Córdoba
 Córdoba
was first settled by the Romans, conquered by the Muslims and
claimed as the capital of Al-Andalus, and then re-conquered by
the Christians in 1236. An exceptionally beautiful city that is
full of history and relics from the Moorish Empire, the most spectacular
being the 8th-century mosque with painted columns and arches.
The mosque is so magnificent that it has been preserved, to a
certain extent, by Christian Kings and Queens through the changes
of religion. Much Like Seville, Cordoba's old quarter is a winding
maze of whitewashed buildings, overgrown balconies, and small
entrances that give way to lush patios full of beautiful flowers.
It definitely has a quaint and old world atmosphere.
Granada
 On
a hill overlooking Granada, the Alhambra-a sprawling palace-citadel
that comprised royal residential quarters, court complexes flanked
by official chambers, a bath, and a mosque-was begun in the thirteenth
century by Ibn al-Ahmar, founder of the Nasrid dynasty, and was
continued by his successors in the fourteenth century. The legacy
of the Muslim occupation of Spain is best preserved in Granada,
specifically at the Alhambra. This is the most dominating structure
in the city and well worth the visit. The city itself lies at
the foot of Spain's mightiest massif, the Sierra Nevada, and on
the edge of an extraordinarily fertile plain, which creates a
stunning background for the beautiful architecture and surroundings
in the city of Granada.
Madrid
 No
visit to Spain is complete without a visit to Madrid the capital
of Spain. Just a quick 6-hour train ride from Barcelona, Madrid
offers world-class museums, nightlife, architecture, and a happening
cosmopolitan atmosphere. Start your city tour at the Plaza del
Sol the zero kilometer marker from which all roads in Spain converge.
Take in the amazing Parque del Buen Retiro or check out the Museo
del Prado, which is home to the essential Spanish works of art
from Velazquez, Goya, to El Greco. One could spend weeks seeing
all the sites that Madrid has to offer so make a plan and stick
to it.
Cádiz
 Cádiz,
the capital and principal seaport of the Cádiz province
of Andalusia, stands on a peninsula jutting out into a bay, and
is almost entirely surrounded by water. Hemmed in by the sea from
which it is protected by walls, the city has only one land exit.
Unlike most other ports of its size Cadiz seems relaxed, easy
going, and not at all threatening, even at night. The town has
traditionally been a bastion of liberalism and tolerance which
was maintained all through the years of Franco's dictatorship
and can be experienced today.
Industrial development is rather
limited, but more importantly private and public beaches are the
key attraction here. Many are considered the best in Europe and
the water is of great quality. The city is primarily a commercial
port, exporting wine (principally sherry from Jerez de la Frontera),
salt, olives, figs, corks, and salted fish; and importing coal,
iron and machinery, timber, cereals, coffee, and other
Málaga
 Málaga,
the capital of the Malaga province on the Mediterranean Sea, is
a popular vacation resort for Spaniards as well as foreigners
and it is one of the most important commercial seaports in southern
Spain. Industries in the city produce sugar, wine, cotton textiles,
and tourism. Founded by Phoenicians in the 12th century BC and
under the Roman rule it developed into a strong military station.
These days, Malaga prides itself on being a modern city with the
heart of commerce dominated by tourism and trade. |
