SPAIN

Introduction :

Spain is a storied country of stone castles, snowcapped mountains, vast

monuments, and sophisticated cities, all of which have made it a favoured
travel destination. The country is geographically and culturally diverse.

Economy :

The Spanish economy began to industrialize in the late 18th century, and
industrialization and economic growthcontinued throughout the 19th
century. However, it was limited to a few relatively small areas of the
country, especially to Catalonia (where textile manufacture took hold) and
the Basque Country (where iron and steel were made). The overall pace of
economic growth was slower than that of the major western European
countries, so that by the early 20th century Spain appeared poor and
underdeveloped compared with countries such as Great Britain, Germany,
France, and even Italy.
The global financial downturn that began in 2008–09 took root in the euro
zone, and Spain was one of the countries hardest hit. Spanish banks,
undercapitalized and suffering the effects of a burst housing bubble,
dragged down an already ailing economy. The government’s initial
attempts to stimulate the economy proved insufficient, and Spanish bond
yields—the benchmark of the country’s ability to borrow—rose to
dangerous levels. Unemployment skyrocketed as a succession of
governments introduced austerity measures in an effort to restore
confidence in the Spanish economy. In 2012 Spain accepted a €100 billion
(about $125 billion) bailout package from the EU, the European Central
Bank, and the International Monetary Fund to recapitalize its banks.

Cultural life
As in much of western Europe, the culture of Spain was marked decisively by the
period of Roman rule. In language, religion, even architectural traditions, the
Romans left a lasting legacy. However, the subsequent course of Spanish history
added elements to the country’s cultural development that were missing or much
weaker in other European countries. The most important differences stem from the
Arabic-speaking Muslims from the Middle East and North Africa who invaded Spain
in 711 CE and dominated much of the country for almost 800 years. The Muslim
cultural influence was very strong, especially in the area of language; indeed,
the Spanish language has taken more words from Arabic than from any other source
except Latin. Through contact with Muslims, Christian Europe was able to recover
much of the cultural and intellectual heritage of Classical antiquity. It also gained
access to many scientific advances made by Muslims. Spain’s cultural mix was
further enriched by the presence of a large and influential Jewish population,
and medieval Spain witnessed one of the periods of greatest cultural achievement in
Jewish history.

Big cities:

Spain is a bright, vibrant and exciting place to visit. Steeped in culture and with a
wealth of history to discover Spain is the perfect destination for a European vacation.

The most popular Spain cities that spring to mind when planning a trip to Spain are
of course the capital city of Madrid and secondly Barcelona.

Madrid and Barcelona are simply the tips of the iceberg when it comes to exploring
Spain’s wondrous cityscapes and urban environments

The Spanish capital city of Madrid is a great destination for a European vacation or a
short weekend mini-break. Madrid is elegant and classy with ornate architecture and
perfectly manicured gardens and parks to match.

2.BARCELONA

Barcelona is the second-largest city in Spain. Found in the Catalunya region of

Spain, Barcelona offers the perfect mix of culture and history within a modern
cosmopolitan metropolis.

Bright, colorful, and memorable Barcelona is beyond photogenic and provides

picture-perfect city vistas wherever you turn! Home to the famous Barcelona FC,
football fans flock to Barcelona’s Camp Nou to watch the Barça boys work their
magic on the field.

Bars and clubs line the streets and music is played until the early hours. Head to
Barcelona if you want a party, for sure! The nightlife in Barcelona is fantastic and
don’t forget the works of Gaudi.
 1. SAGRADA FAMILIA
The Sagrada Família is a one-of-a-kind temple, for its origins, foundation and
purpose. Fruit of the work of genius architect Antoni Gaudí, the project was
promoted by the people for the people. Five generations now have watched
the Temple progress in Barcelona. Today, more than 140 years after the
laying of the cornerstone, construction continues on the Basilica.

Original design for the project for the Sagrada Família by diocesan architect
Francisco de Paula del Villar following the prevailing guidelines of the time, with neo-
Gothic elements: ogival windows, buttresses, flying buttresses and a pointed bell
tower. Technical differences, about the cost of materials, led this architect to be
replaced with another who was starting to stand out in the field, Antoni Gaudí, who
took the project in a different direction, transforming it into an ambitious proposal for
the church of the future.

2. PARK GUELL
Barcelona's Park Güell is a public park filled with gardens and unique
architectural features. It is located in the upper part of Barcelona on the
southern slope of Mount Carmelo, which is part of the Sierra de Collserola
mountain range.
The park was designed by famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, who is
Catalonia's greatest representation of modernism. Gaudí is also the architect
of many other famous works in the city including the much-visited Sagrada
Familia and Casa Batlló. Park Güell was commissioned by wealthy
entrepreneur Eusebi Güell, who gives the park its name.
3. Casa Mila (La Pedrera)

Casa Mila (1906-1912) is a building designed by the architect Antoni Gaudi and
commissioned by Pere Milà and Roser Segimon.
The name, ‘Casa Milà’ comes from the fact that it was the new home of the Milà
family. The couple occupied the main floor and rented out the other apartments.
Casa Mila (1906-1912) is Antoni Gaudi’s most iconic work of civic architecture
due to both its constructional and functional innovations, as well as its ornamental
and decorative solutions. It is a total work of art.
4. CASA BATLLO

Casa Batlló is one of the two great buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí on
Passeig de Gràcia, the other being La Pedrera.
From the outside the façade of Casa Batlló looks like it has been made from
skulls and bones. The "Skulls" are in fact balconies and the "bones" are
supporting pillars.
Gaudí used colours and shapes found in marine life as inspiration for his
creativity in this building e.g. the colours chosen for the façade are those
found in natural coral.
SEVILLE

Third-largest Spain city and the capital of the Andalusia region is Seville. It is widely
regarded as the home of classic flamenco dancing and has become world-famous
for it. If you want to learn this traditional dance or watch the professionals perform,
head to the Triana neighbourhood and watch the story unfold!
Third-largest Spain city and the capital of the Andalusia region is Seville. It is widely
regarded as the home of classic flamenco dancing and has become world-famous
for it. If you want to learn this traditional dance or watch the professionals perform,
head to the Triana neighbourhood and watch the story unfold!

VALENCIA

Valencia is home to the Mediterranean side of Spain. This vibrant city is home to an
abundance of culture and art. It has its own International airport that flies to other
European destinations and domestic flights too.

Valencia is considered the City of Arts and Sciences and is home to some
impressive and futuristic buildings like the oceanarium and planetarium and the
interactive museum.

As it is located on the coast Valencia boasts some beautiful beaches. During the
summer months, these coastal patches fill with tourists but with warm weather
running long into the autumn months Valencia can be enjoyed year-round.
GRANADA
If you’re looking for a more sedate but still very authentic Spanish experience look no
further than Granada. This laid back city boasts breathtaking views of the Alhambra
and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The Alhambra is a beautiful complex of buildings and gardens. Its leafy tree-lined
walkways provide pleasant shade and coolness, enhanced by the abundance of
water that flows in its streams.
It was the largest political and aristocratic centre of the Moslem West. The Palace
premises comprise beautiful rectangular courtyards and numerous fountains, as well
as the Nasrid buildings that served as living quarters for the monarchs and their
servants. The oldest building is the Alcazaba citadel. One of the most important
structures is the La Vela tower, which offers one of the loveliest views of the
Alhambra. The courtyard of the Lions with its fountains is one of the most beautiful in
the compound.