Spain (España) is situated in south western Europe. It occupies the Iberian Peninsula and is bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Sea. It also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla. Its total surface area is 504,788 sq. km. Spain’s powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II, but suffered through a devastating Civil War (1936-39). In the second half of the 20th century, it has played a catch-up role in the western international community. Continuing concerns are large-scale unemployment and the Basque separatist movement.

The diversity and contrast that go to mold the character of Spain are likewise in evidence in its cities. Celts, Iberian, Phoenicians and, at a later date, the Greco-Roman civilization laid the first cornerstones of urban settlements which, to this day, bear the marks of their passage through time. During the Middle Ages, Arabic, Jewish and Christian cultures, singly and through a process of mutual cross-influence, gave rise to the birth of cities which have come to house an historical-artistic heritage of incalculable proportions.

Tradition alone does not suffice. Modernity too is essential, and this was something certain Spanish monarchs –Charles III for one– managed to successfully apply during their reigns in order to beautify towns capes, like that of Madrid, with parks and landmark monuments, thereby instilling the city with a spirit of renewal. It was this element of urban renewal that became even more evident at a later date, in the form of town plans designed to extend and enlarge the leading cities, and the construction of graceful buildings which, in keeping with the shifts and changes in architectural tastes, have helped shape the identity of Spain’s cities over the last two hundred years.

This contrast is also to be seen in the individual heartbeat of Spain’s cities, where surroundings, climate and daily lifestyles harmonies to lend each its own typical character and atmosphere. Some reveal to us a testimony to a glorious past and a monumental heritage; others, an exuberance of light and color the mysteries of wreathing morning mists and a horizon mantled in eternal green. Whether cosmopolitan or provincial, locked in time or flourishing and go-ahead, they are fascinating in the wide spectrum of realities and possibilities that they hold out to all who visit them and enjoy their warm hospitality.

The country’s two largest cities, Madrid and Barcelona, are further evidence of this diversity. Madrid is open and endearing. Bustling, unpretentious, its old quarter is a winding maze of simple harmony, surrounded by elegant civic buildings, parks and boulevards, landmarks of the modern city. A byword in art thanks to its galleries and museums, it enjoys a well-earned reputation as being an open-hearten city where all newcomers can be sure of finding a niche and a warm welcome, a city where the most disparate trends and attitudes somehow manage to co-exist. Barcelona is the Mediterranean metropolis par excellence and yet at the same time open to all cultural influences flowing in from beyond the Pyrenees. Its harbor and commerce have served to foster the city’s prosperity over hundreds of years, while its well-ordered and symmetrical town grid has given us quarters of unrivaled beauty, such as the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas and the modernist Paseo de Gracia. Site of the 1992 Olympics, Barcelona underwent a thorough face lift, with the result that it is today an elegant and harmonious city, waiting to be enjoyed to the maximum. (Information courtesy of Turespana)

Spain City Lists:

1. Madrid City

The capital of Spain, located in the heart of the peninsula and right in the center of the Castillian plain 646 meters above sea level, has a population of over three million. Madrid is the capital and largest city in Spain, as well as in the province and the autonomous community of the same name. It is located on the Manzanares river in the center of the country. The origins of the city are Arabic. Emir Mohamed I (852-886), ordered the construction of a fortress on the left bank of the Manzanares river. Alonzo VI conquered this fortress in the 11th century. At the end of the 17th century, a defensive wall was built for the protection of the new outlying areas, tracing the roads of Segovia, Toledo and Valencia. Under the reign of Carlos III in the 18th century, were the great arteries of the city were constructed (the Paseo del Prado and the Paseo las Acacias).

Joseph Bonaparte (brother of) redesigned the Puerta del Sol and its neighbourhood in the early 19th century. The Gran Vía, which was the main commercial artery, was built as an east-west avenue at the start of the century. In the 1950’s the north-south boulevard called Paseo de la Castellana was extended and modern buildings were erected, housing the major financial institutions. Examples of different architectural and artistic styles from medieval, over baroque to modern architecture can be found all over the city. The baroque style is illustrated by the Fuente de la Fama (Fountain of Fame), Convento de San Antón (St. Anton’s Convent) and San Isidro.

As the former capital of the old Spanish Empire, Madrid has always been a cultural center. Renowned museums such as Museo del Prado, the Museo Reina Sofia, and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza are major tourist attractions in the city. Other cultural highlights include the Royal Palace of Madrid and the nearby royal monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. All through the year the livelyand colourful fiestas of Madrid liven up the city, with each barrio (district) trying to outdo the other in its celebrations. The highlights include Reyes Magos (Feast of the Three Kings), Carnival, the religious processions of Holy Week, the San Isidro festival in May (the beginning of the bullfighting season) and Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve), when the Puerta del Sol becomes the focal point during several hours of uninhibited partying.

