, Jews, Galicians, and some English.

Salamanca University Spain

The Universidad de Salamanca was established in 1218, making it along with those in Paris, Bologna, Prague, and Oxford one of Europe's oldest universities. It achieved great renown and garnered tremendous intellectual respect for its role in reintroducing the world to the works of the ancient Greek and Muslim philosophers, translated into Latin and vernacular Spanish by the university's Muslim, Jewish, and Christian scholars. Favored by kings and popes, the university reached its peak of prestige during Spain's golden age in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Early in the 16th century, 8,000 of Salamanca's 20,000 residents were university students. Miguel de Cervantes, St. John of the Cross, and others studied, taught, or spent time in Salamanca, the prime intellectual breeding ground of the period. Delicate and elaborately detailed, the Plateresque facade of the university in the Patio de Escuelas (Courtyard of the Schools) is a symbol of the spirit and wealth of those times.

With the waning of Spain's golden age during the 17th century, Salamanca shared in the decline of Castilian cities, a condition that lasted throughout the 18th century. As the 20th century dawned, the city had only 25,000 inhabitants; but despite the tremendous political upheavals of Spain in this century, Salamanca has continued to thrive. The university also continues to attract a sizable foreign student body, which lends a cosmopolitan air to this otherwise staunchly Castilian town.

Present-day Salamanca society is clearly divided into students and non-students, who, for the most part, studiously avoid each other. The university which is not as prestigious as it used to be has buildings throughout the city, and most after-class socializing takes place in the city's numerous bars. Meanwhile, the salmantinos go about their business largely indifferent to the cultural legacy handed down to them through the centuries. It is left to the legions of visitors, drawn here by the city's architectural and intellectual riches, to marvel at Salamanca's golden splendor.

Salamanca Attractions

The best view of the city is from the Parador de Salamanca, located on a hill south of the city and across the Rio (River) Tormes. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, many of the monuments are illuminated for several hours after nightfall. The spires of the city's sidebyside cathedrals and the dome and towers of La Clerecfa dominate the scene.

Many of Salamanca's streets are narrow and winding, with numerous one way thoroughfares, but the Centro Ciudad (City Center) signs lead those arriving by car right into the heart of the city. Once there, it is best to proceed on foot, as all the main sights are concentrated compactly in the zona monumental (monument zone), largely between the Plaza Mayor and the river. Visiting hours for the city's sights are erratic and may change with the seasons, so be sure to check with the main tourist information office (see Tourist Information, below) for current hours, though even those may not turn out to be completely accurate.

The Roman Bridge in Salamanca Spain

Spanning the Rio Tormes, this 26-arch bridge was constructed by the Romans in 217 BC. In the middle of the bridge stands an imposing verraco (catone bull), the handiwork of the Iberian tribes who first lived in the area. Local historians say that the statue has always been in the vicinity of the bridge since its pre-Roman inception, but it has been in its present post since the mid 1800s. Once vilified as a symbol of the pagan past, it was at one point thrown into the river on orders from a provincial governor; his successor had it fished out a few years later.

The Plaza Mayor Salamanca

Deemed by many to be he most beautiful plaza in all of Spain, there can be no better place to sIt down and enjoy a cup of coffee than this golden trapezoid. Foreign students sit on the cobblestones and practice their espanol, while mothers sit on benches and try to keep their children from rolling on the ground.

In the evening, bands of students uniformed in black and red breeches, leotards, and billowing sleeves wander through the plaza armed with violins, guitars, and mandolins. Known collectively as la tuna, they occasionally come to rest around a cafe table, singing local songs, attracting crowds, and drinking on the house.

Like most places in Spain, this 18th century square wasn't always quite so peaceful; it used to double as the city's bullring (and still does on rare occasions).The square measures roughly 63,500 square feet, with arcades housing boutiques, souvenir stores, pastry shops, and assorted bars and eateries surrounding it at ground level. Above the arcades are three stories of balconies, interrupted only by the fagade of the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall), which juts out and up to break the uniformity. Begun in 1729 and completed 34 years later, the plaza was originally built as an enclosed market area and arena for public fiestas.

It remains the heart of town and the focal point of the festivities of the Feria de Salamanca, celebrated every year during the second two weeks in September.

The Old Cathedral Salamanca

These stand adjacent to one another, though they are four centuries apart in age. Visitors ordinarily enter the old structure through the new one. The Catedral Nueva was begun in 1513 and was in use by 1560, although it wasn't consecrated until 1733. Conceived in a Gothic vein, in actual construction it also drew from the Renaissance and Baroque vernaculars. Outside, the church bristles with more than 400 Gothic spikes, and the main doorway, facing Calle Cardenal Playdeniel, is a prime example of the Plateresque stone carvers' art, with biblical scenes in high relief and ornamental borders so richly detailed they tax the eye.

Inside, the new cathedral is notable for the 18th-century Baroque wooden choir stalls; for the two organs; for the Cristo de las Batallas, a famous 11th-century Romanesque crucifix said to have been carried into battle by EI Cid; and for the Capilia Dorada (Golden Chapel) located near the entrance to the old cathedral, its walls plastered with small statues of saints, angels, and prophets.

The Catedral Vieja, down a flight of stairs off the south aisle of the new one, dates from the 12th century. Its layout, columns, capitals, and external arches are in Romanesque style, its internal arches and vaults are Gothic. Simpler and more fortresslike than its replacement, the church's monochromatic interior is enlivened by an extraordinary 15th-century main altarpiece made up of 53 panels depicting the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary.

Among the rooms around the adjoining cloister, be sure to note the 12th-century Capilla Talavera, used at one time for Mozarabic rite masses (of Christians living under Moorish rule) and topped with a distinctive Romanesque Mudejar dome; the 14th-century Capula Santa Barbara, where university examinations once were held and where degree candidates customarily spent the night before finals praying; and the Capilla Santa Catalina and Salas Capitulares (Chapter Rooms), set up as a museum of religious items.

Most of the exterior of the old cathedral is obscured by the new one, but before leaving the complex entirely, walk around back to the Patio Chico (Little Courtyard), from which the older church's strange looking Torre del Gallo (Rooster Tower), covered with scalelike stones, is visible.

The Fine Arts Museum Salamanca

Through the door adjacent to the Escuelas Menores and under the 15th-century roof of the former house of Dr. Alvarez Abarca, Queen Isabella's physician, the museum has an eclectic display of paintings and sculptures, both Spanish and foreign, old and modern.

The Convent of St Stephen Salamanca

This 16th-century church, part of a Dominican convent, is just down Calle Tostado from Plaza de Anaya. It sports another of Salamanca's stunning Plateresque facades, this one depicting the martyrdom of San Esteban and the crucifixion of Christ. Inside is a sumptuous, late-17th century golden altarpiece by Jose Benito de Churriguera, in the upper reaches of which is El martirio de San Esteban, Claudio Coello's painting of the saint's martyrdom by stoning.

To the side of the church is the beautiful two-story Claustro de Los Reyes (Kings' Cloister), the only one of the convent's three cloisters that is open to the public. From its second story, a door opens into the church's coro alto (upper choir), from which the view of the altarpiece is breathtaking. Open daily. Admission charge. Plaza Santo Domingo.

The Convent of the Ladies Salamanca

Nearly next door to San Esteban, the 15th-century Moorish-style structure here was a private home before it was donated to a group of duenas (aristocratic nuns or pious lay women of high social standing living in community). Only the five-sided, 16thcentury Renaissance cloister is open to visitors, but it's a real treat. Whereas most of the rich stone carving in Salamanca is too distant or too much in the dark to be easily seen, the elaborate capitals of the cloister's upper tier are only slightly above eye level, so their charming, amusing, and grotesque human and animal figures can be brought into sharp focus. The duenas sell their homemade sweets at the despacho (shop) in a corner of the entry courtyard. Convent and shop are open daily. Admission charge. Plaza del Concilio de Trento.

The House of Shells Salamanca

Covered with the carved seashells that give the building its name, this is one of the more famous landmarks in Salamanca. It dates from the 15th century and incorporates Moorish, Gothic, and Renaissance elements. The scallop shell is the emblem of Santiago (St. James) and, by extension, the international symbol for pilgrims; today it's used as a symbol to mark the Pilgrims' Route to Santiago de Compostela. The concha was also the badge of the Pimental family, one of whose members was the bride of the building's owner, a member of the Maldonado family.

The Maldonado symbol, the fleurdelis, is on the coat of arms above the door. In recent years the building has been opened to the public as a general library, and visitors are free to stroll through the rooms and patio as long as library rules are observed. But unfortunately, after the interior's extensive renovation not much of the onginal workmanship remains. Open daily. No admission charge. Corner of Rua Antigua and Calle de la Compania.

What to do in Madrid

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The city's major museums should not be overlooked. Note that the hours of many museums may vary during the summer, and smaller museums may be closed during July and August.

The Basilica de San Miguel

This is an unusual 18th-century church with an air of Italian Baroque in its convex facade and graceful interior.

The Church of San Isidro

This imposing 17th-century church was temporarily designated Madrid's cathedral in 1885, pending the completion of the Catedral de la Almudena, which was under construction for more than a century before its final completion in 1993. The entombed remains of St. Isidro, Madrid's male patron saint, and those of his wife, Santa Marfa de la Cabeza (St. Mary of the Head), are on the altar.

The Sorolla Studio and Museum

Joaquin Sorolla, the Valencian Impressionist painter of light, lived, worked, and died (in 1923) in this house. The studio and library remain intact. There's also a collection of his works.

The Cerralbo Museum

The palatial 19th-century mansion of the Marquis of Cerralbo houses an important collection of art, antiques, ceramics, tapestries, and ancient artifacts. Outstanding among the paintings are works by El Greco, Ribera, Velazquez, Zurbaran, and Van Dyck.

The City Museum Madrid

This relatively new museum testifies to the evolution of Madrid.

The Wax Museum Madrid

An international gallery of historic personages, including celebrity bullfighters and such fictional Spanish notables as Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Open daily. Admission charge. Centro Colon.

The National Museum of Decorative Arts

Four floors of furniture, porcelains, jewelry, Spanish tiles and fans, a full Valencian kitchen, and handicrafts from the 16th through 19th centuries.

The National Railway Museum Madrid

Madrid's first train station, the Estación de las Delicias, now is a museum complete with intact antique trains, royal cars, and other predecessors of the modern railroad.

The Pantheon of Goya Museum Madrid

Goya painted the magnificent religious frescoes on the dome and walls of this small 18thcentury church, which was to become his tomb. It's also called the Ermita de San Antonio (Hermitage of St. Anthony).

The Bullfighting Museum Madrid

A major collection of bullfighting memorabilia. Open daily during bullfighting season (May through October). Admission charge.

Templo de Debod Madrid

A gift from the Egyptian government in the 1970s, this 2,500-year old Egyptian temple was shipped to Madrid in 1,359 cases and reassembled, towering over a reflecting pool. Theater and music performances are held here in summer.

Pamplona and the bull run

The ultimate expression of Pamplona's gusto is the world-famous Fiesta de San FermIn, held annually in July to honor the city's native-born patron saint, martyred in 287. Without a doubt it is Spain's wildest event, highlighted by the famous encierros, or running of the bulls through the town streets, and by attendant non-stop revelry.

Festival de los San Fermines

The fiesta, also known as the Festival de Los San Fermines, originated in the 17th century and was immortalized by Ernest Hemingway in his first novel, The Sun also Rises (known as Fiesta in Spain). A number of other Spanish towns have similar runnings of the bulls, but they did not have the luck to be chronicled by Papa Hemingway. His book's vivid descriptions have drawn millions to Pamplona over the years, and in honor of his elevation of local fortunes there is a statue of the writer on Paseo Hemingway, next to the Plaza de Toros.

The capital of the ancient Pyrenean Basque kingdom of Navarre was founded as Pompaelo, after the Roman general Pompey, who camped here with his troops on a hillside above the Rio Arga (Arga River) in the winter of 7574 BC (in euskera, the Basque language, the city is called Iruiia). Long known as the Gateway to Spain, it lies at the junction of two mountain passes through the Pyrenees from France. Pamplona is now the capital of the region of Navarre, one of Spain's 17 autonomous communities, and with its large populartion has grown beyond the core of the Casco Viejo (Old Town) and its fortress walls.

The history of Pamplona

The city was occupied by the Visigoths in the 5th century, by the Franks in the 6th, and by the Moors in the 8th. The Basques, with the help of Charlemagne and his Frankish troops, drove the Moors out in 750. Charlemagne remained in Spain as an invader, however, and soon after he sacked Pamplona and tore down its defensive walls.

In an act of patriotic revenge, Basque forces annihilated the rear guard of Charlemagne's army, led by the legendary knight Roland, at Roncesvalles Pass in 778, an event later romanticized in the epic poem the Song of Roland. Sancho III of Navarre made the city the capital of his kingdom in the year 1000, and so it remained until 1512, when the forces of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella destroyed a second set of walls and occupied the city in the process of annexing Navarre to Castile.

In the same century, during a battle to recapture the city, a young army captain named Iigo Lopez de Loyola (who later became known to the English-speaking world as St. Ignatius of Loyola) was seriously wounded and endured a lengthy convalescence here. He began to study religion, and in the 1530s founded the Society of Jesus, the Catholic religious order whose members are called Jesuits. Still later in the century, Philip II began a third set of walls, turning Pamplona into the most heavily fortified city in northern Spain.

The old section of the city, still partly surrounded by the historic fortress walls, is filled with old aristocratic mansions, convents, and churches. Pamplona's central point is the Plaza del Castillo, whih offers an overview of the town's diverse architectural styles. Fascist classIc, Art Nouveau, and chrome and glass mix; arcades only make it partway around the plaza, and streets enter at odd, irregular angles.

The lack of architectural consistency carries over to the churches. The mostly Gothic Catedral bears an unusual classical Greco-Roman fa«ade of the Baroque era; the Iglesia de San Saturnino (St. Saturninus Church), a former fortress, is a composite of Gothic and Romanesque; and the exterior of the Iglesia de San Nicolas is that of a medieval castle with Gothic embellishments.

What is consistent, however, is the strong bond among the people of Pamplona, and their independent spirit. When Charlemagne came down from the north to drive out the Moors, the pamplonicas welcomed him WIth open arms as a liberator, but when his plan to conquer revealed itself, they quickly changed their tune. It also was in Pamplona that the Fueros, a bIll of rights similar to the Magna Carta, was signed m the 1st century. It guaranteed the people of Navarre independence from Castlllan monarchs, and imposed a system of justice still practiced today. Neighbors of the strongly separatist Basque Country, the pamplonicas, many of whom are Basque themselves, nonetheless maintain tolerance for political and cultural differences.

Car hire in Pamplona

If you are planning to visit Pamplona, particularly during the bull run, make sure you hire a car in plenty of time from the airport before you travel. The week of the Pamplona bull run in July is the busiest time of the year in the city, so pre-book car hire from Pamplona Airport before you fly.

Places to see in Pamplona

The most spectacular view of this hilltop city is from the roads descendIng the Pyrenees over the Roncesvalles and Puerto de Velate Passes round France. As you approach the city limits, the fortress walls rise dramatically over Pamplona, which is topped by the spires of the cathedral and the clustered buildings of the Casco Viejo. The wide green belt of parks, gardens, and tree-lined avenues' that surrounds the Casco Viejo makes the walls appear even more spectacular.

Special places to go in Pamplona

Pamplona is composed of a hlstoric core, the Casco VieJo (Old Town), rounded by modern suburbs. Just about everything a visitor will want to see is located in the old section, a compact area of extremely narrow, picturesque streets which can be traversed on foot in less than 15 minutes.

Three new parking lots in or near the Casco Viejoat Plaza de Toros, Plaza Blanca de Navarra, and Plaza San Franciscohave greatly eased the parking problems in the city center, but it's still a better idea to park on one of the streets outside the Casco Viejo. Pamplona's modern suburbs, more than mere residential areas, are centers of life with a full range of restaurants, shops, bars, nightclubs, and discotheques. The suburb of San Juan, west of the Casco Viejo, is considered the most desirable place to live.

The Plaza del Castillo Pamplona

This elegant, arcaded square is shaded by the intertwining boughs of carefully pruned trees. At the southwest corner of the plaza is the Palacio de la Diputacion Foral. Built in 1847 and enlarged in 1932, it is the seat of the regional government. The treelined Paseo de Sarasate, Pamplona's main promenade, begins at the south end of the plaza and runs past the imposing Monumento de los Fueros, commemorating the region's 13th-century bill of rights.

Pamplona Cathedral

Pamplona Cathedral stands at the northern tip of the Casco Viejo, hard against the ramparts. Built on the foundations of a 12th-century Romanesque church, it is basically 14th and 15th century Gothic, but its west facade is a Baroque, Greco-Roman fantasy that was constructed over the original Gothic portals in the late 18th century. The effect of stepping through this Baroque facade to find a soaring Gothic church on the inside is strange, to say the least. The major work in the otherwise bare cathedral is the 15th-century alabaster tomb of King Carlos III, the founder of the cathedral, and his wife, Queen Leonor of Castile. Besides various chapels and altarpieces, there is a beautiful Gothic cloister, with lacelike stonework over the arches and delicately carved doorways.
The cathedral's diocesan museum (museo diocesano), housed in the former monks' kitchen and refectory, contains polychrome sculptures of religious figures and other relics.

The annual bull run in Pamplona

The route from the bull corral to the bullring is 1.8 miles. At 8 AM, a chupinazo, or signal rocket, is launched as a warning to the participants, most of whom immediately start to run. Seconds later, another rocket signals the release of the bulls and the start of the encierro. If the bulls are not in a tight herd, a third rocket is fired to warn the runners of a separated or stray bull.

