Day trip to Badajoz, Spain

City Hall, Statue of Luis de Morales, Badajoz, SpainAdventures and history buffs looking for something different will find Badajoz, Spain is one of the places to visit on a day trip from Seville. Badajoz is 200 kilometers (124 miles) northwest of Seville. It takes about two and half hours to drive from Seville to Badajoz. With the closeness of Badajoz, those staying in Seville apartments can make a easy day trip or a romantic weekend getaway.

Visitors to Badajoz can see historic sites dating back hundreds of years, visit museums and sample local cuisine in the restaurants.

The Badajoz Cathedral from the 13th century is one of the city’s historic buildings. A portal and window decorations were added when the building was remodeled during the Renaissance. Choir stalls in the cathedral date back to the 16th century.

Visitors who want to see an older historic site can walk past the Espantaperros Tower. This watchtower was built in the 12th century. It is part of the Alcazaba Fortress from the ninth century.

The Archaelogy Museum is one of the city’s historic buildings. The Palacio de la Roca was built in the 16th century. The museum has over 20,000 pieces in its collection. Some items date back to Roman times.

Painting and sculptures from the 18th through the 20th centuries are displayed at the Museum of Fine Arts. Visitors can also see engravings by Dali and Picasso here.

Exhibits at the Bullfighting Museum include photographs, posters and bullfighters’ costumes. Some of the items here date back to the 16th century.

Visitors can see religious art at the Cathedral Museum. Choir books from the 15th century with miniature paintings are some of the items displayed here. Sculptures, panels, tapestries and paintings are part of the museum’s collection.

History lovers will enjoy visiting the Museum of the City. Exhibits here focus on the history of Badajoz dating back to prehistoric times. Visitors will learn about Arabic and Muslim influences on the city and what city life was like during medieval times. Some displays provide information about life in Badajoz during wars.
Badajoz Theme Artwork, Plaza de Espana, Sevilla, Spain
 Before returning to your apartments in Seville,visitors who are hungry after sightseeing will find several restaurants serving local cuisine. Items on the menu at Azcona include squid in ink, lamb stew and vegetable stew. Diners at Miajon can order Iberian pork. Iberian pork loin and gazpacho are served at The Abaceria.

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Day Trip To Cordoba From Seville Spain

Cordoba, the Andalusia city in southern Spain, has the distinction of being designated as a World Heritage Site. The city is a blend of varied societies as it was both the capital during the Roman period and an Islamic caliphate in the Middle Ages. Cordoba was a city of merit during the 10th and 11th century as the city with the largest population in the world and as the academic heart of Europe.

The Cathedral Mosque Alminar in Cordoba, SpainCordoba’s historic district is comprised of a striking complex of tiny streets, town squares and courtyards centered about the city’s Mosque-Cathedral. The city is known for its art and culture because of the events that occur.

Thinking of staying in one of the many apartments in Seville or just passing through from Madrid, travelers will find Cordoba is a contemporary city linked to other cities in Andalusia and the rest of Spain. Cities such as Seville and Madrid can be reached by AVE or high-speed train system. AVE trains run on the hour from Madrid, with the trip taking just under 2 hours, and trips from Malaga and Seville running under one hour. AVE has two daily trains to Barcelona, and there is an inexpensive sleeper train from Cordoba to Barcelona and to other cities.

Bus service leaves from Madrid to Cordoba six times a day. Regular bus service departs from the central bus station in Cordoba to most Andalusia towns. After flying into Madrid, Malaga, or Seville, take a train or bus to Cordoba.

Most of Cordoba’s sites are found in the Old city and are easily reached by walking. This includes the bus and train station, stores, attractions, restaurants. and lodging. Traveler’s maps from the tourist offices show the town’s point of references as being the river, the Passeo de la Victoria, and the Plaza de las Tendillas. Most of the attractions encircle the area around the Mezquita-Cathedral. For a more traditional view, go east of the Mezquita-Cathedral to observe the procession after the Catholic Mass. Just beware of beggars who work the area.

Most of Cordoba’s attractions are historical. La Mezquita began as a Mosque and encloses a cathedral inside. Many of the other attractions are located near la Mezquita. Calleja de la Flores, near the tower, is a slender lane with flowers and a square. Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos was a fort of the Christian rulers and is famous for its gardens. Puerto del Christo de los Faroles, one of many squares, is the most imposing. Medina Azahara, the relics of the caliphate in the west, was constructed beginning in the 900s. It is found 5 km west of the city. La Sinagoga is one of the only three synagogues still in Spain.

Cordoba is a city of festivals with May being the most favored month. Feria de Cordoba is a fair of celebration with drink, dance and food. Cata de Viino-Montilla Moriles is the festival of wine-tasting. During the Festival de Patios, the people who live in the old city let the public view their courtyards. The festivals continue throughout the year.

Visitors to town can tour Cordoba by driving an electric car, which is supplied with GPS and audio tours in several languages, by a Segway tour, which covers sites not always found by visitors, and by a walking tour of the old city.

Cordoba has a range of restaurants to chose from, La Albaida is in a renovated castle in the Cordoba sierra and serves typical Cordoban food. Many serve traditional food of Cordoba. Many more restaurants remain to be explored. Make sure you stop and visit one of the many Cordoba’s bars and cafes the city has to offer. Plaza de la Corredera is a ideal place to sit in a sidewalk cafe and watch the world go by while taking in all the history Cordoba has to offer.

