Places of interest in Spain – Mijas

Tourists who have visited Spain say that it is very difficult to select the best tourist spot of Spain. This is because in Spain, every tourist spot is beautiful, unique in its own way, creates more interest amongst tourists and leaves indelible sweet memories in the minds of the tourists.  That is Spain. Now let us go the small village called ‘Mijas’ located on a hill at a height of about 1150 meters in Malaga province.

According to historical evidence so far collected, this place was under the occupation of a very old civilization called ‘Tartessian civilization’. Thereafter, Romans built a fort around Mijas. For some time it was under the rule of Moors before the Christian dynasty took over the place. Fight for Mijas by all these civilizations is because of its strategic location and unbelievably beautiful natural sceneries.

Virgin of Rock:

This shrine has great religious importance. The shrine has an interesting story. The image of Virgin de la pena was hidden for about five centuries. However in the year 1586 a dove prompted a builder and led him to the place where the image was hidden. After removing the image, a shrine was built at the place where the image was recovered. This is one of most sacred places for the local people of Mijas. Normally no tourist misses this place.

Church:

According to historians, this church called the Parish Church was built in the year 1565. It is actually built on the place on the existing Moorish castle. This stone building has a bell tower and has marble pillars. The church is also popular by the name of ‘Immaculate conception church’. Some of the frescos in the church believed to belong to the year 1632 were discovered from this church by archaeological experts. They were discovered during 1991-92. From then on the church has become more popular.

Town hall:

A separate building was built for the Town Hall. Actually the Town hall building was inaugurated in the year 1987. The building designed by the renowned architect Antonio Heerzuelo is a very beautiful building which does not miss the eyes of visitors.

Museum:

Among the museums, the Folk Museum is very popular because it shows the traditions of Spain and of the region Mijas. This museum is quite entertaining. Tourists never miss the antique olive mills and the wine, bakery products and the some of the works of traditional art and artifacts.

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Places of interest in Spain – Guadalupe

Guadalupe, a village under the province of Extremadura, Spain has been one of the most preferred places by those tourists who want the blessings of Virgin Mary. Apart from the beautiful Church, the village is popular for its beautiful buildings fully whitewashed, narrow roads, beautiful environment and many other cathedrals. This is a village of traditions and miracles.

The star attraction of this little village is the Guadalupe’s monastery. In Spanish language it is also called ‘Monasterio de Santa Maria de Guadalupe’. This monastery has a story behind it. Way back in the year 1325, Virgin Mary ordered a farmer to request the priests to dig for the statue in his field. The villager followed the orders and the priests found a statue of Virgin Mary which was half buried in the field of the farmer. It is believed that this statue had been carved by St Luke. It is also believed that this statue was buried by the priests when Moors attacked the province of Seville.

After endorsement by Columbus and the Queen of Isabella, a shrine was built and it became a popular religious place and its fame spread world over. Later, a chapel was also built where the statue was kept. The chapel is filled with most intricate artifacts never before made. People visit this miracle place not only for the blessings of the Virgin Mary but also to see the beautiful chapel built in traditional Gothic style and the paintings and other sculptures and artifacts.

This is one of the most important religious places not only for the local population but also for those who visit Spain. This is a place of miracles and many of those who have visited this shrine have experienced the miracles. The statue was crowned in 1928. The crown was designed by father Felix Granda.

There are other Churches around this tiny village. As said earlier, the village apart from being a pilgrimage centre is also known for its most beautiful environment and location. Also visit the Town hall building located at the centre of the village. The building is so beautiful that you will certainly love it. As a matter of fact, there are many buildings in and around Guadalupe which are built in typical Gothic architecture.

There are many hotels in and around the village and they offer luxurious stay for the visitors. The restaurants are popular for serving the traditional food and wine. Just visit Guadalupe and have the blessings of Mary Virgin.

