"Alcala de Henares", Blog English, Country, Spain

The “San Bernardo Monastery” in “Alcalá de Henares”

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””

"Seville", Blog English, Country, Spain

The Giralda of Seville

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”

"Madrid", Blog English, Country, Spain

Madrid and the Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great

Our interest in visiting the Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great in Madrid arose a few years ago when we stumbled upon the Gardens of the dahlias of Saint Frances. It was the beautiful temple that stood out on the other side of the wall that caught our attention. Continue reading “Madrid and the Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great”

"Madrid", Blog English, Country, Spain

Sorolla, his studio, home and museum

The Sorolla Museum is one of the best preserved artist’s houses in Europe and since March 1, 1962, the building is a National Historic-Artistic Monument.

In 1909, the great artist Joaquín Sorolla Bastida, commissioned the project to the architect Enrique María de Repullés y Vargas, who fulfilled the wishes of the painter, creating a space that unites the work area and his home and also has a garden area. To achieve the latter, shortly after, Sorolla bought a second adjoining lot that would allow him to expand the built area and incorporate three gardens to the house. It was in 1911, that his new home in Madrid, on Paseo del General Martínez Campos, was inaugurated. Continue reading “Sorolla, his studio, home and museum”

"Seville", Blog English, Country, Spain

The Adriatica Building, unique to Seville

Walking along the Avenida de la Constitución in the city of Seville, you can see very beautiful buildings, with a variety of styles, depending on the time when they were built. However, there is one in particular that has us in love and that every time we visit this beautiful city, we have to stop to admire it, it is the Edificio de La Adriatica. Continue reading “The Adriatica Building, unique to Seville”

"Seville", Blog English, Country, Spain

The House of (Pontius) Pilate in Seville

In the historic center of the city of Seville, is the best Andalusian noble building that is a clear example of Sevillian architecture of the sixteenth century, is the House of  Pilate. Inspired by the Italian Renaissance, it was built in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries, originally called the Palace of the “Adelantados Mayores de Andalucía”. Continue reading “The House of (Pontius) Pilate in Seville”