The encierro lasts only a few minutes. Once the bulls reach the ring, they are quickly penned, although the festivities continue inside the ring as the runners and other amateur matadors (equipped with blankets, sheets, newspapers, and other homemade capes) do battle with assorted escort calves and steers. The side streets along this mad, run for your life course are planked up, funneling both runners and bulls from the corral to the ring. Vantage points for spectators are hard to obtain after about 7 AM. The six bulls that are run each morning appear in the ring for the evening bullfights.

For many spectators, the real show is not the bullfights but the antics of the peiias (spectators) in the stands - one of the rowdiest crowds in the country who spend the entire time spraying each other with champagne, flour, powdered sugar, and sangria. Tickets for the bullfights are sold almost a year in advance, but 10% are held back and sold at the bullring each evening for the next day's fights. Get in line at about 5 PM if you hope to get one of these tickets; otherwise, deal with the dozens of scalpers who ring the arena each afternoon.

Though hotel space is tight during San Fermin, it is less of a problem than it used to be. In addition to standard accommodations, local families offer rooms for rent, and many of these are excellent bargains. For those interested in participating in the bull run, talk to a seasoned veteran and decide upon a strategy.

Local officials often discourage foreigners from participating in the encierro, and postcards and photos posted throughout the town showing gory scenes of bulls' horns sticking through runners usually serve as sufficient deterrence (last year more than 50 people were gored or otherwise injured during the encierros). Those who want to watch the festivities are encouraged to make arrangements to see them from the balcony of a pension or a private house, or to watch them on television (the runs are broadcast live throughout Spain).

Additional San Fermin festivities are focused in the Casco Viejo, including parades of papiermache giants and bands from Pamplona

The history of Madrid

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When King Philip II proclaimed Madrid the capital of Spain and all her colonies in 1561, he said that he chose it because of the healthy air and brilliant skies and because, like the body's heart, it is located in the center of the Peninsula. As a result of Philip's proclamation, what had been an insignificant Castilian town of 17,000 suddenly burst into being the cosmopolitan nucleus of the Spanish Empire.

One of Europe's youngest capitals, Madrid grew fast, and today the city is a sophisticated metropolis of approximately four million people. More than ever, it is ebullient, outgoing, funloving, proud, stylish, and creative, a city intensely lived in and adored by its varied mosaic of inhabitants.

Throughout its history, a great proportion of its residents have been born elsewhere in Spain, a country of various and diverse cultures. Yet soon after their arrival, they feel adopted and become as genuinely madrileno as native sons and daughters. In recent years the city also has become home to increasing numbers of immigrants from Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Though it's not free of the urban ills affecting other Western metropolises (crime and drug use are on the rise, and one survey rated it the second dirtiest capital in Western Europe), Madrid is still basically a safe place and, for the most part, it retains its big city vibrance and glamor.

Madrilenos love to be out on the streets, where walking or strolling the paseois an activity in itself, rather than just a means of getting somewhere. And as the Francoist past has faded there has been a rebirth of indoor and outdoor cafe society. Stylish madrilenos congregate at terrazas (cafes) along Paseo de Recoletos and Paseo de la Castellana day and night, chatting, eating, drinking, and gossiping. Crowded late night, Spanish style pubs, specializing in high decibel rock or soothing classical music, line Calle de las Huertas, one of the liveliest streets in the old part of town.

Things to do in Madrid

Amazingly, this street is also occupied by the early 17th century Convento de las Trinitarias (Convent of the Trinitarian Sisters), where cloistered nuns live and embroider, and where Miguel de Cervantes is buried. In the old section of Lavapies, families gather to eat, drink, and chat with their neighbors at simple restaurants with sidewalk tables. The tertulia, an age-old Madrid custom, brings experts and devotees together for informal discussions.

At the Cafe Gijon, downtown on the broad Paseo de Recoletos a little north of Plaza de la Cibeles, tertulias are generally about theater or literature; art is the favorite topic at the Circulo de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Club) lounge, at the junction of Gran Via with Calle del Alcala; and bullfighting and bull breeding are discussed.

When it's time for the midday aperitivo around 1 PM (when stores, offices, and many museums close), thousands of tapas bars, tabernas, and swank cafes become jammed for a couple of hours until lunchtime at around 2 or 2:30, when they suddenly empty and the restaurants fill up.
They reach another peak when it's aperitivo time again, around 8 PM (as stores, offices, and museums close for the day). At dinnertime, around 10 PM, the restaurants fill up once more. Then it's time for a movie, concert, theater performance, jazz at a cafe, or a stroll.

Madrid boasts the longest nights of any Spanish city. Discotheques don't get started until 1 or 2 AM, and at many, the action continues until 7 AM. Then it's time for a typical Madrid breakfast of thick hot chocolate with churros (sticks or loops of crisp fried dough). Indeed, madrilenos call themselves gatos (cats) because they're out in hordes all night long. Nevertheless, for the most part the city isn't a vacation spot for them - it's a place for hard work as well as for play.

There are many Madrids. In fact, the city is sometimes referred to in the plurallos madriles because of its various facets. In addition to nocturnal Madrid, daytime Madrid, and seasonal Madrid, there are different architectural and historical Madrids.

Madrid and the Moors

Not much remains of medieval Moorish Madrid, and even less is known although legends abound. In AD 852, the Emir of Cordoba, Muhammad I, chose the strategic ravine top above the Rio Manzanares (Manzanares River )where the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) now stands as the site for an alcazar (fortified castle) to guard the route between Toledo and Alcala de Henares against the reconquering Christians. The Moors called it Magerit (later mispronounced as Madrid by Castilians), meaning source of flowing water, referring to water from the nearby Sierra de Guadarrama.

Magerit began to grow, and the Moors built and rebuilt walls to enclose it, keeping up with its random expansion. Fragments of these old walls, as well as sections of underground passageways to the old alcazar, have been uncovered as recently as the 1970sa major site can be seen at Cuesta de la Vega, near the Palacio Real. Other well-preserved remnants of medieval Moorish Magerit are the Casa de los Lujanes and the adjacent Hemeroteca (Periodicals Library) building, both at Plaza de la Villa; the Mudejar tower of the Iglesia de San Nicolds de los Servitas (Church of St.

Nicholas of the Servants of Mary), slightly to the north of the plaza; the Mudejar tower of the Iglesia de San Pedro el Viejo (Church of St. Peter the Elder) on the site of what may have been the original mosque of La Moreria (the Moorish Quarter), to the south of the plaza; and La Moreria itself, a zone of winding alleys around Plaza del Alamillo.

(Mudejar is the Moorish-influenced Gothic style of Moorish craftsmen allowed to live under Christian rule after the Reconquista, the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula.) In 1083, King Alfonso VI and his Christian troops reconquered Madrid and took up residence in the old (no longer existing) alcazar. The madrileno melting pot expanded with the subsequent influx of Christians into what then became medieval Christian Madrid, and more walls were built to surround it.

In addition to raising the city's rank to capital of Spain and moving the throne and court from Toledo, King Philip II of the Habsburg House of Austria (1556-98) launched what is known as Madrid de los Austrias, or the Madrid of the Habsburgs. This is the charming and picturesque section of old Madrid around the Plaza Mayor.

Here the aristocracy built mansions, the clergy founded churches, convents, monasteries, and hospitals, and merchants, artisans, and innkeepers set up shop through the 17th century. Habsburg Madrid grew into a labyrinth of meandering, narrow cobblestone streets and tiny squares lined with severe buildings of stone, brick, and masonry, topped by burnt-red tile roofs. The Spanish Empire was at its zenith, and the siglo de oro (golden age) of Renaissance literature flourished. Streets, squares, and statues bear the names of Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Tirso de Molina, Quevedo, and Calderon de la Barca, all of whom lived here.

The Barrios of Madrid

The city continued fanning southward, creating such barrios (neighborhoods) as Lavapies and Embajadores, lively with tabernas, mesones (inns), vendors, organ-grinders, and artisans. The castizo (genuine) and uniquely madrileno personality of these barrios and their colorful people were the inspiration of many of the 18th and 19th century zarzuelas (traditional Spanish operettas)such as La Verbena de la Paloma.

On summer evenings, the courtyard of La Corrala, a landmark apartment building located at Plaza Agustin Lara, is transformed into a stage for the performance of such zarzuelas (some of which actually are set in the very same courtyard). Castizo Madrid also inspired many of Goya's paintings depicting majos and majas (popular nicknames for common folk madrilenos and madrilenas), such as Majas on a Balcony, The Kite, The Wedding, and The Parasol.

Anyone visiting Madrid in May and the first half of August should stroll around these barrios castizos to see madrilenos of all ages bedecked in traditional costumes, dancing the graceful chotis in the streets, and enjoying the verbenas (fairs) from nightfall into the wee hours.

When the Habsburg dynasty died out at the end of the 17th century, King Felipe (Philip) V, grandson of France's King Louis XIV, was the chief claimant to the throne of Spain. After a war of succession, he established the Bourbon dynasty as the legitimate heir to the kingdom in 1770. The Bourbon monarchs (los borbones) began the new century by setting out to create a splendid new European capital worthy of their neoclassical French models.

When the medieval alcazar burned down, Felipe V commissioned top architects to replace it with a grandiose palace comparable to Versailles. Expansion to the east of old Habsburg Madrid, with wide avenues and large squares laid out in geometric configuration, transformed Madrid into a model city of the Enlightenment. The city's urban renewal, embellishment, and social progress culminated with the reign of King Carlos III, the Construction King of the Enlightenment, known affectionately as the King Mayor. Carlos commissioned Juan de Villanueva to design a neo- classical natural science museum, which later became the Museo Nacional del Prado (Prado Museum), and the adjacent Real Jardin Botanico (Royal Botanical Garden).

The Paseo del Prado Madrid

The exquisite treelined Paseo del Prado, with its Neptune, Apollo, and Cibeles fountains by Ventura Rodriguez; the monumental Puerta de Alcala (then marking the eastern end of the city); and the immense Hospital General de San Carlos (now the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Spain's museum of modern and contemporary art) are among the legacies of Carlos III.

The steady progress of the city and the country foundered in 1808, when Napoleon was encouraged to invade Spain because of the weakness of Carlos IV, the next Bourbon king. The French succeeded in the invasion after ruthlessly executing Spanish resisters on May 2, a tragedy immortalized by Goya in his famous paintings now in the Prado. At the Plaza de la Lealtad on Paseo del Prado, a memorial obelisk with an eternal flame commemorates el Dos de Mayo (the second of May).

Napolean and Madrid

At Napoleon's insistence, Joseph Bonaparte, his brother, was crowned King of Spain in 1808. In his quest for open space for ongoing urban renewal, Joseph Bonaparte tore down picturesque chunks of Habsburg Madrid, includmg mUCh. of the Palacio del Parque del Buen Retiro (Retiro Park Palace) and a church In the small Plaza de Ramales that contained the grave of Velazquez. But the Spanish War of Independence led to the expulsion of the French and the return to the throne of a Bourbon king, Fernando VII, in 1813.

In the last third of the 19th century, Romantic Madrid spread farther northward. Aristocratic palatial mansions graced the elegant Salamanca dlstnct, where today some of Madrid's finest shops and boutiques line Calles Serrano and Velazquez. Paseo del Prado extended north to become Paseo de Recoletos and, still farther north, Paseo de la Castellana.

By the early 20th century, a transportation problem arose: There was no street connecting the new outlying districts of Salamanca and Arguelles. The solutIon was to chop through part of old Madrid and construct a new thoroughfare, the Gran Via.

The instility of the monarchy during the early 20th century led once again to political upheaval. Alfonso XIII finally abdicated in 1931 to avoid a civil war. But the leftist Republican government's decentralization plan and reform measures aroused strenuous rightwing opposition, which resulted In msurrection that flared into the Spanish Civil War.

Franco and Madrid

Much of Madrid, which remained loyal to the Republican government, was blown to pieces at the hands of Generalissimo Francisco Franco's Nationalist forces . During the 36 years of Franco's dictatorship, Madrid's spirit and creativIty were stIfled. Franco's death in 1975, the restoration of the monarch in the persona of King Juan Carlos I, and the institution of a representative democratic government brought about a dramatic surge of activity in many facets of the city, from construction to culture.

Madrid Attractions

Madrid now boasts several major attractions built since the advent of democracy. The Triangulo del Arte (Triangle of Art) encompasses the Museo Nacional Centro deArte Reina Sofia (Queen Sofia National Museum of Art); the refurbished Prado; and the Palacio de Villahermosa, remodeled and reopened in 1992 to exhibit the 800 artworks (primarily paintings) of the Thyssen Bornemisza Collection, formerly housed in Lugano, Switzerland's Villa Favorita and considered to be the world's second-most important private art collection after that of the Queen of England. Next to the new Auditorio Nacional on Calle Principe de Vergara, another newcomer, the Museo de la Ciudad (Museum of the City), has exhibits that trace the evolution of Madrid. Flanking the Plaza Mayor (Main Square), the 17th-century Casa de la Panaderia has been refurbished and opened as a cultural center.

The restored 19th-century Palacio de Linares in the Plaza de la Cibeles has been given a new name - the Palacio del Quinto Centenario - and converted into the Museo de America (Museum of America), a cultural and diplomatic center devoted to Spain's relationship with Latin America. The palace also houses the Casa de America, one of the best and most interesting restaurants in Madrid .

Madrid Cathedral

In addition, Madrid once again has a true cathedral. Catedral de la Almudena (Cathedral of Our Lady of the Almudena), named for the city's female patron saint (its male patron is St. Isidro), is located in Plaza de la Armerfa facing the southern facade of the Palacio Real. Bombed during the civil war and semi-derelict for years, its tedious and intermittent reconstruction went into fastforward in preparation for the 1993 visit to Madrid of Pope John Paul II. La Almudena is a neoclassical structure of scant artistic interest, but it does enjoy the distinction of being the oldest new cathedral in Europe. As such, it is a fitting symbol of Madrid, a multifacted, modern capital that retains much of its rich history and traditions.

Places to go in Madrid

For a wonderfully romantic view of Madrid, watch the sun set from the 25th-floor roof garden and pool of the Plaza hotel on the Plaza de Espana. The vivid Velazquez sky, portrayed in the artist's famous paintings, is usually tinted with a golden hue. Looking over the tile rooftops, visitors will see a fine view of the Palacio Real and to the north the distant Sierra de Guadarrama. The hotel's terrace and pool are open daily during the summer months; there's an admission charge.

Another fine vantage point is the 300-foot Faro de Moncloa (Moncloa Lighthouse, known as the landlocked lighthouse) in Plaza de la Moncloa It overlooks the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and offers a 360degre panorama of the capital; on a clear day you can even see El Escorial monastery . One of the most exquisite picture-postcard views of Madrid can be had from the east-facing rooms of the Palace hotel .

In one glance guests can take in the Plaza de Neptuno with its splendid fountain the facade of the Belle Epoque Ritz hotel, the Prado, the imposing 16th: century Iglesia de San Jeronimo (the church in which many Spanish monarchs have been crowned or wed), and the neoclassical facade of the Real Academia de la Lengua Espanola (Royal Academy of the Spanish Language) all framed in green by the tree-lined Paseo del Prado and the Real Jardin Botanico.

Special places to go in Madrid

The bustling Puerta del Sol, kilometer zero of the Spanish road network, and the Plaza de la Cibeles traffic circle are two focal points at the heart of Madrid. The Atocha railroad station and traffic circle mark the southern extremity of this zone, the Palacio Real and Parque del Retiro form its western and eastern borders, respectively, and Plaza de Colon marks its northern limit. One major tree-lined avenue, with three names, bisects the entire city from top to bottom. Its southern section, between Atocha and Plaza de la Cibeles, is called Paseo del Prado. From Cibeles north to Plaza de Colon, its name is Paseo de Recoletos.

At Plaza de Colon, it becomes the long Paseo de la Castellana, which runs through modern Madrid to the north end of the city beyond Plaza de Castilla and the Chamartin railroad station. The two major east-west arteries are Calle de Alcala and the Gran Via; the latter angles northwest to Plaza de Espana.

The best way to see Madrid is by walking; many picturesque areas can be seen only on foot. One good stroll is from Puerta del Sol to Plaza Mayor, then downhill to Plaza de Oriente. Good maps of the city are provided free of charge at the tourist offices. season. Weekend schedules are often shorter than during weekdays.

The Plaza Mayor Madrid

The grandiose main square of downtown Madrid is closed to vehicular traffic and easily missed on foot if you don't aim for it and go in through oe of th nine arched entryways. Built in two years (1617-18) by order of King Felipe III and executed by Juan Gomez de Mora along the lines of Juan de Herrera's design for the imposing palace monastery El Escorial, it is the quintessence of Habsburg Madridcobblestones, tile roofs, and imposing austere buildings. The plaza became the stage for a wide variety of 17th and 18th century spectacles, and audiences of more than 50,000 witnessed hangings, burnings, and the decapitation of heretics, as well as canonizations of saints, jousting tournaments, plays, circuses, and even bullfights.

The 477 balconies of the surrounding buildings served as spectator boxes - not for the tenants, but for royalty and aristocrats. Beautifully refurbished, the Plaza Mayor is still lively, but it now offers tamer types of entertainment - la tuna (strolling student minstrels in period costume), other amateur musicians, artists, and on-the-spot portrait painters selling their works, as well as summer concerts and ballets, and outdoor cafes for watching it all.

The plaza's most important edifice is the Casa de la Panaderia (Bakers' House), occupying most of the north side, and the Casa de la Carniceria (Butchers' House) on the south side. After the plaza's construction, all the major guilds were represented under the arches around the perimeter. Continuing this tradition, myriad shops, many over a century old, still line the arcades, and on Sunday mornings philatelists and numismatists set up shop under the arches, to the delight of stamp and coin collectors.

During the yuletide season, numerous stands sell lovely Christmas ornaments. Visitors can easily lose their sense of direction inside this vast enclosure, so it's helpful to know that the bronze equestrian statue of Felipe III in the center is facing east (toward the Prado). The landmark Arco de Cuchilleros entrance with its huge arch is at the southwest corner.