Following the restoration of democracy in 1975 and the integration to the European Union, Madrid has experienced an increasing role in European finances making it one of the most important Southern European cities. Madrid is certainly Europe’s lushest and greenest capital. The city indeed has an abundance of pleasant parks and open spaces, such as the Real Jardín Botánico (Royal Botanical Garden), Casa de Campo (Home Field) and Parque del Oeste (Park of the West), which offer a diversion from the hubbub of the city.

2. Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital city of Catalonia (Spain). It is located in the comarca of Barcelonès, along the Mediterranean coast between the mouths of the rivers Llobregat and Besòs. Barcelona has undergone a radical change and has been rewarded for it with an increased popularity since the early 1990’s., mostly due to the hosting of the Olympic Games in 1992. As well as a string of purpose built sporting developments springing up all over the city (with the epicentre on the slopes of Montjuïc), Barcelona also benefited from major investments. Barcelona’s long history and economic dynamism have provided it with an impressive cultural heritage, shown in the conservation of its rich historic and artistic heritage and in the encouragement of the newest artistic trends. Its long cultural agenda will lead the visitor through museums, exhibitions, outdoor sculptures… and an extensive calendar of music, theater, and dance.

The modernist architect Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona’s most famous son, whose unique style can still be admired in a number of first-rate buildings around the city, has given the city with a marvelous masterpiece : the (unfinished ) Sagrada Familiar cathedral which has become a symbol of Barcelona. More examples of his work can be seen in the lampposts and fountains of Plaça Reial. The popular culture of Barcelona is still deeply rooted in old traditions, such as the Mercè Festival, or the holiday celebrations in the districts of Gràcia, Sants, or Poblenou. The innovative and imaginative cuisine is based on both tradition and modernity : organically grown produce, fresh fish, sausages and olive oil. Home-made pastries, and sparkling wines will round off a merely superficial approach to Barcelona’s culinary culture.

3. Bilbao

Bilbao is the largest city in the Pais Vasco (Baque country) in the North of Spain. It is also the capital of the province of Vizcaya (Basque: Bizkaia). The city proper has over 350,000 inhabitants (2004) and is the most economically and industrially active part of Gran Bilbao, the zone in which more than half of the Pais Vasco’s population lives. A major seaport and industrial centre, the city is located on the river Nervión, and its suburbs extend to the Bay of Biscay. Once famous for its shipyards and chimneystacks , Bilbao is now best known as a tourist destination, offering lots of pleasant surprises to the visitor.The construction of the Guggenheim Museum here was the beginning of the city’s cultural and tourist rebirth. However, the city has a lot more to offer than just this amazing piece of modern architecture.

The old city or Casco Viejo has retained its ancient charm next to the wide boulevards of the new and modern part. From the historic university of Deusto to the teeming suburbs of Santxu, Bilbao offers a delight of vibrant life, remarkable buildings, stunning bridges, lovely parks and interesting museums.. Surrounded by glorious green hills, the natural setting is fabulous, with the river Nervion running through it. Bilbao certainly has a lot of assets to lure visitors to come over on a short holiday break.

Gran Bilbao’s 946,829 inhabitants are spread along the length of the Nervion River, whose banks are home also to numerous business and factories, which during the industrial revolution brought heightened prosperity to the region. In the north, Bilbao’s city edge is considered to be around the towns of Erandio, Sondika and Derio, in the east it is encompassed by Zamudio and Etxebarri. The southern border passes outside Basauri and Arrigorriaga and in the west, Santurtzi and Muskiz are the furthest extremes.

4. Malaga

Malaga is the major coastal city of Andalucia and is a genuine and typical Andaluz city. It ranks as the fifth largest metropolitan area in Spain. The city is surrounded by mountains and two rivers, the Guadalmedina and the Guadalhorce, that flow near the city into the Mediterranean. The population of the urban area of Malaga is 814.000. The coastal area enjoys a privileged geographical position: protected from the North winds by the mountains, it benefits from the highest average temperatures in Spain and over 300 days of sunlight per year. The attractive city lies on a beautiful sweep of bay in Andalucia. Malaga has a very cosmopolitan feel about it and is furthermore blessed with sunshine and a spectacular quality of light. It is a city of wide boulevards, swaying palm trees, lively nightlife, good museums and excellent seafood restaurants.

The Phoenicians founded the city “Malaka” here, in about 1000 b.c The name is probably derived from the Phoenician word for salt because fish was salted near the harbour. About seven centuries later, the Romans conquered the city along with the other Spanish areas of Carthago. From the 5th century onwards it was under the rule of the Visigoths. In the 8th century, Spain was conquered by the Moors, and the city became an important centre of trade. At a late stage of the reconquista, the reconquering of Spain, Malaga became Christian again, in 1487. This illustrious past has left its imprint on the historic centre, particularly around La Alcazaba, a fortress which dates back to 1065 and is now a fascinating archaeological museum.

