"Madrid", Blog English, Country, Spain

The Velazquez Palace

We arrived at the “Buen Retiro” Park in Madrid, believing that we could see for the first time a structure designed by the great Velazquez. We discovered the Velazquez work, but it was not done by the famed painter. This Velazquez turned out to be the architect, Ricardo Velázquez Bosco. There are a few years between them, the painter pertained to the XVII century, whereas the architect was of the XIX century. Confused no longer, we moved onward to enjoy the Palace of Exhibitions known as the Velazquez Palace and the current exhibit. Continue reading “The Velazquez Palace”

"Seville", Briefs, Country, Spain

“El Cid Campeador” in Seville

A night view of the imposing sculpture of “El Cid Campeador” in Seville, Spain. Mounted on his steed “Bavieca” we have Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (“El Cid”) in a triumphant stance. The sculptor Anna Huntington, spouse of the Hispanist and multimillionaire Archer Milton Huntington, founder of the Hispanic Society of America of New York, donated this bronze statue to the city of Seville. Continue reading ““El Cid Campeador” in Seville”

"Granada", Blog English, Country, Spain

The “Bañuelo” of Granada

We finally got to see what had us very curious, the famous Arab baths and a little of their history. Since the late XIX century, the Nogal Baths are known simply as the “Bañuelo”, a diminutive used since it is smaller in size than other royal baths in the Alhambra.

The “Bañuelo” of Granada is one of the oldest, most important and most completely conserved in Spain. It is also considered as one of the oldest Moorish works in Granada. It is rectangular in shape with concrete walls with the different halls being covered by brick vaults with skylights in octagonal and star shape, thus providing lighting. We confirmed that these were in fact skylights.

During the reign of the Catholic Kings, the Arab or Moorish baths were considered to be brothels, therefore it is amazing that this “Bañuelo” was conserved so well.Bañuelo de Granada

Scholars and experts have been unable to agree on when this “Bañuelo” was actually built. Yet, everything seems to point towards the end of the Zirid Dyanasty, somewhere between the XI and XII centuries. It has a privileged location on a important street in a highly populated area and near the Bab al-Bunud gateway, known as the Gate of Banners.

The “Bañuelo” of Granada was declared a National Monument in 1918 and the architect Torres Balbás was in charge of its restoration.

When in Granada, visiting the “Bañuelo” should be on your bucketlist. A great experience.

The “Bañuelo” is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm. It is closed on Mondays, Sundays and holidays.

Address:  Carrera del Darro 31, Granada
Telephone: 958 229 738
Entry price: €2,00

"Granada", Briefs, Country, Spain

The Patio of the “Doncellas”

It is hard to believe that what we now-a-day know as the “Patio de las Doncellas” in the “Real Alcázar ” of Seville was in part, once buried beneath a marble pavement. The structure’s bedding and a pond were uncovered as an archaeological finding in 2002. As a result of this, the structure of this old Moorish garden was revealed, making it a very relevant event for the archaeological history of medieval Spain. Continue reading “The Patio of the “Doncellas””

"Madrid", Briefs, Country, Spain

Statue of the Arts

Shown is one of the statues we find at the Alfonso XII Monument in the “Buen Retiro” Park in Madrid. Created by the sculptor, Joaquín Bilbao, the Statue of the Arts is represented the figure of a woman seated over the chapiter, holding in her right hand a small statue of Victoria de Samotracia and in her left hand a painter’s palette. These elements symbolize Architecture, Sculpture and Painting. Continue reading “Statue of the Arts”

"Puerto Rico", "San Juan", Briefs, Country

Central High School of Visual Arts

The Central High School for Visual Arts in San Juan, Puerto Rico was built in 1918. It was designed by the Architects Pedro Adolfo de Castro, Francisco Roldán and Rafael Carmoega. The small palace was constructed along the Juan Ponce de Leon Avenue. Its architectural design is highlighted by a impressive portal supported with Corinthian columns. The first students were received in the east wing in 1923, The school was originally named as the Central High School of Porto Rico in 1925. In 1976, the structure was registered as a National Monument.

Picture LVYEM

Puerta de Almodóvar
"Cordoba", Blog English, Country, Spain

The Almodóvar Gate, Córdoba

The city of Córdoba, Spain, is known as the City of the Seven Gates, in reference to the seven entry points of the walled city. The Almodóvar Gate is current the best conserved of all those existing in Córdoba. It is found close to the “Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos” and with easy access from the “Cairuán” Street. It is located in a very centric part of the city just a few steps from the Red Cross Hospital and the “Judíos” Street, one of the most popular street within the Jewish quarters. Continue reading “The Almodóvar Gate, Córdoba”

"Toledo", Briefs, Country, Spain

Railroad Station of Toledo

Inaugurated in 1919, Toledo’s Railroad Station was declared as a Place of Cultural Interes; in the category of monuments on November 21, 1991. This is the work of Architect Narciso Clavería and his neo-Moorish style. Bricks, stone, iron and cement was used in its construction. In 2005 it was restored with the advent of the high speed trains. It is located to the east of the city. Continue reading “Railroad Station of Toledo”