| Seville
 Nestled
along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, Seville, the capital
of Andalusia is one of the most historical and economically important
cities in Spain. Seville is a complex, yet relaxing and charming
city, stylish, lively, sun-kissed and full of narrow streets,
small plazas, beautiful parks, and gardens. Orange trees line
each street, Muslim monuments tower over the old city, bullfights
and Flamenco dances are daily celebrations. Like the best of European
cities, Seville combines everything that you could possibly demand,
from a wealth of monuments and history to its contemporary business
facilities and shopping centers.
Cordoba
 Córdoba
was first settled by the Romans, conquered by the Muslims andclaimed
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.
Gibraltar
 When
you first see the Rock of Gibraltar, whether it is from the air,
from thesea or from either the Costa del Sol or the western end
of the Bay, it is impressive, towering above the surrounding countryside.
The Spanish conquered Gibraltar from the Moors in 1492 only to
lose it to England after the War of the Spanish Succession. Expect
delays at the border and take your passport. Gibraltar is excellent
shopping for English goods and food. Historically and geographically
it is unique but sadly the town is unkempt, overcrowded and dirty. |
