Andalusia
Andalusia, located in the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula, is an autonomous community of Spain and embodies the true flavor of this country, its proud spirit, multifaceted culture. Meanwhile, this region is also interesting in itself – its history, magnificent ancient monuments, unique natural landscape and age-old traditions.
Video: Andalusia
” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” allowfullscreen> Contents- Highlights
- Geography and climate
- History of Andalusia
- Sights of Andalusia
Beaches and recreation areas - Andalusian cuisine
- Where to stay
- Tourists in mind
- How to get there
Highlights
Geography and climate
Andalusia has an area of 87,268 km², which is 17.2% of the country. It borders other autonomous communities: to the north with Extremadura and Castile-La Mancha, and to the east with Murcia. The Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea washes Andalusia from the south, while to the west lies a cordon with Portugal and access to the Atlantic Ocean.
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History of Andalusia
The first settlements on the territory of modern Andalusia appeared tens of thousands of years ago, which is confirmed by the remains of settlements of hunters and gatherers found in the upper reaches of the Guadalquivir River and in the south of the Sierra Morena mountain system. Practically until the 5th century BC in this territory flourished Tartessian culture, to the disappearance of which “had a hand” superpowers of the time: Phoenicia and Greece, who began to colonize Andalusia (Almeria).
.In the battle between Carthage and Rome for power in the Mediterranean won, as is known, the Romans. In the conquered territories they formed the province of Spain Ulterior, or Far, later called Baetica. It gave Rome two emperors, Hadrian and Trajan. When in 411 the mighty empire fell, the lands of Andalusia were seized by the barbarian tribes of the Svevians, Alans and Vandals, but their power lasted only until 418, after which they were expelled by the Visigoths. In 531 the Visigoths, having thoroughly fortified themselves in the countryside, made Andalusia a part of their kingdom.
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In 711, the Iberian (Iberian) Peninsula was conquered by the Moors. Its territory was under the rule of the Arab conquerors until 1492, until the capture of Granada, and was called Al-Andalus. In 929 the Moorish state reached its highest prosperity, then King Abderraman III proclaimed the Caliphate of Cordoba, which broke up in 1031 into taifas, small independent states. But it was under the Arabs that the science and culture of future Spain and, in particular, Andalusia reached a very great development. The legendary Alhambra mosque in Granada, the Arab temple in Cordoba and the Giralda bell tower in Seville, which have survived to this day, speak better than any words about what that “golden age” was like.”
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Andalusia is also associated with such a significant historical fact as the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, because it was from the local port of Palos de la Frontera in the same year 1492 sailed three caravels of the outstanding navigator, who decided to find a western route to India, but eventually discovered a new continent. Subsequently, the trade of the local aristocrats and bourgeoisie with America enriched them unspeakably, and the region became one of the most prosperous in Spain.
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However, in the 17th century, the kingdom’s economy began to decline, and Andalusia was not spared. The life of the people became so unbearable that rebellions broke out in a number of places in 1640 and 1655. And when the War of the Spanish Succession took place, Andalusia and, consequently, the whole of Spain lost Gibraltar, which was captured by the Anglo-Dutch troops. This small enclave is still under British administration to this day.
In the 19th century, the once prosperous Andalucía became perhaps the most backward region of Spain. The population began to move to more developed areas of the country in search of a better life, or migrated abroad altogether. Such demographic processes dragged on until the 70s of the last century, after which the history of the autonomy took, we can say, a sharp turn. The region’s coastline, as well as Granada, Seville and Cordoba, became a tourist Mecca, and Marbella became an elitist resort.
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Sights of Andalusia
From a tourist point of view Andalusia is a developed region, where a large number of interesting sightseeing objects are concentrated. One of them is the already mentioned Alhambra palace complex, which is world famous and has long been synonymous with romance and luxury at the same time. Being erected on a high hill, it occupies almost all of its territory and majestically rises above Granada. A tour through its halls, which contain many priceless art and historical artifacts, will give a lot of vivid impressions.
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The largest temple not only in Andalusia, but in all of Spain is located in the capital of the autonomy, and it is the Seville Cathedral. Among similar structures in the world, it ranks third in size, and it is indeed a very imposing and incredibly beautiful structure. Its size Seville Cathedral exceeds even the cathedrals of St. Peter’s in the Vatican and St. Paul’s in London. The history of the cathedral dates back to 1401, although it was not completed until four centuries later. A lot of time was taken and work on its decoration. Masters tried their best: the interior decoration of the temple is fabulously beautiful. In this religious building is probably the most expensive altar in the Gothic style: for its creation was spent, just imagine, more than 3 tons of gold. Seville Cathedral is also notable for the fact that within its walls is the tomb of Christopher Columbus, which in itself attracts thousands of travelers to the temple, bowing to the personality of the great navigator.
Another famous religious attraction is located in Cordoba. It is the Mesquita Mosque or the Cordoba Cathedral Mosque. It is also known as the Cathedral of St. Mary, who is considered by the locals as the patroness of Andalusia. The structure was erected back in the IX century, but in 1236 it was transformed into a Christian temple. The attraction is very interesting from the architectural point of view, because there are many interesting features in its appearance. Here you can see a fragment of an ancient Visigothic temple, a Muslim mosque of the Caliphate of Cordoba, the Cathedral of Christians. Cordoba also has the Alcazar Fortress – it is not far from the Roman Bridge. Next to it is the Alcazar Garden, mesmerizing with its paradisiacal beauty.
