Spain

• Official name: Kingdom of Spain (in Spanish Reino de España)
• Form of government: constitutional monarchy
• Area: 506,000 sq km
• Population: 40,500,000 inhabitants
• Official language: Spanish
• Religion: Roman Catholic (90%), Protestant, Muslim
• Capital: Madrid
• Currency: EUR
• All times are GMT +1 / 2
• Internet domain: .es
• Area code: 00 34

Location

Spain is located in SW Europe, occupying most of the Iberian Peninsula, Balearic Islands (from M. Mediterranean) and Canary Islands (from Oc. Atlantic), a vast landscape of Spain is mountainous plateau (Messeta Central), surrounded of mountain ranges: sierra Cantabria (N), Picos de Europa (2648 m alt.) sierra Iberia (NE), sierra Betica with top Mulhacen 3478 m. alt. , The Sierra Nevada (SE), the plateau is crossed and interior mountain ranges, which form the central sierra: Sierra de Guadarama (north of Madrid), Sierra de graders, Sierra de Gata (V), which split in different Messeta Dishes: Old Castile (NV), New Castile (the SE of Madrid) in NE Iberian Peninsula are found Pyrenees (3404 m Peak Pico d'Aneto), on the border with France, in S are stretched Plains Andalusia and in NE that of Aragon, the river is poor, summer waters have a low flow, high in winter, causing floods, the waters are important Taho (center), Ebru (NE) and Duero (NV), an exception is Guadalquivir, which is fed by glaciers in the Sierra Nevada (the most southern glacier in Europe) and flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

Neighboring countries

In the west, Spain borders with Portugal; in the south, with British Gibraltar and with Morocco through its African enclaves. It also shares a border with a mountain state Andorra and France, this time in the southeast.

Climate

Temperate oceanic NV, high rainfall, Mediterranean in E and S, with warm and dry in Central Messeta, January average temperature is over 10C on the south coast and in Andalucia, 6-10C on other ribs, 2-6C in central Spain, 2C mountain area, in July the average temperature is over 27C in Alicante and Andalucia, 22-27C in the south and Ebrului basin under 8 C in the mountains north and Galicia Neighbors: N France, Andorra, E and S Mediterranean, W Portugal, W and N Atlantic Spain passion for beauty Perhaps no other European country is so vivid and beautiful and Spain.

Everything here show passion, nothing happens quietly, without overthrow the earth. Ibericii have blood like wine, love music, dancing and women. Here men fighting bulls, create immortal works or frustrates the entire continent with their theories nonconformist, while their ladies achieve immortality through art they inspire. Beyond the Spanish history, whose story would require thousands of pages written or oral ballads endless, there are the contemporary state in which the monarchy has retained an important role, although very discreetly. Ibericii today are no less substantial than their predecessors. Spanish architecture is more fashionable than ever, local cinema occupies a special chapter in the archives of gender and cultural richness of this complex country seems to have going to dawn. )

Divided in several provinces with specific features, Spain is a tourist paradise, offering more to the price of a single civilization and requiring weeks if not months, to be discovered as it should. Page 2 Useful information Lodging Hotels in Spain are classified from one to four stars. There are several traditional hotel chains such as Husa or Iberotel, and about 85 paradores (tourist establishments owned by government). Prices differ depending on the period, the year being divided into temporada alta, media and Baja (full season, medium and low season). The price for a double room, without breakfast, can vary between 55 and 200 euros per night. Hostels, Hostales called here, are not establishments for young people is associated with that word in the North, but rather rented apartments in private houses at a price about 10 euro per person. ) Spain there are about 540 campsites, most were concentrated on the Mediterranean coast. Most are open between April and October, the accommodation here costing around 3 euros per day per person. For the release of hand, on the Mediterranean coast can rent luxury villas, with terraces and pools.

