DISCOVER ARAGON

Aragon is a Spanish community, located in the Pyrenees, on the border with France. Aragon contains the provinces of Huesca, Zaragoza, and Teruel. Zaragoza is the capital city.

This beautiful region boasts spectacular mountain landscapes alongside vast glacier lakes, and extensive forest reserves, where you can appreciate the rare fauna and flora.

Aragon is a terrain of contrast, with the mountain range Moncayo in the east and the vast plains of the Ebro Valley to the south.

You can relive the spirit of medieval times at The Kingdom of Aragon, a Spanish culture center. The centre houses pieces that will satiate your passion for history and culture.

The impressive mountain ranges are accessible all year long, both for winter sports and for summer picnics. You can also experience, first hand, the region’s famous gastronomical delights, traditions, folklore, and artisanship.

Cities of Aragon

The city of Zaragoza is situated on the Ebro River, whose name means ‘strong land.’ It is one of Spain’s most monumental cities with a rich heritage from the Romans and Moors. The history is easily accessible at any of the city’s museums. Zaragoza was established as the prominent feature of the Ebro Valley. It has a breath-taking landscape and numerous, traditional, picturesque villages, where the old customs are still practiced today. Zaragoza, founded over 2000 years ago, enjoys a blend of old-Iberian, Gothic, Roman, and Arabian heritage. Zaragoza is currently very active in the world economy, playing host to many prominent international fairs.

There are numerous churches and baroque buildings dating back to the 17th century. Inside these historical buildings you will discover wall-paintings of religious arts and culture. You can also check out the Renaissance monument, La Lonja, erected in 1541, which once functioned as a stock exchange bureau.

There are also plentiful museums housing pre-historic and contemporary items, paintings, ceramics, and sculptures.

There are ample palaces around Zaragoza that were built between the 10th and 17th centuries. One example is the splendid Palacio de la Aljafería, a rare Moorish building dating back to the 11th century Taifas dynasty.

Elsewhere, you can visit the Mercado de Lanuza. This Central Market, with its outstanding modernist architecture, was influenced by Paris’ Eifel Tower.

There are churches, mosques and monasteries whose buildings are unique as they are antique ranging from 14th century till 18th century with extraordinarily plateresque façade, historical crypts and relics of martyrs, gates in neoclassical style and Goya frescos.

Teruel is a largely Moorish dominated city as observed from its Mudejar-influence monuments. It has an interesting cathedral and notable bell towers.  There are several quaint churches in San Martin, El Salvador and San Pedro which are worth a look while you are there.

Huesca city, which is situated at the Pyrenees mountain foot hill, has breath-taking landscapes to feast your eyes and soul on.

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All Year Fun in Andalucía

Andalucía is a Spanish region comprising eight provinces: Almeria, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Málaga, and Seville. Each province has its own culture and unique traditions.

Andalucía is fascinating with its impressive Moorish monuments steeped in culture, beautiful towns set against the white hill backdrop, shining blue seas, sandy beaches, and imposing mountainous countryside.

Malaga and Seville compete with each other to gain the title of major city of Andalucía. Cordoba and Granada, meanwhile, revel in the magnificence of their respective treasures, the Grand Mosque and Alhambra.

History of Andalucía

Andalucía has been mainly occupied by the Moors, who were mixed descendants of the Arabs and the Berbers. The Moors have been living on the Al-Andalus for almost 800 years. They refined their civilization during the Middle Ages, focusing on the three provinces of Córdoba, Granada, and Seville. Every province in Andalucía has an eclectic blend of Muslim and Christian influences.

Highlights of Andalucía

Each province has something unique on offer. Here are some of the worthy highlights: Granada has preserved its Moorish monuments beautifully and the Alhambra Palace, particularly, reflects the strong Muslim influence; and, Seville hosts some of the most breath-taking Gothic cathedrals in the world.

The fishing port of Huelva is extremely important to the region. Its towns boast quaint whitewashed buildings juxtaposed with the natural beauty of the mountains. The tantalizing home cooked food and the awesome, historical Moorish and Christian castles are also worthy of note.

Trekking is plentiful in the Sierra Nevada and Sierra Morena mountains. In the winter, skiing is a popular sport for both locals and tourists. For those who prefer a more relaxing pastime, there is always the beach. Tarifa and Cadiz offer some of Spain’s most beautiful Atlantic coast beaches. With consistent strong winds, Tarifa boasts the finest wind surfing in Spain.

Take the time to visit Coto Donana, Spain’s biggest nature reserve, which is located near Cadiz.