Puerta del Sol Madrid

This vast oblong plaza is the bustling nerve center of modern Madrid life. Ten streets converge here, including the arteries of Alcala, San Jeronimo, Mayor, and Arenal. On the south side is the imposing building which houses the government of the Greater Madrid Autonomous Region. Near the curb, in front of its main entrance, a famous emblem in the sidewalk marks kilometer zero, the central point from which all Spanish highways radiate and from which their distance is measured. Directly across the plaza stands the venerated bronze statue of El Oso y el Madrono (The Bear and the Madrona Berry Tree), the symbol and coat of arms of Madrid since the 13th century, when central Madrid was wooded and it wasn't unusual to see bears roaming around.

The Prado Museum Madrid

One of the world's supreme art museums, the Prado is a treasure house of over 4,000 universal masterpieces, most of which were acquired over the centuries by art-loving Spanish monarchs. The wealth of Spanish paintings includes famous works by El Greco (including the Adoration of the Shepherds), Zurbaran, Velazquez (including The Spinners and the famous Las Meninas, The Maids of Honor), Murillo, Ribera (including the Martyrdom of St. Bartholomew), and Goya (including his renowned Naked Maja and Maja Clothed).

On the ground floor, a special section is devoted to the tapestry cartoons designed by Goya for the palace monastery outside the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and to his extraordinary Disasters of War etchings, which serve as hIs commentary on Spain's War of Independence Visitors also will find Goya's stunning Second of May and Third of May canvases.

Vast rooms are devoted to Italians Fra Angelico, Botticelli, Raphael Correggio, Caravaggio, Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese. Other rooms display paintings by Flemish and German masters such as Rubens, van de Weyden, Hieronymus Bosch (including The Garden of Earthly Delights) Memling, Durer, and Van Dyck. From the Dutch are works by Rembrandt, Metsu, and Hobbema. French art is represented by Poussin, Lorrain, and Watteau, and English art by Reynolds, Gainsborough, and Lawrence.

The neo-classical Prado building was originally a natural science museum conceived by Carlos III in 1785. In 1819, King Fernando VII converted it into a museum to house the royal art collection. In addition to the main Prado in the Villanueva building, the museum has an annex, the Cason del Buen Retiro, which resembles a small Greek temple and is just up a hill from the Goya statue that stands at the Prado's north facade. Once the stately ballroom of the 17th-century Palacio Real del Buen Retiro (Royal Retiro Palace Complex), which was destroyed during the French occupatIon of Madrid, It now contains the Museo Nacional del Siglo XIX (National Museum of the 19th Century).

The Prado collection is so vast that it is impossible to savor its wonders in a single visit. If time is limited, it is best to select a few galleries of special interest, or hire of one of the extremely knowledgeable governmentlicensed freelance guides at the main entrance. The guides are more readily available in the early morning, and their hourly fee is reasonable. Reproductions from the Prado's collection, postcards, and fine arts books are sold at the shop inside the museum. There's also a bar-restaurant on the premises.

The Villahermosa Palace Madrid

Diagonally across Plaza Canova del Castillo (the square with the Fuente de Neptuno, or Neptune Fountain) from the Prado, this splendid 1806 palace was redesigned by architect Rafael Moneo as the permanent home of 800 masterpieces (primarily paintings) initially on loan and subsequently purchased by the Spanish government from Baron Hans Heinrich ThyssenBornemisza de Kaszon (another 80 are on permanent display in Barcelona's Monestir de Pedralbes).

Formerly located in Lugano, Switzerland's Villa Favorita, the ThyssenBornemisza Collection is considered the second in importance among the world's private art collections after that of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. In the airy, modern interior galleries visitors will find an astonishing collection ranging from 13th-century Italian and Dutch primitives to the present day.

There are 16th-century paintings by Titian, Tintoretto and El Greco; 17thcentury Baroque works by masters such as Velazquez, Murillo, Caravaggio, Van Dyck, Brueghel, Rubens, and Rembrandt; 18th-century pieces from Canaletto, Tiepolo, Reynolds, and Watteau; and gems from 19thcentury artists including Sargent, Goya, Manet, Monet, Degas, Pissarro, Renoir, Cezanne, Gauguin, van Gogh, ToulouseLautrec, and Matisse. The 20th century is also well represented, by Picasso, Chagall, Gris, KIee, Mir6, Giacometti, de Kooning, O'Keeffe, Dalf, Hopper, Magritte, Bacon, Freud, Kandinsky, and Braque. In the museum there is a coffee sho, a book and souvenir shop, and a conference room.

The Royal Botanical Garden Madrid

The garden was designed in 1774 by Juan de Villanueva, the same architect who designed the Prado (whose south facade it faces). Twenty manicured acres contain some 30,000 species of plants and flowers from Spain and throughout the world. Carlos III commissioned the project as part of his urban refurbishment program. By his order, therapeutic and edicinal plants and herbs were distributed free to those in need. Between the Prado and the entrance to the garden is the small Plaza de Murillo, which has a bronze statue of the 17thcentury painter and the Cuatro Fuentes, four fountains of mythological triton cherubs playing with dolphins.

The Royal Palace Madrid

The Moors chose a strategic site overlooking the Rio Manzanares to build their alcazar, or castle fortress. It was renovated after the 11th century Christian reconquest of Madrid, and King Philip II made it the royal residence after proclaiming Madrid the capital of Spain in 1561. After the alcazar was destroyed by fire on Christmas Eve 1734, a new palace was built. It took 26 years to complete the colossus of granite and white limestone, with walls 13 feet thick, more than 2,800 rooms, 23 courtyards, and magnificently opulent interiors.

At the north side are the formal Jardines de Sabatini (Sabatini Gardens); and down the slopes on the west side is the Campo del Moro - 20 acres of forest, manicured gardens, and fountains, now a public park. The palace's main entrance is on the south side, through the tall iron gates leading into an immense courtyard called the Plaza de la Armerfa (Armory Plaza), a setting for the pageantry of royal occasions. The imposing structure at the courtyard's south end is the finally completed Catedral de la Almudena.

The palace is seen by guided tour, with different sections covered on different tours, led by Spanish and English speaking guides. The king and queen of Spain live in the Palacio de la Zarzuela on the outskirts of Madrid, but the Palacio Real still is used for official occasions and is closed to the public at those times.

The National Art Museum Madrid

This gargantuan 18th-century building was the Hospital General de San Carlos until 1965. Followmg a tremendous reconstruction project the building was. inaugurated in 1986 as a museum devoted to contemporary art, named in honor of the present queen of Spain. Since then, it has taken Its place among the world's leading contemporary art galleries and modern art museums.

The museum's collection encompasses that of the former Museo Espanol de Arte Contemporaneo (Spanish Contemporary Art Musem), whlch consists of 3,000 paintings: 9,000 drawings, and 400 sculptures, including works by Picasso, Mlro, Dah, Juan Gris, and Julio Gonzalez. A recent addition to its still-growing permanent collection is Picasso's monumental Guernica (moved here from the Prado's Cason del Buen Retiro annex.

The museum also contains the foremost contemporary art library with state of the art braille facilities, videos, photography collections, research systems, and workshops. Throughout the year, prominent exhibitIons are mounted at the museum's two landmark annexes in Parque del Buen Retlro, the Palacio de Veltizquez and Palacio de Crista.

The Parque El Buen Retiro Madrid

During the early 17th century, this was a royal retreat and the grounds of both a royal palace complex and a porcelain factory, then on the outskirts of town. Now Madrid's foremost public park, the Retiro encompasses 300 peaceful acres of forest, manicured gardens, sttuary, fountains, picnic grounds, and cafes. On a sunny Sunday afternoon, It seems all Madrid comes to jog, hug, gossip, or walk the dog around the lakeside colonnade. Art exhibitions are held at the park's Palacio de Crista I, a 19th century jewel of glass and wrought iron, and at the Palacio de Velazquez, named for its architect, not for the painter.

During July and August, as part of the city-sponsored cultural program Verano en la Villa (Sumer in. the City), classical and flamenco concerts are staged in the lardtnes Cecllio Rodriguez (Cecilio Rodriguez Gardens) near the Menendez pelayo, and the outdoor cinema (entrance on Alfonso XII) screens Spanish and foreign (including US) films (schedules change from year to year; check with the tourist office).

The Royal Monastery of Barefoot Carmelites Madrid

Behind its stark stone facade is an opulent interior filled with an astonishing wealth of artistic treasures and ornamentation bestowed by kings and noblemen. Founded in 1559 by Princess Juana of Austria, sister of Philip II, the convent welcomed disconsolate empresses, queens, princesses, and infantas, including Juana's sister Maria, Empress of Germany. The grandiose stairway is a breathtaking example of barroco madrileno, every centimeter lavishly decorated with frescoes and carved wood. Art treasures include works by EI Greco, Zurbaran, Titian, and Sanchez Coello, as well as Rubens tapestries. The windows of the upper floor afford a lovely view over the tranquil rooftop garden, where the cloistered nuns grow their vegetables as they have for centuries.

Monastery of the Incarnation Madrid

Built by order of Queen Margarita of Austria, wife of King Felipe III, this Augustinian convent was founded in 1616. Designed in the severe classical style by Juan Gomez de Mora, its fagade gives no clue to the bounteous religious and secular art treasures inside. The dazzling reliquary room displays some 1,500 religious relics contained in priceless gold and silver urns and jeweled cases. Among them is a vial of the powdered blood of the 3rdcentury St. Pantaleon, which is said to liquify every year on his feast day, July 27.

This is another active cloistered convent, so individuals and groups must be escorted by resident guides.

Car hire from Madrid Airport

Madrid Airport car hire can be booked before you fly. Car rentals at Madrid Airport are easy to pick up and drop off, and provide the easiest way to get to your accommodation in Madrid, or to travel around the surrounding regions of Spain.

The Municipal Museum Madrid

Devoted to the history of Madrid, this fine museum will enhance any visitor's awareness of the city's evolution, culture, and personality. It is filled with art, furnishings, porcelains, photographs, engravings, and meticulously detailed maps and models of the city during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The museum building, declared a national monument in 1919, was originally an 18th-century hospital, and its elaborately ornate entrance is a memorable sight; the style it's in is called Churrigueresque, named after a distinctly Spanish Baroque dynasty of architects and artists.

The Royal Tapestry Museum Madrid

Established early in the 18th century, this factory museum continues to use authentic traditional techniques in producing handmade Spanish tapestries and rugs. In addition to the permanent collection, visitors can see the workshops and watch master artisans at work weaving tapestries from cartoons by Goya and other artists, knotting luxuriant rugs, or doing intricate restoration work. Rugs and tapestries can be purchased by special order, and even can be custom made from the customer's own design.

The Army Museum Madrid

An amazing array of more than 27,000 items related to war throughout Spain's history - uniforms, armor, cannon, swords (including one belonging to EI Cid), stupendous collections of miniature soldiers, and portraits of heroines and heroes are displayed here. Housed in the vast Baroque interior of one of the two surviving buildings of the 17th century Palacio Real del Buen Retiro (Royal Retiro Palace) complex, this museum is well worth seeing.

Casa de Campo Madrid

Once the private royal hunting grounds, this 4,300 acre forested public park on the right bank of the Rio (River) Manzanares is a playground for madrilenos and visitors alike. It has a zoo, picnic and fair grounds (important trade fairs and conventions are held here), and a giant amusement park, the Parque de Atracciones Casa de Campo, with rides, open-air entertainment, and a spirited carnival atmosphere. Other highlights include a concert stadium, an all-encompassing sports complex, a small lake, and the bullpens of La Venta de Batan (for bullfight practice and previews of the bulls).

Things to do in Granada

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Visit the Alhambra Palace

Of all the fabled landmarks in the world, none stands in a more gorgeous setting than the magnificent Alhambra, the hilltop fortress palace of the Nasrid kings, the last Muslim rulers of Spain. Snowcapped peaks of the nearby Sierra Nevada form a natural tapestry behind its golden walls, and below, a mosaic of Granada's Moorish Christian towers spread like a magic carpet over a fertile plain. Granada has much more to offer than the Alhambra, but it's worth the trip alone to visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, which is Spain's single biggest attraction.

The history of Granada

In its Roman days and up through the early Muslim period, Granada languished on history's sidelines. But the city came into its own during the 13th century, when the Moors began to lose their grip elsewhere in Andalusia. After Cordoba and Seville fell to Christian rule, Granada became the last surviving Islamic capital in Spain. Moors by the thousands flocked to the city, transforming it into a center of artists and craftsmen. The Alhambra was their masterpiece. Through ensuing centuries, this wonder of the world cast its spell over writers, painters, and musicians, including the 19th-century American author Washington Irving and two of Granada's most famous sons, the 20th-century composer Manuel de Falla and poetplaywright Federico Garcia Lorca.

The final triumph in the Christians 781 year struggle to regain Moorish-held Spain took place on January 2, 1492, when the last Muslim king, Boabdil, handed over the keys to the city to the Reyes Catolicos (Catholic Monarchs) Ferdinand and Isabella, and rode tearfully off into the mountains with the queen mother, Ayesha. (You weep like a woman for what you could not defend as a man were her immortal words of consolation to her son.) The Catholic Monarchs installed their thrones in the Alhambra and set about Christianizing the city, creating the architectural mix that is still in evidence.

Isabella ordered the construction of the cathedral and its Capula Real, the finely wrought Royal Chapel, where the marble tombs of the royal pair, as well as her crown and jewel box, can be seen today. Muslim mosques were converted into Christian uses. Unfortunately, many fine Moorish buildings have been destroyed, but a walk through the twisted, narrow streets of the Albaicin, an old Moorish neighborhood on a hill across from the Alhambra, gives a pretty good idea of what the city once was like.

Granada continued to flourish into the 16th century, then sank back into relative obscurity once again. Today it's a city with an economy that depends on its rich agricultural valley as well as on non-industrial enterprises such as banking, education, and tourism. Sightseeing in Granada is delightful. The absence of heavy manufacturing sections and the existence of only a scattering of garish modern buildings in the busy downtown area confer a smalltown, open-air feeling to the streets.

The large student population at the Universidad de inada keeps the city young, and Granada's famous and unavoidable Gypsy womenthose wheedling entrepreneurs who press carnations and fortunes On passersby at the cathedral and on the Alhambra hilladd to the city scene. The granadinos shoo them off with a firm no, but visitors don't get off so easily. Nonetheless, the Gypsies have a long history here, and local residents are accepting of their ways. They are part of Granada, and few people would want any part of this colorful, exotic city to change.

Special places to go in Granada

Granada is divided neatly into upper and lower towns. The upper city is composed of two prominent hills facing each other across the narrow gorge of a river, the Rio Darro. On the southern hill are the Alhambra and the adjoining Generalife (the summer palace and gardens of the Nasrid kings). On the northern hill is the old Moorish quarter, the Albaicin, now a fascinating residential district. An even taller satellite hill leads off from the Albaicin to the dusty Sacromonte Gypsy district, a warren of small white houses trailing out to a rocky mountainside pockmarked with abandoned Gypsy caves.

The main descent from the Alhambra is a narrow road, Cuesta de Gomerez, that drops directly down to the Plaza Nueva, where the lower city begins. The plaza is the eastern end of the principal eastwest artery, Calle de los Reyes Catolicos, which meets the principal north-south artery, Gran Via de Colon, at the circular Plaza de Isabella Catolica.

A much-photographed bronze statue of the enthroned Queen Isabella offering the Santa Fe agreement to Columbus graces this major intersection; the document, named for the nearby town where it was signed, authorized the epochal voyage to the Americas. Calle de los Reyes Catolicos then continues west, passing within a few short blocks of the cathedral, the Capilla Real, and other downtown sights, en route to Puerta Real, the hub of the city's business, shopping, and hotel and restaurant district.

The Alhambra Complex Granada

Spain's last remaining fortress-palace built for a Moorish sovereign stands atop the Alhambra hill, girded by more than a mile of ramparts that appear in the distance like a golden shield. Behind these walls is what amounts to a royal city, at the core of which is the Alhambra's crown jewel, the Casa Real (Royal Palace )actually a series of three palaces leading from one to the other as if they were one building. Within their fountained courtyards and fanciful halls, whose scalloped windows frame vistas of the Albaicin and Sacromonte, the sultans conducted state business and housed their families and harems.

The Alhambra was abandoned for centuries until Washington Irving wrote Tales of the Alhambra in 1832 after a stint as an attache in the US Embassy in Madrid (he was later Ambassador to Spain). The book focused world attention on this neglected treasure and prompted Spain to begin restoration; most of the present plasterwork, mosaics, and inlaid wood are skillful reproductions. Today the complex is Spain's single most visited tourist attraction.

An Alhambra visit takes at least one full day (on the run), and it's wise to arrive at opening time, because as the day progresses, the lines of people waiting to walk through the palaces get longer these famous rooms and courtyards are surprisingly small. The main approach to the fortress is via the steep Cuesta de Gomerez and through the Puerta de las Granadas (Pomegranate Gate), which signals the entrance to the Alhambra's cool, elmforested grounds. Beyond the main entrance, bordering the Plaza de los Aljibes (Square of the Cisterns), are the fortifications of the Alcazaba and the Casa Real, the Moorish royal palaces. The Alhambra admission ticket includes visits to these two, as well as the Generalife, which is outside the Alhambra walls; Charles V's palace, which is within the walls, can be entered without paying any admission charge, although there is a separate charge for its museums.

The Alhambra complex is open daily, and there is an admission charge. During the summer, visitors are admitted to the illuminated Alhambra.

The Alcazaba Granada

The oldest part of the Alhambra,dating back to the 9th century, this rugged medieval fortress had been part of the hill's defenses before construction began on the royal palaces across the square. Climb the most spectacular of its towers, the Torre de la Vela (Watch Tower), for a view directly down into the Plaza Nueva and out as far as the Sierra Nevada.