In more recent times, Malaga underwent fierce bombing by the Italian and Nationalist air forces during the Spanish Civil War in 1936. Tourism on the adjacent Costa del Sol boosted the city’s economy in the 1960s. Malaga has an ancient history, but nevertheless it can show a modern side too. The heart of the commercial center is the main shopping street called “Calle Larios”. It is the recommended area to start exploring the city because it is surrounded by attractive small streets and plazas. Nearby is the magnificent cathedral, a Renaissance cathedral with a Baroque façade and choir by Pedro de Mena.

The nearby castle, which was rebuilt by the Moors, is today a traditional parader (state hotel) with superb panoramic views. During the 19th century, Malaga was a popular winter resort for the wealthy famed for its elegance and sophistication. The impressive park on Calle Alameda dates back to this era and is recognized as being one of the most celebrated botanical collections in Europe. The city’s most famous son is Pablo Picasso. There are several galleries showing his work, including the 16th century Museum of Fine Arts, next to the Cathedral. Picasso’s birthplace in Plaza Merced is today an archive of his life and works and open to the public.

5. Sevilla

Sevilla (Seville in English) is the artistic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain, crossed by the river Guadalquivir. It is the capital of Andalusia and of the province of Sevilla. Sevilla is perhaps, in the mind of many, the most Spanish of all cities in Spain. The architecture is a mixture of Christian and Moorish styles and the clichés that are most associated with Spain are there for everyone to enjoy : from flamenco to fiestas and tapas to bullfights. The city has more than 700,000 inhabitants, nearly half the population of the whole province. It is located on the plain of the Guadalquivir river which crosses the city from North to South. The port of Sevilla played an important role in commerce between Spain and the Americas in the past. Today it still remains one of the most active river ports of the Iberian peninsula.

Andalucia was occupied by Moors for about 800 years, which explains why today the Moorish influence is architectonically most evident. It has been a cultural center long before. The fertility of this land and its favorised climate with mild winters and about 3000 hours of sun per year made Phoenicians and Carthaginians settle here. Later, came Romans, and two of their emperors, Trajan and Hadrian, in fact were born here. It was the centre of the Roman Western Mediterranean dominions for seven centuries until the Empire was overrun by Northern barbarians at the beginning of the 10th century. The long Moorish occupation of the Iberian peninsula, from 711 A.D. to 1248 A.D., left clear traces in Sevilla as well as in all of Andalucia. The architecture of the older parts of the city still reflects the centuries of Moorish control of the city, beginning in 711. After a brief independence as one of the taifa principalities, from 1023 to 1091, Sevilla then fell to the Reconquista of Ferdinand III of Castile in 1248.“La Giralda”, the tower of an important mosque, is the most well-known of the remaining Islamic monuments and is one of the city’s main symbols.

The city’s cathedral was built from 1401–1519 after the Reconquista on the former site of the city’s mosque. It is the largest of all medieval and Gothic cathedrals, in terms of both area and volume. The interior, with the longest nave in Spain, is lavishly decorated, with a large quantity of gold evident. The Cathedral reused some columns and elements from the mosque, and most famously the Giralda, originally a minaret, was converted into a bell tower. It is topped with a statue representing Faith. The Alcázar facing the cathedral is the city’s old Moorish Palace; construction was begun in 1181. Additional construction continued for over 500 years.

The city of Sevilla played an important role in the discovery and conquest of America in 1492. The 17th century was very important on the artistic level : painters such as Velázquez, Murillo and Valdés Leal, and sculptors like Martínez Montañés were born here. The city also assumed an important role in world literature. Sevilla also is the birthplace of the myth of “Don Juan”.

6. Valencia

Valencia is a medium-sized port city and the third largest city in Spain. The greater Valencia is an industrial area on the Costa del Azahar in Spain. It is the capital of the Land of Valencia and of province of Valencia. Valencia has a Mediterranean climate, with warm dry summers and mild winters. Gastronomically, the region is home to paella, Spain’s most famous dish. Historically, it is believed that the Holy Grail resides in Valencia’s cathedral and it was here that El Cid fought the Moors. With its long sandy beaches, mild and pleasant climate, vibrant festivals, recently renovated old town and lively night life, this is definitely a city that has everything a visitor would want for a varied and interesting holiday.

In the Barrio del Carmen the ancient winding streets the buildings date from Roman and Arabic times. The Cathedral, built between the 13th and 15th century, is primarily of Gothic style but contains elements of baroque and Romanesque architecture. Beside the Cathedral is the Gothic Basilica of the Virgin. The 15th century Serrano and Quart towers are part of what was once the wall surrounding the city. UNESCO has declared the Gothic silk exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) as a world heritage sight. The modernist Central Market (Mercado Central) is one of the largest in Europe. The main railway station (Estación Del Norte) is built in art decor style.

The major tourist attraction is the amazing City of Arts and Sciences which attracts 4 million annual visitors. The world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava produced the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. It contains a science museum, an IMAX cinema, and the oceanographic park. Calatrava is also responsible for the bridge named after him in the center of the city. The Music Palace is another good example of modern architecture in Valencia. Valencia plays an important role on the European art circuit. The city’s galleries contain works by El Greco, Goya and Velázquez.