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Weekend Getaways
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.
Barcelona
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia,
is located on the Mediterranean coast and is less than 150 kilometers
from the Pyrenees. Barcelona's location on the Mediterranean shore
means that it enjoys a warm, welcoming climate, and pleasant temperatures
all year round. Rainfall is occasionally heavy, which helps to maintain
the many green parks around the city. Architecture by Gaudi and
other modernist Architects dominate the cityscape. A good way to
see the best of this amazing turn of the century architecture is
to follow the Ruta del Modernism. Las Ramblas and the surrounding
area is the center of all the action: clubs, bars, restaurants,
and shopping. Of course one must not forget the beaches!
San Sebastian
San Sebastian is one of
the most fashionable and popular Spanish seaside resorts made impressive
with its spectacular views of La Concha Bay. Summers here are perfect
for taking advantage of the warm sunny weather on the beach or relaxing
to the tunes of the international Jazz Festival in mid-July.
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