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Costa Brava – the beauty of Spain

Many countries around the world have beaches and mountains but what makes the difference in the beaches of Spain is their impeccable natural beauty. The row of mountains which run almost parallel to the beach, buildings built in traditional Gothic or Romanesque architecture, parks – it is just a paradise on earth. One such beautiful place of Spain is the Costa Brava which is a part of the province of Catalonia.

Across the 60 km length of this beach, the visitor will come across many small villages and cities which have many places of interest and some of these places have historical importance also. Just join us; you will be convinced how much Costa Brava can entertain the tourist. Costa Brava also has many villas, apartments and hotels where the tourist can get luxurious accommodation at the most reasonable rentals. These villas and hotels are located at most strategic locations so that the tourist can enjoy the impeccable beauty of nature.

Beach:

This is the star attraction of Costa Brava. The uniqueness of beaches in Costa Brava is the maintenance of the beach. Nothing is left to chance, every aspect of cleanliness is taken care of; it is just ‘immaculate’. The natural beauty of the beach should be experienced rather than being explained. It is no wonder that Costa Brava beach is always on the top of the most preferred beaches for entertainment and sports like water sports, beach volley ball, etc.

Parish church:

According to historians, this church was built in the year 1522 at a cost of about 3000 Catalan pounds! Some of the great paintings of 16th century are on display in this church. The bell tower is another attraction of this church.

Town hall:

The city municipality purchased this building in the year 1982 from the previous owners Cabanyes Font family. This house is believed to have been built in the year 1877 by St Pere del Bosc. The building is a masterpiece work of architecture which deserves to be preserved as an example for the future generation. It is converted as a municipal museum. Of course now the town hall is relocated to another historical building believed to have been built in the year 1872.

Castles:

Some of the important castles are the castle of Sant Joan believed to have been constructed in the 11th century which suffered damages during Napoleon’s rule and the castle of En Plaja built right opposite the Lloret beach known for its natural beauty.

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Bullfighting - A Spanish culture
One of Spain’s oft discussed traditions in other parts of the world is Bullfighting, a cultural tradition that is in part art, costume, performance and drama, and part a controversial animal killing sport.

Past To Present

Bullfighting has been a part of Spanish culture for thousands of years and draws huge crowds of several thousand every week to stadiums to watch the matadors and toredors engaged in a battle of wits with a bull.

Bullfighting was once conducted on horseback by members of the aristocracy but in the early part of 16th Century, the King of Spain banned the upper class from involvement in the sport. It was subsequently adopted as a sport by the peasants, who without the means to employ horses, fought on foot instead, as the bullfighters of the current day do.

Popular support has dwindled in recent years however and events are no longer as widespread. Animal Rights campaigners are vocally against the tradition and the international sentiment is not generally one of support.

Bullfighting may be watched at live events every summer in Andalucia and Madrid, but the local authorities of Barcelona have recently voted against allowing the city to play host to bull fights.

Bullfighting Events

These usually proceed as follows: When the bull is released into the arena, a coloured cape is used to taunt the bull and make it charge. Picadors armed with barbed spears weaken the bull by driving their weapons into him. The Matador then enters the arena with a red cape, and through a combination of grace, nimbleness, athletic ability and intelligence spurs the bull to charge, dodging his advances and showing his skill to the crowd. When this has been done and the bull has been weakened, the Matador uses a short sword plunged between the bull’s shoulder blades to strike the death blow. There is much adulation and celebration from the audience.

Reservations and Support

In the opinion of Animal rights campaigners, Bullfighting is cruel and barbaric and causes unnecessary stress and pain to the animal. Killing for sport rather than out of need, they feel is unacceptable. Though the death blow is quite quick, the injuries that the bull suffers during the fight can cause terrible and sustained pain.

However the bull’s carcass does not go waste, it is butchered and eaten, ensuring that there is no waste of life. Some supporters view the bull’s struggle as a noble way to die, especially taking into account the inhuman conditions in many abattoirs employed in meat production.

