Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias / City of Arts and Sciences (Valencia)

January 11, 2014Emblematic buildings, ValenciaJorge

Located in Valencia, The City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) is a complex of futuristic buildings in where visitors can discover one of the greatest aquariums of Europe, a science and technology museum, cinemas, a theater and many more cultural zones. It also has leisure areas with gardens, lakes and restaurants.

It was designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava and finished in 2002. The budget was initially of 600 million euros, but at the end it cost four times more, which generated a lot of polemic among the population because of its high cost. However, nowadays most people agree on considering the City of Arts and Sciences as the more important touristic attraction of Valencia, and one of the places that tourists must see when visiting Spain.

To arrive at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias you can take the bus (Lines 1, 13, 15 35, 47 and 95). Also you can go by metro (Line 5) to Ayora or Maritim Serreria Stations (15 minutes away on foot).

What to visit in City of Arts and Sciences?

The City of Arts and Sciences consists in a wide zone in the center of Valencia, near the sea and the Port of Valencia, in where are located the followings cultural and leisure buildings and structures:

– The Hemisferic (3-D IMAX cinema): Inside this impressive building, which is one of the main icons of the city, you will find the bigger cinema hall of Spain. Its exterior shape of its white structure surrounded by water represents a human eye.

– The Oceanográfic: The biggest aquarium of Europe with more than 10,000 square metres and which has around 45,000 living beings. It is composed by several separated zones in where are represented these environments: The Mediterranean sea, The tropical zones, Ocean Environments, Antarctic and Arctic, Islands and Humid regions. Moreover, it includes a dolphin area and a submarine restaurant.

– Museo de ciencias Príncipe Felipe (Sciences Museum): A science museum in where young and older people can discover the principles of the 21th century science and technology by touching and doing interactive experiments.

– Sophie Queen Arts Palace (Theater): The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía has four big theater halls dedicated to classical music, opera and theater plays. It also includes an additional zone for expositions.

– The Agora (Square-Pavilion): A Pavilion for events, as concerts or similar activities.

– The Umbracle (gardens): A view point from where the people can observe the whole complex of buildings. The Umbracle include gardens and paths to walk and discover regional plants, statues and sculptures.

More places to visit in Valencia

– The Turia Gardens: A public green park of more than 7,000 metres long with great variety of trees, plants ,flowers, herbs, grass, many fountains, several sports areas, some playgrounds, a lot of places to relax and rest, so on.

– The Silk Market: A must for visitors who arrive in Valencia is the Silk Market (la Lonja de la Seda). It’s a masterwork of the 15th century declared a world Heritage site by UNESCO in 1996.

Read also our post with the best monuments and buildings to visit in Spain.

Plaza de España / Spain Square (Madrid)

January 10, 2014Madrid, Streets and monumentsJorge

Almost every city in Spain has its own “Plaza de España” (Spain Square). Probably, the most famous is Plaza España of Sevilla, but Madrid has also one of the most touristic ones: In this Plaza de España (Madrid) you will discover the first skyscrapers built in Spain, two beautiful fountains, gardens and in the middle of the square, a statue of Don Quijote and Sancho Panza (Cervantes’s Monument). There is also common to view organized activities in the square, as street markets with food or handicraft objects, or any kind of events.

Plaza de España is located in a very privileged site. It is between these four zones:

1- In one corner starts Gran Via Avenue , the way to Cibeles Square, Puerta del Sol (Sun Square) and the center of Madrid.

2- In the second corner, there are placed The Royal Palace, El Senado building, Sabatini and Oriente Gardens and Almudena Cathedral.

3- In the third corner there is The West Park (Parque del Oeste) in where it is located The Debod Temple.

4- And finally, in the last corner starts Princesa Avenue, which ends in Moncloa neighborhood and the university zone.

To arrive at Plaza de España (Madrid) by metro, you can take Line 3 or Line 10 until Plaza España Station, or Line 1 until Noviciado Station.

What to see in Plaza de España (Madrid)

The main attractions to see in this square are the following:

– Don Quijote and Sancho Panza statues: These statues are on the middle of the square and they are a tribute to the famous writer, Miguel de Cervantes. The called Cervantes Monument was built at the beginning of the 20th century and consists in two statues of the fictional characters and an ornamented huge pillar behind them.

