The six main cities of Andalusia. Cities of Spanish Andalusia The most beautiful places in Andalusia

Spanish Andalusia– a region with a rich history, famous for its beautiful cities and interesting centuries-old traditions. The autonomous community of Andalusia includes eight provinces: Cadiz, Almeria, Granada, Cordoba, Huelva, Malaga, Jaen, Seville. The capital of Spanish Andalusia, located in the southwestern part of the country and washed by the waters Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, is the beautiful city of Seville. As you probably already understood, our article is dedicated to the story of the most beautiful cities in the Andalusia region.

The capital of Andalusia, stands on the banks of the Guadalquivir River and is the fourth largest city in Spain. The historical center of Seville is one of the three largest in Europe, second only to the old city of Italian Venice and Genoa. The old town of Seville is an intricate labyrinth of ancient narrow streets, with interesting ancient buildings in the form of palaces built in the ancient Roman style, distinguished from their neighbors by their marble-lined courtyards. There are a lot of houses in oriental architectural style. The city has many charming fountains, which are supplied with water from the Canos de Carmona Viaduct, built during the reign of Julius Caesar. There are seventy-four beautiful temples in the city. Spanish is the heart and cultural center of Andalusia, the birthplace of flamenco and bullfighting, the birthplace of the famous womanizer Don Juan and the sultry gypsy Carmen.

- the largest temple in Spain, famous for the fact that the remains of Christopher Columbus are buried here. Construction of the cathedral began in 1401 on the site of a huge mosque. The cathedral was built in the late Gothic style, reflecting different styles in its interior: Mudejar, Plateresque, and so on.

The most ancient Royal Palace Europe. The original building was built by representatives of the Muslim Abadies tribe, but all that remains of it is the fortress wall with the courtyard Patio del Yeso. Then the Alcazar was rebuilt by Don Pedro the Cruel, King Juan II reconstructed it, and then Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand, and King Charles the Fifth of Spain also tried. The Alcazar has been perfectly preserved to this day, being a “Monument of National Heritage”.

- a stunningly beautiful architectural complex of a semicircular shape, framed by colonnades. The square was built for the opening of the “Latin American Exhibition of 1929” according to the design of the architect Anibal Gonzalez. The square faces the Guadalquivir River. Under the balustrades of the magnificent colonnade there are interesting allegorical mosaics telling about important events for the Spanish provinces; they correspond to coats of arms and a map depicted on the floor. Thanks to the graceful bridges hanging over the pond, this square becomes even more charming and romantic. In addition, around the Plaza de España are the majestic buildings of the Military Governorate, Civil and Military Government.

- is part of the complex of the Cathedral, serving as its bell tower, but is still an independent architectural monument, because it was built long before the cathedral itself, in 1184, under Muslim rule and by order of Caliph Abu Yugub Yusuf. The Giralda has a height of ninety-seven and a half meters and is visible from anywhere in the city, and at a height of ninety-three meters is located Observation deck which offers magnificent views of Seville and its surroundings.

– the museum itself was created in the second half of the nineteenth century, in 1946 it was placed in the beautiful building “Renaissance Pavilion”, built in the Plateresque style, on the territory of the quiet park “Maria Luisa”. The museum has enormous weight among the world archaeological museums, thanks to a magnificent collection of exhibits of incredible archaeological and artistic value. Here you will get acquainted with exhibits of the prehistoric, Phoenician, Roman periods, and examples of Spanish art.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to talk about all the attractions of Seville in one article, since there are a lot of them there. Be sure to visit the “Golden Tower”, where “ Maritime Museum"; “Archive of the Indies” is a beautiful building where documents related to the people who conquered America are stored; "Teatro de La Maestranza"; "Lope de Vega Theater"; Seville palaces.

City of Jerez de la Frontera- a beautiful settlement in Southern Spain, which arose at the beginning of the first millennium BC, famous throughout the world for its famous wine, magnificent sights and many religious monuments. The city's main attractions are located in the southern part of the small historical center.

Cathedral in Jerez de la Frontera- was built in 1264 on the site of the main mosque, after the conquest of these lands by the Spanish king Alfonso the Tenth the Wise from the Muslims. At first it was the Church of Christ the Savior, but over time it fell into disrepair, and in 1679 its nave collapsed, and then a decision was made to build a new temple. All that was left of the old building was the tower. In 1778, the temple was built and consecrated, and since 1980 it received the status of a cathedral. The building is a mixture of architectural styles: Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with images and icons of high artistic value. Inside the cathedral there is an organ created in 1950 according to the design of John Bishop. The Temple of Jerez is an invaluable object of cultural and historical heritage of Spain.

Fortress of Jerez de la Frontera– was built in the eleventh century as the residence of Muslim rulers. This is a whole complex of ancient buildings, including: - “The octagonal tower of the Almohad era”, surrounded by the Old Alley; - The fortress mosque is the only surviving one of the eighteen mosques in Jerez that remain from the Islamic era; - Arab baths, with three perfectly preserved halls and star-shaped openings in their ceilings; - Gardens with olive trees, cypress trees, flowers and fish ponds; - The armory courtyard, where the Muslim ruler reviewed his troops, and now social and cultural events; - Villavicencio Palace, built for Don Lorenzo Fernandez de Villavicencio, the first alcaide of the city in 1664, in Baroque style. In 1931, the Jerez fortress was named a "Site of Cultural and Historical Heritage".

Archaeological Museum of Jerez de la Frontera- is located Market Square. Although the museum was founded in 1873, and its first exhibits were collections donated by private individuals, it acquired its official status only in 1963. The main building of the museum is located in the St. Matthew's quarter, it is housed in an ancient parish church, and other more modern buildings occupy an area of ​​​​three thousand two hundred square meters. The main part of the permanent collection of this museum is located in the Baroque palace of the eighteenth century, where priceless and unique exhibits are kept, some of them are considered the only ones in Spain, for example, a bronze Corinthian helmet, early seventh century BC, found next to the Carthusian monastery in the Guadaleta River .