Mexuar Granada

This is the first of the three palaces that make up the Casa Real. From the outside, it appears to be a simple stucco residence, but it was actually the headquarters of the sultan's ministers. The first main council chamber, the Salon del Mexuar, was converted into a chapel in the 17th century, hence the coat of arms of Castile beneath the Moorish ceiling of marquetry and plaster restorations.

The room is a tame introduction to the splendors of the Alhambra, but its dazzling mirador suggests the mesmerizing world to come, and the spectacle builds as visitors pass through another council chamber, the Cuarto Dorado (Golden Room), to the Patio del Mexuar, one of the palace's smallest but most admired spaces.

Palacio de Comares Granada

This was the royal palace proper, named for the stained glass that once decorated its windows. Its centerpiece is the Patio de !os Arrayanes (Court of the Myrtles), graced with an oblong fishpond running its length between symmetrical myrtle hedges. The tower with the balconies (to the right upon entering the patio) is a remnant of a Mooish palace partially knocked down to make room for Charles V's palace behind It.

Opposite is the Torre de Comares, a fortification tower that houses the magnificent Salon de Embajadores (Hall of Ambassadors), the Moorish kings' throne room (where, in March 1492, the new lords of Granada, the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, signed the decree expelling the Jews from Spain). Perfectly square, and clothed in lacy plaster arabesques and brilliant mosaics, the throne room is the largest room in all three palaces.

Its domed artesonado (inlaid wood ceiling) is a geometric depiction of the firmament comprising more than 8,000 separate pieces of painted wood. The Salon de Embajadores is separated from the court by an ante-chamber with an intricate inlaid cedar ceiling, the Sala de la Barca (literally and mistakenly Hall of the Boat; its name in English, Hall of Benediction, more accurately translates the original Arabic baraka).

Palace of the Lions Alhambra Granada

The final palace, built around the famous Patio de los Leones (Court of the Lions), was the royal residence. The court's 124 slim marble columns, each with a subtly different design carved into its capital, are said to represent a palm oasis in the desert. In the center is a fountain, its basin supported by 12 gray marble lions, possibly representing the hours of the day, the months of the year, or the signs of the zodiac. At one time, it is said, water flowed from the mouth of a different lion each hour of the day. The lions no longer spout, but the fountain is filled, as are the four narrow channels (representing the four rivers of paradise) that run across the pebbled courtyard floor.

The channels were designed to carry used household water from fountains in the living quarters surrounding the court, and on at least one occasion when Boabdil's father ordered a mass beheading of suspected traitors among a group of nobles called Abencerrajes, the water ran red. The heads were thrown into the fountain of what came to be known as the Sala de los Abencerrajes, the room to the right upon entering the patio.

Note the room's stalactite plasterwork ceiling with high inset windows, then go directly across the courtyard to the Sala de las Dos Hermanas (Hall of the Two Sisters), which has an even more extravagant dome. This room, named for two marble slabs set in the floor near the entrance, was reserved for the sultan's wife and was inhabited at one time by Boabdil's mother, Ayesha. Off the room is the Sala de los Almeces (Room of the Windows), with the jewel-like Mirador de Lindaraja, or Mirador de Daraxa, the sultana's private balcony. The windows are low to the ground so the queen could gaze into her private cypress garden, the Patio de Lindaraja, from a couch of floor pillows.

The Sala de Los Reyes Alhambra Palace Granada

At the far end of the Court of the Lions is the Sala de los Reyes (Hall of the Kings), surprising for its unusual 14th-century ceiling paintings, probably by Christian artists. Downstairs from the Patio de los Leones, the Patio de Lindaraja leads to the sumptuous Sala de Banos (Royal Baths), where the sultan observed his women from balconies. Small star-shaped windows in the ceiling let in light and allowed steam to escape. Washington Irving's furnished rooms, where he began his book about the Alhambra, are upstairs in the Patio de la Reja (Window Grill Patio). They're opened by special request only.

The Alhambra Gardens Granada

Upon leaving the royal palaces, visitors first pass the Jardines which occupy an area that once held the kitchen garden of the palace servants and contain the Torre de las Damas (Ladies' Tower), with a delicate porticoed mirador at its base. From here, garden lovers can choose their own paths among the lily pools, fountains, waterfalls, and flower beds that parallel the fortress wall and its succession of towers.

Or, by following the fortifications to a footbridge across a narrow gorge, visitors can proceed directly to the Generalife. (It also can be reached from outside the Alhambra through a ticket gate at the parking lot.

Generalife the Alhambra Granada

Generalife derives from the Arabic for Garden of the Architect, and was the summer home of the Nasrid rulers. Though the remnants of its simple white palace and pavilions are appealing, the main attractions are the colorful terraced flower gardens, cypress-lined walkways, the pools, and the miradors from which the potentates could catch the country breezes while keeping an eye on the Alhambra below. Also noteworthy is the Patio de la Acequia (Patio of the Canal) within the palace walls; it's an ancient plant-filled paradise with rows of fountain jets sending arcs of dancing waters over a long, narrow pool.

The Palace of Carlos V Granada

The Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, who so loved Granada that at one point he planned to hold court here, built himself a grandiose Italianate palace right next to the delicate medieval Moorish structures of the Alhambra. This majestic interloper, designed by Pedro Machuca, a student of Michelangelo, has been admired for its beautiful proportions and hated for its unsuitable location from the very start.

Inside are two museums. The Museo Hispano Musulman (Hispano Muslim Museum) contains fragments of original marble and tile from the Alhambra and other ancient city buildings, as well as jewelry and ceramics.The Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes (Provincial Fine Arts Museum) contains painting, sculpture, and stained glass primarily by Granadan artists from the 15th to the 20th centuries.

The San Francisco Parador Granada

Also within the walls of the complex, this convent founded by Ferdinand and Isabella in the 15th century is now a government-run parador and restaurant.

The Manuel de Falla Museum Granada

The early 20thcentury composer Manuel de Falla's charming whitewashed house on the Alhambra hill has been kept as it was during his lifetime. A typical Granadan villa, or carmen, it has a bright blue front door and a garden awash with roses. De Falla's piano, furniture, manuscripts, photos, and mementos are on display.

Albaicin and Sacromonte Granada

These are Granada's oldest neighborhoods, dating back to medieval times. Even after the Christian reconquest of the city, Moors continued to populate this old quarter (Moors living under Christian rule were called mudejares, and lent their name to the distinctive hybrid Moorish Gothic style of architecture called Mudejar).

Now a residential area in the early stage of gentrification, it can be reached by a fascinating walk from Plaza Nueva up the Carrera del Darro, which becomes Paseo del Padre Manjon before turning left up the Cuesta de Chapiz. En route, it passes several landmarks, including El Banuelo (Moorish Baths).

On Cuesta de Chapiz, the Casa del Chapiz, a quintessential carmen that is now a college of Arab studies. Make a right turn at Camino del Sacromonte to climb the dusty streets, lined with sunbaked houses, into the Sacromonte Gypsy district, or continue along the Cuesta de Chapiz into the heart of the Albaicin. The long, steep road is rough going, especially on a hot summer day, but you can't go wrong by choosing any route either up or down through the neighborhood's narrow streets of red-roofed houses and walled gardens.

The Royal Chapel Granada

For King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, to die in Granada was a triumph, and the Capilla Real (Royal Chapel) serves as their eternal gilded trophy (as well as their mausoleum). For seven centuries Spain had belonged to the Moors, and Granada was their last stand. So when the Catholic Monarchs finally conquered the city, they undertook the construction of a small chapel. This Gothic Plateresque treasure is now downtown Granada's greatest attraction.

The cathedral beside it did not yet exist when the royal couple began construction on their final resting place in 1504, and because the chapel was not yet complete at their deaths (Isabella died in 1504, her husband in 1516), the two were buried initially at the Convento de San Francisco (now the parador) at the Alhambra.

They were moved when the new chapel was completed by their grandson and successor, the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, in 1517. Visitors enter through the Lonja (Exchange House), an adjoining building on Calle de los Oficios, the narrow pedestrian street alongside the cathedral.
Note the graceful frieze on the chapel's facade, one of many decorative variations on the royal initials and crest that appear throughout the building. Inside, a wroughtiron reja (grille) crafted by Bartolome de Jaen separates the nave of the cruciform chapel from the apse.

Behind the grille is an elaborate carved wood altarpiece with scenes from the conquest of Granada, including Boabdil's farewell, along its base. To the right (as you face the altar) are the recumbent Carrara marble figures of Ferdinand and Isabella, sculpted by Domenico Fancelli of Florence in 1517; to the left are marble effigies of Juana la Loca and Felipe el Hermoso (Joan the Mad and Philip the Handsomethe parents of Charles V), sculpted by Bartolome Ordonez in 1520. Stairs at the royal feet lead to a crypt containing four lead caskets where the royal remains actually lie plus a smaller one for a royal grandchild.

Isabella's prodigious collection of paintings, many by Flemish masters, as well as her scepter, her ornate jewel chest, her dainty filigree crown, Ferdinand's sword, and church vestments are on display in the chapel's sacristy. Above the chapel's exit doorway is a Copy of a famous painting of Boabdil's surrender to Isabella; in it, she wears the filigree crown.

Granada Cathedral

After the lush, dark intimacy of the Capilla Real, the cathedral's white interior, flooded with light from high stained glass windows, overwhelms with a stark grandeur. Begun in 1523, it was originally meant to be Gothic in style, but during the 150 years of its construction, under principal architects Diego de Siloe and Alonso Cano, a Renaissance church took shape. Outside, be sure to view Cano's 17th century main facade, on the west along Plaza de las Pasiegas, and the Puerta del Perdon (Door of Forgiveness), a notably elaborate side entrance facing north on Calle de la CarceJ.

The visitors' entrance at Gran Via de Colon leads to the ambulatory around the golden Capula Mayor, or chancel, where a 150-foot dome is ringed by a double tier of stained glass windows and by enormous scenes from the life of the Virgin painted by Cano. Notice the polychrome figures at prayer on either side of the main arch: These are Ferdinand and Isabella, who commissioned the cathedral to celebrate the city's reconquest but died before they saw a stone placed. Numerous glittering side chapels grace the church; don't miss the extravagantly carved and gilded Capilla de Nuestra Senora de la Antigua (Chapel of Our Lady of La Antigua), also called the Capilla Dorada (Golden Chapel), on the north wall.

The House of Coal Granada

A Moorish horseshoe arch leads into the gray stone courtyard of this building, which originally was an inn of the Grand Hotel of 14th-century Islamic Granada and subsequently a warehouse, a theater, and an apartment house. Now it houses Granada's branch of Artespana, the government-run handicrafts company that has shops throughout Spain. The streets to the south and east of the building were the core of the old juderia (Jewish quarter), where Jewish granadinos (20% of the city's population at one time) lived and worked before the quarter was razed and its denizens expelled from Spain on order of Ferdinand and Isabella. 40 Calle Mariana Pineda.

The Monastery of St Jerome Granada

Founded in Granada after the Christian reconquest, this huge edifice. has both a private and a public cloister, the latter a magnificent space with double tiers of arcaded ambulatories surrounding an orange grove. The 16thcentury monastery church is one of Diego de Siloe's greatest buildings.

Our Lady of Sorrows Granada

This charming Renaissance church in the downtown shopping district honors the city's patron saint. The church's carved wood statue of the Virgin, bearing Christ in her arms, is carried through the city during Easter week. Open daily for mass; check at your hotel for times. Carrera de la Virgen.

Granada Airport and car hire

Granada Airport has evolved into a busy passenger airport, which welcomes thousands of visitors from the UK every year. If you are planning to visit Granada or travel around Andalusia, pre-book a hire car from Granada or Malaga Airport, which will save you time when you arrive. Granada Airport car hire is not expensive, and the best way to discover the attractions of this diverse city is to hire a car from the airport.

Special events in Granada

Granada's most unique celebration, the Dia de la Toma (Day of the Capture), on January 2, commemorates the day in 1492 when the Muslim ruler, Boabdil, turned the city over to Ferdinand and Isabella, thereby completing the Reconquista (Christian reconquest of Spain). Granada marks the day with a parade and the tolling of the bell installed in the Alhambra by Ferdinand and Isabella, and the flag of the Catholic Monarchs hangs from the Ayuntamiento (City Hall).

On May 3, Cruces de Mayo (Crosses of May), there is dancing in the streets and plazas which are bedecked with crosses covered with spring flowers. A much bigger event, the Fiesta de Corpus Christi, features a glittering holy procession that displays the monstrance Isabella gave the cathedral, and costumed granadinos who ride horseback through downtown traffic. Other events include bullfights, a flamenco festival, and a sprawling fair. Granada's renowned annual Festival Internacional de Musica y Danza runs for three weeks bridging June and July.

Things to see in Cordoba

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Wherever you choose to travel in southern Spain, or even if you are spending a few days in Marbella, Malaga and the Costa del Sol, it is well worth driving a couple of hours inland by hire car to the fascinating city of Cordoba.

The low-slung city of Cordoba sprawls along a sleepy, shallow stretch of the Rio (River) Guadalquivir, 90 miles (143 km) upstream from Seville and 103 miles (165 km) northwest of Granada. Of the three great medieval Andalusian capitals, it is Cordoba (traditionally known in English as Cordova) that best preserves its Moorish legacy.

The city's incomparable treasure, the Mezquita (Great Mosque), is a forest of stone pillars and arches so vast that a full-blown cathedral, built by Christian conquerors who ripped out the heart of the mosque to accommodate it, seems lost in the shadowy aisles. Strange bedfellows, the mosque and cathedral are a fascinating expression of the amalgam of Moslem and Christian elements that is Spain.

Attractions in Spain

One of the greatest attractions in Spain, the Mezquita stands on the edge of the Juderfa, the old Jewish Quarter of the city, where the pattern of narrow winding streets has not changed since Cordoba flourished under the rule of the opulent Umayyad caliphs in the 8th to the 11th centuries. At the height of its splendor under the Moors (North African Berbers and some Arabs), who had wrested the territory from the Visigoths in 711, Cordoba was the capital of al-Andalus (Moorish Iberia), a city second in luxury and power only to glittering Constantinople.

A pilgrimage to its Great Mosque is said to have equaled a journey to Mecca. Chroniclers of the day wrote of a city of half a million people, with 300,000 homes and palaces, 700 mosques, and hundreds of ritual baths. The same city that as the capital of the Roman province of Baetica had been home to Seneca the Elder and his son Lucius Annaeus Seneca (tutor of Nero), but which had declined under the Visigoths, became once again, under the Moors, a center for scholars, scientists, and philosophers.

It had the first university in Europe, a library with 400,000 handcopied volumes, and legendary pleasure palaces. The silverwork and tooled leathers from its workshops were world famous. The glory days of the Moors in Cordoba lasted until 1031, when political infighting among the leaders led to the disintegration of the caliphate. Seville then became the capital of the Moorish Iberia.

Today, Cordoba is a quiet provincial city of 312,000, its economy sustained by mining in the nearby mountains and by agriculture from the surrounding plains. Conveniently compact, it has clearly defined old and new sections, which makes it an easy town to tour. Exploring its historic districts absorbs most of any visitor's time, but strolling its broad, treelined boulevards and uptodate central core is a pleasant plus. While there are comfortable hotels in the city, and the Palacio de Congresos (Convention Center) was built to lure business folk, many visitors make do with an afternoon stopover at the Mezquita on a trip between Seville and Madrid.

Cordoba patios

However, Cordoba is worth a stay of at least two days, if only for the chance to drive out to the nearby excavations of the Medina Azahara, a country palace and royal city built by a 10th-century caliph. It takes time to browse Cordoba's famous flowerfilled patios, to explore the Juderfa, to loll in Queen Isabella's gardens in the Alcazar, to watch the black and white cows grazing on the marshy river islands by the Roman Bridge. Those interested in Renaissance churches, palaces, and monuments will find sights enough for several days, and the romantic can fuel their dreams by sleeping and eating in centuries-old buildings that now serve as hotels and restaurants in the heart of the Juderfa. In Cordoba, if you so choose, you truly can live in the past.

The city of Cordoba Spain

The bell tower of the Mezquita is the best place to take the measure of Cordoba. It´s open every day and worth the extra fee (in addition to the Mezquita's admission charge) to climb up, especially because the tower affords a bird'seye view of the Mezquita's roof with the cathedral rising out of it.

Bordering the Mezquita to the north and northwest are the humble tile roofs of the Juderfa, enclosed on the west by restored Moorish walls. The bridge near the foot of the Mezquita is the Puente Romano (Roman Bridge) leading over the Guadalquivir to the Torre de la Calahorra, a 14thcentury; fortress , and to working class suburbs on the south side of the river. Running west along the near riverbank are the golden walls and gardens of the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, Ferdinand and Isabella's fortress, palace near the Puente San Rafael, the cIty s maIn approach bridge, whIch feeds traffic into the major north-south avenue, Paseo de la Victoria and Avenida Republica Argentina.

Farther north is the Plaza de las Tendillas, Cordoba's downtown hub where the chimes of the main clock are strummed flamenco guitar chords; beyond, the residential district rises gently toward the hills. North and east of the Mezquita are the beautiful Renaissance church towers, monasteries, and pa!aces that proliferated after the 13th-century Christian reconquest of the city.

Special places to go in Cordoba

Though its easygoing atmosphere is easy to love, Cordoba's casual attitude toward opening and closing times, especially for the less-visited attractions can disrupt the best-made tourist plans. Be sure to check on hours and day of opening when you arrIve (eIther directly or through a hotel or tourist office staff.

