Thursday, October 7, 2010

Barcelona’s museums

Museums in Barcelona range from art, science, architecture and war among other genres. They make a wonderful learning ground for both foreigners and locals as well. Spain has over the years been an attraction for tourists from all over the world making it the second most visited country in the world.

Barcelona happens to be among the largest cities in the heart of Spain and serves as a tourist destination because of the many attraction sites, art galleries, beaches and museums it has to offer visitors. Some the best museums are in this city although other cities in Spain have their own uniqueness as well.

Barcelona Centre of Contemporary Culture

This museum is 8th in popularity and has a wide variety of exhibitions varying from paintings, artworks, photos and sculptures from all over the world. These artifacts are from different periods of time and the curators here change the exhibits every few months. It is therefore advisable to research on what the museum is exhibiting if at all you are looking to purchase something or need to see artwork from specific personalities.

Museum d’Historia de Catalunya

This museum focuses mainly on Catalunya’s history. It showcases the different history periods of Catalunya and can be very interesting for history students or for people who seek general knowledge of the city.

Maritime Museum

The museum covers a wide range of maritime artifacts from the 1750s to 1850s. The artifacts are inclusive of Barcelona and its neighboring districts. The famous Christopher Columbus monument is around this area in Port Vell and will amuse you just as the museum will.

Catalan Museum of Archaeology

The museum covers prehistoric periods as well as ancient history. Archaeological remains are given emphasis and are mostly from Catalunya. History learners will find the museum quite helpful but all types of people can visit the museum for its novelty.

Visiting Barcelona will for sure be a life changing experience and a perfect learning ground for scholars who are interested in history. Spain is an exquisite place to be and I can assure you that you will run out of time before you run out of places to visit. For those torn for choice as of where to take a vacation to, why not try Spain and visit its amazing cities? You will not only relax and enjoy, but you will also learn a lot of amazing things about Spain and its history. Give it a try.

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Attractive Landmarks in Barcelona Spain

Barcelona city in Spain is definitely one of the best you can visit in the country. It has a variety of attractive sites that call tourists from all over the world. Barcelona is the largest city in Spain and tourism plays a major role in the economy of the city as well as Spain at large.

As it is the norm with any other city, Barcelona has spectacular landmarks which are unique to the city. Some of the landmarks and monuments date back in time and have been standing for years on end and are still in amazing condition. These landmarks are a must visit for all people targeting Barcelona as their destination in Spain.

The magic Fountain

Constructed and designed in 1929, the magic fountain has become a true landmark located in Montjuic Barcelona. The fountain attracts hundreds of people because of its magical dancing mode appearance. It has colorful lights shining right through the water giving it a mesmerizing wonderful effect. Although it is not the original magic fountain, it has quite an impression that will linger in the mind forever. You can take a train nearby at Espanya.

Arc de Triomf

Another sight to behold is the Arc de Triomf which served as a gateway of the World Fair Expo in 1888. On the arch’s sides are women statues which symbolize fame. You will also see coats of arms and stone carvings full of detail which are representations of all Spanish provinces. At the center is none other than Barcelona. There is a train station nearby going with the same name as the arch.

Torre de Collserola

Standing at 944 feet, you will have a spectacular view of Barcelona and even beyond. It was erected in 1992 mainly for the Olympic Games. The most amazing thing about this landmark is that it is perfectly located on a hilltop meaning you will have lots of fun using funicular railway to get there. The hill it is situated in Collserola and it is definitely a place to go.

Place Del Tibidabo

This is home to the only amusement park in Barcelona. It is situated on Collserola hill summit. There are exciting things to do here in terms of different types of rides that you will enjoy. There is a great connection between the hilltop and a series of landscapes that are simply breathtaking. You will find beautiful gardens and pathways. There is also a modern church, a mechanical museum as well as a restaurant just by the park.

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Art Galleries to Visit in Barcelona Spain

Barcelona has a lot to offer besides the sandy beaches. You can find famous monuments and art galleries here as well as museums. Visiting these wonderful places will make your trip both exciting and educative. These features can act as good learning grounds especially for Spaniards as it is believed something sticks in the mind if you get to have a look.

Among the art galleries found in the city of Barcelona include the following:

Picasso Museum

Just like the name suggests, the works of art in this gallery are that of the famous artist Picasso. The artist is known worldwide hence the art gallery attracts thousands of foreigners and art lovers. The paintings are arranged in a systematic chronological order hence you will be in a position to notice the different stages of Picasso’s development in art. Records show that the art gallery receives one million visitors annually. This is a great stop for all art and history lovers.