Jerez has many ancient churches that are definitely worth visiting: the Church of St. Michael, the Church of St. Dionysius, the Church of St. James, the Church of St. John Caballeros, the Church of St. Mark, the Church of St. Matthew - interesting and worth visiting religious places. The city also has a lot of palaces, theaters and museums that allow you to better learn the history and traditions of this southern Spanish city.

- this beautiful Spanish Southern City Andalusia arose in the eighth century BC and over the long years of its existence has accumulated a rich heritage of several cultures: Roman, Arab, Christian. It stands on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, in the heart of Andalusia.

- “La Mezquita” is the most important attraction of Cordoba and is included in the list of “Twelve Wonders of Spain”. At first it was a Muslim Royal Mosque, but with the arrival of Christians to Islamic lands, in the thirteenth century the Cathedral of St. Mary was located here. The Mezquita stands in the historical center of the city, next to the Alcazar. The construction of the mosque is completely unique for Western Europe: - it is a huge and oldest mosque surviving in Spain; - the building harmoniously merged the features of Islamic and Christian cultures. There is a magnificent orange courtyard at the Cordoba Mosque. The priceless cathedral treasury, with its great works of art, deserves special attention.

Or the Fortress of the Christian Kings - during the Roman Empire it regularly performed defensive functions, thanks to its strategic position on the Guadalquivir River. And during the period of Arab rule in Spanish lands, it was part of the palace of the Cordoba Caliph, and of course, a defensive structure. After the Spanish Reconquista, in 1236, the Alcazar became the royal residence of Ferdinand III of Castile; in 1327, the building was rebuilt by the Castilian king Alfonso the Eleventh of the Just, and the resulting appearance of the fortress has been preserved to this day. Since 1931, the Alcazar fortress in Cordoba has been recognized historical monument Spain, and in 1994 it was included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list.

– includes sixteen arches and is two hundred and fifty meters long. It spans the Guadalquivir River and connects the areas of the Holy Field of Martyrs and the Cathedral. The Old Bridge is located in the historical center. On May 1, 2004, travel on the bridge was prohibited and it became a pedestrian bridge. At the southern end of the bridge stands the defensive Tower of Calahorra, an ancient city fortress built in 1369. At the other end of the bridge is the Puerta del Puente gate, built in 1571 in the Renaissance style, in honor of the arrival of King Philip II in the city. In the middle of the bridge stands the figure of Saint Archangel Raphael, the patron saint of the city of Cordoba, erected in 1651. At its foot, candles are always lit and flowers are laid, and local residents, passing by, take off their headdress and read a short prayer. Not far from the Roman Bridge there are ruins of ancient water mills; it is worth paying attention to the Alfobia Mill, which was partially reconstructed by order of the City Hall of Cordoba.

There are still a lot of interesting places in Cordoba, there are many museums: “Viana Palace Museum”, “Museum of Fine Arts”, “Bullfighting Museum”, “Julio Romero de Torres Museum”. The city has many historical attractions associated with Ancient Rome: the “Roman Mausoleum”, the ruins of the “Roman Theater”, the “Roman Temple”. There are many Muslim and Jewish monuments: the Caliph Baths, the Synagogue, the Jewish Quarter, and, of course, religious buildings: the Royal Collegiate Church of St. Hippolytus, the Sanctuary of the Holy Spring, the Church of St. Lawrence, the Church of St. Nicholas in the City, the Church of St. Paul, the Church of St. Peter, Church of St. Marina.

One of the oldest European cities and the oldest on the Iberian Peninsula, founded eighty years after the end of the Trojan War, according to the Roman historian Livy in 1104 BC. The city of Cadiz is located in the southwestern part of the country on a peninsula, which is connected to the mainland by a narrow long strip of land. The main attractions of Cadiz are located in the Old Town, inside the ancient fortress walls.

– construction began in 1722 and was completed with the consecration of the cathedral in 1838. The building combines several styles: Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism, which makes it outstanding and memorable. Many prominent people of Cadiz are buried under the main altar. The interior is decorated with great works of art, but the most important of these are the carved choir benches and two ancient cathedral organs. The Cadiz Cathedral has a rich archive of the ancient Music Chapel, with a collection of works by composers Padilla, Garcia Fajer, Delgado.

Gate "Puerta de Tierra"- this is the main entrance through the fortress walls of Cadiz to the territory of the Old City. Today, this is the line dividing the historical quarter from the new district. The gate was erected in the eighteenth century according to the design of the architect Torcuato Caion. And the “Mate Tower” was erected above the gate later, in 1850, to be used as a telegraph.

– located in the Populo area. It was built in the first century BC, on the orders of Lucius Cornelius Balbus "the Younger". It could seat twenty thousand people, so it is considered one of the largest Roman theaters, despite the fact that it has not yet been completely excavated, since in order to do this, nineteen other very expensive buildings, although not of cultural value, will have to be demolished. The Roman theater was found completely by accident, when the workshops of the old foundry were dismantled in 1980.

- antique seaport Southern Spain on the Mediterranean coast, founded in the eighth century BC as a Phoenician trading colony. The attractions of Malaga are located in the central historical area very close to each other, which is very convenient for tourists.

A Muslim palace-fortress located on the mountain slope of Gibralfaro, on the top of which there is also the Fortress of Gibralfaro. The Alcazaba is connected to Gibralfaro by a road and is surrounded by fortified walls. Alxaba was built in 1063 by order of the Berber ruler of Granada, Badi ben Abus. The palace-fortress is located opposite the port, near the city park. The fortress of Gibralfaro was built in the fourteenth century under the Muslim ruler Yusuf the First on the site of an ancient Phoenician fortress to fortify the Alcazaba, which was exposed from the mountain slopes that towered above it. When the fortress was captured in 1487 after a difficult siege by the "Catholic Kings", Ferdinand the Catholic made it his personal residence. In 1931, the fortress became a “National Monument of Spain”.

