Situated at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Andalucia, Granada is a smallish city of fewer than half a million. Yet there are more things to see and do here than in some cities ten times its size. Once part of the kingdom of Castile, it is now one of Spain’s best tourist […]

Gibraltar is situated at the narrow entrance to the Mediterranean Sea on one side of the well-known Straits of Gibraltar. Across the water a dozen miles away lies Northern Africa. Far from a mere geological outcropping, the city is a fascinating mixture of Spanish and British culture. The Rock of Gibraltar, of course, is famous. […]

During the 10th century, Cordoba was the cultural center of Spain. Several cities in this ancient country might now claim that title. But, many sights in this Andalucian town show why Cordoba was – and still is – one of the leaders. The Mezquita of Cordoba is one that would easily make the list. Built […]

The port city of Cadiz in the Andalucia region of Spain is an ancient wonder. It is among the oldest inhabited cities in Europe, with roots stretching back to Phoenician sailors over 3,000 years ago. Modern visitors will find dozens of things to do here encompassing the years from then to now. Get a view […]

Europe is full of magnificent churches, cathedrals, and other religious structures. But few are as unusual as the famed Mezquita of Cordoba in the region of Andalucia. Begun at the end of the 8th century while Spain was under Moorish rule, it continued to evolve long after the Reconquest in 1236 AD. The result is […]

During the centuries the Moors ruled most of Spain, including Andalucia, they built numerous palaces and fortresses in the style of their original country (Morocco, hence the name Moor). But no example is more magnificent than the Alhambra citadel in Granada. The series of palaces and gardens, including the famed Generalife at the base outside, […]

From an Arab word meaning ‘fortress’, the Alcazaba is no mere castle. Unlike some of the interesting but fairly plain examples in England, this defensive structure is also an architectural marvel. Situated on one of the many high hills near Malaga in the Andalucian region of Spain, it was constructed over a period of several […]

Europe has many awe-inspiring cathedrals. But throughout most of the continent, there is a kind of sameness to their designs. That shouldn’t be surprising since architects readily borrowed ideas from one another, and building technology was limited in the periods they were built, from about 1200-1800AD. But it is possible to see some truly different […]

Madrid, Barcelona. These are among the most well-known and sought after vacation spots in Spain. But there is another region, one on the Mediterranean that deserves equal time: Andalucia. Here, tourists will find a golden land, filled with things to do that even experienced travelers will find new and surprising. There is the mighty port […]

For those who enjoy touring religious and historical architecture, there’s no finer spot in Andalucia than Ronda. Filled with fascinating structures from throughout the town’s long history, the city is quite simply entrancing. Walk across the Puento Nuevo, completed in 1793 (during the reign of Felipe V) and head backwards in time. Stop at the […]