Fundacio Joan Miro

This gallery contains Miro’s paintings from as far as 1914. Besides the painting collection, you will find his early sketches, tapestries and beautiful sculptures that are very admirable. Art lovers will love this gallery and who knows, you might just decide to start painting some of yours too.

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

Besides the wonderful artwork found here, you will also have a magnificent view of Barcelona City from here. The carvings, sculptures, enamels, and paintings found here include the works of Gothic, Baroque artwork, Renaissance and Romanesque. Catalan art collections are commonly exhibited in this art gallery cum museum.

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art

This art museum comes in the 11th place in the popularity list in Barcelona. Its artwork majorly deals with paintings by great painters of the second half of 20th century. The exhibitions here change every few months and therefore it is advisable to do a research on what is been exhibited to make your visit there worthwhile for you.

These are just a few of the great things Barcelona has to offer you. Taking time to explore the city will get you to some places you never thought existed. A short vacation will for sure do you well but won’t be enough to exhaust all that Spain has to offer you. The attraction sites are not just famous among foreigners but also with the Spaniards themselves.

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Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Valencia- The City Of All Possibilities

Valencia For All

Valencia is one of those cities in Spain that perfectly blend the old part (the buildings and monuments), with the new part (innovative, and very modern buildings). Valencia means architecture, culture, trade, shopping, cinema, museums, and beach, all together. It is one of the most attractive cities in Spain due to having so many historical vestiges and for its long coastline, with fine sands and clear water. But at the same time, it is very close to the mountain line. What else can one wish for in a holiday destination?

If you go sightseeing in Valencia, you will definitely feel the pulse of centuries that lie underneath its walls. Start with the ruins of the Roman forum, which are almost as old as the city, and continue with The Valencia Cathedral which was built in the place where the Roman temple stood as well as a mosque later on. It is mainly Gothic, but because it took two centuries to be completed, there are many more influences on its style.

The Gothic tower of the Cathedral, the Miguelete Tower, is fifty meters tall and it takes 207 steps to get to the top, but the view is worth the effort. If you want to see one of the most outstanding examples of Gothic civil architecture, you are in the right place. The Silk Exchange, which was built in the 15th century, covering 2000 square meters, will definitely impress you.

The Active City

Valencia is a very active city, great for outdoor sports of all types. Turia Gardens is a wonderful place, divided into twelve sections, where tourists can go biking on the biking circuits; play football, baseball, and rugby; and there is even a skating track. The long coasts offer tourists the possibility to scuba dive, sail and windsurf. Last but not least, the mountains situated very closely to the city, are perfect for hiking, kayaking, and paragliding. Or you can follow one of the horse riding routes.

Where to Sleep

Of course the list of places that offer accommodation is long, containing many hotels. But since you are in Valencia, a city that struggles to keep alive the culture, traditions, and customs of Spaniards, why not choose a villa? They are very attractive, are situated in very picturesque places, and are built and decorated in the most purely traditional way. Choose Viviendas Jardin or Taronja.

Enjoy your stay!!

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The Mudejar Cities- A special architectural style

The 12th and 14th centuries Reconquista, has given birth to an outstanding, breathtaking architectural style. The so called “mudejar” cities impress their tourists, due to the aspect of the buildings, which resulted from the fusion of the two different styles: the Arab style and the Occidental one. The last Arab workers have created the style in order to please the needs of Spain that had begun to be ruled by the Catholics. The Mudejar style is characterized by bricks, decorated with ceramics.

Places to visit

Probably the most representative Mudejar city is Daroca. The charming little city is situated far from the madding noise of the traffic, close to Zaragoza. The city has a grandiose past and the ruins of the castle, which lies on top of the reddish hill that are vestiges of it. The castle is actually a former Arab fortress, but just the Torre Del Homenaje tower has succeeded to survive. The defense walls surround the city on more than four kilometers and tourists can go on a three hour trip, if they want to visit the three remaining gates. Puerta Alta, Puerta Del Anabal and Puerta Baja will take you into another world. From Puerta Baja, you can see the Santo Domingo Church. The church had been entirely rebuilt in a Gothic style, but, just its tower lies today as testimony; the church burnt into a fire and it has been rebuilt in a Gothic style. Right next to it, you will find the Museo Paroquial, where you will have the opportunity to admire silver and gold pottery.

