Foto: MezquitaCatedral van Cordoba (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Spain - Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba is one of the most extraordinary religious buildings in Europe. Located in the historic centre of Córdoba, it reflects the rich history of Andalusia, where Islamic, Christian, and Jewish cultures coexisted for centuries. The original mosque was built in the 8th century by the Umayyad emir Abd al-Rahman I, shortly after the Moors conquered much of the Iberian Peninsula. Over time, it was expanded into one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world. The interior is world-famous for its hundreds of columns and red-and-white horseshoe arches, forming an almost endless forest of arcades. The mihrab, richly decorated with Byzantine mosaics and calligraphy, is one of its most beautiful features. After the Christian reconquest of Córdoba in 1236, the mosque was converted into a cathedral. In the 16th century, a Renaissance and Baroque cathedral was inserted into the centre of the building, creating a unique blend of Islamic and Christian architecture. Outside lies the Patio de los Naranjos, a courtyard filled with orange trees and fountains that once served ritual purification. Today, the Mezquita is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Spain’s most visited monuments.
Baeza and beda
Spain - The historic cities Úbeda and Baeza are among the finest Renaissance towns in Spain and are jointly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both cities are located in the province of Jaén, surrounded by vast olive groves, and form a remarkable example ...
Historic city of Toledo
Spain - Toledo, one of the oldest cities in Spain, was once the capital of the Iberian Carpetani and was conquered by the Romans in 192 BC, who named it Toletum. The city lies on the banks of the Tagus River, southwest of the capital Madrid. With its rich history ...
Puente Nuevo in Ronda
Spain - Ronda is located in the heart of the Serranía de Ronda, about 100 km from Málaga. It has around 35,000 inhabitants and is surrounded by beautiful river valleys, perched above a deep gorge. It is a place that truly takes your breath away. Ronda, formerly ...
The Alhambra Palace
Spain - Alhambra, located on a hilltop in Granada, Spain, is one of the most impressive and iconic monuments of Islamic architecture in Europe. With its breathtaking Moorish design, beautiful gardens, and fascinating history, this UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts ...
The Cathedral of Seville
Spain - Seville Cathedral is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world and the impressive religious heart of Seville. The cathedral was built on the site of a former large mosque from the Moorish period. After the Christian reconquest of Seville in 1248, ...
The Cathedral of Toledo
Spain - The Cathedral of Toledo in Toledo is one of the most important Gothic cathedrals in Spain. It was built between 1227 and 1493 on the site of a former Moorish mosque and is dedicated to Mary. The 90-meter-high north tower contains the famous Campana Gorda, ...
The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
Spain - From the bridge, beneath the Arcs Rouges, I see the modern Guggenheim Museum on the opposite bank — it looks stunning. What a unique building. The thousands of titanium panels shimmer in the sunlight. In front of the museum stands the five-meter-tall ...
The Historic City of Cadiz
Spain - Cádiz is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe and is located on a narrow peninsula on the Atlantic coast of southern Spain. The city was founded around 1100 BC by the Phoenicians and grew into an important trading and port city thanks ...
The pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela
Spain - Santiago de Compostela, along with Jerusalem and Rome, is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage destinations in the world. The pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela (the Way of St. James) leads to the tomb of the apostle James in Santiago ...
The Sagrada Família in Barcelona
Spain - The Sagrada Família, officially Basílica y Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia, is a basilica in Barcelona, Spain, designed by Antoni Gaudí. The name means Holy Family. Construction began in 1882 and continues to this day. Work paused for several ...
The Spanish capital Madrid
Spain - The center of Spain’s capital Madrid is compact and atmospheric. When walking through the city, it doesn’t feel like a typical capital. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance. The Palacio Real, the royal palace, is well worth a visit ...