Having read arguments for and against bull fighting and gathered information on what it actually involves, you may now be in a better position to make the choice as to whether to attend a bullfight during your Spanish holiday or not.

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The Dalí Theatre-Museum of Figueres
Figueres is a small town not far from Barcelona which is the birth place of the world famous Spanish Surrealist artist Salvador Dali (1904 – 1989). It is now also the home of the Dali Museum, a structure conceived and designed by Dali himself according to Surrealist principles. It is an impressive undertaking and offers visitors a unique and interactive experience, allowing them not only to view Dali’s art but also become part of his bizarre world.

History

In the early 1960s, Dali was approached by the Mayor of the town with the idea of creating a collection of his works in the town. Dali decided to build his museum to house his art in the derelict Figueres Municipal Theatre that had been damaged by a fire during the Civil War. Dali believed that it was the perfect location for three reasons- it was opposite the church in which he was baptised, it was the venue for his first exhibition and because he felt that his theatrical work and grandiose way of life was well suited to the spirit of the building.

Structure

The old museum was not restored to its former glory but transformed entirely.  The Spanish architect Emilio Pérez Piñero worked with Dali’s vision and designed a geodesic dome that is transparent, the skeleton of which can be clearly seen.

Works

The art on display includes work in a variety of mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, film and photography, showcasing the amazing scope of Dali’s skill. Some of Dali’s most famous work can be viewed there, including Soft Self-Portrait with Fried Bacon, Galarina,and Galatea of the Spheres. Several installations were created specifically for exhibit at the museum, like the famous Mae West Room with an image of Mae West’s eyes hung as a portrait, with a large red lip shaped couch beneath it. Dali also chose to display the work of other artists that he admired such as that of El Greco, Urgell, Duchamp, Vallès and many others.

Since 1989, the year in which Salvador Dalí died, the crypt that houses his body stands at the museum’s centre, a fitting tribute to the artist, his work and his life. The Dalí Theatre-Museum is the pinnacle of Dali’s creativity and an impressive representation of his singular and often eccentric outlook on life. Whether you are an art enthusiast or not, the Dali Museum is something you will not have the opportunity to experience anywhere else in the world.

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Tapas

Tapas are snacks, small delicious bites of food served at Tapas Bars and restaurants all over Spain. Inexpensive and with marvellous variety, Tapas are a good way to sample Spanish dishes without over filling your stomach or over emptying your pockets.

Origin

It is said that Tapas were created for the first time when the ailing King of Spain, Alfonso the 10th, was advised by his physicians that a cure would be found if instead of drinking wine by itself, between meals, he consumed a morsel of food with it. When the King had recovered from his illness, he wished to save the general populace from suffering in the same way and declared that from that time onwards, no alcohol could be served in the inns and taverns of Castile unless food was served with it.

Apart from the legend, there were purely practical reasons for the tradition of Tapas too. Farmers and labourers in rural Spain found Tapas a welcome addition to their work day, in that it gave them the energy to enable them to continue working throughout the day.

Tapas and Drink

Historically, wine was served with Tapas in winter to keep the body heated and ward off illness. In taverns, wine was served with a piece of bread with a topping of cheese or ham balanced on the mouth of the glass, to cover the wine and also to lessen the effects of the alcohol by absorbing it in the stomach. Wine is still the favoured accompaniment today but depending on the region and the season, sherry or cider might also be served with Tapas.

In summer, the drink often taken with Tapas in the hot regions of Southern Spain is gazpacho, a cold soup made primarily of tomatoes that is cooling and refreshing.

Tapas Recipes

Like the alcohol served with the Tapas, the Tapas itself can vary greatly from region to region and recipes have developed and changed throughout history. In medieval times, widespread poverty meant that the main ingredient of Tapas was bread, a cheap and readily available staple. Olives were also favoured whole or in a paste on bread, being plentiful all over Spain.

In wealthier times and today, meat (ham or sausage, smoked or fresh), fish and seafood (fried whitebait or calamari), dairy products (Spanish cheeses) and eggs (tortilla) are common constituents of Tapas. Vegetables are also important. Green beans in a garlicky tomato sauce are popular as are fried aubergine and potatoes.