The Great Mosque in Cordoba

This 1,200-yearold masterwork by a succession of caliphs is so vast that not even the enormous Catholic cathedral built in its center can destroy the impact of its forest of pillars and red-and-white candy-striped Moorish horseshoe arches. In fact, as seen from the Puerta de las Palmas (Palm Door), which leads into the mosque from the Patio de los Naranjos (Orange Tree Court), the phantasmagoric rows of columns stretching in every direction screen out the florid cathedral in their midst. Visit the ancient mosque first and leave the cruciform Gothic Renaissance church section for last.

The Puerta del Perdon (Door of Forgiveness), next to the bell tower on Calle Cardenal Herrero, is the main entrance to the mosque, although at present visitors enter at the ticket gate on Calle Magistral Gonzalez Frances. Before going in, be sure to make a full circuit of its crumbling walls to see all the old mosaic-decorated entranceways (some long since blocked up).

Keep in mind that the now-murky interior of the mosque was originally open to light and air on all sides. When the caliph Abder Rahman I built the first section in 785, each row of marble columns ran straight out to its own row of orange trees in the forecourt. It was only after King Fernando III conquered Cordoba in 1236 that the Christians closed in the mosque and lined the walls with Catholic chapels. The minaret was rebuilt as a bell tower in the 16th century, when more than 60 of the mosque's columns were torn out to erect a proper cathedral in its heart.

AbderRahman 1's original square mosque was enlarged on three occasions, as Cordoba grew in size and importance in the Muslim world. By the 10th century, it covered its present six acres. More than 800 pillars stood along its aisles, for the most part antique classical pillars, some left from the Visigoth Christian church and the Roman temple that previously stood on the site and others taken from structures as far away as Italy, France, North Africa, and Constantinople. Since these secondhand columns were of unequal lengths, the builders raised the brick and marble flooring of the mosque and planted the columns at various depths to maintain a uniform height on which to support the arches. This illusion of pillars growing right out of the floor combines with a profusion of leafy Corinthian capitals to underscore the forest image.

The addition made to the mosque by Alhakem II in 961 the southwest corner, containing 10 rows of exquisite alternating rose and blue marble columns and the most dazzling of its holy shrinesrepresents the high point in caliphate art. Here, against the south wall, is the holy mihrab, a glistening alcove indicating the direction of Mecca.

Framed by an arch of golden and polychrome Byzantine mosaics, It was the repository of a bejeweled Koran copied by a caliph's own hand and anointed with his blood. Just in front of the alcove, on the site of a former mihrab, is the Capilla Villaviciosa, a chapel executed in Mudejar style (the Moorishflavored style, pronounced moodayhar, of Moorish artisans who remained in Cordoba under Christian rule), but its stalactite ceiling and plaster lacework are visible only through a locked grille.

Cordoba Cathedral and Charles V

The cathedral was much maligned from the start, and even Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, who authorized its construction, deplored how it had disfigured the mosque. Nonetheless, the building has Some magnificent details. Its 18thcentury mahogany choir stalls are among Europe's most elaborate, and the big hanging lamp before the altar is a fine example of 17th-century Cordoban silverwork.

The Mezquita is open daily. Admission charge (there's a separate fee to climb the bell tower). Calle Cardenal Herrero. Note: Since there is no satisfactory guidebook for the Mezquita, a local guide schooled in the subtle complexities of this fascinating structure is recommended.

The Jewish Quarter in Cordoba

Evidence of the Jewish presence in Cordoba dates back to 814, and the city's Juderfa, north and west of the Mezquita, is a medieval quarter where Moors and Jews once lived side by side and where Europe's first Talmudic studies school was established. The former homes of two of the world's greatest thinkers, the 12th-century Jewish philosopher-physician Moises ben Maimon (aka Maimonides) and the Moorish philosopher-mathematician Averroes (Ibn Rushd) are located here.

Today the neighborhood is no longer Jewish or Moorish, and the whitewashed houses, some of which date from caliphate timesare now the residences of middle class and wealthy Cordobans. About a third of a mile of restored town wall, lighted till dawn, runs beside a moat and gardens along Calle Cairuan, at the neighborhood's western edge. A bronze statue of Seneca stands at the northern end of the wall, beside the Puerta de Almodovar, a gate that once protected the city with an iron portcullis and is the principal western entrance to the Juderfa.

Synagogue Pass through the Puerta de Almodovar and turn right down Calle de los Judios to one of only three synagogues in Spain to survive the Inquisition, though after the Jews were expelled this was used as a Christian church. (This one was built in Mudejar style in 1316; Toledo has the other two, which are grander.) Note the niche where the holy scrolls were kept and the 14th-century Mudejar plasterwork along the upper walls and gallery where the women were sequestered during worship.

The Bullfighting Museum Cordoba

The city maintains this display in the 12th-century house in the Plaza de Tlbenades. Most of the museum is devoted to bullfighting: posters, photos, swords, trophies, suits of light (the jeweled bullfighters costumes), and stuffed heads of bulls that were dispatched by famous Cordoba-born toreros (the word preferred over toreador, which is considered somewhat archaic). Such individual superstars as Manolete and native sons of Cordobes have whole rooms devoted to their costumes (some bloodstained) and personal possessions.

The Alley of Flowers Cordoba

The loveliest lane in the Judera offers a postcard view of the Mezquita bell tower framed by flowers. It s Just northeast of the Mezquita, reached from Calle Bosco off Calle Cardenal Herrero.

Fortress of the Christian Monarchs Cordoba

Much of the beauty of this fortress is in its outer walls and three remaining towers rather than in the interior living quarters. Ferdinand and Isabella were in residence during the later stages of their conquest of Granada, but the Alcazar has been a prison for most of its grim history. The legendary King Boabdil of Granada, whose surrender marked the end of Moonsh rule in Spain, was held captive here; later, the local headquarters of the Inquisition was located under this roof from the 15th until the 19th cen.tury. The Alcazar then became a provincial prison, whlch It remained until restoration after the Spanish Civil War.

Enter the complex under the archway of the Torre de Los Leones (Tower of the Lions), then turn left into the clean-lined Gothic palace, where artifacts such as a sword of the 11th-century Castilian hero EI Cid are displayed. Magnificent Roman murals from the 1st century line the walls of the SaLon ReaL (Royal Salon), now used for concerts; down steep stairs are the crumbling walls of one of 800 Moorish baths that once existed in and around the Mezquita, the Banos Califales, with typical Moorish star-shaped skylights (unfortunately, they're closed for renovation until next year).

The fortress's centerpiece, the Patio Morisco (Moorish Court) endowed with twin pools and an ivy-covered grotto, leads to the Moorish walled Alcazar gardens, filled with more pools, fountains, rose gardens, and orchards. Before leaving the ALcazar, walk the ramparts and climb the the stone towers remaining from the original four: The Torre de Los Leones is the oldest and most interesting because of its Gothic dome, but the other two, EL Rio (River) and Homenaje (Homage), also command stunning views.

The Calahorra Tower Cordoba

In the 14th century King Enrique II constructed this stone fortress at the south end of the Puente Romano to ward off attacks by his hated half brother, Pedro the Cruel, who built the Alcazar of Seville. The well-preserved cruciform tower was erected over an old Moorish fort. It's now a city historical museum where a slide show about Cordoba and Andalusia is shown daily.

The Plaza del Potro Cordoba

This famous square east of the Mezquita takes its name from the diminutive statue of a rearing colt atop the 16th-century fountain in its center. The austere plaza, walled in by the former Hospital de la Caridad (Charity Hospital) on one side and by an old inn, the Posada del Potro, on the other, looks just as it must have in the 16th and 17th centuries. It now functions as offices and a cultural center featuring changing exhibitions. Open daily. No admission charge.

The Julio Romreo Museum Cordoba

Reopened in 1993 after an extensive facelift, this frescoed building, part of the Museo de Bellas Artes complex, is devoted to the saccharine works of the 1920s painter Julio Romero de Torres, whose father was the curator at the Museo de Bellas Artes. Torres's romantic portrayals of Gypsy women and especially his Naranjas y Limones (Oranges and Lemons), a portrait of a topless woman, are the big draw.

The Plaza de las Tendillas

The heart of downtown Cordoba, this is a huge square lined with banks, cafes, and shops. At the northern end of the square, Avenida Cruz Conde leads down to the city's main shopping area; at the southern end, Calle Jesus y Marfa leads to the Mezquita.

The Palace of the Marquis of Viana Cordoba

This enchanting ancestral palace of the Marquis of Viana, with a dozen breathtaking patios and 52 lavish rooms (of nearly 100) on view, is one of the best-kept and most efficiently managed museums in Cordoba. A brochure in English describes a self-guided tour of its magnificent interconnected patio gardens, which are its star feature; a guard leads visitors through the house itself, which is a complete museum of the aristocratic Andalusian lifestyle, fully furnished and decorated with the family's art collection and possessions.

The Botanical Gardens Cordoba

Set among the pavilions and greenhouses in the Jardines Botanicos (Botanical Gardens), this museum focuses on the 500 year exchange of vegetable species between the Amerindian and Mediterranean cultures. Exhibits include a profusion of Iberian and Latin American plants, as well as traditional farming implements and interpretive videos. Open daily. Admission charge. Av. de Linneo.

The Medina Azahara near Cordoba

Dry and olive-dotted near the Sierra foothills just 4 miles (6 km) west of Cordoba is the site of the extensively excavated and delightfully restored pleasure palace and city built by Abder Rahman III for his favorite wife, Azahara, in 936. Clearly marked paths descend through a terraced town that once housed 20,000 royal retainers and served as the seat of Cordoba's government for 70 years.

No expense was spared in laying out its royal palace, great mosque, 400 houses, army barracks, royal mint, gardens, fish ponds, orchards, fountains, heavy fortifications, and ornate gateways, spread over 275 acres. Excavation began in 1914 and proceeded fitfully until recent years, when the pace was stepped up. Much of what the visitor sees are foundations and ruined shells of buildings, but the magnificent, colonnaded Dar al Mulk, or royal apartment complex, with delicate plasterwork, intricate stone carving, and majestic proportions, has already been roofed Over and is being meticulously reconstructed.

Car hire in Cordoba

If you are looking to hire a car and travel around Cordoba, it will save you time and money if you pre-book your car hire from Malaga, Granada or Cordoba Airport before you fly. If you are planning to tour around Andalusia, then make the most of your car hire and arrange to drop it off at a convenient airport.

Fiesta de Los Patios Cordoba

The famous Fiesta de Los Patios draws visitors to the city during the first two weeks in May. Everyone goes from one private patio to another admiring walls literally covered with gorgeously planted flowerpots, and prizes are awarded for the best displays. At the same time, public plazas are decked with flowers and flowered crosses. This is followed by the annual Feria de Nuestra Senora de La Salud (Fair of Our Lady of HeaIth) simply Feria for short held the last week in May.

Cordoba's fair is especially festive because of its location in the heart of town: Casetas (private tents for entertaining) and the midway Ferris wheel, merrygoround, and snack stands run the length of the Jmdines de La Victoria (Gardens of Victory) and flamenco contests, concerts, ballet performances, parades, fireworks, and displays of Cordoban horsemanship fill the streets.

The annual Festival de La Guitarra Paco Pena, a celebration of flamenco and Spanish classical guitar, attracts leading musicians including the London-based but locally born Pefia himself.

Burgos and its history

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Burgos lies between the Spanish meseta (plateau) and the foothills of the Cantabrian and Iberian cordilleras, about 150 miles (240 km) due north of Madrid and 95 miles (152 km) due south of the Atlantic coast at Santander. An important crossroads for centuries, it thrives in a setting that combines tableland and mountain, wheatfields and pine woods in a way particularly characteristic of inland Spain. Though relatively young (dating from the 9th century), Burgos nevertheless boasts a rich and colorful history as an outpost for troops fighting on the Moorish frontier, and later as the capital of the kingdom of Castile.

El Cid of Burgos

The city is probably best known for its most famous native son, Spain's national hero Rodrigo Dfaz de Vivar, more commonly known as El Cid Campeador. This much-romanticized figure was born in the tiny village of Vivar, just north of Burgos, and became a legend of the Reconquista (the Christian reconquest of Spain from the Muslims). Following his victory over the Moors in 1081, El Cid was expelled from Castile by Alfonso VI, who was jealous of the soldier's popularity and distrusted him, even though the hero was married to Dona Jimena, the king's cousin.

As an exiled soldier of fortune, El Cid joined the forces of the Moorish king of Zaragoza and fought against the same Christian forces he had once led. His sympathies soon switched again, and in 1094 he led 7,000 Christian knights to a stunning victory over the Moors at Valencia, where, five years later, he met his death. His brave widow held Valencia until 1102, when she burned the city before it was overrun by the Moors, then returned to Castile with her husband's remains.

El Cid was eventually immortalized in the great, anonymous 12th-century Castilian epic poem El cantar del mio Cid, a tender but mostly fictional account of the mercenary's exploits. Today, he and Dona Jimena are buried side by side in the Catedral de Burgos after centuries of peaceful rest in the Monasterio de San Pedro de Cardefia several miles east of town. A simple tombstone just outside the front entrance to the monastery pays tribute to El Cid's loyal horse, Babieca, reputedly buried here. The hero's presence still pervades the city, as the striking statue of him in the Plaza de Miguel Primo de Rivera shows.

Santiago de Compostela Spain

While EI Cid was making the name of Burgos known to the Moors, the city also was gaining renown among medieval Christians as a major stopping point for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of St. James in Santiago de Compostela. This great mass movement had begun in earnest in the 10th century, and as it grew, so did Burgos. The cathedral, begun and completed for the most part in the 13th century, became the city's focal point and over the years has come to be recognized as one of the world's most important landmarks of Gothic architecture and sculpture.

It's a living testament to the wealth of Burgos in the 13th century, when a powerful guild of sheep farmers, known as the Mesta, generated an unprecedented amount of commerce by selling their merino wool both locally and abroad. Burgos was a center of the wool trade, a fact recalled by its name, which derives from the burghers, or middle class merchants, who gave rise to the towns of the Middle Ages.

Monuments in Burgos

The 13th and 14th centuries were periods of extraordinary splendor, during which the construction of churches, monasteries, and homes grew under the influence of bishops and abbots and with the patronage of kings and noblemen. During the 15th and 16th centuries, the city achieved further spectacular development, thanks in part to its economic wealth, which attracted corps of painters, sculptors, and architects.

Burgos and Franco

After the 16th century, Burgos began to decline. Only in this century did it return to the fore, this time infamously, as the capital of the regime of Generalissimo Francisco Franco during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). In 1936, the Nationalist movement was spawned in Burgos, where it was said that even the stones are Nationalist (even today, the city still has streets and plazas named after Franco and others of his ilk). Yet despite adverse historical circumstances and its share of warfare, Burgos has retained a wealth of artistic relics that few Spanish cities or provinces can surpass.

Things to do in Burgos Spain

The best way to get a panoramic view of Burgos is to walk or drive up to the remains of the old castle, just above the cathedral. To reach it on foot, begin in Plaza de Santa Marfa, in front of the cathedral, take the steps up to the Iglesia de San Nicolas, and turn left onto Calle Fernan Gonzalez; at the triumphal arch, take the stairs leading upward to the top. The castle is nothing but a ruin, having been blown up by departing Napoleonic troops in the early 19th century, but it's possible to climb carefully to the top of the walls (although it's not encouraged) and behold Burgos, majestically spread out below.

Places to visit in Burgos

The major sights are clustered in the Casco Viejo (Old Town), a relatively small area on one side of the Rio Arlanzon (Arlanzon River). Its central features are the arcaded Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Jose Antonio on some maps), just west of which, at the foot of the castle hill, is the impressive Gothic cathedral. South of the cathedral is the Plaza del Rey San Fernando; from it, the A reo de Santa Maria, a massive gate with semicircular towers, opens onto the beginning of the Paseo del Espolon, one of the most beautiful and pleasant riverside promenades in Spain. Just in front of the gate, the Arlanzon is crossed by the Puente de Santa Maria (St. Mary Bridge).

The main sights of Burgos are within easy walking distance of this core, although most people will want to take public transportation to the Monasterio de las Huelgas and the Cartuja de Miraflores (Miraflores Convent).

Burgos Cathedral

The cathedral in Burgos is the third-largest in Spain, following those of Seville and Toledo, but it was the country's first great Gothic cathedral. Begun in 1221, the structure was largely designed by Master Enrique, who also built the cathedral of Leon.

The first mass was said nine years later, although the edifice was not finished for several more centuries. The main body of the church, mostly completed in the 13th century, is in a simpler Gothic style than that represented by such 15th-century additions as the two west front spires or the Capilla del Condestable (Constable's Chapel). Both of these latter structures are wondrously Flamboyant Gothic. Yet while the cathedral's plan was originally based on French models, and both French and German architects collaborated in its construction, its design and decoration are in the finest Spanish tradition.

Before going inside, walk down to the Plaza del Rey San Fernando, from which a flight of stairs leads up to what is considered the most beautiful of the church's four entrances, the Puerta del Sarmental, a door in French Gothic style. Inside, massive columns rising to the vaulted dome at the crossing of the transept appear to stretch to the heavens, and the domecolorless, opaque glass in an eight-pointed star shape amid ornate Plateresque stone carvingis as jewellike as a giant rhinestone pin.

Light shining through the windows, the screens, and the skylight and glinting off the grillwork all make the building appear as if made mostly of air.

In the floor under the dome is the tomb of EI Cid and his wife, Dona Jimena, sandwiched between the 16th-century Renaissance Capilla Mayor (Main Chapel) and altarpiece and the 16th-century walnut choir stalls.

(The Infante Don Juan, one of Alfonso X's sons, and other members of the royal family are in tombs at the foot of the altar.) Both the choir and the high altar are surrounded by a giant grille. The gilded staircase on the north side of the cathedral, a 16th-century Renaissance design by Diego de Siloe, is one of the church's treasures.