– The first skyscrapers of Spain: The Spain Building (Edificio España) was built in 1953 and measures 120 metres in height. Then, in 1954 was built Torre Madrid, with measures 142 metres. Finally, there are other relevant buildings bordering the square as Casa Gallardo.

– The fountains, gardens and the surroundings: In our Tour “What to visit in Madrid in one week” it’s explained all the monuments and touristic places that you can visit around Plaza España.

Eating at Plaza España

If you like Chinese food, it is said that below the fountain (in a commercial passage which leads to the underground parking) is placed one of the most famous Chinese restaurants of Madrid (but take into account that the real Chinese food is not the same food than the Chinese food of most European restaurants 😉 ) If not, you can find all kind of restaurants and cafes in Gran Via Avenue.

More touristic places to visit in Madrid near Plaza de España

– Gran via Avenue: Gran Via is one of the most famous streets of Spanish capital. It is situated in the center of Madrid and was built 100 years ago. The idea of the street was to join and improve the communication between the districts of the capital city.

– The Royal Palace: Nowadays, the Royal Palace is the official residence of the king of Spain Juan Carlos I, who uses it for important events because the King lives in a small palace called The Zarzuela. The palace was built between 1738 and 1755, and the king Felipe V (1683-1746) ordered its construction.

– Catedral de La Almudena (Almudena Cathedral): This is the main cathedral of Madrid. It is placed in front of Palacio Real.

– Jardines de Oriente (Oriente Gardens): A square with a beautiful gardens and two rows of statues on this sides. They are placed beside Palacio Real.

– Jardines de Sabatini (Sabatini Gardens): These gardens are placed by Real Palace, and also close to El Senado building.

– The Debod Temple: It is an old Egyptian temple which is located in Parque del Oeste. Although the temple was once in Egypt, it was disassembled in 1960 and translated to Spain ten years later to avoid its inundation because of the construction of a dam in Egypt.

Read also our post with What to visit in Madrid in one week and the Top destinations in Spain.

Shopping in Spain: Clothes and complements

January 7, 2014Madrid, Spain / España, Tips and opinionscloths, free time, INDITEX, shopping, shops, ZARAAnna

Spain is a homeland of INDITEX – one of the biggest cloth companies in the world. It consists of brands like: ZARA, Pull and Beer, Massimo Dutti, Oysho, Bershka, Stradivarius or ZARA HOME. Even thought you can find these shops all around the world – in 74 countries, the prices in Spain are a little bit lower than in the other countries. During the sales time the prices fall and are very very attractive. You can find these shops in every commercial center or main street of bigger city.

So, if you want to buy something more extraordinary, you should go to Desigual. In this shop prices are higher, but the clothes are not usual. If you like very colorful clothes in an ethnical style and you want to stay out in the crowd this is the shop for you. It offers collection to women, mem and children.

If you look for something really smart and elegant, you should go to the one of the most expensive places in Madrid – Serrano Street, which is situated in the center of Madrid, close to Plaza Colón and Goya Street in the district of Salamanca. There you can find shops from the best designers: Prada, Louis Vouitton, Manolo Blahnik, Gucci, Cartier or Chanel. This is the most elagant district of the capital, with the best shops and the highest prices.

If you would like to buy some unique and extraordinary cloths the best direction in Madrid is to go to Malasana and Chueca. This two parts of Madrid are famous from their alternative spirit. There you will find the famous Mercado de Fuencarral which is place with a lot of interesting shop. Apart from it, there are many small shops of still unknown designer, vintage shops, shops which offer clothes made to messure and small boutiques…

When we talk about fashion in Spain, we can omit mentioning the elegance of Spanish men. Their clothes come from the best designers, very often they wear suit or elegant shirt and shiny shoes. They look smart everyday, no matter how hot it is. So, if you are a man and you visit Spain, you should invest in buying moccasins the typical Spanish shoes, made from leather which will make you look more handsome 🙂

La Ciudadela de Jaca / The Jaca Citadel (The Pyrenees, Huesca)

January 7, 2014Emblematic buildings, Huesca, The PyreneesJorge

Located in Huesca province, Jaca is the biggest city of the Aragonese Pyrenees, and also the most touristic one. In Summer Jaca is always full of activity and people who want to camp nearby, make excursions through the valleys and mountains, or simply rest. In winter, Jaca is one of the capital cities of the sky in The Pyrenees.

