"Malaga", Blog English, Country, Spain

Central Market of the “Ataranzanas” in Malaga

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”

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

The University of Alcalá de Henares

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”

"Malaga", Blog English, Country, Spain

The Roman Theater of Malaga

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”

"San Lorenzo del Escorial", Blog English, Country, Spain

The Royal Monastery of “San Lorenzo de El Escorial”

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””

"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”