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Incarnation- a pearl of the Renaissance of Spanish Andalusia, built between 1528 and 1782. Malaga Cathedral is the second tallest in Andalusia. A real work of art that decorates its interiors are the carved wooden choir benches created by Pedro de Men. And also, a great example of art is the magnificent altar of the Chapel of St. Barbara and the sixteenth-century tomb in the Chapel of St. Francis, in the Gothic style.

– stands at the foot of the slope, under the Alcazaba. It was discovered in 1951, during construction work at the House of Culture, and it turned out that the building was erected on top of an ancient Roman architectural monument. In 1994 it was demolished and the Roman Theater was completely excavated. It turned out that it was erected in the first century BC by order of Emperor Octavian Augustus and was used until the third century AD.

In addition to the listed attractions in Malaga, you should definitely visit the numerous churches: “Sanctuary of Our Lady of Victory”, “Church of Saint John the Baptist”, “Church of Saint Christ de la Salud”, “Church of the Holy Martyrs”, as well as the magnificent Malaga Park and Botanical Garden , "Picasso Museum" and "Interactive Music Museum".

- located at the foot of the most beautiful mountains Sierra Nevada next to the Darro and Genil rivers. This settlement was formed in the seventh century BC and over the years of its existence has acquired an eventful history, even becoming the capital of the Emirate of Granada and the last Muslim stronghold of Western Europe.

– a huge palace complex, including a fortress, the Palaces of the Nasrid dynasty and gardens, is located on al-Sabik hill. The first written information about the Alhambra was found in the ninth century, when it became the main defensive fortress of the city, but the royal residence was transferred here only in the thirteenth century, when the first monarch of the Nasrid dynasty, Muhammad bin Al-Ahmar, arrived in the city. When the last Muslim stronghold was taken by Christians, in 1492 Charles the Fifth ordered the construction of an imperial palace on the territory of the Alhambra. Its construction began in 1527, after his marriage to Isabella of Portugal, which took place in Seville, they decided to establish their residence in the Alhambra. In 1958, the Granada Museum of Fine Arts was located in the Palace of Charles the Fifth - the main art gallery cities. The Generalife gardens were created between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries, in the Nasrid style. Since 1984, the complex of the Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage of Humanity.

– located in the city center. The building was built in the Herreresco style, common on the Iberian Peninsula. Construction of the cathedral began in 1518 and was completed in 1537, although in 1664 its main façade acquired Baroque features. In the Royal Chapel of the cathedral there is the tomb of the “Catholic Kings”, as well as their children: Juana the Mad and Felipe the Fair. The walls of the tomb are decorated with stunning reliefs and sculptures depicting biblical scenes: Baptism, Resurrection, Lives of the Saints.

– a place with a rich history, whose roots go back to the ancient era, as evidenced by the remains of ancient fortress walls. This area of ​​Granada is very attractive for tourists exploring the beautiful cities of Andalusia. With all its changes, Albaicin seems frozen in time, separating itself into an independent city inside Granada, with an authentic atmosphere, architecture, streets that send us back to the past. Here great amount historical places past eras: Arab baths, Roman aqueducts, Syrian arches, powerful medieval walls, churches decorated in the Mudejar style, built on the site of ancient mosques, Moorish houses, stunning views of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada. The Albaycín area is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

There are a lot of Catholic churches, monasteries, cathedrals in Granada: Sacromonte Abbey, Carthusian Monastery of Granada, Monastery of St. Jerome, Basilica of St. John of God, Church of St. Egidio and St. Anne, as well as many other, no less intriguing places: Granada Madrasah, Dar al Palace -Orra, Granada Walls, Royal Hospital, Granada Bullring, Granada Alcaceria, House of Muskets, Coal Yard.

We talked about the most interesting and ancient cities of the Andalusia region in Southern Spain and their main attractions, popular among travelers.

Andalusia is my love! Sunny, tasty, beautiful, it will not leave anyone indifferent. There are beautiful authentic cities, and the sea behind which sultry Africa is hidden, and frantic flamenco dancing, and endless tapas in bars.

In the new material, I share my impressions and tips about the colorful southern region of Spain - Seville, Cordoba, Cadiz and Granada - everything worth seeing in Andalusia, in seven days of an intensive route.

The first day. Alcazar of Seville and flamenco.

Morning. Getting to know Andalusia is definitely worth starting from the capital of the region - Seville. Like other cities in Andalusia, Seville was once part of Arab Spain, which left its mark on the local architecture. It was under the influence of the Islamic Arabs that the local style, Mudejar, was formed, in which elements of Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance art were intertwined. Especially characteristic of this style are luxurious carved arches, colored ceramic mosaics and richly decorated ceilings.

An example of the Mudejar style in Seville is the Alcazar of Seville - the royal residence of the Spanish kings, from which it is worth starting your acquaintance with Seville. The first buildings on the territory of the palace date back to the Roman period, then an early Christian basilica was located here. In the 8th century, when Andalusia was conquered by the Arabs, the first fortress was built here, which successfully withstood the attack of the Vikings, which is why they began to call it Alcazar - from Arabic “fortress”. The Alcazar flourished in the 13th century, when a representative office of the Cordoba Caliphate was established here.

After the Reconquista and the conquest of Andalusia by Catholics, the Alcazar began to acquire Gothic features in architectural terms, and later elements of the Renaissance appeared here. However, the features characteristic of Islamic architecture have been preserved to this day, when the main buildings were located around the perimeter of the courtyard. The courtyard, which is called the Maiden's Courtyard, is especially beautiful. According to legend, one hundred of the most beautiful Christian virgins languished here, intended as a gift to the Caliph of Cordoba.

To save time standing in line, be sure to buy a ticket to the Alcazar online on the website (ticket price - 11.50 euros + 5 euros for the audio guide - be sure to take it, it’s very interesting to listen to everything). Tickets are sold for a specific date and time; when approaching the Alcazar, go to a separate queue for those who already have tickets. It is not necessary to print tickets; you can show a copy from the mail.