Tapas have endured throughout the ages thanks to their combination of convenience, practicality and of course, their delicious taste.

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Places of visit in Spain – La Manga

When you visit Spain with family, you normally tend to visit some prominent places like Barcelona, Madrid, etc. But you know, every city, every village in Spain is a tourist spot and what I am trying to tell you is that just go a little deep into Spain and you will find most amazing tourist spots. La Manga is one such place which is most ideal for a comfortable stay with the family. La Manga has many beaches.

Calablanque beach:

This place is considered to be of great ecological value. This sandy beach with cliff and a hillock and tough looking nature is a wonderful place to spend time with the family. Just a matter of caution, there are no hotels here. Sometimes the place is quite dusty and it is quite sticky also. Except for this shortcoming, the place is quite interesting for tourists. If you are visiting this place, just after you reach Los Belones, look for the sign board for Calablanque. As soon as you reach Calablanque, there is an information centre which will be of assistance to you. Apart from this, Calablanque beach is one of the most wonderful places.

As a matter of fact, some of the most beautiful beaches are in Calablanque. To repeat, there are no hotels or bars on the Calablanque beach. Normally, Mediterranean Sea has a strong current, so be careful while on the beach. Be careful with jellyfishes. If you find some jellyfishes on the shore, normally you will find more of them in the water. There are enough places for water sports, shower bath, etc. Covered car parking is also available.

Playa Negrete beach:

This is another beach which is very close to Calablanque beach. This beach with soft sand also has beautiful caves and rocks. Road leading to this beach is not fully laid out. This beach is most ideally suited for those who want privacy.

Mar Menor beach:

Mar Menor beach is also close to the other two beaches mentioned above. Mar Menor beach is considered to be the safest beach to swim because the depth of beach on an average is four meters and in gradual succession it increases to twelve meters. The sludge from the nearby salt plant as also the water of Mar Menor beach is believed to have many therapeutic effects. This beach is very well connected by road and there are many restaurants and bars on this beach. Families prefer this beach most.

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Places of interest in Spain – Vigo
Today, Vigo is one of the important cities of Galicia. Ironically centuries ago, Vigo was a small village which suffered several attacks by invaders. At that time Vigo was so small that it was not even considered as a village. Now Vigo is not only an important city, but it is also the largest city. It now attracts many tourists.

Some of the places of interest for tourists in Vigo are briefly mentioned here:

Park:

There is a park by name Guia Park on the top of the hill called Teis. The park is full of Pine and Oak trees. Since it is located on the top of the hill, it presents a spectacular view of the surrounding place including the city of Vigo and Island called ‘Cies’. On the top of the hill is a Chapel which is believed to have been built centuries ago. This chapel is dedicated to the ‘lady of the snows’. The chapel and the surrounding places present a pleasant view to the tourists. A botanical garden has also been developed at the foot of the hill.

Beach:

This beach is called Argazaba beach. This is a small beach, one mile in length. The uniqueness of this beach is that it has many drinking water fountains. There are also footbaths and showers. Many recreations like water sports, roller skating are also available. Of course many restaurants are also there for the visitor to relish many of the local specialties. This beautiful beach attracts large number of visitors.

Cultural centre:

If you are physically tired of touring and completely exhausted after water sports on the beach; have some recreation in the night. Just walk into the Caixanova Cultural show located in the heart of the city. Many cultural shows like drama, dance, concerts, film shows, etc. are held regularly in this cultural centre. Actually this cultural centre was a warehouse. Unfortunately fire broke out and it caused extensive damage to the building. A new building was constructed in the place and in the year 1984 it was converted into a theatre. In fact, during evening and night, this cultural centre overflows with visitors.

Art gallery:

This art gallery was built in the year 1939 and it now has many rare works of art and sculpture. It has a collection of works of Louis Torras who incidentally hails from Vigo. This is now considered as one of the most popular art galleries of Galicia.

