Just as grandiose and majestic as its name suggests, so is the Royal Monastery of “San Lorenzo de El Escorial”, when you look at it up close. In 1931 it was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument and in 1984 it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Continue reading “The Royal Monastery of “San Lorenzo de El Escorial””
A visit to the Basilica of San Isidoro cannot end without a visit to its Museum. This occupies what was the Royal Tribune, which later became the Chapter House. Today you enter through the cloister, which also gives access to the Royal Pantheon. Continue reading “The Basilica of San Isidoro in León Part 2: Museum, Cloister, Royal Pantheon y Tower”
We arrived very early at the Plaza San Isidoro in León to have our encounter with its Basilica, considered one of the most outstanding Romanesque style architectural ensembles in Spain. This distinction has been earned due to its history, architecture, sculpture, and the conservation of very important Romanesque elements. Continue reading “The Basilica of San Isidoro de Leon Part 1: Exterior and Interior”
The gardens are a fundamental element of the Real Alcázar of Seville. They are the oldest in the city and since their creation they have undergone major alterations that have transformed their original layout. Continue reading “The Royal Alcazar of Seville Part 3: Gardens, Fountains and Ponds”
The Palace of King Don Pedro is the great Mudejar contribution to the “Alcázar” of Seville (1364-1367). The façade of this great palace unfolds in the Patio othe Hunt (“de la Monteria”) like a great altarpiece. It responds to Muslim and eventually Byzantine schemes and shows a tripartite organization. Continue reading “The Royal Alcazar of Seville Part 2: Palaces, Courtyards and Halls”
The Royal “Alcazar” is one of the most visited monuments in Spain and is the residence of the Spanish royal family when they visit Seville, making it the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. In 1987, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site, along with the Cathedral of Seville and the “Archivo de Indias”. Continue reading “The Royal “Alcazar” of Seville Part 1: Entry, Halls y Patios”
Facing the Bishop’s Square in Malaga, stands the Holy Church Cathedral Basilica of the Incarnation, a temple considered as one of the most valuable Renaissance jewels of Andalusia, Spain. The history of the Cathedral is closely related to the Great Mosque on which it was built, located inside the Arab walled enclosure. Its origin dates back to 1487, the year in which the city of Malaga was re-conquered by the Castilian troops. It was then when the Aljama Mosque was converted into a Christian Cathedral. Continue reading “Malaga Cathedral”
The monumental facade of the Monastery of San Bernardo, was the first thing that caught our attention of this structure. Although it is very simple, of the “curtain” type, the contrast of the reddish tones of the brick, with the white stone that divides the three symbolic spaces of the temple, make it look very beautiful. Observing carefully this façade, we notice that the lower space is the most sober, which is the one used by the faithful; the middle body is dedicated to the archiepiscopal dignity, that is why there are the founder’s shields and a niche with the image of San Bernardo; and the upper one, topped by a triangular pediment, which corresponds to the heavenly area. Continue reading “The “San Bernardo Monastery” in “Alcalá de Henares””
Our interest in getting to know the Cathedral of Cadiz began with its dome, that golden dome that caught our attention with every photo shared through-out the cyber world. Always near the sea and visible from all points of the city. Continue reading “Cathedral of Cadiz”
We would say that the Giralda is the most photographed bell tower in Seville. From different points of this beautiful Spanish city, both walking and from the viewpoint of the Setas, you can see the Giralda standing elegantly next to the Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Sede. And although today, there are buildings that exceed its height, in its day, the Giralda was the tallest tower in the world standing at 97.5 meters high or 320 feet. In 1928 the cathedral, including the Giralda, was declared a National Monument and in 1987 it was added to the list of World Heritage Sites. Continue reading “The Giralda of Seville”