The cathedral has 19 chapels, not all of which are on view at any given time. Foremost is the octagonal Capilla del Condestable, behind the Capilla Mayor. In the small room just off the chapel is a painting of Mary Magdalene, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci (it's behind closed doors in a cupboard-ask the attendant to open it).

Also noteworthy are the beautifully carved cloister doors; they lead into the 13th-century cloister, built on two levels, and the adjoining chapel and chapter house, which function as the cathedral museum. Here the treasures include the 16th-century Christ at the Column sculpture by Diego de SHoe, considered a masterpiece' of Spanish Expressionism, and the silver carriage that transports the gold monstrance in the city's Corpus Christi procession in early June.

One of the cathedral's lighter facets is the famous 16th-century Papamoscas (Flycatcher), a clock with automated figures high up above the central aisle. On the hour, a figure to the right rings a bell causing the Flycatcher's mouth to open in a grimace (catching flies in the summer, hence the name). The cathedral is open daily. Admission charge to the cloister. Plaza Santa Marfa.

Iglesia de San Nicolas Burgos

An unusual, mostly 15th-century Gothic church just up the stairs from the Plaza de Santa Marfa, it has a magnificent altarpiece by Francisco de Colonia, dating from 1505. Carved in stone are some 48 scenes from the Bible and from the life of St. Nicholas, incorporating hundreds of figures. On either side of the altar and on the sides of the church are haunting Gothic tombs. The church also contains some interesting 16th-century Flemish paintings. Don't spare the 100 pesetas for illumination´-it's well worth it. Open daily. Calle Fermin Gonzalez.

Arco de Santa Maria Burgos Spain

When Burgos was a walled city, this was its main gateway, fed by the main bridge over the Rfo Arlanzon. It dates from the 14th century (although there was an earlier, 11th-century gate here), and was remodeled in the 16th century. Pictured in its niches are some famous figures from local history: Count Diego Rodrfguez Porcelos, the city's 9th-century founder, flanked by judges, on the lower level; Count Fernan Gonzalez, the 10th-century founder of the County of Castile, flanked by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and EI Cid, on the upper level. Plaza del Rey San Fernando.

Archaeological Museum Burgos

Set up in the Casa de Miranda, a 16th-century mansion that features an elegant two-storey courtyard with a fountain in the center, the collection embraces finds from prehistoric times through the present day. Roman artifacts include ceramics, weapons, glass bowls, and household items. There also is an interesting presentation on the region's Roman road system and a small display of Visigothic items. The medieval section houses the Gothic tomb of Juan de Padilla, the Franciscan missionary. Closed Saturday afternoons and Sundays. Admission charge. 13 Calle Miranda.

The Marceliano Museum Burgos

The museum occupies the former Augustinian Monasterio de San Juan, now fully restored and converted into a palace of the arts. The upstairs houses 165 works by Santa Marfa, a local 19th and 20th-century Impressionist painter, including portraits and colorful landscapes of the surrounding countryside. Closed Mondays. Admission charge. Plaza de San Juan.

Casa del Cordon Burgos

A fine example of secular, rather than ecclesiastic, Gothic architecture of the 15th century, the Casa del Cordon is the building where, in April 1497, the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, met Christopher Columbus after his return from his second trip to the Americas. Beautifully restored, it is open to the public.

Estatua del Cid Burgos

This monumental statue of the Burgalese hero astride Babieca, his faithful steed, is so centrally located that visitors come upon it again and again as they explore the city. A contemporary work (1954) in bronze, it bristles with energy. Plaza de Miguel Primo de Rivera.

The Monastery of Las Huelgas

What originally was a royal summer palace was converted into a Cistercian convent for nuns of aristocratic and royal lineage by Alfonso VIII and his English wife, Eleanor, in 1187. This eventually became one of the most important and powerful convents in Europe. The buildings and artwork reflect a wealth of changing architectural styles and influences from Romanesque and Mudejar to Renaissance and Plateresque. The church has a rather simple facade with a square tower.

Inside, note the unique 16th-century revolving pulpit that allowed the priest to address both sides of the church, which is divided by a wall that is also a carved Renaissance-style altarpiece. Beyond side aisles containing the tombs of Alfonso VIII, Eleanor, and other royal personages are cloisters; rooms with carved, Moorish-style stone ceilings; a small room with a wonderful artesonado (coffered wood ceiling); and, at the end, the Museo de Telas Medievales (Museum of Medieval Textiles). On display here, among other things, are garments found in the only one of the church's tombs left unsacked over the centuries, that of Don Fernando de la Cerda (122575), son of Alfonso X.

Miraflores Carthusian Convent Burgos

In the mid-15th century, King Juan II gave the land here to the Carthusians to build a monastery, which he chose as the final resting place for himself and his second wife, Isabella of Portugal (they were the parents of Queen Isabella I of Castile). He died in 1454 and work on the church was carried out largely attributed to Leonardo da Vinci (it's behind closed doors in a cupboard - ask the attendant to open it).

Also noteworthy are the beautifully carved cloister doors; they lead into the 13th-century cloister, built on two levels, and the adjoining chapel and chapter house, which function as the cathedral museum.

Here the treasures include the 16th-century Christ at the Column sculpture by Diego de Shoe, considered a masterpiece of Spanish Expressionism, and the silver carriage that transports the gold monstrance in the city's Corpus Christi procession in early June. One of the cathedral's lighter facets is the famous 16th century Papamoscas (Flycatcher), a clock with automated figures high up above the central aisle. On the hour, a figure to the right rings a bell causing the Flycatcher's mouth to open in a grimace (catching flies in the summer, hence the name). The cathedral is open daily. Admission charge to the cloister. Plaza Santa Marfa.

Burgos Airport car hire in Spain

Whether you are visiting Burgos, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville, Madrid or the Costa Blanca, you will find plenty of things to see and do in Spain, and the best way to get around is to hire a car from the airport. Car hire in Malaga, Burgos, Barcelona and Madrid is much cheaper when pre-booked before you travel, and you can pick up a range of car rentals in Spain at low prices, when you pre-book at the airport.

Briviesca near Burgos

This medieval town, just 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Burgos on the main highway (N1), is well worth a visit.In the Plaza Santa Marfa, the 14th-century church Colegiata de Santa Maria, with its exquisite Renaissance fa«ade, is a fine example of Christian Castilian architecture. The town is also the site of the 15th-century Iglesia de San Martin (St. Martin's Church), also centrally located on the Calle Canton Salazar, and the 16thcentury Iglesia de Santa Clara on Calle Duque Frias; both draw large crowds of religious art enthusiasts.

Santo Domingo de Silos near Burgos

One of Spain's great monasteries (and, more recently, a growing musical tourist attraction of sorts), this Benedictine abbey 41 miles (69 km) southeast of Burgos was built in 919 and features a wonderful two-storey Romanesque cloister from the 11th century. Of particular interest is the painted Mudejar vault depicting everyday life in medieval Castile and the remarkable bas reliefs at each corner of the cloister showing scenes from the life of Christ.

The museum has a few interesting pieces, including some Visigothic Christian prayer books and the tympanum of a Romanesque church that used to be on the site. There is also a reconstructed 18th-century pharmacy. But the monastery is most famous abroad for its choir of monks.

Horse Riding in Andalucia Spain the Natural Way

2009-09-21T02:18:00.000-07:00

Our courses, clinics and workshops are designed to enhance your horse riding and ground work skills beyond your greatest expectations. Horse riding in Andalucia Spain

Here you will have a unique opportunity to create a very special partnership with horses.
Learn how to read horses and interpret their behaviour.

Riding - Unravel the mystery of "Flexion without Force", Discover true unity and softness with your horse based on trust and communication.

Unique body awareness exercises helping you to achieve natural harmony and balance within yourself when on the ground and in the saddle .

Lessons in the use of photonic light therapy and barefoot trimming
Idyllic trail riding through picturesque olive groves.

Experience a night camping under the stars with your horse (available in Week 2)
Fantastic, spacious accommodation.

Relaxation and reflection time under the beautiful Mediterranean sun.
Developing your skills with horses has never been so much fun!!

Tracy James was conventionally trained in dressage and judged for a periodof time. Beset with the usual frustrations that stem from traditional methods, she began her quest in the early 90's to find a way to connect with horses naturally.Tracy was convinced that she needed to understand all psychological aspects of horse behaviors to be able to help horses to overcome their fears.

Tracy successfully completed The Preliminary Certificate of Study in Monty Roberts Methods of Horsemanship in 1996. Having visited Monty's residence, Flag Is Up Farm, in California and being truly inspired by the man himself, she has gained considerable knowledge and experience over the years.

Tracy's combined training and experience has enabled her to help hundreds of horses and people to develop and accelerate their own level of horsemanship based on trust, understanding and communication. She has helped them to channel their energy in such a way that they achieve softness and lightness never felt before. Tracy states that everything must come from calmness.

Clinics are held at the Natural Horse Centre in Spain, England, France and Ireland. Clinics are conducted to prepare you and your horse for a greater level of performance naturally. The goal is a horse that is soft, gentle, responsive, moves smoothly, and is relaxed in every situation.
Working Students:Working student positions occasionally become available. Please email Tracy for more details.

General Housekeeper Required: Because of our success we are now looking for a like-minded person to help out with general house duties eg: cleaning, washing, ironing, helping in the kitchen and dining room.

In return, we offer a great working environment, room and board, some spending money and a unique opportunity to train with Tracy James and her team.

If you have experience in housekeeping and, have a love of horses and want to learn natural horsemanship this could be the job for you!

E-mail Tracy or phone (0034) 952 720 271

Our english travel agent, Marilyn, (01663 749 388) can organize and book all your flights . Most UK airports fly to Malaga (approximately 2 1/2 hours).

BCM Nightclub Magaluf Mallorca

2009-05-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

Said to be the hottest, wildest club in Magaluf, Mallorca, BCM attracts thousands of serious clubbers to this beautiful island every year.World famous as a clubbing hotspot, Magaluf is loud, lively and non-stop. From the minute you pick up your hire car at Palma de Mallorca Airport, you will be bombarded with free invitations to clubs, late-night bars and discos that will keep you dancing till dawn. But nothing compares to BCM.

With four main areas for serious clubbers to get down and dirty, BCM, Magaluf, is a king among clubs. The Main Room is where the hard-core action takes place, and you will find some of the world´s top DJ´s, club brands and live artistes performing here. Boasting state of the art light and laser shows and an incredible sound system, BCM Magaluf is undoubtedly Europe´s hottest club venue.

BCM Millenium is the party room at BCM Magaluf, where foam parties, water parties, popcorn parties and Miss Wet T-Shirt parties are held every night in the summer. Side shows including exotic dancers and crazy DJ´s perform regularly to keep the crowds entertained. BCM First FLR is the fabulous pre-club meeting place for thousands of revellers. For an all-in price, clubbers can enjoy the amazing atmosphere and facilities at BCM MIllenium, BCM First FLR and the BCM Main Room with a free bar.

BCM Square is situated just behind the main club and is the perfect pre-clubbing party zone. Events hosted regularly here include Radio 1 Live gigs and the huge club land weekends. BCM Magaluf, Mallorca is fast becoming one of the in-crowd´s must-visit venues. Magaluf is not for the faint-hearted, and if you are planning a visit, particularly in summer, book your hotels, car hire and excursions before leaving. If you are staying in Magaluf, car hire can be pre-booked and picked up directly from Palma de Mallorca Airport. Avoid delays and queues at the car hire office by booking cheap reliable car hire online.

La Perla De la Bahia - luxury and opulence on the Costa Del Sol

2009-04-27T02:06:00.000-07:00

Holiday apartment weekly rental

For more information

Contact La Perla OfficePhone: 0034 952 893 077…REF 1001

E-mail: club.es@lpil.com

Situated on the slopes of the Sierra Bermeja mountains, La Perla de Bahia is one of the most prestigious beach-front complexes on the Costa del Sol. Situated at Casares, just 9km from Estepona, this beautiful, spacious, beach-front apartment offers holidaymakers every luxury. The sandy beach is just metres away with direct access available from the gardens.

While away the long summer days by the pool or stretch out and sunbathe on one of the spacious terraces. Situated on the quieter end of the Costa del Sol but within easy driving distance of the glitzy resorts of Marbella and Puerto Banus, La Perla offers the best of both worlds. Some of the finest beaches, restaurants and golf courses are situated close by, and this fabulous apartment boasts stunning views of the Mediterranean.

Also overlooking the swimming pool and next to a piazza and fountain, this impressive, ground floor property has 2 large bedrooms and bathrooms, and many extras. A small private garden is ideal for sunbathing, and the pool is just a few steps away.

Furnished to the highest standards with luxury fittings throughout, this first floor apartment has its own Jacuzzi/whirlpool bath and a super-king size bed in the master suite. If you are looking for a five-star holiday rental on the Costa del Sol, this property offers every luxury. Holiday accommodation in Andalucia does not come much better than this. The lively town of Sabinillas and the prestigious Puerto de la Duquesa are just ten minutes drive away from Bahia de la Perla, with easy road access. The fascinating British enclave of Gibraltar is just 30 minutes away by hire car.

Facilities/amenities include: central air conditioning throughout.

Kitchen: a fridge/freezer, a dish washer, a washing machine, a tumble dryer, an oven with grill/hob and a microwave.

Bedroom One: Doors leading out onto the patio, a large king size bed, built in wardrobes with plenty of space, an en suite bathroom with bath and a large separate shower, two sinks, a bidet, toilet and under-floor heating.

Bedroom Two: Bunk style beds ideal for children or adults, a door and window overlooking the piazza/fountain. Built-in spacious wardrobes and an en suite shower room with under floor heating.Lounge/diner: leads out directly onto the patio with excellent sunshade. Lounge includes 2 large sofas, a 6-seater dining table, a coffee table and a T.V.Patio: a sofa, chairs, a 4-seater dining table, 2 sun loungers, a BBQ, a small garden leading down to the pool and garden area with sun loungers.

Parking: Underground parking space with lift. About Bahia de La PerlaFacilities and amenities within the complex include: 3 pools, two heated, direct access to the beach, two beach bars and the fishing village of Sabinillas within easy walking distance. A great range of bars and restaurants to choose from close by.

A cleaning and laundry service is also available at La Perla, and the complex is situated just 30 minutes from Gibraltar Airport, and 50 minutes from Malaga Airport. Situated on the Casares Roundabout/coast road N340 and just 5 minutes from the E-15 toll road.

How much for a holiday rental in La Perla? Weekly rentals and monthly rentals are available in this luxury 2 bed, 2 bath apartment from €500.00 to €750.00 per week.

For more information contact La Perla Office...Phone: 0034 952 893 077…REF 1001

E-mail: club.es@lpil.com

LA PERLA DE LA BAHIA HOLIDAY APARTMENT

2009-04-24T03:06:00.000-07:00

HOLIDAY APARTMENT TO RENT
LA PERLA DE LA BAHIA
CASARES
NEAR ESTEPONE ,
COSTA DEL SOL
SPAIN

LUXURY 2 BED 2 BATHROOM GROUND FLOOR HOLIDAY / BEACH FRONT APARTMENT TO RENT

€500 to €750 per week

monthly prices on request

Link to more photos of apartment

http://laperlahomeownersales.com/

CONTACT LA PERLA OFFICE

PHONE 0034 952 893 077…REF 1001

EMAIL club.es@lpil.com

LUXURY END TWO BED GROUND FLOOR APARTMENT OVER LOOKING SWIMMING POOL / SEA VIEWS / NEXT TO NICE PIAZZA / PERGOLA WITH FOUNTAIN IN PHASE TWO

THE APPARTMENT IS ELEVATED GROUND FLOOR OVER LOOKING THE POOL WITH FABULIOUS VIEWS OF THE SEA , 2 BED , 2 BATHROOM , KITCHEN , LARGE LOUNGE / DINER . LARGE RECESSED UNDER COVER PATTIO WITH SUN SHADE AWNING LEADING ONTO SMALL GARDEN FOR SUN BATHING , STEPS DOWN TO THE LARGE MAIN POOL

LUXURY FURNISHED , INTERNAL AIR CONDITIONING ,

KITCHEN , FRIDGE / FREEZER , DISH WASHER , WASHING MACHINE , DRYING MACHINE , OVEN / GRILL / HOB , MICRO WAVE

BED ONE , DOORS ONTO PATTIO WITH LARGE KING SIZE BED BUILT IN WARDROBES WITH PLENTY OF SPACE , EN SUIT BATHROOM WITH BATH / SHOWER HANDLE AND LARGE SEPARATE POWERFUL SHOWER , TWO SINKS / MIRROR , BEDAY , TOILET , UNDER FLOOR HEATING

BED TWO , BUNK STYLE BEDS THAT FOLD INTO EACH OTHER , WINDOW /DOOR OVER LOOKING PIAZZA / FOUNTIAN , BUILT IN WARDROBES , EN SUIT SHOWER ROOM , SINK , TOILET , UNDER FLOOR HEATING

LARGE LOUNGE / DINER LEADING ONTO LARGE RECESSED PATTIO ,2 LARGE SOFAS , 6 SEATER DINING TABLE , COFFE TABLE , TV

PATTIO , 3 SEATER SOFA , CHAIR , COFFE TABLE , 4 SEATER TABLE , TWO SUN LOUNGER , BBQ , SMALL GARDEN LEADING DOWN TO LARGE POOL WITH SUN LOUNGERS

UNDER GROUND PARKING WITH LIFT

LA PERLA DE LA BAHIA HAS 3 POOLS TWO HEATED , ACCESS ON TO THE BEACH , TWO BEACH BARS VERY CLOSE , WITHIN WALIKING DISTANCE ( 15 MINS ) DOWN THE BEACH , EASYWALK WAY TO SABINILLAS FISHING VILLAGE , MANY BARS RESAURANTS