So if you are staying in one of the many Seville apartments available and looking for a convenient day trip or just passing through as you explore southern Spain, you will find that a stop in Cordoba will be worthwhile and interesting

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Seville Spain, A Step Into History

Arabic, Baroque, Renaissance and Medieval influences are used to describe the city of Sevilla, Spain. It is the capital of Andalusia, an independent community of Spain granted the title of historical nationality through the 1978 Spanish Constitution. Located on the River Guadalquivir, the second longest river in Spain, it houses 704,000 Sevillanos or Sevillanas also known as residents. It is the fourth largest city in Spain and is more than 2,000 years old. For the ardent history lover waiting to explore and caress the unprecedented jewel that is Seville, Spain, and all of its adorned artifacts and architecture, unmitigated bliss awaits you.

Garden in Alcazar, Seville SpainOriginally, Seville was called Hispalis during the rule of Caesar Augustus and was renamed in the year 712 after it was defeated by the Moors or Muslims. It was known as the capital for the Kings of the Umayyad Caliphate, and the Almoravid and Almohad dynasties. The Umayyad Caliphate was the second of four major Arab successors. The Almoravid dynasty was a Berber-Muslim dynasty from North Africa. The Almohad dynasty was a Moroccan Berber-Muslim dynasty founded in the 12th century. This invasion was reversed when King Fernando III of Castile recaptured Seville. Today bits and pieces of Roman features in the form of an aqueduct and elements of the Moors remain in the City of Seville through its formations and structural design.

There are so many amazing historical sites to see in this city. The Alcazar, a royal palace originally a Moorish fort transformed after 500 years of construction, was built in the Muslim, Iberian and Renaissance styles and beautifully decorated. There is also the Cathedral of Seville built after the recapturing of the city. It is among the largest of all Gothic and medieval cathedrals. The interior exhibits the longest nave in Spain. The University of Seville is situated in the original site of the first tobacco factory in an 18th century building in baroque style, an artistic style from the late 16th to the early 18th century. The Town Hall was built in the 16th century in the plateresque style which is said to be “in the manner of a silver smith”.

Many museums are available to satiate the thirst for knowledge through carefully preserved relics. The Museum of Fine Arts of Seville, founded in 1839, contains a compilation of treasures from the medieval period to the early 20th century. However, if you are interested in other museum worthy subjects, The Maritime, Carriages, Flamenco Art and Bullfight Museums are also available. Many travelers can find a wide choice of historical as well as modern Seville accommodation available throughout this historical city.

LA GIRALDA AND SEVILLE CATHEDRALOther activities for a day trip in Seville may include climbing the La Giralda Bell Tower, enjoying the Isla Magica amusement park, or taking a boat cruise on the Guadalquivir River. Wine lovers can celebrate at the Mountain Wine Festival of the Fiesta de Vino. Nature lovers can explore the Donana National Park which is also a wildlife refuge named after Dona Ana de Silva y Mendoza. They can also discover the wonders of The Alcazar Gardens, Gardens of Murillo or the Gardens of Catalina de Ribera.

If you are headed to Seville there are plenty of apartments in Seville that will put you in the heart of this historical city.

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Seville, Spanish History and Culture

History is plentiful as you make your way around Spain, a stop in Seville Spain will be a welcome destination on your journey through the southern portion of the country. World Heritage sites and Ancient Roman history will add to your adventure in Seville.

Seville is famous for being the center of culture, arts and finance in Southern Spain. There are about 1.5 million residents in the city and its metropolitan area, which is located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Residents often refer to the city as "Sevilla," pronounced "seh-vee-yah." Whether it is called Seville or Sevilla, the city definitely has its own unique history, much of which remains in architecture and culture today. Several historic as well as modern apartments in Seville will add to the experience of reliving the history the city has to offer.Plaza de Espana Seville Spain

One example of ancient history is the aqueduct, which is one of the oldest remaining pieces of historical evidence, dating back to the Roman days. At that time, the city was called "Hispalis." Seville's documented history began more than 2,000 years ago. It has been greatly influenced by medieval days, the Renaissance and baroque periods. Much of its cultural influence comes from Arabic culture and the religion of Islam. Alcazar Seville SpainIn the time period between the 5th and 6th centuries, the Vandals and Visigoths were responsible for conquests in the area. After the Moors had their conquest, the city of Seville gained its name, awarded to it by the Muslims who took over the city in 712. It had now become the capitol for the Kings of the Almoravid Dynasty, Umayyad Caliphate and the Almohad Dynasty. Later in 1248, King Fernando III sent his soldiers in to conquer the city in the Catholic Reconquest. Although the days of Moors ruling are far in the past, several sections of the city wall remain from those ancient days. There are also several public structures in the historic district that remain from the Moors' ruling. Another interesting sight to see is the Cathedral, which remains from the era and reflects the rich heritage. Along with the Cathedral, Archivo de Indias and Alcázar are UNESCO World Heritage registered sites.

Trade began to flourish in the 16th century in Seville when the Port of Cadiz was named an official trade port. Spirits were high for a short time until 1649. The unfortunate plague that swept the city devastated the population. With almost half of its residents dead from the Great Plague of Seville, growth and prosperity didn't begin to make a comeback until the 19th century. The Kingdom of Castile began to lose influence of the area as the Spanish Empire unified and made its impact. Population growth, industrialization and trade began to increase again and flourished through the 19th and 20th centuries. There are plenty of places in the city to learn more about Seville's fascinating history. The Traditional Arts &

Customs Museum is a fantastic place to visit. Nestled on a waterfront location, the building itself is a piece of breathtaking history. Tower of Gold Seville SpainSeville is a great destination any time of year. The climate is a mix of Mediterranean and Arid. Average temperatures in the winter months range between 40-60 degrees. Summers are hot and dry, usually ranging between 80-90. Record temperatures have reached 115 or higher in some instances. The air quality is good and the supply is plentiful, as the city's average elevation is 23 feet above sea level. Could Seville be your next stop on your travels through Spain? Seville accommodation are plentiful in this historic city. Need more information on traveling in Spain, Beachcomber Pete can help.

 

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