The Jaca Citadel (La ciudadela de Jaca)

The Citadel is the main icon of Jaca. Its pentagram-star shape and its location, in the center of the city has turned it in a clear distinctive of the region of La Jacetania.

Its constructions started in the last years of the 16th century, ordered by Felipe II to defend this strategical city against the French army. Once finished The Citadel the next century, it had never been damaged or attacked (only in 1809 was taken by France after the capitulation of the city because the lack of people to defend Jaca. Nevertheless the fortress was recovered five years later, in 1814).

The complex is formed by a fortification with a trench bordering its exterior walls and a drawbridge at its entrance. Inside its five pointed star walls there is a pentagonal construction, a church and a courtyard.

Currently you can visit exterior area of The Citadel for free (its highly recommended to visit it at night). You also can buy a ticket to have a guided visit of its interior. Inside the citadel there is also a military miniatures museum.

Other remarkable places to visit in Jaca city

– The ice palace (Palacio de hielo): Jaca has two ice pavilions where people can do ice skating in its ice rinks all seasons of the year. Both pavilions are located together. The oldest one opened its gates in 1972; the newest one is an olimpic pabillion which was built in 2007 to improve and replace the older one.

– The pubs and restaurants area (Zona de restaurantes y bares): The restaurants and pubs zone of Jaca is located in the city centre, 4 minutes on foot from The Citadel. Thanks to the citizens and the visitors who come to Jaca to make excursions and enjoy the environment in Summer and ski in Winter, the zone is always full of activity.

– The surroundings of Jaca: Jaca is surrounded by many small towns, campings and mountains. Ideal for excursions!

More touristic destinations near Jaca

– Ainsa: With almost 2300 inhabitants, nowadays Ainsa is a touristic village in where many people who enjoy being in nature can visit its old centre and its castle, try the gastronomy of the Pyrenees towns and observe its astonishing landscape.

– The Pyrenees: In summer, many people camp in the Pyrenees for discovering its mountains, rivers and lakes, and for practicing sports in this environment. In winter, the Pyrenees ski stations are some of the most frequented places of Spain to ski (with Sierra Nevada at the south of the county).

The Pyrenees can be separated in five zones depending on what region are located: Aragon, Catalonia, Navarra, France and Andorra. The main sky stations of the Aragonese Pyrenees are these ones: Panticosa, Formigal, Candanchú, Cerler, Astún, Javalambre and Valderinares.

Barrio de San Martín (Cuenca) / St. Martin Neighborhood: The Old Town of Cuenca

January 7, 2014Cuenca, Streets and monumentsJorge

Cuenca is a Spanish city located in the central zone of the country, between Madrid and Valencia. Founded on the 8th century, nowadays it has around 50,000 inhabitants and it is virtually divided in two zones: the old town (uptown the city) and the modern city beside it.

To walk from the modern part of the city to the Old Town can be described as an inexplicable sensation. Step by step, when you up the slopes and the streets becomes more and more narrow, you start to feel that the 21th century disappear and you come back to a medieval age where the traditional buildings and the nature is present everywhere.

St. Martin Neighborhood (Barrio de San Martín) and the Old Town of Cuenca

St. Martin Neighborhood is a popular zone of Cuenca where the time have been stopped long time ago. It is placed in the top of the city, and is full of narrow streets and traditional buildings. Probably, its most famous picture is the views of its balconies, from where you can see a sensational landscape of the city.

In St. Martin Neighborhood and its surroundings, you will find many interesting places to visit:

– Alfonso VII Street, with ends in the Main Square (Plaza Mayor), where is placed the The Cathedral of Cuenca.

– The cathedral (Catedral de Santa María y San Julián de Cuenca): The Cuenca’s Cathedral is in the Main Square, uptown the city. It was built between the 12th and 14th centuries.

– The hanged houses (Casas colgantes): The hanged houses are the most touristic monuments of Cuenca. They are placed at the beginning of the Old Town, in a slope called Hoz del Huécar. Long time ago all the ravine had houses hanged, but nowadays remains only three of them. Don’t leave St. Martin Neighborhood without taking a photo of the Hanged Houses!