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Places of interest in Spain – Menorca

One of the most preferred places by tourists from Europe is Menorca, also called Minorca of the Balearic Islands of Spain. It is renowned for its natural beauty, rich vegetation, beautiful beach and wild life; it is something mind blowing. Realizing its high tourist potential, the government has not allowed commercialization of nearly 75% of the area. Therefore the place still retains its natural beauty and extends a very warm welcome to the tourists. The oldest community called the Es Mercadal is located to the north in this beautiful island.

Just take a tour of the caves in this beautiful island. Interestingly, some of the caves are believed to belong to the Bronze Age! Most of these caves are just in front of the sea. In some of the caves, one can find most beautiful painting works. If you miss these painting works, certainly you have missed some great works of art.

The next place of interest is the main town called Ciutadella de Menorca in Spanish. This is located to the west of Menorca. Ciutadella is a most beautiful harbor and it is the entry and exit point for tourists who visit this city. Ciutadella, apart from being a beautiful city, also has some places of importance. Some of the important places of importance for the tourist are the Menorca Cathedral, Municipal museum, Esglesia dels church and palace, which is now converted as the Town Hall. In short, Ciutadella is such a beautiful place that it can be called the jewel amongst jewels.

Another important town is Ferreries which is actually a municipality administered place. This is a historical place and the town has many buildings which are believed to have been built centuries ago. It is a wonderful experience to be in this city.

Another area coming under the Menorca jurisdiction is Mahon which is another municipal administered place and another important port. This town has an arch which is believed to have been built in the 16th Century. This ‘Arc de Sant Roc’ archway is a beautiful work of architecture. Historical forts called the ‘Fort Marlborouh’ and ‘Fort Fortalesa’ are other important places of visit. If you are tired of the heat of summer, then just visit the summer house called the Golden Farm. Manorca museum has some of the rarest works of art and artifacts. Normally no visitor misses any of the places in Menorca. It is just incredibly beautiful.

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Places of interest in Spain – Logrosan

This town municipality in the province of Extremadura is actually inhabited by people who are specialized in mining operations. This place is mainly a mining area but it is also popular for its most beautiful picturesque views. Logrosan has many places of interest to offer the tourist.

Church:

This church is a marvel example of Gothic architecture. In fact, this church is called the jewel of Gothic architecture. Believed to have been built by San Mateo, this biggest chapel is one of the highest Gothic churches ever built. It also has a cathedral which has a Plasencia. This Plasencia has late Gothic’s nervaduras. This church is the best living example of Gothic beliefs and philosophy.

Chapel of Virgin:

This is also called the Virgin of Consuelo’s chapel where the Virgin of Consuelo’s image, the head of the town has been kept. This is one of most important places of religious importance for the locals as well as for the tourists. Just by the side of the chapel is the hill from which you can get a stunning view of the pasture and the province of Badajoz which is just nearby. The view from this hill is something beautiful which should never be missed.

Alcornocal Park:

Till recently it was a small forest where Cork Oaks were grown and it was a way of living for the locals. Now, the local municipality has taken over this place and it has been converted into a sports field with swimming pool, etc. Of course, an infantile park has also been set up in this place which is now very beautifully located and maintained. There is also what is known as a house of culture where cultural functions are held regularly. In fact these places are frequently visited during summer season.

The road:

Our memory goes to the roads in Barcelona which is known for its most picturesque look. It is true of the Green Route in Logrosan. Thanks to the farsightedness of the local mayor, the roads have been well laid out and the footpaths made natural and it is now stunningly beautiful; fields and pastures and the beautifully laid out roads and footpaths present a view of paradise.

Saint Kitt’s hill:

Never miss this hill. It is called the ‘cradle of Logrosanos’. This is because according to historians the first Logrosanos lived in this hill thousands of years ago. As evidence of this claim, there are some impressions of footsteps along the hill.

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