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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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