Andalusia travel guide pdf. Andalusia

And now let's start exploring another very interesting region of Spain - Andalusia.

We offer you to visit 7 cities, in each of which you can spend 2-3 days: enjoy long walks, take pictures of everything around, steam in Arab baths, dance to the rhythms of flamenco, taste wine and watch bullfighting (here it is still legal, unlike from some other regions of the country).

MALAGA

It is convenient to start a trip to Andalusia from Malaga, the center of the province of the same name, a port city with a rich history. Do not rush to go further, devote at least one day to Malaga. She has something to surprise you!

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1. The Cathedral of the Incarnation (La Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación), built on the site of a mosque in the 15th century, is a visiting card of the city. From Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 to 10:00, the temple and the museum located in it can be visited for free, at other times - for € 5.
2. Picasso Museum, located in the building of the Buenavista Palace (16th century). Showcased here are 285 works by the outstanding artist who was born in Malaga. The ticket costs € 5 (audio guide included).
3. Arab fortresses of Gibralfaro (XIV century) and Alcazaba (XI century), from which a beautiful view of Malaga opens. You can visit both sites with a single ticket, which costs € 3.5.
4. The Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful parks in Europe. For € 5, here you can hide from the heat and admire exotic plants. Free admission on Sundays.
5. Roman amphitheater (1st century). A stage with a diameter of 31 meters and places for spectators have been preserved, and now concerts are periodically held here. Free admission.

What to try?

• fried anchovies (boquerones fritos);
• grilled sardines (espeto de sardinas);
• coffee. Locals drink it with milk or alcohol (rum, brandy, anise tincture);
• sweet wines.

How to get to Malaga from the airport? An express bus, which departs from Terminal 3, will take you to the city center in 15 minutes. The ticket costs about € 3, you can buy it from the driver for cash. Alternative options: Take the Renfe train on the C1 line, which connects the airport to Malaga city center, take a taxi or rent a car.

GRANADA

One of the most beautiful cities not only in Spain, but in Europe as a whole, located next to mountain range Sierra Nevada. Most tourists come to see the Alhambra, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture, but has a few more surprises in store for you! We recommend that you spend at least 2 days here in order not to miss anything.

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1. The Alhambra is the former residence of Muslim rulers. The complex includes a citadel, several palaces, the summer residence of the Generalife emirs and parks. A general ticket costs € 14 and you can use it to visit all the main sites. The number of guests is limited, so during the season we recommend buying tickets in advance online or at any Bank of Spain branch.
2. Cathedral, built in the 15th century on the site of a mosque. The nearby chapel contains the remains of Columbus's patroness Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, who conquered Granada from the Moors. The ticket costs € 5 (audio guide included). On Sunday from 15:00 to 18:00 admission is free, advance booking through the website is required.
3. The historic Albaycín district, which is worth a half-day stroll. It has changed little since the reign of the Moors, except that restaurants and shops have been added to the delight of tourists.
4. Monastery of St. Jerome. Built by the Spaniards immediately after the return of Granada. The main attraction is the altar, decorated with relief images. Entrance costs € 4.
5. Observation deck St. Nicolas, offering views of the city and the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. It is best to come here at sunset to enjoy the spectacle while sipping sangria at a leisurely pace.

What to try?

• a variety of tapas;
• herbal teas with Moroccan spices;
• stewed oxtails (rabo di toro).

How to get to Granada from Malaga? By bus (one and a half to two hours, about € 12), by train with a change in Antequera (from 3 hours, about € 20) or by car (about an hour and a half).

CORDOVA

This city, cherishing the heritage of many cultures, stands on the Guadalquivir River, in the heart of Andalusia. Stay here for a few days to see the listed historic center World heritage UNESCO, look into the famous mosque and visit other places of interest.