Transportation

Spain has many international airports in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Granada, Malaga, Almeria, Alicante, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza and Ma. From here go to wine and aircraft throughout Europe, but also many domestic flights. National railway company, RENFE, is slow trains that stop in all stations (régionales-the cheapest), trains connecting major cities (cercanias) and trains on long distances (Largo recorrido). Some regional flights go directly into the network of metro cities, thus easing the transfer. There are discounts for people under 26 years and for those with special permission. Buses leave from Spain to most European centers, including Lisbon, London and Paris. Buses are the best solution for transportation inside the most accessible and reaching practically anywhere you want. The flight is only an option if you want to go to the islands. However, the ferry is more beneficial in financial terms, although more slowly.

Spanish Calendar

January 1 New Year Day January 6 Epiphany and the three wise men Good Friday and Easter May 1 Labor Day August 15 Assumption October 12 National Day November 1 Feast of the Holy Tututor December 6 Constitution Day December 25 Christmas Accommodation on foot high Spain offers a wide range of accommodation options, starting from very cheap to very expensive. For those who can afford to pay as much or even more ibericii make the rooms or apartments in luxurious palaces, medieval monasteries, imposing house dating from the nineteenth century or suspended villas on the coast. Transhumanta iberica Spaniards do not walk with the sheep, but with ... family. In summer, usually in August, the townspeople get in the car with the dog, the pig, and start reaching for camping on the coasts. For those who have a suitcase-karat second plane, they appear to have left home with the entire household.

Driving rules

All rental car in Spain using unleaded gasoline (Sin Plomo). One liter of fuel costs about 90 cents if it is super and 80 cents if it is regular. Prohibit the use of Spanish in the city and check claxoanelor acts diligently, so it's always good to have in your pocket driver's license. The speed limit is 60 km / h in towns, 90 km / h on regional roads, 100 km / h on the national and 120 km / h on motorways.

Gastronomy

A handful of ingredients The secret lies not in Spanish dishes tasty ingredients, but the way they are combined. Ibericii go to market to buy red meat, poultry or game and especially fish. Many local preparations contain beans, rice, eggs, potatoes and green. Very popular meat pies are served as main course. Buffets to snacks called tapas here are also in high esteem. Fish and shellfish are consumed widely not only on the coast, but within the country, and olive oil is indispensable in the preparation of most recipes. Chorizo is the king of sausages in Spain, being seasoned with spices and more garlic. The latter is adored by Iberian, unlike most vegetables and green vegetables. Salads are served at the beginning of the meal, always without dressing, but accompanied by containers of oil and vinegar. Gastronomic map Although weight classes are almost the same in Spain, food from the plate differs from one region to another. ) n the north-western Galicia, he says the word Celtic cultural heritage. Locals eat meat pies and fish, seafood and veal. On the coast, in Asturias, prepare a meal of beans beans fabada, but is popular and blue cheese, Cabrales. Basques focused on fish products, especially soup, but eel with garlic, cuttlefish and several snacks of smoked cod. Catalonia is the most interesting region in terms of gastronomy. Mixed seafood with vegetables or meat and potatoes are very tasty. ) n Valencia rice is king, and paella (a sort of pizza with the crust instead of rice) is emblematic of the region. Arid Andalusia invented gazpacho, a soup of tomato, onion and cucumber, seasoned with pepper, oil and vinegar, which is served cold. Homeland wine Although beer is extremely popular in Spain, service is essential in any pub, celebrity this country is on its aromatic wines. First class vineyards are found in Rioja, in north-central area of Spain, and the Penedes, near Barcelona. But nothing compares with Jerez wine (or sherry), produced in south-west of the country and available in a choice: dry fino, Manzanilla very dry, semi-dry amontillado, oloroso semi-sweet. The key to successful Obviously, frequent meals. At 8 am, the Spaniards serve a light breakfast (desayuno), followed by a snack at 11, some tapas on the 1, a lunch of three courses (comida) on the 2-3, a little negotiating (merienda) on Besides tea and cookies or other snack at 5-6, some tapas evening by 8 or even later, plus a dinner (cena) after 10 pm. Given the impressive number of intermediate tables, the main ones are not very consistent, although necessarily contain three kinds of food.

