Art and Culture
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Spain is so extraordinarily rich in art and architecture today because of the many distinct cultures that populated the country and influenced its cultural development. The visitor will find many of the works of these different civilizations in their natural settings and fully represented as well in Spain's many outstanding museums. |
| Spain is one of the European cultural centres, with monuments of extraordinary value, both for their antiquity and their artistic richness. Despite their opposing styles, they are fully integrated in unique harmony. They are witnesses to the passage of time. Our architectural treasures await you. |
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The oldest works of architecture in Spain of which rests are left go back to the megalythical culture, approximately 3000 b.C. Lots of Roman monuments are conserved too, among the most important being the great aquaeduct of Segovia and the amphitheater of Mérida.
Absolutely stunning is what Moors have left. The Great Mosque of Cordoba is one of the most visited sights by tourists, the other of course being Granada's Alhambra which is perfectly conserved in its original condition. While most of Spain was occupied by the Moors, there existed still Visigoth kingdoms in the country's north. There you can find important monuments of Visigoth and Romanesque styles, of the latter in particular along the "Camino de Santiago". In 12th century Gothic style was introduced in Spain , arriving to its greatest importance during 13th century when the cathedrals of Burgos , Toledo and Leon were built. Gothic in Spain combines frequently with Mudejar-elements. Plateresque style is the Spanish variation of Renaissance style. The word comes from "plata", silver, indicating that it is much richer in ornamentation than for instance Italian Renaissance style. One of the most representative monuments is the University of Salamanca. Baroque in Spain falls together with the country's perhaps most glorious epoch. Two opposite approaches may be observed: the works of Juan Herrera are remarkably austere (e.g. Monastery "El Escorial", close to Madrid) while Churriguera used extremely rich ornamentation. In Galicia exists another variation of baroque style, the so-called Baroco Compostelano, with Santiago de Compostela as its center. In Modernism, Spain played again a highly important role. Most outstanding are perhaps the works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, as his great cathedral "Sagrada Familia". Until today Barcelona in particular has remained a center of modern and even futuristical architecture. | |
| Get to know the major trends in Spanish art and culture. Have a closer look at our impressive artistic legacy. The major trends in culture and art in our country have been born of creative talent and are world renown. |
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Spain has been home and inspiration to some of the greatest painters of all time (Velazquez, Goya, Murillo, El Greco, Picasso, Dali, etc.).
In Madrid´s famous Prado Museum and Reina Sofia Museum of Modern Art, you will see the masterieces of not only these geniuses but also many others, both Spanish and international. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum situated near the Prado, houses one of the world´s largest private collections (800 works) with emphasis on the Flemish School and the Impressionists. Barcelona is closely associated with such painters as Picasso and Miro, who each have their own museum in the city. Add to this, the Contemporary Art Museum and the architectural creations of Gaudi, and you truly have an art lover´s paradise. From the Guggenheim in Bilbao, to Gaudi´s Sagrada Familia and Guell Park in Barcelona, to the Prado, Thyssen, Reina Sofia and the Neoclassical Royal Palace in Madrid, there is a plethora of delights offered that will satisfy even the most demanding lover of art. | |
| Throughout Spain, folklore is very much alive and is always some form of folk festival occuring. It is almost impossible for a visitor to be anywhere in the country for more than a fortnight without something taking place. Fiestas, Saints'Days, Romerías (picnics to religious shrines) and Verbenas (night festivals on the eve of religious holidays) are all celebrated with great spirit and energy. |
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Best known among Spain's folklorical traditions are certainly Flamenco and bullfights. Bullfights you will find indeed throughout the country, the most popular events perhaps being the "Running of Bulls" during the Sanfermines in Pamplona. But bullfights are part and parcel of any Fiesta.
Flamenco, on the other hand, is the musical tradition in the country's south, in particular in Andalusia. That is where you have to move to see and listen first rate dancing an guitar playing. In April takes place Feria de Abril, in Seville, an entire week of singing and dancing. Holy Week, with its world-famous processions, is probably the best time of year to visit for celebrations and it is then that the individuality of each region's style of pageantry is best revealed. Another most popular event of religious origin is El Rocio, a traditional pilgrimship to the village El Rocio in the province of Huelva, in May. Another outstanding Fiesta are La Fallas de San José in Valencia, in March, when all the city becomes the scenery of an enormous party with lots of good mood and excellent fireworks. Madrid has its Fiesta, San Isidro, in May. If you like bullfights, don't miss it. Carnival is popular in all the country, the most famous are held in the capitals of the Canary Islands in February.But if you are at the peninsula, Cadiz and Sitges are the places to go. | |
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Travel In Spain Multimedia, S.L. © 2007 - Madrid (España) - Tel: (+34) 91 567 05 72 - Fax: (+34) 91 567 05 73
Travel In Spain Multimedia, S.L. © 2007 - Madrid (España) - Tel: (+34) 91 567 05 72 - Fax: (+34) 91 567 05 73