Spain is not just beaches and sunshine, but also breathtaking history. The famous St. James's Way is one of the many proofs
Many people associate holidays with relaxation, and when it comes to holidays in Spain, tourists head mainly to the famous seaside resorts with their heated beaches and colourful nightlife. Those a little more action-packed often leave the hotel, at least as part of the classic optional excursions with tour operators, and enjoy the views of the Sagrada Familia in a fast-paced (look right-look left-historical facts-run towards the bus)Barcelona (especially for those heading to the most visited part of the Spanish coast, the Costa Brava) or climbing the endless stairs up to the Alhambra palace complex (which, for a change, applies to those around Malaga, incidentally the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and Antonio Banderas). However, Spain also boasts a number of other historically significant sites that are definitely worth a visit. In fact, there are a number of so-called historic mansions in Spain alone that are listed on the World Heritage List.
Córdoba - a city where cultures mixed
Córdoba's mosque was the first to be included on the UNESCO list in 1984 (it was turned into a cathedral in the 13th century), along with the Alhambra palace complex in Granada, the Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady of Burgos, the El Escorial monastery complex and, of course, the works of the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. However, it is Córdoba, located in the south of Spain in the Andalusia region, that offers a truly unforgettable walk through history on a visit, thanks to its history as first the largest seat of Roman Spain, for three hundred years the capital of the Moorish state of Al-Andalus and finally the largest and richest city in Europe. This is one of the reasons why over the years the entire historic centre of the city has been included in the UNESCO list, and not 'just' individual monuments as in the other cases mentioned.
Just how much Córdoba was an advanced centre where learning was concentrated across religious denominations (scholars from the Arab world met with those from the Christian and Jewish worlds at the court of Caliph) is shown by the fact that in the 10th century the city already had cobbled pavements and public lighting. That is, more than 700 years earlier than, say, London or Paris. In the historic quarter, one can admire not only the aforementioned mosque with its references to Moorish culture, but also the fortress of the palace with its flower gardens from the time when the Arabs ruled the area, and a number of churches. The Medina Azahara complex is also a major attraction, located about 10 minutes' drive from the city centre. Rather than describe its grandeur (although it is a ruin or archaeological dig), we should add that some refer to it as a mini Versailles in the Arab style.
But it's not just pure history that can attract visitors to Córdoba (otherwise overshadowed by Barcelona and Seville). The horse show, for example, which takes place in the immediate vicinity of the stables built by King Felipe II in the 16th century, is fantastic, but also the Saturday "markets" (Mercado Victoria). Here, for a change, all the tastes of Spain await you, in fact, you could say that it is a kind of "tasting food market" where you should not miss, for example, the "Victoria Market". Salmorejo, a cold tomato soup with pieces of Spanish ham, or berenjenas noc miel, fried eggplant sticks with honey, which you can wash down with sweet Montilla-Moriles wine (Mercado Victoria is not currently open, but should be from 11 March).
And with various specific events on the UNESCO World Heritage List, it's no surprise that Córdoba's Patios Festival, which takes place in the first two weeks of May and is a spectacular celebration of spring, has been included. During the festival, dozens of historic houses in the centre are open to the public to admire the flower terraces, while there is also a competition for the most beautiful flower courtyard.
Santiago de Compostela is not just a pilgrimage destination...
You don't even have to be an extra history buff to have even a vague awareness of the Galician city of Santiago de Compostela. The old town has been on the UNESCO list since 1985, but the area is generally known for the Camino de Santiago, which, incidentally, is also a World Heritage Site. This is a more than 1 000-year-old pilgrimage route that leads between 12 pilgrimage sites to the tomb of St James, one of the 12 apostles, whose remains (allegedly) lie in Santiago Cathedral. Although this is where the paths (marked with a scallop shell) even lead from several European countries, including the Czech Republic, most pilgrims only do the Spanish part - but to be officially recognised as a 'pilgrim' you have to walk at least the last 100 kilometres.
However, however you arrive in Santiago de Compostela (on foot, by bike or even by public transport) and whatever your intentions (you really don't have to be a Christian pilgrim), there is definitely fun and discovery to be had every step of the way. In Santiago specifically, you'll figuratively step back in time to the Middle Ages, stroll through the winding streets and enjoy the architecture. There are also themed walks for tourists, inside or outside the city walls, with audio guides available at tourist centres. The latter also offers guided tours in Spanish or English. But you can also enjoy the local specialities, especially if you head to the Mercado de Abastos. However, you won't get bored in Santiago's surrounding areas either. The Galicia region is characterized by its wild nature, white beaches, steep cliffs... and the Czech heart will undoubtedly dance over the local bagpipers (no, Svanda didn't enjoy any shvanga here, it is a remnant of Celtic culture)...
For culture on Tenerife
"The 'Tour de Sights' can of course be very varied, indeed there are dozens of UNESCO-listed sites across Spain. Proof of this is San Cristóbal de la Laguna, located in Tenerife. In addition to the local university, the historic centre with its 17th century Palacio de Nava attracts tourists. However, Tenerife will also enjoy the local nature - the Teide National Park, for example, is definitely something to see for yourself - and avid pilgrims will not be deprived either, as the island is home to the Candelaria pilgrimage site, in a basilica dedicated to the patron saint of the Canary Islands. But whatever the purpose of your 'pilgrimage' (secular, even), you can use our online itinerary planner to create a travel itinerary and discover other historical sites in Spain. Thanks to it, you won't miss anything worth seeing even in the most remote parts of Spain.