Day. There are two other notable buildings near the Alcazar. Directly opposite is a grandiose structure that you won't miss: Granada Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in Europe. In addition to paintings by Velazquez and Goya, the remains of Christopher Columbus are kept here, however, it is not known for certain whether they really belong to the great navigator, because they were transported several times between continents and countries, so everything could have gotten mixed up.

Adjacent to the cathedral is the Giralda Tower, built in the 12th century during the reign of Muslims in the Pyrenees, and at that time it was the minaret of the Seville Mosque. After the conquest of Andalusia by Catholics, the mosque was rebuilt into a cathedral, and the tower was used as a bell tower. In the 16th century, the tower was rebuilt in the fashionable Renaissance style of the time, and a bronze figure was placed at the top, which began to serve as a weather vane. Hence the name of the tower - La Hiralda - Spanish for “weather vane”.

After lunch, head to the nearby Santa Cruz neighborhood. This is a former Jewish quarter, where local Jews settled after the Reconquista. It is especially pleasant here to stroll through the narrow streets, looking for elegant shops and delicious tapas bars.

Evening. When in Seville, you should definitely go to flamenco, even if it is a traditional tourist attraction. The shows take place in the evening and it is better to buy tickets in advance. Locals recommend going to flamenco either at Casa de la Memoria (Calle Una 6) or d Bar La Anselma (Calle Pages del Corro).

Second day. Art Deco Seville and the Triana Quarter.

Morning. We start the day in the central part of the city with a cup of aromatic chocolate and churros - traditional Spanish pastries eaten by locals for breakfast - at Bar El Commercio (Calle Lineros 9). Winding through the streets medieval center, and then along Avenue de La Constitucion we go to the intersection of San Fernando Street, where on the corner rises a beautiful building made in the Art Deco style - the Alfonso XIII Hotel, named after the Spanish king who ruled the country at the beginning of the 20th century, when it was built this hotel. It’s incredibly beautiful inside, so be sure to come in (they’ll let you in, don’t worry).

Next to the hotel is the building of the University of Seville, which at one time was the royal tobacco factory, where the famous Carmen, the heroine of the novel of the same name by Prosper Merimee and the opera by Georges Bizet, worked. The university hosts a free campus tour every day, which includes information about the history of the factory. The tour starts at 11.30, the meeting point is easy to find by following the signs at the entrance to the university.

Day. From the university building we go to the left towards the park, where the main Art Deco pearl of Seville is hidden - Plaza de España. At the beginning of the 20th century, Seville experienced a new architectural rebirth in connection with the Spanish-American exhibition that took place here, on the eve of which many iconic buildings appeared in the city, including Plaza de España - an urban ensemble in the neo-Mudejar style (the same old Mudejar style mixed with art deco).

Plaza de España

The beauty of this ensemble is the alcove niches, lined with ceramic tiles and dedicated to certain provinces of Spain. Many films were filmed here in the square, including Lawrence of Arabia and even the second episode of Star Wars.

The second half we get acquainted with the fishing district of Seville - Triana - which can be reached by crossing one of the bridges over the Guadalquivir River. Triana is a former area of ​​sailors and potters. In the Middle Ages, the main port in Seville was located here, so sailors settled nearby. This area was also considered a gypsy area, although I didn’t meet them.

There is one curious legend associated with the area, which I had never heard of until I went for a walk around Triana and read about it. A native of these places was a certain Juan Rodriguez Bermejo, who was a sailor on watch on the ship "Pinta" of the well-known Christopher Columbus in 1492. According to some chronicles, it was he who was the first to see the land of America and, according to the original conditions, was to receive 10 thousand gold pieces - a reward promised by the royal couple of Spain to the one who would be the first to see new lands across the Atlantic Ocean. However, either greed, or some other intentions prompted Columbus to attribute the land he saw to himself: supposedly he saw the edge on the horizon even earlier, but did not dare to claim that what he saw was land, since he was not completely sure of it.

Columbus, as we know, did not end his life very well, and nothing is known for certain about the further fate of this sailor Juan. But in memory of the place of his birth, they began to call him Rodrigo de Triana, and also erected a monument to him.

Must-see places in the area include the beautiful Iglesia de Santa Ana church and the Triana market, where you can also find delicious food.

To walk around Triana (and Seville in general), you can use the audio guide Azbo Audio Tour - the stories are extremely interesting, and the application itself is convenient to use (just don’t forget to download the audio guide in advance if you have wi-fi).

Evening. Head back to the center and try one of Seville's wonderful tapas bars, for the local cuisine is as beautiful as the architecture. Particularly good are Bar Coloniales (Plaza Christo de Burgos), Bar La Bodega (Plaza de la Alfaifa) and Bar el Rinconcillo (Calle Gerona).

Day three. We are going to the sea in Cadiz.

Morning. We take the train at Seville's Santa Justa station (the ticket costs 12.85 euros, you should buy it in advance on the Renfe website) and go south to the city of Cadiz, which claims to be the oldest city in Western Europe, having been founded back in 1100 BC era by the Phoenicians.

Tourists rarely get to Cadiz. The exception is February, when the city hosts the famous “singing” carnival. For two weeks, festivities take place on the streets of the city, locals and visitors dress in extravagant costumes. As part of the carnival, there is a singing competition in which amateur groups - chirigotas - take part, which mainly consist of men dressed in specific costumes and singing satirical songs.

The main architectural value of Cadiz is the central cathedral of the city, where the musician Manuel de Galla and the writer José Maria Peman are buried. From the cathedral go to the embankment, where good weather local youth will bask on the stone wall.

The promenade will lead you to the San Sebastian Fortress. In ancient times, when the Romans ruled here, on the site of the fortress there was a temple of Chronos, the father of Zeus, and after the conquest of Andalusia by the Arabs, a full-fledged fortress with a lighthouse was built in its place.

