With an area of 504,030 km˛, Spain is the second largest country in Western Europe (behind France) and with an average titleitude of 650 m, the second highest country in Europe (behind Switzerland).

Spain Trip

June 1999

MADRID

Madrid is the capital and the hub of Spain. It's upbeat and vibrant. At 10PM, people are out dining and walking the streets. Don't miss the lavish Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and a walk through Retiro Park. If time, go to a bullfight. If you take siesta, as the natives do, spend some time to sample the tapas (appetizers). A must visit is Plaza Mayor, the square where so much of Spain's history played out. During the Inquisition, many were tried here. The huge square holds many shops, cafes, restaurants, etc. It is a meeting place, a place to socialize.

EL ESCORIAL (an hour from Madrid)

This was the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition. It is a huge, dark, rather gloomy building. It is referred to as the Monasterio de San Lorenzo del Escorial. Make sure you see the resting place of 26 kings and queens (centuries of Spanish monarchy). And the library has a magnificent colorful ceiling and books scribed by monks centuries ago. Some are scribed using gold.

VALLEY OF THE FALLEN (short distance from El Escorial)

Here you will find a 150 yard tall granite cross, marking a huge underground monument dedicated to the victims of Spain's Civil War in 1936-1939. The stairs leading here are in groups of ten, symbolizing the ten commandment... Thou Shtitle Not Kill. You can also visit the grave of General Franco which lies behind the high titlear and directly on a line below the cross. On the opposite side of the mountain is a monastery connected to the basilica by an elevator..

SEGOVIA (within 50 miles of Madrid area)

This is a must see…a great Roman aqueduct, a castle and a Gothic cathedral. The aqueduct is 2500 feet long, 100 feet wide and has 118 arches. The castle is said to be where Columbus came to have his expedition financed by the queen. Stroll the streets; it's great for photo shots.

TOLEDO (an hour south of Madrid)

Toledo peers out over a high rocky mount surrounded by the Tejo River. Its history includes the Romans, Moors and Christians. It is one of Europe's most famous art capitals. El Greco, titlehough he was born in Crete and studied in Venice, spent 37 years in Toledo. Santo Tome Chapel holds his famous Burial of the Count of Orgaz. This is also Spain's leading Catholic city with a splendid Gothic cathedral. If you are looking for souvenirs, visit Spain's Damascene Center where craftsmen have inlaid black steelware with gold, silver and copperwire into jewelry, etc. Toledo remains the historic, artistic and spiritual center of Spain.

GRANADA - THE ALHAMBRA

The Alhambra is the last Moorish stronghold in Europe and a main reason tourists come to Granada; the Moors held Granada until 1492. You will find that the Alhambra has water decor everywhere. It is a life symbol to the Moors, since it is so rare in the Islamic world. There are four sights to see here: 1) CharlesV Palace; 2) the Alcazaba (old fort); 3) Palacio Nazaries; and 4) the Generalife (garden)

The royal chapel (Capilla Real) in central Granada holds the remains of Queen Isabela and King Ferdinand. Try to visit the Alcaiceria, originally an Arab silk market, near the chapel and also the Albaicin, the best old Moorish Quarter in Spain.

SEVILLE

Seville is the city you will never want to leave. It is filled with life, color, festivals, Flamenco shows, and most important of all…Soul. Don't miss Giralda Tower, the cathedral's bell tower (formerly a Moorish minaret to call Muslims to prayer); the Alcazar, 10th century remodeled palace; the Barrio de Santo Cruz (old Jewish Quarter); and Plaza de Espana with Maria Luisa Park. Stroll along the canal; go to Seville Plaza de Toros to see a bullfight.

In the evening, go to the Flamenco. Watch the women with their graceful turns, yet so dynamic, and the men with their heavy footwork. Listen to the musicians, guitarists, the castanets. You will be filled with energy and soul! Don't forget to try the sangria!

CORDOBA

This is one of Spain's big Moorish cities. It has a famous mosque surrounded by the colorful Jewish Quarter. It's known as The Mezquita. It has 800 rose and blue marble columns and many Moorish arches. There is also a Renaissance cathedral. It is a sight you will remember…as is Spain!

Spain Photo Gallery

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