Andalucía is Spain’s most spirited region, as it is filled with flamenco dancing, elaborate carnivals and celebrations, and bull-fighting.

Calendar events at Andalucía

Some highlights throughout the year in Andalucía include the sacred pilgrimage procession from Almeria, Romeria de la Virgen del Mar in January; the Granada’s San Cecilio Fiesta, which is a week long Lent Carnival in February; processions for Semana Santa or Holy Week take place in March; dramatic candlelight processions, in addition to bull runs and fairs, take place for Easter. The Pentecost celebration, in May, features a horse drawn carriage procession, then June brings its mock battle displays between the Moors and Christians, with characteristic bonfires, fairs and fiestas. Summertime hosts the International Festival of Music and Dance, in July, and the wine tasting festival and horse racing occur in August. Flamenco contests and bullfights occupy September, and you can enjoy more traditional fiestas from October until the end of the year.

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Best Places in Spain

It is needless to say that Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations considering that it is the second most visited country in the world. Spain has a variety of features that can’t help but attract world attention. Most people would love to visit Spain as their last wish because of what it has to offer in terms of natural features as well as valued manmade features.

Most of the attractions in Spain have a lot to do with its past. Its history is presented in the form of monuments, museums, palaces, castle and buildings which date back to hundreds of years ago. It is amazing that some of these buildings are still well preserved and appear very strong despite the years they have been standing.

Barcelona

The city is the largest of Spain’s and has a very unique feel and look from the rest of the towns. This could be because of the wonderful pieces of architecture created by the famous architect Antonio Gaudi. Some of his works that attract a majority of peoples is the controversial church Sagrada Familia which is yet to be completed to date. This is a city you don’t want to miss visiting.

Madrid

The fact that it is the capital city of Spain makes it attractive to everybody including Spaniards. It has a variety of museums, spectacular monuments and wonderful architectural work that will take your breath away. Those who appreciate art should make a point of visiting this city.

Costa del Sol

This is one of the most beautiful spots you could ever visit. The natural landscape is continuously spotting high rise apartments which are an eyesore with most locals here. This sandy beach is perfect for sun seekers who want to bask and enjoy the warmth of the summer sun. The scenery here is magnificent with towns like Malaga looking very striking from here. You definitely want to have a feel of this wonderful place.

Cordoba

This region is considered to be among Southern Spain’s most beautiful spots. It has Cathedrals and Churches which hold great value. You will also have a chance with nature on the available beaches and mountain ranges. Exciting sporting activities will definitely relax your mind and make your trip worth and memorable.

The list of Spain’s best places goes on and on and you will run out of time before you run out of places to visit. Take the chance of your life and visit Spain for a wonderful change and experience.

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Attractive Madrid in Spain

Spain has been quite an attraction to many foreigners because of its varying natural landscapes, beaches, reserves, and, of course, the weather. People from colder regions of Europe love to come to Spain and relax in the sun. There is a lot of fun to be had in Spain; all you have to do is decide where best to go since you will be spoilt for choice.

Madrid is the capital city of Spain and the climate is characterized by warm summers and cool winters, which is typical of the Iberian Peninsula. The high altitude and central location of the city makes its weather very pleasurable for most tourists.

Things to see in Madrid

The city attracts people because of its many monuments and museums. Some of these date back hundreds of years and have great value to the history of Spain.

Apart from being mostly a cultural destination, this wonderful city has cafes, pubs, nightclubs, and discotheques, which are very lively and fun. Take your time to also check out the great works of architecture which are clear on most of the buildings here. Such buildings include the San Pedro el Viejo tower, the Casa de los Lujanes, and the ancient church.

Visiting Madrid’s old university town is a must. Founded by Cardinal Cisneros in the late 1490s, this university has great value and so do the churches around this area, some of which date back to the 15th century.

Traditional cafes

Madrid has beautifully decorated, traditional cafes which are popular, especially during the cold winter months. Normally, writers and artists meet in these cafes to do what they do best, and if you are lucky enough to experience one of these wonderful moments, you will definitely forget about the cold.

Terraces

During the hot summers, Madrid’s beautiful terraces are great on which to drink or simply enjoy watching the night unfold. You will also have a chance to mingle with all kinds of people, both visitors and the Spaniards who love it here.

When in Madrid, take your time to have a taste of everything ii has to offer, from the valleys to the monuments, from the markets to the beautiful gardens. Take your time to also check out the great works of architecture which are clear on most of the buildings here. Such buildings include the San Pedro el Viejo tower, the Casa de los Lujanes, and the ancient church. You will also find a park that will offer boating on its lake or you can take a relaxing walk. Madrid is a wonderful city to explore.

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