Living conditions

Iberian Like all people who often see the Mediterranean, the Spaniards soon they agree the food and sleeping beauty and service than serious affairs. Therefore, the mornings are lazy on the Iberian Peninsula, in the afternoon most shops are closed for an hour or two meals, instead nightlife is very intense. n) Paradoxically, this relaxed style of life does not prevent the Spaniards to do the right thing when it really needs. Sweet and deceptive Like this is sangria, a sort of punch or wine preparation or the champagne, mixed with pieces of fruit and sometimes spirits. Sangria is served usually in cups, with a sort of ladle (fruit) and is very refreshing. Those who abuse it but will find and how fast they climb to the head.

Madrid (overview)

Madrid - Ode to Joy of living The beauty of this city is hard to describe in words that comes largely from the lust of life of its inhabitants. Madrid first impressed by its architecture, harmony, urban. After several days, however, the atmosphere becomes more powerful than the setting, the tone more important than music, and soul fuller than pocket. Friendships are easily connects and real life begins with a sunset date when madrilenii marched to conquer the clubs and discotheques, restaurants filled with people so determined to empty the kitchen, and basement, and the streets are fairy lights. Resistance of the Spaniards sleep is amazing, as their desire to enjoy each day as if it be the last. A city in height First mentioned in 932 as a Moorish fortress, but having a previous existence as the matrix, Madrid became the capital of Spain only in 1561. The city is located in the heart of the kingdom, at a height of about 650 meters, the highest administrative center of Europe. The scene of many armed conflicts, the drama of dictatorship and civil war, Madrid has undergone countless changes over time, losing their full defensive walls and 13 of the 16 gates. City University since 1508, Madrid is one of the main cultural and scientific centers in Europe and the world, with in countless works of art heritage. Two days are needed to visit its main reference points, but at least a week to give the taste. A tour de force madrilenian can start in southeastern city, the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia botanical garden, and the Prado Museum, the market Cnovas del Castillo, Thyssen-Bornemisza museum, up, to well Cibelei, then west on Calle de Alcalá, with passage of the Academy of San Fernando, Puerta del Sol, then the Calle Mayor, with passage through Plaza Mayor, to the Plaza de la Villa. Budget Calculation Madrid is considerably more expensive than other European cities. But prices can vary substantially depending on where you stop for a snack. ) But on average, a cup of coffee costs € 1, a glass of wine 0.8 EUR 2.5 EUR a sandwich, a bus ticket or a trip by subway 0,75-1,2 EUR 1 km of road traveled by taxi 1.5 EUR.

  Financial Program

Banks are open Monday to Saturday from Madrid 8:30-9:00 and 14:00-14:30, between October to June. In summer, they do not work Saturdays. Shops are open on working days from 10:00 to 9:00 and 13:30-14:00, and afternoon from 17:00 until 20:00. Great trade chains and supermarkets but not close for siesta.

Significant Gestures

Restaurants and hotels are not allowed by law to add a surcharge to invoices for services. Therefore it is best to leave about 10% of the bill that will dining waiter, that 5-10% over taxi driver's transportation charge. If you stay in a hotel more than two days, leave about 0.6 EUR per night and the woman who was cleaning. 

Madrid (tourist attractions)

Museo del Prado (Prado Museum) On the paved side of the artery Paseo del Prado, in the south-east of the city, is located the main cultural center of Madrid and one of the most important museums of the world. Building opened in 1819 to house art objects collected since the days of Spanish monarchs Isabella of Castile today possesses the richest collection of Western European painting in the world.

