Barcelona was the first big city I visited in Spain. I fell in love, pure and simple, with Antoni Gaudi’s architecture at first sight. The Sagrada Familia church was the first city site I visited and ambitiously I climbed one of the the narrow towers to the top. On a later trip to the city I got to also visit Parque Güell. It was a real treat and a huge delight as I love architecture, imagination, nature and color, and the park combines it all.
Until visiting Barcelona due to my work, I had not seen much of Spain. In 2009, after the 500 mile walk along the Camino, I got the chance to visit more of the southern region of this wonderful country.
Beginning with the road trip in Seville and driving for a week, my boyfriend and I had the fortune of seeing many fantastic cities, picturesque sites and centuries old churches.
Seville was a colorful city and the tile work in the Plaza de España was impressive. Not to mention the main Cathedral, now the largest in the world, as Christian architects added on the original late 12th century Mosque.
We also visited Cordoba with its unforgettable 10th century mosque/church known today as the Mezquita, the Alcazar. At night we enjoyed a popular Arab bathhouse.
From Cordoba we went on, stopping in Marbella and Torremolinos by the Mediterranean Sea. I especially enjoyed the architecture of our small Torremolinos hotel. It was close to the beach, but not too close for the noise of the night life to reach us.
Granada was next on our fast forward tour. It is a big city, not to be missed. Built on hills, the city is a delight to be seen from the top. Alhambra is a must see in itself, as well as for the view of the city from its gardens.
The most memorable night by far was for me the night in Granada, when we went to a flamenco show presented by gypsies in the specially set up caves. What a great night or rhythm and dance!