Other Mudejar Cities

Tarazona, situated in the North West of Zaragoza, was used to be the residence of the Aragon Kings. Between the 13th and the 16th centuries, the Mudejar style had a burst. The town is famous for the numerous spire columns that decorate it; the one belonging to the La Magdalena Church is the most remarkable of all. Teruel is another city that should not be missed. It has its own version of towers, which have a square form. The city is famous for its five Mudejar towers; Torre del San Martin and Torre del Salvador are the most outstanding of all.

Accommodation

The Mudejar cities host many impressive villas that will offer you accommodation conditions, similar to those offered by hotels. In addition to that, they are always situated in picturesque places, so you will be able to see breathtaking landscapes, right from your room.

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The Canary Islands

The Seven Wonders

Do you want to experience one of the most beautiful holidays of your life? Then choose Spain and the Canary Islands. It is true that they are one thousand kilometers away from the shores of the peninsula, but the unique essence of Spain still makes itself felt in the islands. In addition to that, they are just 150 kilometers away from the African coast line, so “exotic” is the word that best describes them. The seven islands enjoy a very warm climate, making them great for sunbathing at any time of the year. However, tourists don’t come to the Canary Islands just for the special climate. The subtropical aspect of the islands makes them breathtaking. The landscapes contain volcanoes and forests that just seem unreal. In addition to that, they are the meeting point of Europe with Africa. This means that the traditions, customs, and the cuisine also blend; creating a wonderful spectacle that pleases the eye, and nourishes the senses.

The Islands

Tenerife is the biggest of the seven islands, and it seems like it has been especially created to be a place where contrasts meet. Tenerife is the place where the long coasts offer the possibility to enjoy the sun and the sea. But nature has done more for the island. Natural pools, imposing volcanoes, small bays – they are all part of the island’s landscape.

The forces of nature have created a lot of natural monuments that amaze the tourists who come to visit them as well. Besides sightseeing, Tenerife is a very active island. Scuba diving, cycling, hiking, and golf are available to tourists for entertainment.

Gran Canaria is another island of the seven, and is the best destination for those who love water sports. The natural heritage is incredible, just like on all of the other islands. It is their natural beauty that makes them so popular among tourists. They seem to be still unspoiled by man’s hand, and this attracts people from all over the world because there are few places left in the world that can make this claim.

Accommodations

The islands are so natural and so beautiful. And because the inhabitants try not to spoil their traditions and customs passed through generations, that it would be a pity for any tourist to choose a modern, stiff hotel. Choose a villa instead. They are all rustic, traditionally decorated, and they all offer impeccable accommodation conditions. They can be found everywhere around the islands. Enjoy your stay!

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Taste Sapin

A Special Type of Holiday

If you are in search of a special holiday, if you want to do something that you have never done before, visiting the regions of Spain and following its cuisine would be an excellent idea. There are thousands of tourists that make their own routes just by following the dishes they want to taste. Does this sound interesting? Well, here is what you can do. Andalusia is a Spainish region influenced by the Mediterranean Sea and by the Atlantic Ocean. This means that you will find a lot of fish and other seafood in Andalusia. Something special is the red tuna, but also very delicious are the anchovies, the red snapper, the sardines, and the White Sea bream. Interesting dishes have been invented by the locals by adding ingredients like early potatoes (which are sweeter than the regular potatoes), clams, or aubergines.

If you want something special, try the gazpachos that can come with garlic and almond, eggs and tomatoes, green peppers, cucumber and onion or with tomatoes. Delicious, isn’t it?

Moving on, we find the tapas. The tapas are spread all over Spain, but there is something original to the ones is Andalusia: the ones with almonds and honey.

A Paradise For The Senses

If you have already visited Andalusia, then you can’t miss the Basque Country on your next trip. Even Spaniards who don’t live in the region recognize the fact that the Basque Country is really charming to your senses - a real paradise. Your holiday must not include the region, as it is the most important concerning the cuisine.

The cuisine in this area is a mingling between influences from the sea, light food, and the influences from the mountains. Cod is the fish that the region especially loves, which comes together with different sauces that contains the most exquisite ingredients. The Biscay sauce, a green sauce, and a sauce that contains eggs and garlic are the most famous ones.

Accommodations

Traveling from place to place would make hotel booking a nightmare. The best idea would be to rent villas instead. Villas are wonderful accommodation places, offering the same conditions as hotels. In addition to that, there is a higher level of privacy than in a hotel, and they are always situated in picturesque places with wonderful views towards the mountains, or towards the sea. Just ask a local to recommend to you a nice villa, and you will be directed to one. Enjoy your holiday!!!

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