CLEANING AND LAUNDARY SERVICE

30 MINIUTES FROM GIBRALTAR AIRPORT , 50 MINS FROM MALAGA AIRPORT

SITUATED ON THE CASARES ROUNDABOUT / COAST ROAD N340 JUST 10 MIN FROM TOLL ROAD E15

ESTEPONE 10 MIN , SABINILLAS 5 MIN , PUERTA DUQUESA 5 MIN , SOTOGRANDE 15 MIN ,

Spanish Airport Codes

2009-04-23T04:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of Spanish airport codes

1 . A Coruña Galicia , A Coruña Airport or Alvedro Airport , airport flight code is LCG

2 . Albacete Castile-La Mancha , Albacete Airport or Los Llanos Air Bas , airport flight code is ABC

3 . Alicante Valencian Community , Alicante Airport formerly El Altet Airport , airport flight code is ALC

4 . Almería Andalusia Almería Airport , airport flight code is LEI

5 . Asturias Asturias , Asturias Airport , airport flight code is LEAS

6 . Badajoz Extremadura , Badajoz Airport or Talavera la Real Badajoz Airport , airport flight code is BJZ

7 . Barcelona Catalonia , Barcelona International Airport or El Prat , airport flight code is BCN

8 . Bilbao, Biscay , Vizcaya , Basque Country Bilbao Airport or Loiu Airport ,airport flight code is BIO

9 ,Burgos Castile and León , Burgos Airport or Villafría-Burgos Airport , airport flight code is RGS

10 . Ciudad Real Castilla-La Mancha , Ciudad Real Central Airport , airport flight code is CQM

11 . Córdoba Andalusia , Córdoba Airport , airport flight code is ODB

12 , Girona Catalonia , Girona-Costa Brava Airport airport flight code is GRO

12 , Granada / Jaén Andalusia , Federico García Lorca Airport , airport flight code is GRX

13 . Huesca Aragon , Huesca-Pirineos Airport or Monflorite-Alcalá Airport , airport flight code is HSK

14 , Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz Andalusia , Jerez Airport , airport flight code is XRY

15 . León Castile and León , León Airport , airport flight code is LEN

16 . Logroño La Rioja , Logroño-Agoncillo Airport , airport flight code is RJL

17 . Madrid Madrid , Madrid Barajas International Airport , airport flight code is MAD

18 . Madrid Madrid LECU Cuatro Vientos Airport , airport flight code is LECU

19 . Madrid Madrid , Torrejón de Ardoz Airport , airport flight code is TOJ

20 , Málaga Andalusia , Málaga Airport , airport flight code is APG

21 , Murcia / San Javier Murcia , Murcia-San Javier Airport , airport flight code is MJV

22 . Pamplona Navarre , Pamplona-Nóain Airport , airport flight code is PNA

23 . Reus, Tarragona Catalonia , Reus Airport , airport flight code is REU

24 . Sabadell Catalonia , Sabadell Airport , airport flight code is QSA

25 . Salamanca Castile and León , Salamanca Airport (and Matacan Air Base , airport flight code is SLM

26 . San Sebastián, Guipuscoa Basque Country , San Sebastián Airport (or Fuenterrabia Airport , airport flight code is EAS

27 . Santander Cantabria , Santander Airport (or Parayas Airport , airport flight code is SDR

28 . Santiago de Compostela Galicia , Santiago de Compostela Airport or Lavacolla Airport , airport flight code is SCQ

29 . Seville (Sevilla) Andalusia , Seville Airport (or San Pablo Airport , airport flight code is SVQ
30 . Valencia , Valencian Community , Valencia Airport , airport flight code is VLC

31 . Valladolid , Villanubla Castile and León , Valladolid Airport (or Villanubla Airport , airport flight code is LEDV

32 . Vigo, Pontevedra Galicia , Vigo-Peinador Airport , airport flight code is VGO

33 . . Vitoria-Gasteiz / Foronda Basque Country , Vitoria Airport (or Foronda Airport , airport flight code is VIT 34 . Zaragoza Aragon , Zaragoza Airport , airport flight code is ZAZ

Cheap holiday car hire accident compensation claim in Spain and Europe

2009-04-23T02:32:00.000-07:00

Did you know you can claim compensation in the UK after an accident in a holiday hire car in Spain? Most holidaymakers are unaware they can claim compensation at home if they have a hire car accident in Spain or the rest of Europe. Car accidents in hire cars in Spain are more common than you realise. If you have suffered a personal injury such as whiplash after a car accident in a hire car in Spain, take the driver´s details, the registration number of the vehicle involved in the accident, and make a police report.

Farnworth Rose Personal Injury Solicitors can help you claim compensation for personal injury if you have suffered a holiday car hire accident in Albania, Andorra, Spain, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Lithuania, Jersey or any country in Europe.

Farnworth Rose Personal Injury Solicitors can help get you the compensation you deserve. We work on a no win no fee basis, you get 100% of the compensation and we even pay you €100.00 cash up front when we accept your claim. Call us free on 080001 54321 or fill in the online claim form. You can claim up to £16,000 for whiplash and up to £24,750 for a moderate back injury.

malaga airport car hire information

2009-04-15T06:34:00.000-07:00

Telephone numbers for Car hire companies in Malaga Airport

Cheapest and best New economy 4 door car hire from €56.00per http://www.carhire4airports.com/ click here ...easy pick up and drop off

If you want to hire a car at Malaga Airport you will be spoilt for choice. Did you know you can hire a new Ford Focus from only €80.00 per week? Or a new Renault Clio from only €56.00 per week? You can compare prices with some of the world´s leading car hire companies including Hertz, Avis and Budget, plus search local companies including Argus Hire, Niza Cars and Aurigacrown Car Hire. You may be looking for luxury car hire at Malaga Airport, cheap car hire at Malaga Airport or new car hire at Malaga Airport. Whatever your requirements are, we guarantee reliable cheap airport car hire vehicles at incredibly low prices. You may be staying near Malaga Airport at Nerja, Marbella, Fuengirola, Benalmadena or Estepona. The best way to find reliable, cheap car hire on the Costa del Sol is to hire a car at Malaga Airport. We specialise in finding you the best deals and special offers on new vehicles. We search nationally and locally to ensure you get the best car hire service possible at the click of a button. Search now for the best in local and car hire availability at prices to suit all pockets. Finding great car hire deals at Malaga Airport could not be easier.

list of all car hire companies offering mini cars , economy cars , compact cars , 4x4 , mini vans , 7 seaters and sports cars , special deals and offers , golfers , families

Caramba Car Sl‎ - C/ Newton 1, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 607 182 840‎

Dany Car‎ - Avenida García Morato S/N, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 245 104‎

Airport Parking‎ - Avenida García Morato 36, 47620 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 235 852‎

rent-a-car malaga Marbenjo, - Avda. Duque de Aveiro 4, 29003 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 622 698‎

Europcar‎ -Avenida García Morato S/N, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 902 105 055‎

Europcar Malaga Airport‎ - Pablo Picasso Airport, Avda.Garcia Morato S/N, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 048 518‎

Coral Car Rental‎ - Avenida García Morato 48, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 902 456 555

Cheap Car Hire Malaga‎ - Pablo Picasso Airport, Avda. Garcia Morato S/N, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 175 096‎

Helle Hollis‎ - C/ Aeropuerto De Málaga , 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 048 565‎

Simply Wheelz‎ -C/ Argonautas 45, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 233 236‎

Malaga Car Hire‎ -Morato, s/n, Aeropuerto de Malaga, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 590 151‎

Autos Benelux‎ - Avenida García Morato 62, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 232 876‎

First Car Group Head Office‎ - Avda. Gracia Morato 13, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 793 909‎

Haro Rent A Car‎ Avenida García Morato 42-BIS, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 172 080‎

Top Parking‎ - Camino Guadalmar A La Loma S/N, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 105 528‎

Avis‎ - Avenida García Morato S/N, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 902 480 321‎

Aurigacrown Car Hire SL‎ - Avda. Garcia Morato 10, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 176 486‎

Helle Hollis Car Rental‎ - Av. Garcia Morato 14-18, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 245 544‎

Holiday Car Hire‎ - Av/ Comandante García Morato 20, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 932 443‎

Malaga Car Hire‎ Avenida Comandante Garcia Morato 34, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 176

225‎ Auriga Crown Car Hire‎ - Avenida García Morato 34, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 902 206 400

Gold Car Rental‎ - Avenida García Morato 28, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 247 367‎ Car Hire

Malaga Airport‎ - Avenida Garcia Morato 30, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 175 095‎ Car Hire

Malaga Airport‎ - Avenida comandante Garcia Morato, 45 b, 29004 malaga, Spain‎ - 609 156 771

Car hire Malaga Spain‎ - Carril de Montañez 49, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 176 030‎

Caramba Car hire Malaga‎ - Pol. Ind.Guadalhorce, C./ Newton 3, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 376 517‎

Malaga Car Hire - Global Car Hire Malaga‎ - Carretera Guadalmar, Poligono Industrial - Villa Rosa, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 105 110‎

Malaga Car Hire‎ - Avenida García Morato 50, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 902 105 150‎

Malaga Car Hire‎ Malaga Airport, box 33, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 685 153 129‎

Car Hire Malaga‎ - Pol. Ind. Villa Rosa, Carril de Guetara 24-26, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 285 477‎

Car rental Malaga Airport‎ - Av del Comandante García Morato, 29004 Málaga, Spain‎ - 902 883 191‎

Tony's Rent a Car‎ - Edif. Check-Point, Avenida Garcia Morato 50, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 236 689‎

Centauro Rent a Car‎ - Avenida García Morato, Aeropuerto de Málaga, España, 29004 Málaga, Spain‎ - 902 104 103‎

‎Elite car brokers sl‎ - avd garcia morato 50, 29004 malaga, Spain‎ - 671 549 420‎

Record Rent A Car‎ - Carril Montáñez 17 - 19, 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 952 173 055‎

Centauro Rent A Car‎ - C/ Aeropuerto De Málaga , 29004 Malaga, Spain‎ - 902 104 103‎

A Coruna Airport cheapest car hire

2009-04-15T06:02:00.000-07:00

Click here for cheapest car hire in A Coruna , Economy new 4 door cars under €100 per week

Are you looking for a trustworthy and reliable car hire company at the airport? Yes? Then look no further. We search all the best local and national car hire companies for you. We specialise in finding special car hire deals and amazing car hire offers on new cars, luxury cars, minis, compact cars, vans, 7-seaters and 4x4´s. By searching over 450 car hire companies in 134 countries, we will find you the cheapest, discounted car hire deals from the multi-national and local car hire companies, including Hertz, Avis, Helle Hollis and Budget. You get access to thousands of new and quality vehicles at amazingly low prices with quick pick-ups and drop-offs.

Carhire4airports.com is car hire without the hassle. Prices are all inclusive, and secure payment is guaranteed. There are no hidden extras. Select the car you want, enter the dates you want, confirm the details and pick up the vehicle from the airport. Booking with carhire4airports.com is car hire made easy.

A Coruna list of airport car hire companies

Record Rent A Car‎ - Avenida Finisterre 269, 15008 A Coruña, Spain‎ - 981 256 250
‎Atesa‎ - C/ Joaquín Panells, , 15008 A Coruña, Spain‎ - 981 231 242‎
Europcar La Coruna‎ - Avenida Arteixo 21, 15004 A Coruña, Spain‎ - 981 143 536‎
Bugarent‎ - C/ Doctor Fleming 16, 15005 A Coruña, Spain‎ - 981 151 112‎
Autos Brea‎ - Avenida Fernández Latorre 110, 15006 A Coruña, Spain‎ - 981 238 645‎
Don Rent Sl‎ - Vereda Polvorín 17, 15002 A Coruña, Spain‎ - 981 226 339‎
Lease Plan Servicios‎ - C/ Ferrol 1, 15004 A Coruña, Spain‎ - 981 126 079‎
Autos Nilo‎ - Rua Alfredo Vicenti 13, 15004 A Coruña, Spain‎ - 981 251 459‎
Don Rent‎ - Ronda Outeiro 112, 15007 A Coruña, Spain‎ - 981 153 702‎
Autocares M. García‎ - Avda. de Finisterre 339, 15008 A Coruña, Spain‎ - 981 252 047‎
The Van‎ - Avenida De Los Caídos 34, 15009 A Coruña, Spain‎ - 981 150 733‎
Maria Teresa Franqueiro Prieto‎ - C/ Sagrada Familia 8, 15007 A Coruña, Spain‎ - 981 925 899‎
Avis‎ - C/ Federico Tapia 42, 15005 A Coruña, Spain‎ - 902 480 321
‎Confor-autos Zamora Sl‎ - C/ Joaquín Galiacho 5-7, 15009 A Coruña, Spain‎ - 881 888 741
‎Car Tres Motor Sal‎ - Poligono Pocomaco , 15190 A Coruña, Spain‎ - 981 174 385
‎Gestora Mercantil Del‎ - C/ Gaiteira 39, 15009 A Coruña, Spain‎ - 981 133 777‎
Si Renta Car‎ - Rua Alcalde Electo Carballo S/N, 15174 Culleredo, Spain‎ - 981 612 538
‎Aluguer Motor Sl‎ - Birloque, El 86, 15008 A Coruña, Spain‎ - 981 177 713‎
Fualsa‎ - Poligono Industrial Pocomaco S/N, 15190 A Coruña, Spain‎ - 981 292 275‎
Liber - Rent‎ - C/ Galileo Galilei 56, 15008 A Coruña, Spain‎ - 902 100 341‎

Injury , Illness and Accident Compensation Claims in Spain

2009-03-31T04:12:00.000-07:00

Farnworth Rose Solicitors , Holiday illness , accident claims , and accidents on aircraft specialists ....phone 08000 154321 for free advice

Suffering personal injury or illness on board an aircraft or on holiday abroad can ruin your holiday. Cathay Pacific Airways, Delta Air France, Brussels Airlines, Easyjet, Ryanair, My Travel Airlines, Palmair, Thomson Holidays, Croatia Airlines, Air New Zealand and British Airways do all they can to ensure the safe flights and comfort of their passengers.

But accidents do happen on board aircraft. Hot drinks can be spilled, heavy items can fall from overhead lockers, passengers can trip on loose carpet or slip on stairs leading to the aircraft. Holiday accidents and illness can also result in personal injury such as slips or trips in hotel grounds or rooms, nororvirus and food poisoning and even road accidents.

Farnworth Rose Personal Injury Solicitors are experts in the field of holiday illness and injury compensation claims. If you have suffered an illness or injury either on board your holiday aircraft or during your holiday, contact us on 080001 54321 or fill in the online claim form. We work on a no win no fee basis. You get 100% of the compensation and we even pay you £100.00 cash up front when we accept your claim. You can claim up to £8,750 for a modest ankle injury and up to £8,100 for a minor head injury. You can claim compensation up to three years after a holiday accident or illness and up to two years after an accident on board an aircraft.

Mallorca Airport car hire

2009-03-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

Palma de Mallorca Airport is Spain´s third largest airport after Madrid and Barcelona, and is one of Europe´s busiest during the summer months.

The airport now consists of four main gate areas. Terminal A is mainly used for domestic flights while Terminals B,C, and D are used for international departures. The airport currently handles over 25 million passengers per year, and future plans to expand will increase passenger capacity to 32 million in 2010 and up to 38 million in 2015.

Facilities within the airport include banks, ATM machines, bars, restaurants (one is open 24 hours a day), a range of shops including jewellery and clothing stores, travel agents and a pharmacy. There is also a children´s play room, and business travellers can take advantage of the VIP lounges, conference rooms and board rooms.

Lifts, ramps and wheelchair accessible toilets are also well designated throughout the terminal buildings, plus specially reserved parking for disabled passengers.

Airport information: 0034 971 789 000.

How to get there

The airport is easily accessible by car, taxi or shuttle bus. Driving from Palma take the main road towards Santanyi and follow signs for the airport.

Car Hire , prices under €99.00 per week for a new 5 door ford focus

Situated just 8km to the east of Palma de Mallorca, the island´s airport enjoys excellent road access. Hiring a car at the airport is a cheap and convenient way to explore the rugged coastlines of Mallorca, and to enjoy its beautiful cities and attractions. Some of the world´s leading Car Hire companies are represented at the airport, are situated on the ground floor of the car park, and include:

Avis Website: www.avis.esCentral Office: Paseo Marítimo, 16. 07014-PalmaTel: 0034 971 789 187 0034 971 730 720 Fax: 0034 971 789 197

Betacar-Europcar Website: www.europcar.es Central Office: Paseo Marítimo, 19 bajos. 07009-PalmaTel: 0034 971 789 135 0034 971 455 111 Fax: 0034 971 789 143

Centauro
Website: www.centauro.net Central Office: Carretera Carrefur-Palma. 07007-PalmaTel: 0034 971 789 360.0034 971 267 460. Fax: 0034 971 490 485

Goldcar Europa
Website: www.goldcar.esE-mail: info@goldcar.esTel: 0034 971 745 390 902 119 726 (from Spain).Fax: 0034 971 562 115

Hasso
Website: www.hasso-rentacar.com E-mail: info@hasso-rentacar.com Central Office: Camino Ca´n Pastilla, 100. PalmaTel: 0034 971 789 376 0034 971 260 219 Fax: 0034 971 789 375 Central Fax: 0034 971 263 168

Aiport Parking

Short stay public parking is available on the first four floors of the main car park, with 3,180 spaces. For stays of less than 30 minutes, parking is free. Parking for longer than 30 minutes is charged at 52 cents for the next 30 minutes and 98 cents per hour after that. The máximum daily rate chargeable up to a four day stay is €10.30 and for five days and more, €8.25.
Long stay public parking is available on floors 5 and six of the main car park, with 1,500 spaces. Prices are €10.30 per day up to four days, and €5.15 per day from the fifth day onwards.
There are six reserved spaces on each floor for disabled passengers to use.
Tel: 0034 97 178 7598.

