The first thing that caught our attention when we arrived at the Royal Site and Aranjuez Villa, was the large arcade along the way to the Saint Anthony Square, or the Square of “Mariblanca”, as it is commonly known. Continue reading “Saint Anthony of Padua, Aranjuez, Spain”
Upon seeing it, perhaps one is transported to those medieval castles in fairy tales, or in films or series where it has been used, so imposing, magical and beautiful. Or, perhaps we imagine it as history suggests, a witness to battles, of royal weddings or merely a palace of intrigues, this is the “Alcázar” of Segovia. Continue reading “The “Alcázar” of Segovia”
One of the elements that most caught our attention in the Central Market of the Ataranzanas in Malaga is its entrance from the Nasrid period. It is a monumental arch, horseshoe-shaped and pointed. The coats of arms of this arch allow us to place it in the period of the reign of Mohamed V (1354-1391). Continue reading “Central Market of the “Ataranzanas” in Malaga”
The history of the University of Alcalá de Henares dates back to its foundation in 1499. In 1501 Cardinal Cisneros laid the first stone and founded the “Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso de Alcalá de Henares”; the origin of the University of Alcalá de Henares. Cardinal Cisneros’ mission was to convert the “Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso” into a great center of academic excellence during the 16th and 17th centuries. In this manner, the reforming purposes of the Cardinal were achieved, improving the education of clergymen and churchmen of the time and turning it into the first Renaissance, humanist and universal university. Continue reading “The University of Alcalá de Henares”
Located in the historic center of the city of Malaga, the Roman Theater is the first thing that stands out when you arrive in this beautiful city of Andalusia. It is the archaeological remains of what would be the Roman Malaca dating back to the VII-VI centuries B.C. with the configuration of the Phoenician city of Malaka and the main vestige preserved of the Roman presence in Malaga. Continue reading “The Roman Theater of Malaga”
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”