Day. From San Sebastian, turn back into the city and you will find yourself in the La Vina quarter, so named because of the numerous wine cellars that were located here. During the carnival, this is where the chirigotas stop and entertain the crowd with their songs.

Through the interlacing streets of the center we go to the upper part of the city to Plaza de España. It is, of course, not as elegant as the Seville square of the same name, but with a majestic column, white buildings and palm trees it looks very nice.

After walking along the port, go down again to the El Populo area, which is located on the left side of the cathedral. This is the oldest district of the city, where Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs lived in different centuries. You can also enjoy a delicious seafood meal here before catching the evening train back to Seville.

Day four. Christian-Muslim shrines of Cordoba.

Morning. Again With We board the train at Seville's Santa Justa station and head to neighboring Cordoba. It is also worth buying a ticket in advance online on the website local railway lines Renfe, one way it will cost you 10.85 euros. The journey takes about 45 minutes.

The first thing to do in Cordoba, of course, is to head to the Mezquita, the once majestic mosque of the Cordoba Caliphate. During the Middle Ages, the Mezquita was the largest mosque in the world, second only to the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus.

In 1236, after the first successful wave of the Reconquista (the so-called process of liberation of Spain from the Arabs that lasted for several centuries), the Mezquita was consecrated and turned into catholic church, making changes, including the architectural appearance of the building. The building was especially rebuilt in the 16th century during the reign of Charles V, when a cathedral nave appeared, made in the then fashionable Renaissance style. Fun fact: Charles V, seeing the renovated cathedral, exclaimed: “You have destroyed something great and built instead something completely ordinary.” Although you can’t call it an ordinary Mezquita.

Day. Then head through the colorful tourist street Calles los Dianes to Cordoba's second iconic landmark - the Alcazar of the Christian Kings, also known as the Alcazar of Cordoba. Of course, this is also the former residence of Arab rulers, which, like other fortress-palaces, became the residence of Spanish kings after the reconquista.

Unlike the Alcazar of Seville, this royal residence has been preserved to a lesser extent and is more of a stone fortress than a full-fledged interior. But the adjacent garden is very good, with a beautiful alley of Spanish kings.

Alcazar of the Christian Kings, Cordoba

From the Alcazar it is convenient to walk along the river embankment to the Roman bridge, which was built after the famous Battle of Munda in 45 BC. This was the last battle in which Gaius Julius Caesar participated, after which he returned to Rome and single-handedly ruled the Roman Republic as a dictator.

From the bridge, continue to the left along the white streets of Cordoba, in the arches of which hide the inner courtyards so characteristic of Andalusia, and Cordoba in particular, decorated with various architectural elements, be it columns, a fountain, a pond or benches decorated with ceramics. Patios began to appear in the Middle Ages for an aesthetic purpose - to create an atmosphere of protection from external threats, which was especially valued in those days (remember - the Arab conquest, the Reconquista and all that), to inspire feelings of calm, tranquility, romanticism, comfort and bliss.

Evening. No tapas bars this time. Head to the traditional restaurant Bodegas Campos (Calle Lineros, 32) to sample Andalusian cuisine. And snacks, and meat, and fish, and desserts - everything is delicious there.

Day five. Granada, Granada, my Granada.

Morning. We take the Alsa bus (we buy a ticket in advance on the website, it costs about 15 euros, the journey takes up to three hours) and go to Granada, which the Soviet poet Mikhail Svetlov wrote about (“He sang, looking around his native land: “Grenada, Grenada, Grenada my!).

Day. After leaving your things at the hotel and having a little refreshment at any local restaurant, go to the Alhambra - an architectural and park ensemble that was the main residence of the rulers of the Nasrid dynasty, which ruled the Emirate of Granada here until the end of the 15th century. The Alhambra is not so easy to get to because of its insane popularity among tourists. You need to take care of purchasing tickets on the official website much in advance (almost a month in advance) (a general ticket, the price of which includes both the Nasrid Palace and the Generalife, will cost 14 euros). If you're late with your purchase, don't rush to spend money on insanely expensive guided tours: instead, you can buy a Granada Card for 37 euros, with which you can still enter Granada Cathedral, the Royal Chapel and other attractions for free. Please note that when purchasing this card you will need to indicate the time of your visit to the Nasrid Palace and be there strictly by this time.

Alhambra, Court of the Lions

Allow at least three hours for your visit to see the Nasrid Palace, which is luxurious in its architectural decoration, and the Alcazabu citadel, which offers grandiose views of the surrounding areas of Granada, and the former residence of the emirs of Geniralife.

After exploring the Alhambra, head downstairs and head into the city center to reach the Granada Cathedral, a majestic building built in the Renaissance style, before six o'clock in the evening (with the Granada Card, admission will be free, and you will also be given an audio guide). The cathedral is incredibly beautiful, and it was painted by El Greco and Jose de Ribera. Pay special attention to the niches located around the perimeter of the temple, each of which is notable for either paintings or certain Christian attributes.

Don't miss the royal chapel adjacent to the cathedral, where some of the most revered Spanish rulers, Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, are buried. This dynastic marriage between the daughter of King Juan II of Castile and the ruler of Aragon, Ferdinand, marked the beginning of the unification of Spain into a single state. Under Isabella and Ferdinand, the Reconquista ended with the triumph of Spanish military forces and the last stronghold of Arab power on Iberian soil, Granada, fell. And it was this royal couple who patronized Columbus’s voyage, thereby opening the way for Spain to explore lands in the New World.

Evening. Don’t go far from the cathedral - after crossing the central Calle Gran via De Collon you will find yourself on a small street, Calle Cetti Meriem, teeming with bars, in one of which you can spend a pleasant evening (for example, you can visit Bar la Rivera).

Day six. In the footsteps of the Arabs in Granada.