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1. The Mesquita (Cathedral Mosque) is one of the 12 architectural wonders of Spain. It is surrounded by an orange garden where you can relax on a hot day. Entrance costs € 10.
2. Museum in the Viana Palace (the building was built in the XIV century). It houses a rich collection, including tapestries, pieces of furniture, dishes, weapons, paintings, samples of Roman mosaics, etc. There is also a gallery of asulejo (traditional Spanish painted tiles).
3. Medina As-Sahara. The palace city, 8 kilometers away, built in the X century, which is called "medieval Versailles". Excavations at this site are in full swing, and new treasures are being discovered every month. The entrance ticket costs € 1.5.
4. Alcazar Palace, built on the site of a Moorish fortress and for more than two thousand years served as the residence of the rulers of Cordoba. In this building, Isabella of Castile received Columbus and listened to the plan of his trip to India. The ticket costs € 4.5.
5. The Jewish Quarter, home to the country's main synagogue.

What to try?

• thick cold soup salmorejo. It can be tomato, pumpkin, watermelon, almond, seafood;
• pork fillet with ham, cheese or sausages breaded with eggs and croutons (flamenquín).

How to get to Cordoba from Granada? By train (two and a half hours, from € 30), bus (almost 3 hours, from € 15) or car (about 2 hours).

It is worth spending at least 2 days in the capital of Andalusia. Bullfighting, flamenco, a series of noisy celebrations and festivals, a variety of tapas (it is believed that they were invented here), wines ... This city falls in love from the first second!

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1. Maria de la Sede is the largest Gothic cathedral in Europe (116 meters). Its interior is decorated with paintings by Velasquez and Goya, and the cross is said to be made of gold brought by Columbus from America. Here, perhaps, the great navigator found his last refuge (there is a version that the remains buried in the temple belong not to Columbus, but to his son). Entrance costs € 9.
2. Plaza de España is one of the most beautiful in Western Europe. Built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exhibition and is now a favorite walking place for locals.
3. Arena and Bullfighting Museum. Bullfighting in Seville is held from Easter to the end of October, mainly on Sundays. On other days, you can explore the oldest arena in Spain and look at the thematic museum located right there. The € 8 tour program includes a visit to the chapel where the bullfighters pray before the battle and the infirmary, where those who are unlucky are taken.
4. Arab baths are the legacy of the Moors who once ruled in these parts. Travelers praise Air de Sevilla, a complex offering 14 types of relaxation treatments for between € 25 and € 195. This is a great way to escape the heat or relax after a long walk.
5. Torre del Oro (Golden Tower) is one of the few well-preserved Moorish buildings. Inside there is a maritime museum where you can see navigational instruments, weapons, models and parts of real ships. The ticket costs € 3 and is free on Mondays.

What to try?

• salted cod (remojon);
• cold tomato soup gazpacho (gazpacho);
• buns with almonds and sugar (mostachones).

How to get to Seville from Cordoba? By train (about 50 minutes, from € 25), by bus (almost 2 hours, from € 15) or by car (about an hour and a half).

CADIS

One of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean. It is ideal for those who want to combine sightseeing and beach vacation or wants to swim in the ocean (the season here lasts from May to October). Playa Caleta Beach is located in the Old Town, along the modern quarters for 10 kilometers Playa Santa Maria del Mar, Playa Victoria and Playa Cortadura stretch.

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1. The old town, divided into 4 quarters: Populo, Santa Maria, Viña and Mentidera. Populo, where the city nobility once settled, pleases the eye with rich Baroque and Renaissance mansions, founded by the Romans, Santa Maria is known as the center of flamenco, Viña is a paradise for fish lovers, and Mentidera is home to the most famous clubs and discos in Cadiz.
2. Roman theater built in the 1st century. It seats 20,000 and was the largest building of its kind in Spain at the time. Free admission.
3. The Cathedral is one of the largest in Spain. The north tower overlooks Cadiz. The ticket costs € 5.
4. Castle of San Sebastian, located on an island opposite Caleta beach. You can get here from Cadiz along the embankment road. Inside, exhibitions of works by local artists are held from time to time. Free admission.
5. Tavira is one of 160 towers that defended the medieval city from invasions. On the second tier there is an observation deck, on the third - the camera obscura hall, where images of city blocks are projected onto a canvas screen, and even higher is a terrace with stationary binoculars. The entrance ticket costs € 6.

What to try?

