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Spain
Spain is a country that defies categories, and it has a rich history
that involves several diverse civilizations including Celts, Iberians,
Phoenicians, Greco-Romans, Arabs, Christians and Jews. Perhaps because
of the gentle climate and long hours of sunshine, Spaniards tend to rise
later in the morning and stay out later at night than their European counterparts.
The pace is relaxed, and the people are friendly. Below are just a few
of the highlights this beautiful and varied country has to offer.
MADRID
Madrid is lively and unpretentious. Graceful civic buildings, parks
and boulevards surround the Old Quarter, whose winding streets take you
back in history. Madrid has been the capital of Spain since 1562, and
it is located at the center of the Iberian Peninsula. Because of its central
location and high altitude, Madrid enjoys warm dry summers and cool winters.
Madrid is not just a cultural destination, it is also a lively metropolis
with pubs, cafes, discotheques, and nightclubs that are open late into
the night.
King Ferdinand VII established the Prado Museum in 1819 as the "Royal
Museum of Painting and Sculpture". It is one of the  most
important art museums in Europe and ranks among the best in the world.
Its collection includes sculptures, drawings, paintings and other art
objects. It is closed on Mondays, but there is no entrance fee on Saturday
afternoons and Sunday mornings. For more information, call (+34) 913 302
900.
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia (MNCARS) houses works by Spanish
artists. Half of the collection showcases the late 19th century to the
Second World War. These include Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris, Joan Miró,
Salvador Dalí, and more. The second half of the collection shows
artistic trends from the 1940's through the early 1980's with works by
artists such as Antonio Saura and Eduardo Chillida. It is closed Tuesdays,
with free entrance on Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings. For more
information, please call (+34) 914 675 062.
Flamenco can be enjoyed in local bars and taverns. Start your day at
Casa Patas, La Torre del Oro, or Viña Pe, where you can enjoy lunch
or an excellent glass of wine. Later in the afternoon, visit El Flamenco
Vive, located at 7 Conde de Lemos, where you can buy CDs or books relating
to Flamenco.
BARCELONA
Barcelona is a lovely Mediterranean city open to a variety of cultural
influences, and its harbor and commerce have sustained the city's prosperity
for hundreds of years. Located on the Mediterranean Sea on the northern
Spanish coast, Barcelona is the most cosmopolitan and economically active
city in Spain. It also has a long history, and there are monuments dating
back to before the Romanesque Period. Yet, it also became a center of
Modernist architecture, and Antoní Gaudí, together with
his great contemporaries, created novel and whimsical designs that are
incomparable.
The Rambla is the best known landmark in Barcelona. Winding down from
the Pl. de Catalunya to the Columbus statue, it is filled with kiosks,
flower stalls, and displays of artist's works. It is a wonderful gathering
place for both tourists and locals. At Cafe de  L'Opera,
located at La Rambla 74, the atmosphere is relaxed, the tapas, Spanish
finger food similar to canapés, are excellent, and there is no
better place for people watching. Telephone: (00 34 93) 317 7585.
The Parc Güell was constructed at the behest of Eusebi Güell,
who commissioned the famous Gaudí to construct a residential park
next to his property. Gaudi designed all of the entrances, fountains,
columns, benches, etc. Situated within the park is the Gaudí Museum,
which displays personal articles and documents pertaining to several professional
projects. It also has a library specializing in Gaudí-related subjects.
Viewing is by appointment only.
TOLEDO
Toledo is one of the most important centers of European medieval history.
It was the capital of Spain from the Gothic period until 1560, and walking
through its streets, one feels as though they have entered the Middle
Ages. Toledo has been declared a National Monument by the Spanish government,
and it feels like one large museum. The 10th century mosque, Mezquita
del Cristo de la Luz, is extraordinarily well preserved. The town-gate,
Vieja Puerta de la Bisagra built during 12th and 13th centuries, is one
of the most impressive Moorish fortifications. The Alcázar, built
between 1226 and 1492, is an impressive example of Gothic architecture,
and it houses an impressive collection of paintings by artists such as
El Greco, Goya and Van Dyck.
The local cooking is rich, with hearty flavors. Typical dishes include
pisto manchego (ratatouille), gazpacho de cazador (a cold soup with a
garlic base and diced cucumbers), and meat dishes including partridge
and quail casserole, venison, boar, and lamb.
CORDOBA
During the 11th century, Cordoba was one of the most important capitals
in Europe. People from different cultures and religions - Jews, Muslims
and Christians - peacefully coexisted, and several important philosophers,
scientists and artists emerged from its stimulating environment.
Don't miss the world-famous Mezquita. This impressive mosque is the third
largest in the world, and the most beautiful and original building in
Spain. The ancient Jewish quarter was always an important cultural and
intellectual center, and you will find monuments dedicated to the great
philosophers, Séneca, Averroes and Maimonides.
Olive oil is produced in big quantities around Cordoba, and it is an
important ingredient in many local dishes. Gazpacho and Salmorejo are
delicious and refreshing cold soups made mainly of mashed vegetables and
olive oil, and Alfajores, a wonderful dessert made with almonds and honey.
GRANADA
Granada is one of the pearls of Spain and home to the world-famous Alhambra.
The Alhambra-a sprawling palace-citadel containing royal residential quarters,
court complexes flanked by official chambers, a bath, and a mosque-was
built in
the thirteenth century. Its most celebrated portions-a series of courtyards
surrounded by rooms-offers a varied collection of Moorish architectural
forms.
The city is located at the foot of the Sierre Nevada, Spain's highest
mountain. Winter sports abound, yet, it is also close to the Mediterranean
Sea, making Granada a great destination any time of year. Stroll through
beautiful gardens, charming narrow streets filled with flowers, or sit
at a café and enjoy the famous "Trevélez" ham
and local wine. Granada's popular festivals, based on both Moorish and
Christian traditions, are always a treat.
SEVILLE
Seville has been a cultural center for several centuries. Not only was
it the birthplace of two famous Roman emperors, Trajan and Hadrian, but
it was also the home of the legendary Don Juan, and the place where Columbus
began his voyage to the New World. When you visit this fair city, you
are at  the
center of Andalusian culture, bullfighting and Flamenco.
Visit the old city, with the its magnificent Cathedral and Giralda Tower.
The Santa Cruz Quarter is a maze of cramped streets, with flower strewn
balconies, ornamental facades, and hidden patios. The Casa de Pilatos
is a large sixteenth-century mansion set amidst exquisite patios and exuberant
gardens, and the Triana Quarter, with its charmingly narrow streets, traditional
ceramic factories and the church of Santa Ana, should not be missed.
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