Bus Service

The airport bus to and from Palma city leaves from the airport arrivals floor. It runs from the airport from 6.10am – 1.10am (winter), and from 6.10am – 2.15am (summer). From Palma centre to the airport, it runs from 5.30am – 1am (Winter) and from 5.30am – 2.30am (summer).

The fare is just €1.85 one way.
For more information, Tel: 0034 971 431024.

Taxi Service

Taxis are available 24 hours a day from outside the arrivals hall at Mallorca Airport. Most of these are only licensed to carry 4 people (including small children).

If your party is bigger than this, it is advisable to book an airport transfer in advance.Urban fares

Minimum fare, €1.80.

Rate 1 for each kilometre travelled (Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and every day from 21.00 to 6.00 hours): €0.96.

Rate 2 for each kilometre travelled (working days from 6.00 to 21.00 hours): €0.67.
Supplements: journeys to or from the airport,

€2.50; for each piece of luggage (excluding wheelchairs), €0.55; called by radio,
rate 1: €1.10; called by radio, rate 2: €0.55; per hour's wait, rate 1: €16.55 Euro; per hour's wait,
rate 2: €15.25

Intercity fares

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Minimum fare €2.90 (rate 3), €3.06 (rate 4).

Rate 3 for each kilometre travelled (working days from 6 to 21 hours): €0.90.

Rate 4 for each kilometre travelled (Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and every day from 21.00 to 6.00 hours): €1.06.

Supplements: journeys to or from the airport, €2.50; called by radio: €1.10

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Useful taxi numbers:

Fono Taxi: 0034 971 728081
Taxi Palma: 0034 971 401414
Radiotaxi: 0034 971 755440.

information about , airport taxi ,palma mallorca ,mallorca alcudia ,map mallorca ,mallorca hotel ,palma majorca , majorca weather , mallorca holiday , mallorca island ,mallorca guide , aeropuerto airport in things2dospain.co.uk

Aiport car rental Spain

2009-03-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

You may be looking for car rental directly from a Spanish airport or, you may be looking for car hire at a Spanish aiport. Now anyone who spots the difference may be better at spelling than most. Google searches reveal that a vast amount of people search for airport car hire under the term aiport car hire, without the r. Whether this is something lost in translation is a matter of opinion but it is amazing how cheep aiport car hire is used time and time again to search for the best car rental options in Spain.

Whether you are searching for aiport car hire or airport car hire at cheap rates or cheep rates, www.carhire4airports.com can help you. Aiport car hire and aiport rental car prices need to be sourced from reputable car hire companies who offer fair prices for reliable vehicles. Aiport car hire throughout Spain and the world is big business. If you are thinking of hiring a car at Malaga Airport, Mallorca Airport, Menorca Airport, Madrid Airport, Barcelona, or renting a car at any airport in the world, look no further than www.carhire4airports.com.

Bye using our car search facility, we will match you up with the perfect car at the best possible prices, and compare prices from top car hire firms such as Avis, Hertz etc., The best way to enjoy your holiday in Spain is to hire a car at the aiport. Avoid the hassle and expense of hiring taxis, taking buses and relying on friends. Efficient and swift, car rental at airports in Spain is a smooth operation. To make it even smoother, book your car before you arrive at Malaga Aiport, Madrid Aiport, Majorca Aiport, Menorca Aiport or any aiport in the world which has car rental.
Malaga car hire and Alicante car rental at the airport can be arranged before you fly. The last thing you want after landing at Malaga Airport with your family in tow is to start looking for car hire at Malaga Aiport. Give yourself peace of mind, and know that you are paying less than most, by booking your car hire at the aiport in Spain well in advance.

You can then relax, hire your car at the aiport, enjoy the sights and take your time to drive leisurely round the Costa del Sol, the Costa Brava or Madrid, Barcelona or Majorca. Car hire in Spain made simple so you are free to enjoy your holiday. Aiports in Spain are notoriously busy during the easter and summer periods. Don´t wait until you get off

Cheep car hire Spain

2009-03-30T07:11:00.000-07:00

When I first read the term , cheep car hire at airports, I thought it was advertising some sort of car hire for budgies – as in cheep cheep car hire at airports. But we are all prone to mistakes, and it is amazing how many google searches reveal the terms cheep car hire at aiports.On closer inspection it refers to cheap car hire at airports, as opposed to cheep car hire at airports or even cheep car hire at aiports. Having lived and worked in Spain for the past 15 years, I can confirm that cheap car hire at Malaga Airport, cheap car hire at Madrid Airport and cheap car hire at all Spanish airports is available online. Some online car hire websites in Spain offer good deals and some offer great service. But rarely do you find the two together.

My father visits Spain often and likes to hire a car at Malaga Airport. He is not fussy but wants the best price for a reliable small car. Last time he attempted to find cheep car hire at the airport, the two-door ´bargain of the month´ broke down before he even left the car hire garage. Previous to that he was palmed off with a wreck of a vehicle which he had hired from a cheep car hire company at Malaga Airport, only to find the steering wheel was loose.

So how do you ensure safety, reliability and great rates when you want to hire a car at a Spanish airport? Firstly, only use a car hire travel site that will find the best rates for you from the most reputable car hire companies in Spain. Let them take the hassle away from you when hiring a car in Spain. Top car hire companies such as Avis and Hertz should always be included in any car search or trawl of the internet, and by searching through www.carhire4airports.com you can compare prices and a range of car models to suit your requirements.

Cheep car hire at airports does not always mean reliable car hire at airports. Don´t be tempted by the cheep car hire adverts that are likely to fob you off with unreliable and unsafe vehicles – although the cheep prices for car hire seem initially attractive. Experience of Malaga´s Airport and surrounding motorways will tell you that there is no worse place to break down than the N-340 with cars and trucks speeding past you at 100 mph. There is much more to cheep car hire in Spain than the bagging the first bargain you see advertised. Use a reliable site to compare prices and availability with some of the world´s top car hire companies.

Whether you are looking for cheep car hire in Spain, cheep car hire in Portugal, cheep car hire in Malta, cheep car hire in France, cheep car hire in Germany or cheep car hire anywhere in the world, www.carhire4airports.com can help you. Our site is not just about cheep car hire, or even cheap car hire throughout the world. We promote reliability at affordable prices. If you are looking for cheep car hire, cheep flights, cheep hotels, cheep tickets and cheep insurance, take a look at www.things2dospain.co.uk Everything for your peace of mind.

Kelkoo kellkoo and kelcoo – what it does

2009-03-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

You may have done a google search for www kelkoo, for kellkoo, for kelcoo or even coochy-coo in the past few days. The bad news is that you may well have mis-spelt kelkoo more than once in your search. The good news is that once you find kelkoo and what it does, you will be truly amazed.

Europe´s biggest price comparison site, kellkoo operates in Belgium, Spain, UK, Holland, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Italy and France. It is owned by a private company called Jamplant. Kelkoo in itself is a mis-spelling as it is supposed to sound like the French phrase – quel cout? At what price?

Kellkoo compares shopping prices, hotel prices, car hire prices and offers users thousands of other price comparisons. Users of kelcoo know they are getting the best service available to enable them to find superb prices and top services at the touch of a button.

Things2dospain.co.uk use kelkoo to power their site and find best price comparisons for hotels, car hire, and hundreds of things to do in Spain.

By being partners with kelkoo, we know at things2dospain that our customers are receiving the best, up-to-date information possible from our website. There is no need for holidaymakers to leave everything to the last minute. Kelcoo ensures that you can enjoy every day of your holiday hassle-free, having booked your hotel, your car hire and your days out before you travel. Thanks to kellkoo, gone are the days of last minute bookings and panic at the airport when you realise the car hire company in Spain no longer has your first choice of vehicle. You can book kellcoo flights, kelcoo travel, kelkoo hotels and kelkoo car hire simply and without fuss, leaving you and your family to relax and enjoy your holiday.

At www.things2dospain.co.uk, we believe in supplying our users with the best information and by including a reputable price comparison site such as kelkoo, we are sending out a message of reliability and care. Nothing compares to kelkoo (was that a song?). Kelcoo is not an online shopping site as such, but by using kelkoo you will be directed to the products and price comparisons you are looking for.

Kelcoo is simple to use, and enables users to compare prices for car hire, shopping, services, hotels, flights and a million and one other things, from the comfort of their own armchairs. By becoming a market leader in its field, kelkoo is one of the most innovative brands to hit e-commerce in the past ten years. It enables users to search easily for the best deals on millions of products and services.

By linking www.things2dospain .co.uk with kelkoo we aim to bring a first class service to our thousands of users, and to keep you coming back for more. Whatever you are looking for in Spain, especially car hire, hotels, cheap flights, we can help you with the help of kelcoo. Take a look – you won´t be disappointed.

Destinations and Airlines that fly into Alicante Airport

2009-03-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

New cheap car hire from €7.00 per day

Alicante Airport - Aeropuerto de Alicante - Cheap flights to Alicante

The main airport for Alicante is Aeropuerto Internacional de Alicante, originally it was named El Altet , the airport is situated in the region of Murcia and is nine kilometres south of alicante ,alicante airport had over nine million passengers last year

Ryan air started the low cost flights in 2007 , there are two terminals and a new one is under construction and will be finnished this year

Airlines and Destinations

Terminal 1

flights to and from

Aer Lingus - Cork , Dublin

Air Algérie - Oran

Air Berlin - Berlin-Tegel, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg Hanover , Malaga, Munich, Paderborn/Lippstadt , Palma de Mallorca, Stuttgart

Air Europa - ,Palma de Mallorca, Paris-Orly, Tenerife-South Air Finland - Helsinki

bmibaby - Birmingham, Cardiff, East Midlands, Manchester

British Airways - London-Gatwick

Bulgaria Air - Sofia

Clickair - Barcelona

Flybe - Exeter, Southampton

Flyglobespan - Aberdeen, Durham Tees Valley, Edinburgh, Glasgow-International ,Iberia - Madrid - operated by Air Nostrum Asturias, Bilbao, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Santander, Seville, Tenerife-North

Iceland Express - Reykjavík-Klefalvik

Jet2.com - Blackpool, Leeds -Bradford, Manchester

Jetairfly - Brussels, Liège, Ostend

Monarch Airlines - Birmingham, Glasgow-International, London-Gatwick, London-Luton, Manchester

Norwegian Air Shuttle - Bergen, Oslo, Stavanger Stockholm-Arlanda, Trondheim, Warsaw

Palmair - Bournemouth

S7 Airlines - Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Moscow-Domodedovo

Scandinavian Airlines System - Bergen, Kristiansand, Oslo, Stavanger, Trondheim

Spanair - Barcelona, Gran Canaria, Madrid, Tenerife-South

transavia.com - Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Eindhoven, Rotterdam

Thomas Cook Airlines - Belfast-International, Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Glasgow-International, Leeds/Bradford, London-Gatwick,
Manchester, Newcastle

Thomson Airways Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Doncaster/Sheffield, Durham Tees Valley, East Midlands, Glasgow-International, London-Gatwick, Manchester, Newcastle

Vueling Paris-Charles de Gaulle

Terminal 2

flights from and to

easyJet.com Basel/Mulhouse, Belfast-International, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Geneva, Glasgow-International, Liverpool, London-Gatwick, London-Luton, London-Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle

Ryanair Aarhus , Basel/Mulhouse, Billund, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bratislava, Bremen, Bristol , Brussels South-Charleroi, Derry , Doncaster/Sheffield, Dublin, Durham Tees Valley, East Midlands, Edinburgh,Frankfurt-Hahn, Gothenburg-City, Karlsruhe-Baden, Knock , Leeds/Bradford, Liverpool, London-Gatwick, London-Stansted, Luebeck , Maastricht/Aachen ,
Memmingen , Milan-Orio Al Serio, Palma de Mallorca, Paris-Beauvais-Tillé,
Pisa, Santiago de Compostela, Shannon, Stockholm-Skavsta, Weeze, Wroclaw , Zaragoza

Things2dospain.co.uk , check all the cheap low cost airlines that fly into alicante airport in one search , we also have fantastic airport new car hire deals and we compare over 1000 of the best hotel room rates in alicante , find out whats on when , events , nightlife , family fun days out , best restaurants , and things to do

Cadiz Carnival

2009-03-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Spain prides itself on being the carnival capital of Europe, and there is no better example of this than the fabulous Cadiz Carnival, which takes to the streets between January 31st and February 10th each year.

As one of Spain´s major ports in the 16th century, Cadiz enjoyed strong trade links with Venice, and copied the city´s carnival theme to recreate in Spain.

This colourful and flamboyant street party winds its way through the centre of the city and has become famous for its entertaining and original figurines, pilgrimages and satirical musicians who take part in the procession. Many revellers wear costumes and masks or paint their faces with lipstick before taking to the streets.

Entrance:. Free.

Opening hours: 31st January – 10th February, annually. All Day.

Getting there: Nearest airport is Jerez, approximately 15 miles from Cadiz. Take bus, train or car to the centre of Cadiz.

More things to do in cadiz and cheap car hire from €50.00per week ...click here

Bullfight Season Madrid

2009-03-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

Bullfighting may not be on everyone´s list of favourite things to do in Spain, but it is undoubtedly a large part of the country´s heritage and culture, and particularly in the capital city, Madrid. The first bullfight took place in 711 AD to honour the crowning of King Alfons VIII, and the sport was originally only associated with royalty, when the bulls were fought on horseback.

Held every Sunday between March and October at the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, and also on various bank holidays throughout this time, these events attract thousands of spectators every weekend. Many other activities are held to coincide with the bullfighting Sundays, and the streets around the bullring are always crowded.

Top fighters come to Madrid during the season to show off their skills and courage, and aficionados of the corrida flock to the city from all over Spain.

Contact details: Madrid Tourist Office. Tel: 0034 915 882900. Fax: 0034 913 665477. E-mail: infomadrid@munimadrid.es

When: May-October (annual).Entrance:.Various.

Opening hours: Various.

Getting there: By Metro: Ventas. By Bus: lines 12, 21, 38, 53, 106, 110 and 146.

More things to do in madrid and cheap car hire prices from €50.00 per week ...click here

Blood at the Iglesia de la Encarnación Madrid

2009-03-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

One of the most traditional and bizarre celebrations takes place annually at the Iglesia de la Encarnación in Madrid. An ancient relic containing the blood of the doctor, San Pantaleón, who was martyred in the 4th century AD is shown to the devout onlookers who watch with awe as the congealed blood liquefies before them.

Originating from Pope Paul V´s time, when the relic was bequeathed to the Viceroy of Naples in the 7th century, it found its way to Madrid through the viceroy´s daughter who served as a nun there.

Although this event may not be to everyone´s taste, it is a fascinating phenomenon, and is definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Once liquefied, the relic containing the blood is paraded through the church to shouts of celebration from the locals.

Contact details: Iglesia de la Encarnación. Tel: 0034 91 5470510. Fax: 0034 91 547 6947.

When: July, (annual).Entrance:.Free.

Opening hours: Daytime.

Getting there: Metro: Opera / Santo Domingo

More things to do in madrid and very cheap car hire ..click here

Autumn Festival Jerez

2009-03-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

In a city known for its fine wines and sherries, Jerez´s Autumn Festival is one of the citys most popular events of the year.

Hosted to celebrate the annual grape harvest, the famous Andalucian horses and the tradition of the flamenco dance, this celebration fills the town with music, dancing and street entertainment.
Boasting the best chalky soil for grape growing, Jerez is at the centre of the ´sherry triangle´ and produces some of the worlds best fortified wines. The Royal School of Equestrian Art is also based here, and the city is renowned for the quality and training of its horses.

Street entertainment including puppet shows, singers, dancers, theatre and a grand procession in honour of the Virgin de la Merced and the blessing of the grapes also takes place.

Contact details: Jerez de la Frontera Tourist Office, Alameda Cristina, Edif. Los Claustros, 11403, Jerez. Tel: 0034 956324747.

E-mail: turismoinfo@aytojerez.es

When: September,

Entrance:. Various.

Opening hours: Various but mostly evenings.

Getting there: Flights direct to Jerez or Cadiz.

More things to do in Jerez and Cadiz , did you know we offer cheap car hire from €50.00per week ...click here

Atlantic Rally for Cruisers Gran Canaria

2009-03-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

First held in 1986, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers has become a highlight of the international sailing calendar. Starting in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and and finishing in Rodney Bay, on the Caribbean island of St.Lucia, this major event draws crowds of spectators and competitors from around the world.

This is the largest trans-ocean sailing event in the world, and over 170 competitors take part, covering 2,700 nautical miles from start to finish. Normally taking between 12 and 24 days to complete, the rally ends with a host of parties and celebrations in St.Lucia which continue right up to the prize-giving ceremonies.

Contact details: World Cruising Association. Tel: 0044 1983 296060.Fax: 0044 1983 295959. E-mail: mail@worldcruising.com Website: www.worldcruising.com

When: Nov-Dec,

Entrance:.Free to watch.

Opening hours: N/A.

Getting there: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria can be reached directly by air.

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Angel Sunday Majorca Festival

2009-03-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

Known as ´Domingo del Angel´ the Sunday after Easter is celebrated in style through the streets of Palma de Majorca. A colourful procession is followed by a blessing and plenty of traditional food.

Dating back to the 15th century, this procession normally took place in order to feed the poor, and bread was blessed before being handed out.

Now the biggest festival in Majorca, the fun starts in the early hours of the morning when hundreds of people parade through the streets to the Castillo de Bellver where they are met by locals dressed as giants, a host of musicians and dancers and a vast array of local food to sample. Often continuing until late at night, there are also special games for the children.

Contact details: Palma de Majorca Tourist Office. Tel: 0034 971 712216.When: April, Sunday after Easter.

Entrance:.Free.majorca

Opening hours: All Day.

Getting there: Processions throughout Palma de Majorca.

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