Sherry fortified wine, of course! You can go to the homeland of the drink - to the nearby town of Jerez de la Frontera, or buy a bottle in one of the shops in Cadiz.

How to get to Cadiz from Seville? By train (about an hour and a half, from € 15), by bus (almost 2 hours, from € 10) or by car (about an hour and a half).

TARIFF

The southernmost point of Europe. The conditions here are ideal for surfing, so every year the city receives participants and guests of the World Championship. And these places are also famous for their excellent views of the African continent and proximity to the Strait of Gibraltar, excursions along which are available to everyone (if you're lucky, you can see whales and dolphins near).

A visa to Spain for citizens of Moldova is opened at the Czech Embassy. A package of documents and information on obtaining a visa on viza.md.

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Why Andalusia? Maybe because it is the southernmost region of Spain, a place with a unique history, associated mainly with the Moors and the Arab Caliphate. The name comes from the Arabic Al Andalus (that is how almost the entire Iberian Peninsula was called from 711 to 1492). The Arab Caliphate left a huge imprint on the territory of this part of the peninsula, and as for me, this gave Andalusia a light charm of the East and an Arabian fairy tale. Or maybe it's the passionate gaze of a bullfighter and flamenco dancer, the grace of women and the most magical of sounds - the sound of a flamenco guitar in the small streets of the Santa Cruz quarter of Seville. I have always believed that the most beautiful is obtained from a mixture, and Andalusia is the most striking proof of this. What beautiful people and architecture, music and dance there are, you will not find this anywhere in Spain.

(c) Heart Industry

(c) CarmenCollantes

And so, in the month of May, having taken a plane to Malaga, you take off. Night, flying up to Malaga, the head is dizzy with beauty around. City lights on the black velvet of the night, and little fireflies, cars, on the tracks. Look through the window, when you fly up to the cities at night, it's very beautiful.

Flight Chisinau - Malaga from 650 euros in both directions with one stop (zbor.md), direct flight Bucharest - Malaga from 150 euros (blueairweb).

(c) Fred Shively

Malaga - Ronda - Seville

It's best to start with Malaga... Beautiful neighborhoods, small streets, geraniums on the balconies and the smell of baked goods. It was here that Pablo Picasso was born and raised. A small museum in the house where he grew up is right in the center, and next to it is crazy beautiful cathedral... You can get lost in small pedestrian streets, among the shops of artisans and Bodegas (this is such a national wine shop). And probably, for exploring Andalusia, it is better to choose May, the warmth, the heady aroma of blooming oranges fills the lungs, and the bright fruits in green foliage tempt them to pick and eat. Colorful balconies, dancing in cafes, the Spaniards love to dance, it's in their blood, it is so touching to watch people of all ages gathering in small cafes, dancing tango and flamenco. You won't find this here.

(c) gock's frocks

And the sea, what a turquoise sea there is. And unlike India, where the ocean eats up the fiery disk of the sun, giving a crimson sunset, here the sea gives the first soft rays of the sun. And the lucky one who sees the first green ray can make a wish and it will certainly come true. Try it!

There is one more crazy a nice place in this beautiful city, this is a fortress Al Qasaba and the castle Gibralfaro, they are connected by a long wall. Al Qasaba is one of several fortresses left by the Moors in Spain. This is the sister of Alcazar in Seville and Al Hambra in Granada. It offers a magnificent view of the city, mountains and coastline.

Near Malaga, there are many small coastal holiday towns (Toremolinos, Fuenherola, Benalmadena, Puerto Banus, Marbella and Estepona), with well-known hotel chains and beautiful beaches where you can enjoy your holiday, drink sangria, tapas (local snacks) with delicious jamon and cheese, slowly acquiring a golden-chocolate tan.

Must-have program: Tapas, gazpacho, fried fish (pescaito frito in the local dialect), jamon from Jabugo, Valle de los Pedroches and Treveles, wines from Jerez de la Frontera or sangria.

