Andalusia

BEAUTY, HISTORY AND GASTRONOMY

The endless sandy beaches, the famous painter Picasso, the Andalusian cuisine, the home of the flamenco and the important historical monuments; this is Andalusia, a unique Mediterranean destination with the scent of orange blossom.

TEXT: DIMITRIS STATHOPOULOS

In Andalusia the East meets the West. Throughout history, the different cultures contributed to a peculiar alloy that fascinates any visitor. Arabic, Moorish, Jewish, Gypsy and Christian influences created an historical mosaic with references throughout the surrounding area. It is one of the 17 autonomous regions of Spain, located in the southern part of the country. Seville, Granada and Malaga are its most famous areas, but it is divided in 8 provinces with a total population of 8 million. It is one of the most popular destinations in Europe and extends around the valley of the Guadalquivir River to the Mediterranean with strong Arab influences. Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is considered to be the cultural capital of the Spanish South.

GASTRONOMY

Apparently the Andalusian cuisine includes every feature of the Mediterranean, yet many of its elements are linked to the Arabic cuisine. Arabs are the ones who introduced rice, aubergines, artichokes, asparagus and the use of spices into the western world. Mediterranean cuisine is based on olive oil, used raw in salads or cooked in recipes. The production of wine is also one of the region’s main assets, specifically the well-known Sherry, an enhanced white dry wine from Jerez de la Frontera in southwestern Andalusia. This particular wine is a product of Protected Designation of Origin. Inland cuisine consists mainly of meat, vegetables, soups and cooked food, while in the seaside areas dishes include fish and seafood. The cold cuts are numerous, such as the Jamon Iberico, produced exclusively in Spain from the legs of black Iberian pigs. Specifically when it comes from pigs living free in oak forests and only fed acorns, it is called Jamon Iberico de Bellota. If you try Jamon Iberico matured for 36 months, you’ll experience an all different taste; it becomes fuller and deeper, with aromas reminiscent of dry nuts and wet skin. While maturing its flesh becomes even redder by approaching the deep purple, while its fragrances are mixed in a way that can even be confused with the calf. Jamon Serrano is more widespread and comes from the white pig meat living on the Spanish mountain area. Of course you could not go to Spain and not try the traditional paella, but in Andalusia we will find it in its local version, which is called arroz mariner, a mixture of seafood, vegetables and Colombian spices. Other very distinct local flavors are the local cooked pringa meat in Seville and the habas con jamon (beans with jamon). Sopita de ajo (garlic soup), the rabo de toro (bull’s tail) and the churrascos (grilled pork) are a few more local dishes. Do not miss the chance to try one of the most signature dishes of Malaga, pescaito frito, a delicious fried fish, and also gazpacho, the famous throughout Andalusia cold soup.

In Andaluisa we find the paella in its local version which is called arroz mariner, a mixture of seafood, vegetables and Colombian spices.

THE EASTER

In all the cities of Andalusia, Semana Santa is celebrated with people going out on the streets to participate in the events of Jesus’ Passion. In Granada on Holy Wednesday night, a procession consisting of Gypsies passes in front of the cathedral and ends at Albacin, a city area with very narrow streets that come from the medieval Moorish past. The same is happening on Maundy Thursday night.

Granada is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, built on three hills where two rivers join.

SEVILLE

Seville is the capital of Andalusia, located in the hinterland. Very close to the city flows the Guadalquivir River, where there is a harbor with a distinguished role in Spain’s history; from here on, the trade for the West Indies began. In the old town, it is worth visiting the cathedral of Santa Maria, the largest Gothic temple in the world and one of the biggest churches worldwide. Its construction began in 1401 and was completed in the early 16th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. In the city center you will see San Francisco Square and the famous Plaza de Espana, the largest square in the city built in 1928 and an excellent example of the Renaissance period in Spanish architecture. The city tour continues in Alcazar, a set of palaces with very impressive gardens. If you want to see everything about bullfighting, you can visit the Museo Taurino, where paintings, sculptures, photos and impressive costumes are exhibited.

GRANADA

Place of origin of the famous poet Federico Garcia Lorca, Granada is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. It has been built on three hills, where two rivers, Genil and Darro, join. Both the city and the whole region are distinguished for music, art, poetry and ancient civilization. The beautiful tiny villages, the green plateaus and the stunning beaches of Costa Tropical are only a few of the places to visit. The Alhambra is the red fortress of the Moorish monarchs and certainly the most important monument of the city. It is a tourist attractionof Islamic architecture, recognized as a World Heritage Site. The Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo is a magnificent palace of the 13th century well preserved. Alcazar del Genil, residence of all queens of Granada, is a palace of the 14th century. The old Gypsy neighborhood is located on Valparaiso hill, in one of the most interesting parts of the city. Inside the caves located in the area, which are well suitably configured, you will enjoy flamenco dance shows. At Generalife (the Garden of Paradise) you will have the chance to admire the magnificent architecture, the lakes, the waterfalls and the fountains. Cartuja, a baroque architecture monastery, started building in 1516 and continued for the next 300 years, though it has never been completed. The monastery was inhabited by monks and laymen, to whom the oath of silence had been imposed. In the interior it is worth seeing Sancta Santorum, perhaps the most interesting baroque art complex in Spain.

MALAGA

The birthplace of the famous painter Picasso, Malaga is the touristic center of Andalusia and the most famous city of Costa del Sol. Cosmopolitan, with attractive architecture, a beautiful historic center, beautiful valleys and amazing sandy beaches, it certainly maintains its tradition. Malaga is located on the western edge of the Mediterranean, on the southern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, where the sun and the warm climate create the ideal summer scenery. Among the area’s most interesting sights are Picasso’s house, the statue of the famous writer Hans Christian Andersen, the San Juan Church and Alameda Boulevard. In August, Feria de Malaga takes place for a week.

CORDOVA

Cordova is the city with the highest temperatures in Europe. It was built by Claudius Markello and the Arabs designate it as the capital of Al-Andalus (the Iberian Peninsula) due to its huge acme in the 10th century. One can admire the rich cultural heritage of the region by visiting the Archaeological Museum at the Plaza de Jeronimo Paez. At the Museo de Bellas Artes you will admire paintings of the most famous Spanish painters such as Goya, Murillio and Valdes. Also here the most advanced technology museum in the whole country is located, the Museo Vivo de Al-Andalus, in which the visitor can experience the way of life of residents in various periods of Andalusia’s past. Last, La Torre de la Calahorra, a 1369 building next to the Guadalquivir River, exhibits artifacts and documents related to the rich history of Cordova.

Cordova is one of the most popular destinations in Europe and extends around the valley of the Guadalquivir River.