Bring me to: Spain πͺπΈ
Published β’
Image credit: Javier Bosch
Author: Rosalyn Ding
Besides paella π₯, flamenco dancers ππ½, and bullfighting π, what do you know about Spain?
Come with us on a photo journey through Spain, with information of each place in the pictures.
From exquisite baroque and Gaudi architecture to majestic mountain views at a monastery and an out-of-this-world City of Arts and Science, there is so much to discover and experience in the passionate and colourful country called Spain.
[Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey]
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Montserrat means 'serrated mountain'. The Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey is a monastery of the Order of Saint Benedict on the Montserrat Mountain in Monistrol de Montserrat, Catalonia, Spain. The abbey is famous for enshrining the image of the Virgin of Montserrat β Catalonia's favourite saint.
Being Catalonia's most important religious retreat, a common bucket list item for many people in Barcelona and Catalonia is to make an overnight hike to watch the sunrise from the heights of Montserrat. Visitors may travel by road, train, or cable car to reach the monastery, 48 km west of Barcelona.
[La Sagrada Familia]
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This unique building is the Church of the Holy Family in Barcelona. It is considered one of the most prominent works of renowned Spanish architect, Antonio Gaudi. Construction of the church began in 1882 under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. In 1883, Villar resigned and Gaudi took over as chief architect. He proceeded to transform the project in his architectural and engingeering style which combines Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau features.
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Interior view of the Sagrada Familia Cathedral.
[City of Arts and Sciences]
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Very aptly named, this intriguing building and its surroundings were lead-designed by architects Santiago Calatrava and Felix Candela. The City of Arts and Sciences is an entertainment-based cultural and architectural complex. It comprises:
π L'Hemisferic - an IMAX cinema, planetarium, and laserium
π El Museu de les CiΓ¨ncies PrΓncipe Felipe - an interactive science museum in the shape of a whale skeleton
πΏ L'Umbracle - an open-air structure of arches over indigenous Valencia plants
π L'Oceanografic - largest oceanographic aquarium in Europe
π El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia - an opera house and performing arts center
π El Pont de l'Assut de l'Or - a white cable-stayed bridge with the tallest point of the city being in the bridge's tower
π¨πΌβπ€ L'Agora - covered plaza for events and concerts
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Interior view of the complex.
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Closer view of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias that's part of the City of Arts and Sciences. This is where the indigenous Valencia plants are housed.
[Isla Pancha]
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This historic lone lighthouse on the island is said to be closed to visitors, but time your visit for spring (March - May) when the flowers will be in bloom. πΈ Even if you can't walk to the island, taking in the coastal view and waves crashing against the rocks is a breathtaking experience. π
[Boats Plaza of Sevilla]
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Flamenco-dancing buskers are a common sight in the area. ππ½
[Seville]
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Seville's street art scene is fascinating and sometimes larger than life like this one. Visitors can go on a street art tour in Seville: https://www.viator.com/tours/Seville/Off-the-Beaten-Path-Seville-Urban-Walking-Tour/d556-9924P3
[San Fermin festival in Pamplona]
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Held from 6 - 14 July annually, the San Fermin festival comprises several distinct parts. There is:
π Chupinazo β setting off of a rocket to mark the start of the festival
ππ½ Saint Fermin procession β where dancers and street performers including the 'gigantes' (big heads) accompany the 15th century statue of Saint Fermin
π£ Struendo β also called 'The Roar' where the people make as much noise as they can
πΆ Pobre de Mi β closing ceremony of the festival with mournful singing
π Bullfighting and bullrunning have become daily events throughout the week-long festival, as has a daily fireworks spectacle. π
[Dalt Vila]
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Literallly translated to mean 'upper town', Dalt Vila is referred to as the Old Town of Ibiza. Although we call it Ibiza in English and Spanish, the actual name of the place as how the locals refer to it, is Eivissa. Divided into two parts - Old Town (Dalt Vila) and 'extension' (Eixample) sits on a little mountain by the sea. The 14th century cathedral of Santa Maria d'Eivissa, or The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Snows, is at the top of Dalt Vila.