An hour and a half from Malaga, at 750 meters above sea level, there is a small town Rhonda, one of the oldest cities in Europe, a white city. By law, it is fashionable to paint city houses only with white paint. The city is declared a National Monument of Spain and is built on both sides deep gorge Tacho. At the bottom of the gorge, the Guadalevin River flows, which divides the city into 2 parts: old city 13th century and a new city from the 18th century. Both parts are connected by the so-called "New Bridge", a viaduct built in the 18th century. The city was founded in the 4th century BC, but the architecture is dominated by Roman and Moorish features. The sights of Ronda include the oldest bullring in Spain Plaza de toros (1784), Arab baths built in the 13th - 14th centuries, the Moorish fortress of Alcabar (13th century AD), the cathedral church of Santa Maria de la Encarnacion ( 15th century AD), and 3 viaducts - Old Bridge, New Bridge and Roman Bridge. In free time from fighting, the arena works as a museum of tauromakia (the art of bull fighting).

(c) Nigel Musgrove

(c) Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda

Be sure to go to observation deck near the arena, more than a breathtaking view, when it approaches the city, it seems that it is ordinary, but on the site you understand why it is special. I will not tell you, take a trip and see if it is worth it!

You can see all this in one day and leave the last scheduled bus to Malaga. Be sure to dine at a local restaurant, better with more locals, tourist places never convey an atmosphere of complete authenticity.

Andalusia has a well-developed train and bus network. You can also use the boats that run between cities on the coast. Bus timetables on alsa.es, trains on renfe.es.

Now friends, the next city of my passion Seville, stands on the Guadalquivir River.

I probably won't have enough words to describe what happens to me when I stand in the heart of the city, look around and understand that I would probably kneel down in reverence and gratitude to the Moors, for the beauty that they left as a legacy to Spain. I even insist that it was the Arab culture that made Andalusia so unique. As mentioned above, Arab rule here ruled for a very long time, until King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella expelled the last spirit of the Moors from Cordoba in the 15th century. And before that, Seville, in 1026, became the capital of the emirate of the same name. But after it was released in the 15th century, it becomes the center of shipbuilding and trade, it is from Seville that Columbus sets off in search of India.

The symbol of the city is the ancient Arab Giralda tower 250 meters high, which is visible from almost anywhere in the city. Once upon a time there was a mosque in this place, but Christianity came, and the mosque was destroyed, leaving only the minaret. What's more interesting, exactly the same minaret can be seen in Marrakech. I saw both minarets, they are really identical, there is a third one, it is also located in Morocco.

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From the architectural sights of Seville, you can still highlight the Gothic Church of St. John. It seems to me that he is undeservedly deprived of attention. It is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and the third largest Catholic cathedral after Peter's Cathedral in the Vatican and St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Columbus and his illegitimate son are buried in the cathedral. This is the greatness of art and beauty, he is like a guard guarding the old district of Santa Cruz, I get lost when I stand nearby.

To the left of the cathedral, the already mentioned Alcazar castle, a mixture of Baroque, Gothic and Mudejar architecture. For almost 700 years it was the palace of the Spanish kings, the upper chambers of the Alcazar are now used by the royal family as a residence. The Alcazar was built as a fort of the Moors, as the palace was rebuilt by the Almohad dynasty. Magnificent gardens and ponds, I don't have enough eloquence to describe the beauty of the castle, the azure-blue colors of Mudejar ceramics, to convey the smell of freesias, oranges, pine needles and magnolia. Eyes shine, mouth open, no words ... And I'm not the only one, believe me.

Seville is rich in historical heritage and an incredible amount of architectural masterpieces. Plaza de España, the building of the Longha Seville Stock Exchange (Archive of the Indies), documents related to the discovery of America are kept here. The Golden Tower, the white stones of which burn gold in the sun, is now a museum of navigation, and earlier it controlled the movement of ships along the Guadalquivir River from it.

On Booking.com, you can find options from € 30 per night, if you want to experience the exoticism of the region, check in with the locals using the airbnb service, the price will start at € 20 per night.