Among the masterpieces displayed here are works of great Spanish masters Francisco Goya, El Greco and Diego Velzquez, but saw the artists Flemish, Dutch, German, French and Italian, purchased back when these countries were included in the great Spanish Empire . The museum had a lot of benefit from anti-clerical laws of 1836, which forced the monasteries, abbey and church to give much of their cultural patrimony of public institutions. ) Currently, the Prado is working on adding a new wing, designed by Rafael Moneo, the inauguration of the museum exhibits which the figure will double. ) Despite the obvious lack of space, Velzquez's masterpiece, Las Meninas, benefit the individual presentation. Reina Sofia Art Center ) nfiintat Queen Sofia in 1986, this art center in a few years managed to become one of the strongest European cultural institutions, competing in value with Parisian Pompidou Center. Housed in a former hospital, museum Cheer austerity old granite buildings grace the two glass elevators applied front. Art collection assembled here includes mainly works of modern Spanish triad, formed by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dal and Joan Mir. The star of the museum is Picasso's Guernica, exposed along with several studies focusing on individual elements of the work. This was added to the second floor of the building, along with other masterpieces signed Picasso. On the fourth floor you can admire many modern paintings both Spanish and international. Can visit the art center will be against payment of EUR 3. Artist and demon This is the image of Pablo Ruiz, known as the new Picasso (1881-1973), a great painter, illustrator, sculptor and ceramist Spanish. Eccentric and tumultuous existence can not be eclipsed by his work than complex, divided by critics during the period (1901-1904 blue, pink 1904-1906 respectively). Black sculpture artist discovery gave a new vision of form. Thanks Young ladies of Avignon (1907), Picasso stands, along with Braque, led cubist movement.

Guernica bloody

Summary supreme works of Picasso, Guernica is a protest against injustice and violence. The painting evokes the barbaric bombing carried out by German air force on April 26, 1937 the Basque town Guernica y Luno. The intention was to give the Nazis a helping hand of Francisco Franco, Spanish Falange fascist party leader and future dictator of Spain during the Civil War (1936-1939). Fate of a Queen Grecia y Hannover Sofia is the first born of Paul I of Greece, being a descendant of the countries of Russia, the German emperors and the British Queen Victoria. After expulsion from the country of her parents, Sophie spent years of exile in Egypt and South Africa, and has specialized in pediadrie, music and archeology. On May 14, 1962 she married Prince Juan Carlos, the future king of Spain, which gave him two daughters and a son of Crown Prince Felipe. 

Madrid (tourist attractions)

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum The newest of the three main centers of art in Madrid, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is housed in several large galleries, painted peach and strong natural light, the magnificent palace of Villahermosa, built in the eighteenth century. Impressive art collection of the Museum includes around 800 paintings depicting the cultural history of Western Europe through representative works for each major artistic current, starting from the Italian Gothic (XIII century) and to the extravagant American pop-art (the twentieth century ). Two rooms are dedicated and Post-Impressionist, including paintings by Pissarro, Renoir, Monet, Degas, Van Gogh and Czanne. Critics have described webs gathered here as significant works of important artists and works of significant artists unimportant, but this theory is denied the presence of works such as Portrait of Henry VIII, made by Hans Holbein.

Yet the museum's main asset remains its coherent collection that illustrates better than anywhere in the world evolution of Western European art. The paintings displayed here were acquired between 1920 and 1980 by industrialist and Swiss Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza and his father. Hans Heinrich and donated the entire collection of art of Spain in 1993, at request of his wife, Carmen Cervera, a former Miss Spain. Convento de las Descalzas Reales (barefoot nuns monastery of royal origin) ) nfiintata the end of the XVI century, this monastery was reserved for women 200 years of royal blood. ) Despite its austere facade, made of stone and brick, place of worship was richly endowed over time by its noble residents. n) inside or shown, therefore, beautiful paintings Zurbarn, Tiziano and Peter Brueghel the Elder, but a number of valuable tapestries, and many religious objects burst into gems. The monastery was built at the will of Juan de Austria, sister of Philip II, who lived here until the end of her earthly. Place of worship has not changed even today their original purpose, several nuns (not necessarily with blue blood) diverting-and still live there, cultivating vegetable garden and one monastery.

