Dear Steemit Friends:
My today post is about the captivating venues in the beautiful Andalusia-Spain.
In the south of Spain, Andalusia captivates with its blazing sun, its tasty gastronomy and its poignant tunes. The autonomous region is punctuated by incredible natural and historical sites. Under Muslim rule 8th to 15th century, Andalusia has forged a strong identity imbued with Arabic influences. The architecture of many buildings is imprinted. Andalusia is a region full of history. The ancient land is home to amazing people, incredible landscapes, unrivalled gastronomy and some of the prettiest little towns you'll find in Europe. Many of its villages are familiar with the recent influxes of tourism, however, some still remain secluded from the outside world, bursting with tradition and charm! One thing they all have in common? The typical architecture of Andalusian villages that we all love.
Let's discover the 10 most beautiful places in this region!
The Alhambra
The emblem of Granada is undoubtedly the Alhambra! This fortress dominates the city from the top of the hill. It sheltered a dungeon, towers, baths and royal palaces of incomparable splendor. The construction ( al-Qal'a Al-Hamrā ) takes its name from its color, since Alhambra means "red castle". Its glowing walls mark the Andalusian landscape. Do not miss the spectacle of the sun burning the enclosure during the last hours of the day.
The Generalife
The Generalife is outside the Alhambra of Granada. This palace surrounded by a garden allowed princes to rest away from the hustle and bustle. It also offers a cool break during hot weather. This oasis, which has undergone a succession of redevelopments, awakens the senses. They are particularly solicited by fragrances emanating from fragrant plants and by the lapping of pond water. Everything has been thought for a moment of absolute relaxation.
The Alcazar
Escapade to Seville to explore Real Alcázar! The first stones of the royal complex were asked 9th century. Each occupant brought his techniques and his artistic touch. We can observe various decorative styles: Moorish, Gothic, Baroque ... The palaces and gardens, a surprising wealth, are classified World Heritage by Unesco.
Giralda, the bell tower of Andalusia
Seville abounds in heritage treasures ; there is the Alcazar, the Spanish Steps but also the Cathedral Santa Maria, topped by Giralda. This bell tower rises in the sky to almost 100 meters! The Christian building was built on the old mosque. It may be noted that Giralda has preserved the minaret of this mosque, finalized in a Spanish Renaissance style. The tower is surmounted by a statue, the Giraldillo ("little wind vane").
The Mosque of Cordoba
The mosque is located in the city center of Cordoba. The construction of this magnificent monument is launched in 785. Over the centuries, the most beautiful mosque of Andalusia has been modified several times by the Muslim occupants. The interior decoration is remarkable with its countless arches and columns. After the Christian conquest of the region, a cathedral is erected in the very heart of the mosque! The elements of the two religions intertwine for an incomparable spectacle.
Doñana National Park
Amazing natural site in Andalusia, the Doñana National Park is a reserve rich in plant and animal species. This vast space is crossed by heterogeneous landscapes. Marshes, dunes, beaches and forests cover more than 500 km². On horseback, on foot or by bike, Doñana Park offers a multitude of walks. Ornithology enthusiasts will try to observe the Iberian lynx.
Alcazaba
Malaga, city of the Costa del Sol, hides one of the most famous constructions of Andalusia: the Alcazaba. According to sources, the citadel was raised in the XI th century on the orders of King Badis Berber. At the foot of the Alcazaba, an ancient Roman theater is still visible. The artisans used stones from this building to fuel the building of the fortress. Inside the enclosure, splendid gardens and mansions are witnesses of the Nasrid culture.
Castle of Calahorra
It is in the province of Granada that you can visit the castle of Calahorra. Its silhouette takes shape at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, the most famous sierra of Andalusia. The palace was built between 1509 and 1512 from an ancient Arab fort, with four round towers. Italian craftsmen have shaped the interior decor; the castle then adopts a breathtaking Italian Renaissance style. Patio, columns, refined details inspired by nature adorn the monument.
El Caminito del Rey
Visitors discover the El Chorro Gorge, whose walls reach 400 meters high! The icing on the cake: walk along the gorge while walking on El Caminito. People with vertigo will abstain! The restored bridge is hung on the rock about 100 meters above the ground. In 1920, El Caminito del Rey was not a tourist attraction but a passage between two hydroelectric plants. People could then move from one site to another and move material. Only recently has the path been opened to the public.
Ronda and its New Bridge
In 1735 the first bridge was erected at Ronda, which collapsed. The works of the current Pont Neuf lasted from 1751 to 1793. The construction makes it possible to connect the ciudad , the old center of Ronda, and the mercadillo which composes the new heart of the city. Inside the bridge was a prison; today, we visit a museum. From outside the building, you can contemplate the Sierra Grazalema and see the Guadalevin, a small river spanned by the bridge.
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