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You’ve probably heard of the world-famous sherry wine? It was named after the city of Jerez de la Frontera, where wine gourmets from all over the world flock to. They also enjoy visiting major wineries such as Fundador and Tio Pepe. Jerez de la Frontera is also known for its flamenco tradition, unique architecture and the Cartesian horse breed that was bred here.
.Beaches and recreational areas
In addition to its world-famous sights, flamenco and bullfighting, of which it is also the birthplace, Andalusia’s calling card is and remains its picturesque beaches. In this region are concentrated the most popular beach resorts in all of Spain. Costa del Almeria is considered one of the most unusual, although vacationers discovered it relatively recently. The coastline of the resort is characterized by a unique landscape and developed tourist infrastructure.
.No less famous resort – Costa del Almeria, magnetically attracting fans of surfing. Not far from its beaches there are prestigious golf centers.
But the Costa del Sol is the calling card of all local resorts. Its popularity is due to its unique climatic conditions. Do not believe it, but on the coast of this resort clear and sunny weather reigns almost all year round. Is it necessary to specify that the best place for a beach vacation can not be found in all of Spain, not to mention Europe as a whole? Not far from the coast runs the Sierra Nevada mountain system, which is adjacent to areas known for orchards and centuries-old forests. These places are eagerly chosen for travel by fans of eco-tourism.
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As for the Sierra Nevada Mountains, they are chosen for vacation by tourists who are passionate about skiing, and this despite the fact that the slopes here are very difficult, mainly oriented to professional skiers.
.Andalusia is also famous for its amusement parks, botanical gardens and large nature reserves. The Tivoli amusement park is the largest and most famous of these, it is located in the town of Benalmadena, a very picturesque town where life literally boils. In this park, very large in area, the rides are harmoniously combined with tropical gardens, recreation areas and very beautiful fountains.
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Andalusian cuisine
In Andalusia, the most discerning gourmets will feel, as they call it, at ease. This is especially true for fans of the Mediterranean diet, because many local dishes are based on fish, olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables.
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However, fish is more common in the coastal areas of Andalusia, and if you head inland, meat dishes dominate, as the mountainous areas are very good for grazing.
.Andalusia is also known for its breed of black pigs, whose meat is used to make many delicacies, such as high-end bacon. Of these, we can highlight the national delicacy of jamón, also called “pata negra”, which translates to “black leg”. Jamon cooking is an art form here. Every year there are even competitions between experienced cooks on its cutting, and the winners receive well-deserved awards for high quality.
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You can taste jamon in every local restaurant. Specialty stores sell dried slices of ham that regain their softness and tenderness when added to a dish..
Where to stay
There are more than 4 thousand hotels and inns in Andalusia, with different levels of “stardom”. Many of them are known far beyond the country, for example, the hotel Guadalpín Banus in Marbella, which is a large-scale resort complex, equipped with direct access to the beach area. This fashionable hotel boasts its own golf school, a large children’s club, excellent gastronomic facilities, swimming pools and terraces. The interior of the hotel has been thoughtfully designed and its aristocratism is beyond praise.
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If you find yourself in Málaga, you can stay at the historic Hotel Posada del Patio, housed in a restored old building. During the works, the ruins of ancient buildings were discovered underneath. Scientists assume that once there was a defensive wall of the Arab city. In addition to visiting the ancient buildings, guests of the hotel can also look into its exhibition hall, where unique historical artifacts are collected.
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Cordoba’s most famous and popular hotel establishment is the Hotel Exe Conquistador, housed in a luxurious building near the city’s historic sites. The hotel has a picturesque patio with a garden where guests can have a great time relaxing.
.Guests of Granada are advised to pay attention to the Hotel Alhambra, located in close proximity to the ancient walls. The hotel is luxurious, it is decorated in Moorish style. It couldn’t have been otherwise, as the hotel is housed in a historic castle, which retains a pristine layout. Not only from the rooms, but also from the spacious terraces you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the surroundings. The hotel has its own restaurant specializing in the preparation of Andalusian cuisine.
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Tourists of note
Despite the fact that Andalusia is characterized by an almost paradisiacal climate, lovers of excursions and hiking in summer are better off here. And all because this time of year is not just hot – it is scorching, and to study the sights at such a temperature regime will not stand, probably, not everyone.
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Buses are the main form of public transportation in the cities of the autonomy, the cost of a trip is about 1 euro. If you plan to use public transportation often, buy a special card Bonobús. If you get it at any tourist office, you will not regret it. You can pay with the card for ten trips, while saving a lot.
You can also get to Andalusia by sea, via the ports of Algeciras, Malaga, Cadiz and Almeria.
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The main highway to reach this Spanish region was and still is the A-4/E-05, which runs through the Despeñaperros Nature Reserve. Alternatively, you can choose the AR-4 (Cadiz to Seville) and AR-7 (Málaga to Guadiaro).
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