In the area are also placed some museums as The Abstract Art Museum (Museo de arte abstracto) or The Holy Week Museum. Finally, leaving the neighborhood to the modern city, there is the Jucar river and its benches, in where are a lot of green zones.

More touristic sites to visit near Cuenca

Read our full list of cities and destinations to visit in Castilla La Mancha.

Other cities near Cuenca: Toledo, Madrid, Valencia, Zaragoza.

Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba / Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba

January 4, 2014Córdoba, Emblematic buildingsManu

The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba (La Mezquita de Córdoba) situated near the Guadalquivir river is one of the most remarkable and tourist places in Spain and in the world, and the most emblematic building in Córdoba city. The Mosque of Cordoba is the symbol of the Andalusí art, one monument that remind us of the art and great power of the Caliphate of Cordoba during the 9th and 10th centuries.

The Mosque of Cordoba was declared a World Heritage site in 1984 by UNESCO.

History of the Great Mosque of Cordoba

The construction of the amazing Mosque in Andalusí style began in 786 on a Visigoth church (dating in the 6th century) destroyed by order of Abderraman I (Abd ar-Rahman) (born in 731 in Damascus and died in Córdoba in 788) who wanted a great Mosque in Córdoba. In fact, he had bought the Visigoth Saint Vicente the Martyr basilica in order to built the first Mosque aljama in Córdoba in the same place.

The Great Mosque aljama was built in different stages: Abderraman I who founded the dynasty Omeya (Umayyad) began the construction in 786; his son Hixem I (757-796) built the first minaret; Abderraman II (792-852) added eight rows; Abderraman III (891-961) constructed a new minaret in the 10th century; his son Alhaken II (915-976) added twelve naves and decorated the mihrab in the 10th century; the last construction was by Almanzor (Al-Mansur) (938-1002) who added eight naves at the end of 10th century.

The great Mosque of Córdoba became the second largest Mosque in the world after the Mecca Mosque in Saudi Arabia until 16th century when was built the Blue Mosque in Istanbul (Turkey).

In 1236 Fernando III king of Castilla and León known as the Saint (1199-1252) conquered Cordoba, and the Great Mosque was converted into The Cathedral of Cordoba.

Unfortunately in 1523 inside the Great Mosque was begun to build the main chapel in Renaissance style, the transept and the choir of the cathedral until 17th century, and as a result part of the Great Mosque constructed by Abderraman II and Armanzor was demolished to built the current cathedral. Moreover, the minaret built by Abderraman III was cover by the new baroque bell tower which was constructed in the 16th century although it is said that the minaret is still underneath the Christian bell tower.

Therefore Charles I of Spain and V of Germany the Emperor (1500-1558) regretted having allowed the bishop of Cordoba to build inside the Great Mosque.

Visiting the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba

Nowadays, the Mosque- Cathedral of Cordoba has more than 800 granite, jasper and marble columns with double horseshoe arches, an beautiful orange tree courtyard, the incomparable miharb which is a masterpiece, the Chapel of Villaviciosa, other outstanding chapels, the beautiful choir, the bell tower and too beautiful artworks to see in only a visit.

In conclusion, the Mosque-Cathedral covers a quadrangular area of more than 23,000 m2 full the interesting artworks. Do not leave without visiting the Mosque of Cordoba.

In addition, People interested in night tour can visit the Mosque-Cathedal during the night because there are several guided visits in the evening and during the night. Although the visit takes place in groups about 80 people, it had better book the ticket in advance to avoid the wait and spend the free time strolling in its surroundings. It will be an unforgettable experience to know better this unique Mosque-Cathedral in Andalusí art.

The visit costs between 9 and 18 euros and it takes about one and a half hour the guided visit. By the way, visitors can enjoy the Mosque more if they border the building to admire its more the 15 doors in its facades.

More places to visit in Cordoba

– Medina Azahara: Medina Azahara was a luxury wall city situated on a hill to 8 km away from Cordoba. It was begun its construction in 936 by Abderraman III and finished by his son Alhaken II with the finest decoration in Andalusi style.

Read also our recommendations about Granada and Seville and our list with the best cities and destinations of Spain.

