Ávila, Spain, is an impressive city known for its complete and well-preserved medieval walls. Sitting at an altitude of 1,130 meters (3700 ft) above sea level, it is the highest provincial capital in Spain. Ávila’s history goes back to pre-Roman times. It’s often called the “City of Saints and Stones” due to its many Romanesque and Gothic churches and the ...
Perched high on a rocky spur above the meeting of two rivers, Cuenca combines medieval architecture with the sheer cliffs of the Júcar and Huécar gorges on either side. Famous for its “Casas Colgadas,” or Hanging Houses, Cuenca’s origins date back to the Moors, who built the fortress city in the 8th century. If you’re looking for the best areas ...
I recently took a trip to Sigüenza, which may not ring a bell for many travelers, but it should! The town isn’t usually included in tourist brochures; it’s one of Spain’s best-kept secrets! Its quiet streets and friendly atmosphere create the perfect setting for a getaway. If you’re a fan of medieval architecture and history, you should definitely check it ...
The Basilica of Santa María del Mar in Barcelona is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, built for the shipbuilders and merchants of the region. The stones of its walls and the shapes of its windows take you back to the 14th century, telling tales of devotion and craftsmanship in a beautiful space for worship. Although I am an agnostic, ...
During my last journey to Cantabria, I enjoyed exploring the quaint town of Santillana del Mar. Known as the “Town of the Three Lies:” it’s neither holy (Santa), flat (llana), or near the sea (del Mar). In reality, what is not a lie is that this town offers a magnetic appeal. And I’m not lying about it being gorgeous. The ...
Plaça de Sant Felip Neri is tucked away in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. This place always draws me in; it’s a small, serene spot that feels like a step back in time, far from the busy and touristy city streets. The square is home to a baroque church, and its walls bear the scars of a tragic past. It ...
Cemeteries mirror living societies. They are a small version of the city they’re in and reflect the same social patterns. This is especially true for the Cementerio de Montjuïc in Barcelona. In this cemetery, some of Catalonia’s wealthiest families have tried to outdo each other for ages. They built the most impressive buildings and, at the graveyard, they competed for ...
I live in Madrid, and while it’s usually a sunny city, there are days when the sky is grey and rain taps on the windows. These days can be a surprise in a city known for its blue skies. Living here, I’ve learned that when rain falls, Madrid doesn’t stop; it just moves indoors. If we’re being technical, Madrid falls ...
Living in Madrid, I have visited El Capricho Park numerous times. Although it is not as famous as El Retiro, it is just as beautiful. More importantly, its history is just baffling! The park spans an area of about 14 hectares and is located in the Alameda de Osuna neighborhood. While it was built in the 18th century, it was ...
Are you considering doing the world-famous Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) pilgrimage soon? Well, if after days and days of walking and staying at modest accommodations, you feel like treating yourself, I have the perfect hotel in Santiago de Compostela for you. Hotel Palacio del Carmen, Autograph Collection is a luxury, 5-star hotel in a former convent near ...