Favorite place, quarter of Santa CruzWhen I walk there, I want to live in almost every house, drink sangria on every balcony, dance in every courtyard of the flamenco school and smell the aroma of bitter oranges, and sometimes kiss on quiet evenings near the Casanova monument, to the song of crickets and the cry of a Spanish guitar. How not to fall in love in such a city, and not lose your head from a tall, hot Spaniard, with the eyes of a Moor, or from the grace of a flamenco dancer, whose dance makes the heart beat like a jackhammer.

(c) Miami Love 1

This is how she is Seville and Andalusia - bright, ardent, burning, she smells of bitter orange and rolls, warm sun and passion, her spirit is royally self-willed and proud, and in the air there is a light aroma of the East and Arabian tales.

I love Andalusia, very much.

Travelers associate Andalusia with beautiful medieval fortresses and Arabian towers, graceful cathedrals and marvelous mountain landscapes. Andalusia is the sunniest and richest in natural attractions part of Spain, its capital is incomparable Seville.

Among the capital's attractions, the Santa Cruz quarter, the ancient Alcazar fortress built by the Arabs in the middle of the 14th century, the Giralda Mosque, as well as magnificent temples and monasteries deserve special attention. Lovers of scenic walks will love the island of Cartuja, which is located near the coast of Seville. The island is based beautiful park, where the flora and fauna of these places are presented in full diversity. The symbol of the capital is the Plaza de España, which is surrounded by a series of beautiful arches depicting the coats of arms of the Spanish provinces. There are many beautiful architectural complexes, including the Pilate House and the building of the military administration. Next to the square is the Maria Luisa Park, a great place for walking, where you can hide from the hot sun.

In the foothill region there is another attractive city - Granada. Its main attraction is the Alhambra fortress, which is located on a steep ridge. The square in front of the fortress is decorated beautiful fountains, pools and statues. The building has also been magnificently preserved to our times and never ceases to amaze tourists with its grandeur. Not far from the fort is the Generalife sultans' palace, which was built in the 13th century. This landmark also amazes with its luxury, sophistication of forms and unusual design of the surrounding areas. Copyright www.site

A trip to Andalusia should definitely include a visit to the city of Cordoba. The beautiful palace of the caliphs, gardens with fountains and the amazing beauty of the mosque - the excursion program in Cordoba is very diverse. There are several archaeological zones in the suburban areas, and the findings of scientists can be seen in the Archaeological Museum of Cordoba. Lovers of relaxation on the coast are attracted by the picturesque town of Malaga, which, in addition to beautiful beaches, offers its guests a rich cultural program. These are just a few cities in Andalusia that should not be overlooked during your tourist trip.

Besides the priceless historical monuments, Andalusia is famous for its popular beach resorts. The Costa del Almeria is distinguished by the most modern tourist infrastructure and a variety of hotels. It will be comfortable for tourists with children to relax here, and there are also water sports centers on the coast, so fans often come here active rest... Those who prefer a quiet and uncrowded environment will love the Costa de la Luz. There are wonderful beaches with golden sand, where travelers can combine relaxation with exploring interesting archaeological areas. There are also prestigious golf clubs in this resort area.

One of the most popular holiday destinations for fans of beach entertainment is the Costa del Sol. This region is famous for its comfortable climate; the sun shines here 325 days a year. The shallow and calm beaches are perfect for families with young children; there is almost never wind and lingering rains on the coast. Those who want to relax in an unusual exotic setting should pay attention to the Costa Tropical. It is also characterized by a very mild climate, which made these places an excellent place for the cultivation of orchards. Many of them are now available to tourists for excursions, they will have the opportunity to see how a variety of exotic fruits grow, as well as taste the fruits directly from the branches.

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

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

The first day. Seville Alcazar 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 at one time part of Arab Spain, which left an imprint on the local architecture. It was under the influence of 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 the luxurious carved arches, colored ceramic mosaics and richly decorated ceilings.

An example of the Mudejar style in Seville is the Seville Alcazar - the royal residence of the Spanish kings, from which you should start 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 VIII 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 the Arabic "fortress". The heyday of the Alcazar falls on the XIII century, when the representation of the Cordoba Caliphate was built here.