Medina Azahara medieval palace (Cordoba)

January 4, 2014Córdoba, Emblematic buildingsManu

Medina Azahara (Madinat al-Zahra) was a luxury wall city situated on a hill to 8 km away from Cordoba by Sierra Morena Mountain. It was begun its construction in 936 by Abderraman III and finished by his son Alhaken II with the finest decoration in Andalusí style.

Unfortunately the upmarket place, the royal castle, the mosque, gardens, fountains among other things were plundered during the wars in Al-Andalus in the 11th century.

However, important remains of the city can still be seen in the archaeological site. It is worth a visit. There are several buses to go to Medina Azahara, it costs about 9 euros. Another way is to take the buses with tourist guide it costs 20 euros. It is 8 km away from Córdoba.

It can take about 2 hours to arrive at the Medina Azahara on foot from the Mosque, and 14 minutes by bus.

More places to visit in Cordoba (Andalusia)

– The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba: Situated near the Guadalquivir river in Cordoba is one of the most remarkable and tourist places in Spain and in the world, and the most emblematic building in Córdoba city.

Read also our recommendations about Granada and Seville.

Ainsa: A millenary town in the center of the Pyrenees

January 3, 2014Beach, mountain and nature, Huesca, The Pyrenees, Tours and GuidesJorge

Ainsa (or L’Aínsa) is an historic town located in the Aragonese Pyrenees (Huesca province). It is placed in the Sobrarbe district, at the joining of the Cinca and Ara rivers, and near to The Ordesa and Monte Perdido Natural Park.

With almost 2300 inhabitants, nowadays Ainsa is a touristic village in where many people who enjoy being in nature can visit its old centre and its castle, try the gastronomy of the Pyrenees towns and observe its astonishing landscape. Also, it’s very common to travel to The Pyrenees (Los Pirineos) to make excursions in Summer, play sports, climb mountains, camp or to ski in Winter.

The old town of Ainsa

The old town of Ainsa is located uptown the village.

It is all stone made, with a lot of narrow streets and slopes. In this zone you will find the historic monuments of Ainsa (the church, the castle, the main square, many traditional houses…), some view points, restaurants and touristic shops with traditional food and gifts of Sobrarbe.

The view points

Ainsa surely has some of the most impressive balconies of the Pyrenees. From them can be seen Cinca River and Ara River, which joins just near the village.

Also can be seen the mountains and hills that surround the town, as the famous Peña Montañesa.

Santa Maria Church and the Main Square

St. Mary Church (Iglesia de Santa Maria) is a Roman church built between the 11th and 12th centuries. From its tower, the people who ascend it can discover a view of the whole village.

Beside the church is located the Main Square, where is the city hall, and from where can be seen the castle.

Ainsa’s castle

Located in the historic centre of Ainsa, this castle is dated from the eleventh century.

Nowadays from its ruins (the entrance is for free), at the top of Ainsa, you can see the whole area: The town, the Cinca and Ara rivers and the astonishing mountains that surround Ainsa. It also has an eco-museum (Eco Museo).

Ordesa and Monte Perdido Natural Park (Valle de Ordesa)

This natural park is one of the preferred natural parks chosen by the Spaniards to make excursions and enjoy the nature. Its routes through the mountains offers a wide variety of experiences for all ages. Its highest mountain is Monte Perdido (3,350 metres).

In summer, many people camp in the Pyrenees for discovering its mountains, rivers and lakes, and for practicing sports in this environment.

Skiing in the Pyrenees

In winter, the Pyrenees ski stations are some of the most frequented places of Spain to ski (with Sierra Nevada at the south of the county). The Pyrenees can be separated in five zones depending on what region are located: Aragon, Catalonia, Navarra, France and Andorra.

The main sky stations of the Aragonese Pyrenees are these ones: Panticosa, Formigal, Candanchú, Cerler, Astún, Javalambre and Valderinares.

More Places to visit near Ainsa

– Boltaña: This town is placed only 6 km away from Ainsa. It is also an ancient village with a traditional Old Town and a castle in the top of a hill from where can be seen a very beautiful landscape.

– Jaca: This is the biggest city in the Aragonese Pyrenees. In Summer is always plenty of activity and people who want to camp, make excursions on the area or simply rest. In winter, Jaca is one of the capital cities of the ski sport.

– Aragon Region: Check here all our post about what to visit in Aragon.

The best places in Spain

A guide to visit Spain, written by Spaniards