Morning. After a delicious breakfast (those who cannot live a day without churros can go to Churrería Alhambra at Plaza de Bib-Rambla, 27, and for those who miss traditional hipster breakfasts, I advise you to go to Cafe Baraka at Calle San Jerónimo, 24 ) we go to get acquainted with another beautiful building from the reign of the Arab Nasrids - Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo. Previously, it was one of the emir's palaces, and now it is a museum, where various exhibitions are periodically held.

Day. Afterwards we go for a leisurely walk to the Arab quarter of Albaicin. The hill on which the area is located was inhabited during the Roman rule in Andalusia, but it flourished during the reign of the Arabs, when Albaicin became a quarter of merchants and craftsmen.

Albaicin

By the way, the area did not get its name because of the traders and artisans who inhabited it. Translated from Arabic, al-bayyāzīn means “falconry area,” because in ancient times there was a forest nearby (part of it is now preserved as the Alhambra Forest), where the locals loved to hunt.

While walking around the area, do not miss the Mirador de San Cristobal, which offers a beautiful view of the Alhambra, the Plaza Larga, where on weekends there is always a market where they sell all sorts of things, the beautiful local mosque Mezquita Mayor de Granada.

Evening. Don't be in a hurry to leave Albaicin. A mandatory part of the program is watching the sunset at the Mirador San Nicolas square, after which you can go to one of local restaurants with Arabic cuisine.

Day seven. Departure.

A separate day to calmly get ready, fly to Barcelona or Madrid, where there will still be half a day left for shopping, so that you can fly to Russia in the evening or in the morning the next day.

: most visited - cathedral mosque in (), the magnificent Alhambra complex in (UNESCO), and in (UNESCO), incredible landscapes, two Renaissance cities and (UNESCO) and the gateway to Southern Spain - Malaga.

  • Length the entire route is 788 km.
  • Total travel time: about 9.5 hours by car
  • Start: Malaga (the international airport is located here.
  • End: Malaga.
  • Transport: automobile
  • Total time: 5 - 7 days minimum.

Route around Andalusia on the map:

Andalusia route

The most interesting cities of Andalusia along the route:

1. Malaga

Malaga is the second most popular city in Andalusia and the sixth largest and southernmost city in Spain. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history dating back 2,800 years to its founding by the Phoenicians. The birthplace of Pablo Picasso, Malaga is one of the tourist centers of Spain.

Look: Picasso Museum, Romanesque Theater (1st century BC), Moorish castle of Gibralfaro, Alcazaba fortress, royal residence, Santiago Mudejar church, cathedral and bishop's palace, as well as the Basílica y Real Santuario de Santa María de la Victoria.

2.

Ronda is a picturesque town located in a mountainous area, where the Guadalevin River has washed out a deep canyon, up to 100 meters, cutting the city into two parts. The sheer canyon walls and towering stone bridges create the incredible dramatic landscape that has made Ronda a popular tourist destination.

Look: one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, where Hemingway loved to visit, the New Bridge with a height of 120 m, Mondrajon Palace - the former residence of kings, the Robbers Museum.

3.

Andalusia is a community of eight provinces located in the south of Spain, with a rich ancient history and many incredibly beautiful and interesting places. Many tourists confidently claim that by visiting the sights of Andalusia, you can truly get to know Spain. Indeed, a huge number of beautiful monuments, museums, and castles located in the eight provinces of the southern part of the Spanish state reflect in detail the most interesting local culture and history. For example, this is where you have the opportunity to get acquainted with the masterpieces of local architecture, which are located in Cordoba and Seville.


The city of Olvera in Andalusia Tomás Fano

The Alhambra is the most famous landmark of Andalusia

One of the most famous attractions of Andalusia, which can easily be found on any map or is the Alhambra Palace, built in the 14th century. The size and beauty of this unique masterpiece of architecture will not leave any visitor to this tourist attraction indifferent. Undoubtedly this is the most beautiful monument ancient times of Moorish rule in the Pyrenees territories. The Alhambra, which means “red castle,” is located on a hill near the banks of the Darro River, so the castle rises epically above the city. Despite all the attempts of the Spaniards to influence the structure of this building, the Alhambra in any case remains the standard of Islamic culture.


Alhambra Palace in Granada, Andalusia Robert Bovington

On the territory of the castle there are a considerable number of courtyards, fountains, passages of incredible beauty, creating a picturesque view, because these areas are loved by many tourists for creating magnificent photographs. Tourists are also attracted by the interior of the building, made in a beautiful Islamic style using wood and stone carvings. Today the Alhambra is the most visited point in Spain. Each component of the palace complex is more beautiful than the other. This includes Mexuar, which was previously a building for audiences and a chapel, and the Myrtle Courtyard, and the Lion Courtyard, and a huge number of other halls. After looking at the photos and descriptions of this Andalusian attraction on the Internet, you will not remain indifferent to such beautiful places.


Fountain of Lions in the Alhambra in Granada, Andalusia LANOEL

Feel the atmosphere of Andalusia in this beautiful video!

The Mezquita is a landmark in Andalusia with an interesting history.

In the distant 13th century, one of the largest mosques in the world at that time, Mezquita, was nicknamed the Catholic Church due to the victory of the Reconquista. A huge number of interesting historical facts are associated with this place, so people interested in the facts of the Middle Ages should definitely visit the Cordoba Cathedral Mosque. It is advisable to use the services of a guide, as this will allow you to become more familiar with the mass of historical events that once took place in this very place.


Mezquita or Cordoba Cathedral Mosque Emilio García

What to see in Andalusia: museums

Federico García Lorca Museum

When visiting the southern provinces of the Spanish Autonomous Community, you should definitely look into the museums there. One of these places is the Federico Garcia Lorca Museum. This is one of the most famous and prominent personalities of Granada. Here you can see paintings, manuscripts, photographs and many others. original documents Federico Lorca and other equally outstanding personalities of this era. Here you can also find paintings by the well-known Spanish painter Salvador Dali.