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

To save time standing in line, by all means buy a ticket to the Alcazar online on the website (the ticket price is 11.50 euros + 5 euros for an audio guide - take it by all means, it is very interesting to listen to everything). Tickets are sold for a specific date and time; when you approach 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 will never miss - Granada Cathedral - the largest Gothic cathedral in Europe. In addition to the paintings of Velasquez 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 that everything could get confused.

Adjacent to the cathedral is the Giralda tower, built in the 12th century during the rule of the Muslims in the Pyrenees, and which was at that time the minaret of the Seville mosque. After the conquest of Andalusia by the 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 Renaissance fashionable for that 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 - in Spanish "weathervane".

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

Evening.While in Seville, you should definitely go to flamenco, even if it is a traditional tourist fun. Shows are held 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 de Triana.

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

Near the hotel is the building of the University of Seville, which was once the royal tobacco factory, where the famous Carmen worked - the heroin of the novel of the same name by Prosper Mérimée and the opera by Georges Bizet. Every day at the university free excursion on campus, in which, among other things, they tell about the history of the factory. The tour starts at 11.30 am and the meeting point can be easily found following the signs at the university entrance.

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

Spain square

The most beautiful of this ensemble is the niche alcoves lined with ceramic tiles and dedicated to one or another province of Spain. Many films were filmed here in the square, including "Lawrence of Arabia" and even the second episode of "Star Wars".

In the second half we get to know the fishing area of \u200b\u200bSeville - Triana, which can be reached by crossing one of the bridges over the Guadalquivir River. Triana is a former area of \u200b\u200bsailors and potters. In the Middle Ages, it was here that the main port in Seville was located, so sailors settled nearby. And also this area was considered the area of \u200b\u200bgypsies, although I did not meet them.

One curious legend is associated with the area, which I had never heard of until I went for a walk in Triana and read about it. A native of these places was a certain Juan Rodriguez Bermejo, who was a sailor on duty on the ship "Pinta" of the notorious Christopher Columbus in 1492. According to some chronicles, it was he who first saw the land of America and, according to the original conditions, should have received 10 thousand gold - the reward promised by the royal couple of Spain to the one who first sees the new lands for Atlantic Ocean... However, either greed, or some other intentions prompted Columbus to ascribe the land he saw to himself: supposedly he saw the edge on the horizon even earlier, but did not dare to assert about what he saw as about land, since he was not completely sure of this.

Columbus, as is known, 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 Triana Market for delicious food.

To walk in Triana (and in Seville in general), you can use the Azbo Audio Tour audio guide - the story is extremely interesting, and the application itself is convenient to use (do not forget to download the audio guide in advance if you have wi-fi).

Evening.Head back to the city center and head to one of the finest tapas bars in Seville, for the local cuisine is just as beautiful as the architecture. Bar Coloniales (Plaza Christo de Burgos), Bar La Bodega (Plaza de la Alfaifa) and Bar el Rinconcillo (Calle Gerona) are especially good.

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

Morning.We take a train at the Santa Justa train station in Seville (a ticket costs 12.85 euros, it is worth buying 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 famous "singing" carnival takes place in the city. For two weeks, festivities take place on the streets of the city, locals and visitors alike dress in extravagant costumes. As part of the carnival, a song contest is held in which amateur groups - chirigotas - participate, which mainly consist of men dressed in certain 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 Jose Maria Peman are buried. From the cathedral, go to the embankment, where, in 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, named after the many 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 of the streets of the center we go to the upper part of the city to the Plaza de España. It is, of course, not as elegant as the square of the same name in Seville, but with a majestic column, white buildings and palm trees it looks very pretty.

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 area of \u200b\u200bthe city, where Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs lived in different centuries. You can also eat delicious seafood here before catching the evening train back to Seville.

Day four. Christian Muslim shrines of Cordoba.

