The Best Places to See Islamic Architecture in Spain
It’s hard to beat Spain for epic architecture. The Great Mosque of Córdoba is every bit as otherworldly as the work of Antoni Gaudí, while…
Spain
History of the Alhambra's Paradisal Gardens and Courtyards
Inspired by paradise itself, Granada’s Alhambra holds the power to transport us from the cares of the outside world. In spite of being photographed thousands…
Moorish Architecture and Views in Granada’s Albaicín District
When asked to picture Granada, most people conjure visions of the Alhambra. But the city’s historic heart has always been the Albaicín (or Albayzín). For…
Visiting Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia Towers
The Sagrada Familia may be Antoni Gaudí’s most famous building, but only a fraction of it was completed during his lifetime. The Nativity facade and…
A Guide to Toledo’s Historic Architecture
Our hotel proprietress assured us that “Toledo is most beautiful at night.” We don’t disagree – it’s just that we loved dusk, dawn, and daytime,…
The Mosques, Synagogues and Churches of Toledo, Spain
Toledo’s Muslim heritage permeates the city, from its layout of tiny, winding streets oriented to keep it cool to the Arabic inscriptions within its fortified…
Casa Navàs and Catalan Art Nouveau in Reus, Spain
Although Gaudí never designed any buildings in his hometown, Reus contains the greatest concentration of Catalan Art Nouveau work outside of Barcelona. Lluís Domènech i Montaner,…
Roman and Romanesque in Tarragona, Spain
Just an hour from Barcelona, Tarragona’s historic center spills down the hillside to the sea. As the former capital of the Roman Empire’s largest province,…
Medieval Mallorca: Architecture and Atmosphere in Palma's Old Town
From its strikingly modern Gothic cathedral looming over the sea to the stark beauty of its Arab bath complex, Palma de Mallorca’s architecture offers a…