Andalucia's rich and colourful past appeals to a multitude of
different people with a plethora of varied tastes.
It truly is a melting pot of cultures waiting to be savored.
Moorish
Heritage
The architecture, customs, folklore and cuisine of Andalucia reflect
the richness of a history laid down by such diverse peoples as
the Phoenicians, Celts, Greeks, Romans and Carthaginians.
But in terms of style, customs and architecture, Andalucia owes
much to its Moorish neighbors whose legacy has left an indelible
and inspiring impression on the area.
Present
for seven centuries, the Moors named the region Al-Andalus and
left literally thousands of exotic architectural relics including
the world famous Mosque in Cordoba and the Alhambra Palace in
Granada.
Andalucia's emblematic patios, fountains
and horseshoe arches all have Moorish origins.
The
Golden Age Lives On
The Christian re-conquest in the 14th and 15th centuries reclaimed
the cities of Sevilla and Cordoba, heralding Spain's Golden Age.
This long and chequered
history, combined with an unequalled climate, has culminated in
the unique qualities that make Andalucia - and the undisputed
jewel in its crown, the Costa del Sol - Europe's preferred destination
for holiday makers and house hunters.
And for good reason. Where
else could you combine a morning of skiing in the Sierra Nevada,
followed by a lazy afternoon on the beach or by the pool?
At the heart of the Costa
del Sol, Marbella is known the world over as a glamorous and cosmopolitan
town.
Renowned for its
charming Old Town, the focal point of which is the historic Plaza
de los Naranjos, the resort also boasts a variety of art galleries
including the Museo del Grabado Espanol Contemporaneo, with works
by Picasso, Miro, Dali and Tapies, and the Museo Ralli, specialising
in South American artists.
Natural
Selection
Inland, majestic mountain ranges provide a dramatic backdrop to
the sandy beaches of the Costa del Sol. Pine and ancient cork
oak forests are home to a profusion of wild life including deer,
mountain goats and birds of prey, while villagers still earn their
living by growing oranges, lemons, figs, almonds and avocados,
and producing wine and top quality olive oil.
Some of the finest and
most extensive natural parks and reserves in Europe can be found
in Andalucia including Fuente La Piedra, a breeding ground for
flamingos; El Torcal, the continent's most impressive limestone
rock formations; and the spectacular Sierra de las Nieves mountain
range - all but a stone's throw from the coast.
Pristine and ancient 'White Villages' cling precariously to vertiginous
mountainsides, while provincial capitals Sevilla and Malaga, both
boast more than their share of historical monuments, exquisite
colonial-style buildings, fashionable boutiques, leafy parks and
elegant palm-lined avenues
Gourmet's
Delight
Eating out is a serious business in southern Spain, particularly
on Sundays and fiestas.
It often involves the
entire family, and - aided by good conversation and a bottle or
two of wine - takes up most of the afternoon.
And invariably the venue
is a Venta - a simple country style restaurant or a chiringuito,
a bustling beach side eatery where paella tastes all the better
for the sea view.
Markets are another
colourful aspect of life in Andalucia.
Most towns and villages hold their own each week, some specialising
in local produce, clothing and household goods, while others -
such as the Saturday morning market at the Nueva Andalucia bullring/Centro
Plaza - are dedicated to art and handicrafts.
Al
Fresco Pleasures
The
near perfect climate means that much of life is spent outdoors
- breakfast on the terrace, a barbecue lunch by the pool, and
dinner beneath the stars! Street life, too, is vibrant and never
more so than during a fiesta.
Easter Week with its dramatic
processions and an atmosphere veering between solemnity and frenzy,
is the antithesis of Feria, the extravagant and fun-loving summer
fair celebrating all things synonymous with Andalucia - flamenco,
fino, horses and song.