Morning.Again fromwe take the train at the Santa Justa train station in Seville and go to neighboring Cordoba. The ticket is also worth buying in advance online on the site local rail 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 Mesquita - the once majestic mosque of the Cordoba Caliphate. In the Middle Ages, the Mesquita 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 (this is the name of the process of liberating Spain from the Arabs, which lasted for several centuries), Mesquita was consecrated and turned into a Catholic church, making changes, including in the architectural appearance of the building. The building was especially rebuilt in the 16th century during the reign of Charles V, when the cathedral nave appeared, made in the then fashionable Renaissance style. Fun fact: Charles V, upon seeing the renovated cathedral, exclaimed: "You destroyed something great and built something completely ordinary instead." Although the usual Mesquite, well, you can not call it.

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

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

Alcazar of 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 already 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 are hidden so characteristic of Andalusia, and of Cordoba in particular, patios - patios 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 with an aesthetic goal - to create an atmosphere of protection from external threats, which was especially appreciated in those days (remember - the Arab conquest, the Reconquista and all the cases), to inspire a sense of calm, serenity, romanticism, comfort and bliss.

Evening. No tapas bars this time. Head to the traditional Bodegas Campos restaurant (Calle Lineros, 32) for a taste of Andalusian cuisine. Snacks, meat, fish, desserts - everything is delicious there.

Day five. Granada, Granada, Granada is mine.

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

Day.Leaving your belongings at the hotel and having a light meal at any local restaurant, go to the Alhambra, an architectural and park ensemble that was the main residence of the rulers from the Nasrid dynasty, which ruled the Emirate of Granada 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 buying tickets on the official website much in advance (almost a month in advance) (a general ticket, which includes both the Nasrid Palace and the Generalife, will cost 14 euros). If you are late with your purchase, do not rush to spend money on insanely expensive guided tours: instead, you can buy the Granada Card tourist card for 37 euros, with which you can still go to 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 visiting the Nasrid Palace and be strictly in place by that time.

Alhambra, Lion Courtyard

Allocate at least three hours for the inspection to see the luxurious architectural decoration of the Nasrid Palace, and the Alcazaba citadel, from where you can enjoy grandiose views of the surrounding areas of Granada, and the former residence of the emirs of Genialife.

After visiting the Alhambra, go downstairs and go to the city center in order to reach the Granada Cathedral by six in the evening - majestic buildingbuilt in the Renaissance style (with the Granada Card, the entrance will be free, and you will also be given an audio guide). The cathedral is insanely beautiful, and it was painted by El Greco and José de Ribera. Pay special attention to the niches located around the perimeter of the temple, each of which is notable for either paintings or some Christian attributes.

Do not miss the royal chapel adjacent to the cathedral, where some of the most revered Spanish rulers, Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, rest. This dynastic marriage between the daughter of King Juan II of Castile and the ruler of Aragon Ferdinand was the beginning of the unification of Spain into a single state. Under Isabella and Ferdinand, the Reconquista ended with the triumph of the Spanish military forces and the last stronghold of Arab power on the Iberian soil - Granada - fell. And it was this royal couple who patronized the journey of Columbus, thereby opening the way for Spain to develop 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 the small Calle Cetti Meriem street, teeming with bars, one of which you can spend a pleasant evening (for example, you can visit Bar la Rivera).

Sixth day. 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 the traditional hipster breakfasts, I advise you to walk to Cafe Baraka at Calle San Jerónimo, 24 ) we go to get acquainted with another beautiful building during the reign of the Arab Nasrid - Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo. Previously, it was one of the emir's palaces, and now a museum, where various exhibitions are periodically held.

Day.After we go for a leisurely walk to the Arab quarter of Albayzin. The hill on which the area is located was inhabited during the Roman rule in the territory of Andalusia, however, it flourished during the reign of the Arabs, when Albayzin became a quarter of traders and artisans.

Albaysin

By the way, the district got its name not because of the merchants 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 locals loved to hunt.

While walking around the area, don't miss the Mirador de San Cristobal, which offers a beautiful view of the Alhambra, 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. Do not rush to leave Albaysin. Watching the sunset in the Mirador San Nicolas square is a must on the program, after which you can go to one of the local restaurants with Arabic cuisine.

Seventh day. Departure.

A separate day to calmly pack up, fly to Barcelona or Madrid, where there is still half a day left for shopping, in order to fly to Russia in the evening or in the morning the next day.