Bronze bust of Garcia Lorca Spencer Means

After visiting the Federico García Lorca Museum, you should not neglect the opportunity to visit the Manuel de Falla Museum. This is a little-known but very talented musician who lived in Granada. The house where Manuel de Falla lived allows every tourist to enjoy the real atmosphere of that time and get acquainted with the musician’s personal belongings, interior items and musical instruments.

Alhambra Museum

Also, do not ignore the Alhambra Museum, which was once located in the domain of Carlos V. Here you can get acquainted with a variety of collectible exhibits belonging to the times of the Moorish civilization, the Nasrid dynasty.

Facade of the Museum "House of Shots" Pattiz

Museum "House of Shots"

Those who want to experience the Renaissance should not pass by the House of Shots museum. This palace with its history and architecture goes back to the distant 16th century. The name of the museum refers to the musket barrels that protrude from its façade, giving the palace a magnificent and breathtaking appearance. What is impressive is that on the façade of the building you can see statues of Mercury, Hector, Hercules and many other famous people. However, the exterior of the palace is not all that can attract your attention. Inside, you will be intrigued by the portraits of the monarchs of the Catholic Church (Ferdinand, Isabella and many others). The attention of tourists is always attracted by the golden hall, better known here as Cuadra Dorada. It gets this name due to the fact that the hall is decorated with letters and portraits made of pure gold. Also here you can find a lot of different photographs, engravings and century-old lithographs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.


Golden Square at the House of Shots Museum in Granada Javi Guerra Hernando

Torre del Oro

A special building here that you definitely cannot miss is the Torre del Oro, or as it is also called the Golden Tower. This building is located in Seville and is its main symbol. The Golden Tower is located near the Guadalquivir River, i.e. It offers an incredibly breathtaking and picturesque view. The historical role of this structure is that Torre del Oro served as a protective structure for the city territory. The tower is presented in the form of a multifaceted structure with a wide main tier, and also has two additional tiers - small turrets and a third tier, made in the form of a cylindrical lantern with a dome on top.


Tower of Gold (Torre del Oro) in Seville CarlosVdeHabsburgo

Torre del Mar is one of the best holiday destinations in Andalusia


Promenade in Torre del Mar in Andalusia Hombre1896

Torre del Mar is one of the cities that represent the sights of Andalusia, which attracts tourists with its subtropical climatic conditions, as well as conditions for recreation. Many tourists come here to enjoy the wonderful climate throughout the year. Arriving here, you can see vast expanses of sandy beaches, which are equipped with everything necessary to make your vacation as comfortable and unforgettable as possible. For tourists, there is a wonderful option of walking to the Caleta de Vélez marina, where you can take great photos and get a lot of pleasant impressions. The city has a lot of supermarkets, bars, restaurants, clubs and many other establishments where you can spend your leisure time actively and fun. There is also the opportunity to purchase memorable souvenirs and gifts at the summer market located on the beach.


Beach volleyball in Torre del Mar in Andalusia Tyk

The main places that Torre del Mar can boast of are, of course, the vast sandy beaches. The long embankment has a magnificent view, especially in the evening and at night. If you want to relax between long excursions and trips, then Torre del Mar is a great option for a stopover.

Unknown natural attractions of Andalusia


Sandy beach in Torre del Mar in Andalusia Josemanuel

In addition to the mass of historical sites and vast beaches, Andalusia is rich in the best, but, unfortunately, unknown natural attractions. For example, the largest park in these areas occupies an area of ​​75,000 hectares. The nature here is indescribably beautiful, causing a lot of pleasant emotions and a feeling of deep relaxation. Local rivers, lakes and swamps give the parks a beautiful appearance. The local flora and fauna are also diverse and magnificent, since due to the acceptable climate, a huge number of different species of birds flock here. Also, do not be surprised if you meet wild bulls, deer, lynx or fallow deer, since these are familiar inhabitants here. The park areas here are under reliable guard, so to enjoy the beautiful views, you should purchase a ticket with a guide and enjoy the most beautiful places nature.


Nature of Andalusia

If you want to experience the true flavor of Spain, feel its proud spirit, and get acquainted with its multifaceted culture, go to the south of the country, to Andalusia. This land is interesting for its history, the grandeur of ancient monuments, the diversity of nature, original traditions, and colorful holidays.

Which city will you go to?

Andalusia is the birthplace of flamenco. It is here that you will see the most sensual dance in all of Spain, hear the passionate singing of “cante jondo”, and appreciate the art of the best performers. On Andalusian soil is the pride of the country - the legendary Arab citadel of the Alhambra, which has survived different times and many rulers. The unique heritage of Moorish architecture has been preserved here - monuments of the Muslim era, which brought the flourishing of Andalusia.

My report on Andalusia

Granada

Granada is a beautiful Andalusian city. The expressive architecture of the old quarters is combined here with elegant white buildings of new development and amazingly colorful natural landscapes. The history of the city, built on three hills, dates back to ancient Roman times. Under the Romans, the small settlement of Granata was part of the rich Iliberis, but the Moors who came in the 8th century captured these lands. This is how the majestic “red” Alhambra fortress appeared - one of the iconic architectural complexes peace. Today, its visits are limited, and it is better to book a tour of the Alhambra in advance.

Malaga

Malaga is a picturesque and vibrant resort, a famous shopping center, and a seaport. The city has preserved monuments from the Roman era and the magnificent Palace of the Moorish Kings. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Incarnation (La Catedral de la Encarnación) is an architectural masterpiece of European significance. Malaga is the birthplace of Picasso; in the city there is both his house-museum and a gallery of works.

Seville

Plaza de España in Seville (photo: Francisco Colinet)

Seville is the capital of Andalusia, founded, according to legend, by Hercules himself. The years of Arab rule left an indelible mark on Seville's architecture. The appearance of the old quarters of the city can be traced rich story Andalusia. Spanish Gothic reached its full grandeur in the architecture of the Seville Cathedral. If you want to see authentic Andalusian flamenco, you won't find a better tablao here. The most grandiose bullfight awaits you in Seville too.