[Llubi]
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A small town with only 1,800 residents, Llubi is a small municipality in Majorca. Located about 28 miles from capital city Palma de Mallorca, Llubi is a nice option for a peaceful getaway.
[The Central Market of Valencia]
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In Spanish, it's called Mercat Central de Valencio. This is the most-visited building in Valencia and for good reasons β the produce is fresh and varied, and there is a good variety of cafes and eateries. However, the biggest reason would be the market's astounding architecture.
Situated in between two other famous Valencia landmarks β the La Lonja de la Seda and Los Santos Juanes Church β the central market amazingly combines elements of the two to create a seamless design transition from each building.
Large glass domes allow ample natural daylight in, creating an airy and spacious ambience in the busy marketplace. It is a favourite for tourists and locals alike, and one can find anything from fruits and meat to trinkets and coffee.
[Calp]
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Located on Spain's Mediterranean coast, Calp is a small town famous for its sandy beaches like Arenal-Bol. Pictured here is PeΓ±Γ³n de Ifach, a huge limestone rock with thriving birdlife. Just below it is a medieval walled village called Pobla de Ifac.
For rock-cut sea pools, head to the Roman site, BaΓ±os de la Reina. There is also an iconic castle-like building in the area called La Muralla Roja, designed by modern Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill.
[Seville Cathedral]
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Also known as The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, this breathtaking monument is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Seville. It has been a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, which includes the Alcazar palace complex and General Archive of the Indies in its vicinity.
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Tickets are priced at 9 β¬ per adult and 4 β¬ per child below 14 years, senior citizen, or disabled person. Visitors are advised to buy tickets in advance, which can be done on the cathedral's official website: http://www.catedraldesevilla.es/cultural-visit/
[Picos de Europa]
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Directly translated to mean 'peaks of Europe', it is a mountain range that stretches 20 km and forms part of the Cantabrian Mountains in northern Spain. Avid hikers can check out the multiple trail options: https://www.mountainhikingholidays.com/hiking-the-picos-de-europa-of-northern-spain/
[Barcelona]
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View along Passeig d'Isabel II.
[Churros]
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Crunchy, sweet, and served with delicious dipping chocolate, don't leave Spain without trying some churros. π€€
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Close up of the goodness you have to try.
[Madrid Atocha Railway] π
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This is the largest railway station in Madrid. There are commuter, intercity, and regional trains
from the south. You could even take a train all the way to Marseille in France.
[Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus]
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Also known as The Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, this minor basilica is located at the top of Mount Tibidabo in Barcelona. Spanish architect Enric Sagnier designed it and his son Josep Maria Sagnier i Vidal completed the construction.
[Plaza Mayor]
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Plaza Mayor in Madrid is where markets (Christmas and the like), bullfights, and even soccer games are held. Take a leisurely stroll and try some of the traditional restaurants and cafes in the area.
[Puente Nuevo]
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Puento Nuevo is the newest and largest bridge that's built across the 120 meter deep chasm that divides the city of Ronda. An architectural marvel and sight to behold, there is an almost fairytale-like feel about it.
[Toledo]
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Set on a hill above the plains of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo is an ancient city known for the medieval Arab, Jewish, and Christian monuments in its walled old city.
[Punta Robaleira Lighthouse] π
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Night sky view at the Punta Robaleira Lighthouse.
[Tossa de Mar]
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Tossa de Mar is located on Costa Brava, about 103 km north of Barcelona and 100 km south of the French border. There are beautiful beaches and sandy coves with camping grounds.
[Valldemossa]
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Street views in Valldemossa.
[Montecorto]
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The white houses of Montecorto.
[Medina-Sidonia]
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Medina-Sidonia is said to be one of the oldest cities in Europe.
[Palafrugell]
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A lucky encounter with a poppy field along the Costa Brava.
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