International Telenovela Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza was Swiss citizen, was born in the Netherlands and held a title of nobility Hungarian, obtained by his father, of German origin or adoption by the father, a Hungarian baron, without heirs male line. Family fortune was earned by honest way, through the production of steel and arms, and young Thyssen-Bornemisza has kept so much from her, that he lived more in his Monaco tax haven of Europe, and Spain, to escape taxes . Like all Swiss in place, has led a placid existence, he married 5 times: first with an aristocratic Austrian, then the two models, namely the daughter of a Brazilian banker. Last to consort was Carmen Tita Cervera, a former Miss Spain and well photographed nude. Previously, it was married to an American actor specializing in the roles of Tarzan, which, in turn, had been married one time to actress Lana Turner. Questions? Art with song Current pop-art art stated in the seventh decade of the twentieth century, as a protest against the traditional forms of Western culture. Adherents of the movement promoting and intensifying the aesthetics of everyday realities of media products, including collage in their compositions, articles of daily use or technical origin. Representative of this current American art is Andy Warhol (1928-1987).

Palacio Real (Royal Palace)

Royal Palace was built in the early eighteenth century, by order of the first dynasty of the Bourbon king of Spain, Philip V, strategically place high above where the first Moorish fortress in Madrid (Alczar), dating from the century IX. Nostalgic after the Palace of Versailles, which had lived in his youth, the monarch tried to reproduce in space Iberian opulent French royal residence. Entrance to the palace is guarded by two stone statues representing the prince Atahualpa Inca and Aztec king Montezuma, probably the only homage to the Spanish former masters of the American continent. n) inside there no less than 2,800 luxury rooms by a dazzling, with rich rococo style decorations, carpets and expensive porcelain, mirrors, chandeliers and clocks huge complex. Since 1764, when Charles III moved here, until the abdication of Alfonso XIII in 1931, the palace has made to honor the royal residence position. But present monarch, Juan Carlos, he preferred to take his family on more modest Zarzuela palace outside the city, returning here only at official ceremonies. ) n the absence of the sovereign, in the building can be visited Royal Library, where he was the first edition of Cervantes's masterpiece, Don Quixote, Music Museum, where it is exposed to the largest collection of Stradivarius instruments (five in number), a gallery of armor, where struggle besides metallic suits are presented some interesting medieval instruments of torture, and the royal pharmacy, where you can see the vials and tubes in which the process in medicines monarchs. Visiting the palace costs 7 Euros and a tour guide assistance of EUR 8.

From Cibeles Fuente (Fountain Cibelei) Located in Plaza de la Cibeles, in the east of Madrid, this fountain is on a Cibela, goddess of fertility and unofficial emblem of the Spanish capital, sprawling on her chariot pulled by MDL. Along with the high Palacio de Comunicacines, mail Madrid headquarters, housed in a fluffy-looking building of the cathedral. Succession scandal When Charles II, king without heirs, felt that the end is near, to mentor her sister, Maria Theresa of Spain, wife of Louis XIV, what to do. He named his successor Philip of Bourbon, grandson of the French king, and so the circus began. European powers (in this case England and Holland) were afraid of a possible union of the two countries, which would have dramatically altered the balance of forces on the continent. They downgraded the Spanish succession war, concluded by the Treaty of Utrecht of 1713. Philip became King of Spain only after it promised it would never merge with France. Deities Loan Cibela, and CIBE called, is originally an ancient Phrygian deity, personificand nature in all its forms, the mother of all gods. By century VI). H., Cibelei cult passed from Asia Minor to Greece, where it began to be known as Rhea, the daughter of Uranus and Cronus Geei wife. Events fans Divinity has nothing to do with football, although Real Madrid team supporters are certainly disagree. ) n foot joy, they used to celebrate great victories of Real's Balaci the wells Mrs. Cibela. Local police found about disrespectful habit but at the goddess, so they started to block access to the area during and after important games. Page 8 Madrid (tourist attractions) Plaza de la Villa (Town Square) This market located in the western city gathers some of the oldest buildings Madrid. Here is the house of the Villa, City Hall, which was built in 1644, serving on time, and the residence of the mayor, and the prison. ) n rises near Casa Cisneros, a palace built in 1537 for the nephew of Cardinal Cisneros, one of the heads of the Inquisition.

