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!”
Inside the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba we will find the “Mihrab”. Continue reading “The “Mihrab” of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba”
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.”
The Crystal Palace found in the “Buen Retiro” Park is without a doubt, one of the most beautiful structures that can be found in Madrid. A structure that on one hand, combines subtle and romance, and on the other hand, an integration of innovative materials and monumental space providing an impressive attitude. Continue reading “The Crystal Palace”
Upon entering the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba one might believe to have entered a forest, but instead of trees, one bows before one thousand three hundred columns of marble, jasper and granite. Continue reading “The Columns of 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”
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”
Upon arriving at the Alhambra, we confirmed that the Comares Palace is in effect one of the most precious jewel in the compound. We observed it carefully, as if wanting to record every single detail and unique element in our minds. It was a real privilege enjoying it. Continue reading “The “Comares” Palace”
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”
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”