"Ecija", Briefs, Country, Spain

The “Palacio de los Granados”

Our friends Paul and Francisco fell in love with Ecija and this eighteenth century structure in at first sight. Even though it had been closed for over 70 years, they took up the task of restoring it and turning it into the Palacio de los Granados in honor of the beautiful pomegranate trees found in the yard on that first visit. For us it meant our home on the days we visited Écija. Continue reading “The “Palacio de los Granados””

"Madrid", Blog English, Country, Spain

Finally in Madrid!

Our visit to Spain began in Madrid to later travel to Andalusia and return to Madrid. Therefore, we had a couple of days to explore the city.

Definitely, Madrid is a very cosmopolitan and modern city which holds many great treasures to visit. At the same time, it is the kind of place which can be visited a thousand times and there will always be something new to discover and new experiences to be lived. Continue reading “Finally in Madrid!”

"Madrid", Briefs, Country, Spain

The Metropolis Building, Madrid, Spain.

The Metropolis Building is considered to be the most emblematic of Madrid, Spain. Its actual physical address is 39 Alcalá Street, despite that many believe it is on the “Gran Via” (Grand Avenue). The building was designed by the famous French Architects Jules and Raymond Février by means of a contest. Various architectural styles were employed such as Roman, Beaux Arts and Neo-Roman. Its construction was ordered by the insurance company “La Unión y el Fénix” in 1907. Work was finally completed in 1910 under the eyes of the Spaniard Luis Esteve Fernández-Caballero. The building was inaugurated in 1911. Continue reading “The Metropolis Building, Madrid, Spain.”

"Cordoba", Briefs, Country, Spain

The Orange Grove of the Mosque – Cathedral of Córdoba

“A beautiful nursery of Orange Trees that catches one’s view upon entering that sacred temple”, this is how Fray Gregorio de Alfaro referred to the the Orange Grove or Garden of the Mosque – Cathedral of Córdoba in his writings towards the end of the XVI century.It’s name is derived from the 98 orange trees planted in rows. Continue reading “The Orange Grove of the Mosque – Cathedral of Córdoba”

"Cordoba", Blog English, Country, Spain

Roman Mausoleum of Córdoba

As we strolled through Córdoba, we unexpectedly encountered a large circular or cylindrical structure which turned out to be part of the Roman Mausoleums of Córdoba, a pleasant surprise. In researching the same, we discovered that this was of the most important funeral structures of the city built by the Romans and that they date back to the I Century. We observed that the same had be completely re-built and the burial hall containing Ash Urns as well as remains of its base, cornice and banisters . The Center for the Interpretation of the Funeral World is found therein and can be visited by appointment. Continue reading “Roman Mausoleum of Córdoba”

"Cordoba", Briefs, Country, Spain

Royal Church of Saint Paul in Córdoba

During our visit to Córdoba, we came across the Royal Church of Saint Paul, one of the most outstanding of the city’s center. It is among the first to be established by the Dominican Monks in Spain. It became an important house of study in which great missionaries were developed, such as Brother Francisco de Córdoba, First Martyr of the Evangelization in the Americas, Brother Tomás de San Martín, who placed the first stone of the University of Hispanola and founded the University of Lima (Peru) and Brother Jerónimo de Loaysa, first archbishop of Lime (Peru). Continue reading “Royal Church of Saint Paul in Córdoba”