The other side of the market are the Lujanes Torre, an old building that was closed is said to Francis I of France, mortal enemies of the Emperor Charles V. Plaza Mayor (big market) Quiet and austere, Plaza Mayor was built between 1617 and 1619 by order of King Philip III, whose equestrian statue is found in the middle market. Over time, this was the theater of many public performances, autodafeuri, canonization of saints, executions of criminals, marriages of the royal family, bullfights (until 1847), masked balls, fireworks and various celebrations. Plaza Mayor n) currently closed for cars, which explains the unnatural silence of the central area of Madrid. Sunday morning, a fair is held here philately and numismatics. The oldest building is the house market in Panadera (bakery), named after the bread from the store was built. Across the street from the house Carnicería (butcher), which houses a police station now. Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate) ) n reality, the sun gate not there much, but where it rises in the past, located in the heart of Madrid, is mile zero where all distances are measured in Spain. The fact is confirmed by a nice copper placed here on a sidewalk. Market of this intersection has been carefully renovated in 1986, shelters today Mariblanca, copy the statues that adorn a fountain here about 250 years ago, and an equestrian representation of King Carlos III. Auto da what? Autodafeurile (auto da fe act of faith in Portuguese) consists of the burning of heretics by the Inquisition.

The name comes from the custom of priests convicted of solemn prayer, before I submit to torture by fire, act of faith to do to be saved in the afterlife. Obviously, saving actual lives do not enter into discussion ... Threat cattle Madrid still organizing bullfights, between March to October. Coridele is usually keep Sundays, but on some days Thursday. The bulk of the shows are organized in May, when the festival takes place San Isidoro, celebrated the day with five weeks of fighting bulls in the arena of Las Ventas. Master dula Jesuit Inquisition was created in the first half of the XIII century by the Catholic Church to judge those who do not sufficiently address the institution. Many scientists have fallen victim to this Rollers, among thousands of other innocent people. ) Spain, reports directly to royalty, Inquisition was used to strengthen despotism. Page 9 Castile, Toledo (overview) Castile Central region of Spain known as Castilla, gathers some of the most important monuments of the country. Visitors will pass ancient Toledo, former capital of the empire, and here are high Escorialul, splendid monastery-palace. ) n Castilla Roman aqueduct in Segovia lasted, Alczar castle, medieval walls of Avila defense, and legendary University of Salamanca. All this is found relatively close to Madrid, each meritand even a brief halt. This will extend the road but once arrived in the maze of medieval Castile, where every wall tells a story, and time seems to incremeneasca between castles battlements. Toledo, capital of the Iberian Located southwest of the capital, the Tago River, Toledo is one of the oldest cities in the Iberian peninsula. Conquered in 192). H. by the Romans, named Toletum. Capital Visigothic kingdom between 554 and 711, was conquered and then ruled for four centuries by Arabs.

Then occupied by King Alfonso VI of Castile, was until 1561 the administrative center of the kingdom. Its strategic importance is overwhelming, which would explain disputarea settlement by many people who arrived in the area. Moreover between Toledo and Madrid is high, on top of a hill called El Cerro de los ngeles (Hill angels), considered to be the geographic center of Spain, a statue of the Savior Jesus, symbol of Catholic Spain. A historic town True city-monument, the current Toledo illustrates all stages to work the old capital of Iberia. Alternates with vestiges of Roman walls and medieval Gothic churches and the ruins of Moorish fortresses defy the resistance over time. The city lives under the sign of El Greco, who immortalized many times in his works.

Three faths have come here over time, each leaving behind homes and prayer: the Christian, the Arabic and the mosaic. Wedding but Birth of Spain was due to a less romantic marriage, and especially strategic Aragn between Ferdinand and Isabella of Castile. ) n 1474 the two have put destiny in serving each other and both to serve the country's provinces united to form Aragnului and Castile, from this time, the kingdom of Spain. Divine inspiration The name Isabella of Castile, called and Catholic, binds many of the great achievements of Spain. Sovereignty was the only one that has bent the ear to the promises of an obscure Italian seafarer who required financing for an expedition to the west. Queen broke something in cash, the rest is history