Andalucia has a rich cultural history |
|
SUN, SAND, FIESTAS AND MORE - Part IV
Moors and Romans
If your interests stretch beyond sun, sea and sand - either for your whole trip, or for a change of scene on your beach holiday - why not experience Andalucia´s history? What many visitors to Andalucia don´t realise is that it has a long and colourful past, stretching back to the Phoenicians in the second century BC, then the Romans, followed by 600 years of Moorish rule. Andalucia´s Moorish history provides many of the most fascinating and impressive monuments in the region.
Castles in the air
The Moors built a host of amazing mosques, forts and palaces, from the Giralda in Seville, originally the tower of a mosque, to the Mezquita in Cordoba, and of course the Alhambra in Granada. But as well as these famous monuments in Andalucia´s atmospheric cities, you can spot strategically located hilltop castles all over Andalucia´s landscape, perched protectively above towns with their long, impregnable walls still intact nearly 1000 years after they were built.
Andalucia
Andalucia is was the part of Spain (and Europe) to be longest occupied by the Moors from the 9th to the 15th Century and their legacy remains to this day. In fact the name Andalucia itself comes from the Arabic al-andalus whose origin is hotly debated - the most popular theory is that it comes from the Moorish word for Vandal, the Germanic tribes who occupied the Iberian peninsula in the fifth century. Andalucia is indeed the perfect venue for a holiday.
Theres no doubt about it - Andalucia is the perfect venue for your holiday, with its reliable sun, beautiful beaches, tasty tapas, and amazing history and culture; whether for a city break exploring monuments and experiencing flamenco rhythms, a visit to a white village, or to get swept up in the colourful fiestas and fascinating festivals. Southern Spain is a destination you will never forget and youll want to come back again and again.