Cordoba

Roman Bridge in Cordoba (photo: Gonzalo Castán)

Cordoba – amazing city. His historical ensemble, which has preserved its authentic layout, is included in the UNESCO list. The heritage of Phoenician and ancient Roman, Berber and Moorish, Christian and Jewish culture can be traced here. In Cordoba there is a unique architectural monument of the Muslim era - the Mezquita Cathedral Mosque. Cordoba artisans became famous throughout Spain: jewelers, tanners, and ceramists.

Rhonda

Ronda – White City over the abyss, one of the most picturesque in Andalusia. It stands on two mountain plateaus, above the deep El Tajo gorge with sheer rock walls. The Guadalevin River flows below. The symbol of the city is the ancient stone bridge Puente Nuevo. Ronda is considered the birthplace of Spanish bullfighting: the oldest and largest arena in the country, Plaza de Toros, is located here; There is also a museum dedicated to the art of bullfighters. Old center Ronda preserves the atmosphere of the Moorish era and fragments of ancient Arab walls. On the site of the main mosque stands the magnificent Cathedral of St. Mary, founded in the 13th century.

Cadiz

City of Cadiz (photo: Marc)

Cadiz is rightfully considered one of the oldest European cities. Its historical quarters are located on a narrow peninsula: under the Arabs, Cadiz was home to a military flotilla. The symbol of the city is the ancient Fort San Sebastian; The main attraction is the Santa Cruz Cathedral - an expressive combination of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical architecture. Cadiz – popular resort with decent beaches and excellent fish restaurants, the likes of which cannot be found in Andalusia. The Cadiz Carnival is a colorful event, the third in the world in terms of scope and mass participation.

Jerez de la Frontera

Statue of Tio Pepe in front of the Cathedral (photo: Francisco Parralejo Masa)

Jerez de la Frontera is famous for its famous wine, horse breeding and horsemanship, and fiery flamenco. Wine cellars occupy a large part of Jerez and have become an important part of the city's culture. The exhibitions of several city museums are dedicated to wine. In the Carthusian monastery in the vicinity of Jerez, unique Carthusian horses were bred. Horse riding masters of the Royal Andalusian School demonstrate virtuoso dressage and complex equestrian exercises. The city is also famous for its original flamenco school. At the beginning of spring, a festival is held here with performances by leading flamenco artists and master classes.

Jaen

Cathedral and mountain scenery (photo: Pedrobasjaen)

Jaen is surrounded by extensive olive groves. This city is called the “pearl of Andalusia” - many of its architectural monuments are classified as a UNESCO heritage site. The medieval Arab baths of Jaen are the largest of their kind on Spanish soil. Jaen Cathedral is a striking example of the Spanish Renaissance. The Castle of Santa Catalina on a rocky hill is a medieval stronghold of Christianity in Spain, a majestic symbol of Jaen.

Tariff

Tarifa, or more precisely, Cape Marroqui on its outskirts, is considered the southernmost point of continental Europe, closest to Africa. The small town is respectfully called the “capital of the winds.” Its name is consonant with the word “tariff”, and for good reason - it was here that for the first time they began to impose duties on goods that merchants transported through Gibraltar. Monuments of ancient times, Arab and Christian city walls remain here. The port of Tarifa still preserves the legends of pirate times. Local multi-kilometer white beaches attract tourists, and steady winds attract surfers.

El Chorro

El Chorro – protected area in the province of Malaga. Here are three incredibly beautiful turquoise lakes, surrounded by pine forests and limestone cliffs. From the village of El Chorro, a unique pedestrian road begins, laid along the sheer walls of the canyon at a hundred-meter height, impressive and dangerous. It is called the Royal Path (El Caminito del Rey). The Caminito del Rey trail has recently undergone extensive renovations, with enhanced safety features, secure railings and lighting, and a fully equipped trail for hikers.

Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada – mountainous region, the southernmost European ski resort. Just thirty kilometers from here the Mediterranean waves splash, and here, on high peaks, snow lies from November to April. During the warm season, tourists are attracted by the trekking routes of the Sierra Nevada. IN national park inhabited by mountain goats and wild boars, rare Spanish ibex, and many birds. In the local village of Trevelez you can taste the best Andalusian jamon made from white pig meat - Jamon de Trevelez. Read more…

Guides to the cities of Andalusia:

Beach regions of Andalusia

Costa de la Luz – Coast of Light

If you would like to swim in Atlantic Ocean, you need to choose beaches on the Costa de la Luz, the borders of which are determined by two provinces - Cadiz and Huelva. A small part of the Costa de la Luz, east of Cape Marroqui, is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The main resorts of the coast are Punta Umbria, Chipiona, Rota, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Puerto Real, Chiclana, Conil, Barbate and Tarifa.

The southwestern coast of Andalusia received the name “Coast of Light” because of the bright sun, which in the evening, during the order, is reflected in a special way in the sands of the coast.

Costa del Sol – Sunny Beach

Puerto Banus beach (photo: Helena Persson)

The “sunny coast” of Spain includes coastal settlements province of Malaga. This name was not given to it by chance; there are 325 sunny days a year.

Here are the main seaside resorts of the Costa del Sol:

Marbella

Costa Tropical – Salobrena (photo: Maximo Lopez)

The sea coast in the province of Granada is called Costa Tropical, which means “Tropical Coast”. Thanks to geographical features, this area, with a subtropical climate, is suitable for growing exotic fruits: mango, cherimoya, avocado and papaya.

Seaside resorts: Almunecar, Salobrena and Motril.

Costa de Almeria

Muertos Beach (photo: Dan)

Costa de Almeria is one of the young resorts in Spain and is only gaining popularity among tourists. The coast of Almeria province is distinguished by a variety of contrasts. Here, arid deserts alternate with green forests, and rocky plains give way to rocky massifs. Among the beach resorts we can highlight the capital Almeria, for holidaymakers with children - Roquetas de Mar. Also worth paying attention to is the quiet Mojacar beach.

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