Rough cost estimation 2690€
2022_07 11-012 30 - 1pax Zakiya Umer
Rough cost estimation 2690€
11/07/2022 | 15/07/2022 | |
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15/07/2022 | 18/07/2022 | |
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23/07/2022 | 26/07/2022 | |
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26/07/2022 | 28/07/2022 |
- ARRIVAL IN PORTO 11th JULY4 NIGHTS IN OPORTOROUTE FROM OPORTO TO LISBON3N LISBOA*: VISIT THE CAPITAL OF PORTUGAL AND ITS AREA ROUTE FROM LISBON TO SEVILLEGuided visits in the historical centre of Seville, including the Alkasr Royal Palaces and gardens, Cathedral of Seville and the remains of the Almohad courtyard and minaret, the modern Giralda, Torre del Oro, Jewish quarters, old medina and city walls. After a break for lunch we will walk along the river to the Parque de Maria Luisa and Plaza de España, where we will be picked up and taken to our hotel. Night walks around historical centre or riverside, flamenco show and horse carriage Madrides are available during our free evening in Seville.SEVILLA TO CÓRDOBAGuided visits in the medina of Cordoba, including Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral, the Alkasr Royal Palaces, the Jewish quarters, old city walls, Live Museum of al-Andalus, Andalusi courtyard home and other streets and alleys in the historical medina of Cordoba.Continuing our visits in the city and a break for lunch in the medina, we will depart Cordoba through Medinat al-Zahra, court city and Caliph's palace ruins, including a visit to the museum and expositions there.ODB-GRX: OLIVE OIL, CASTLES & TOWER ROUTE FROM CÓRDOBA INTO GRANADAVisit Alhambra palace and Gardens. Free evening in Granada. Morning transfer to Granada for a midday arrival(260km). Upon arrival at Granada, we will collect some snacks and be introduced through a guided visit to the Alhambra palatial town, including the Nashrid Palaces, Alkasba fortress, Generalife summer palace, gardens and the old medina of the Alhambra.Special dinner in Granada.The next morning you will be introduced to the modern capital of Granada, we will go through the most important areas of the historical medina within the modern city centre, the old medina after which Granada is named.After this introduction you will have free time for shopping, leisure walks or activities in Granada, during your last afternoon in Spain.GR-TO: FROM GRANADA/CÓRDOBA, ROUTE OF DON QUIXOTE THROUGH 'LA MANCHA', TO TOLEDO, ANCIENT CAPITAL OF IBERIA, MELTING POT OF AL-ANDALUS, FURTHER TO MADRID CAPITAL OF MODERN SPAINTWO NIGHTS IN MADRID
OPORTOJul 11
Porto - The City
Time has seemingly failed to touch some of the hidden corners of Porto, with many of its typical winding alleys full of shops and restaurants looking like a scene straight out of a medieval history book. The city is so soaked in the past that the historic area of Ribeira has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Considering the backdrop of wrought-iron balconies full of flowers, the daily washing, and an array of fresh white and blue ‘azulejos’ tiles, you will have the perfect city for aimless wandering. However, the city does have a few key landmarks that are worth a visit, including the elaborately decorated Palacio da Bolsa (the Stock Exchange Palace), the medieval Cathedral, and The Clérigos Tower.
The other big draw for tourists is the tour of the Porto wine cellars at Vila Nova de Gaia on the other side of the Douro River.
The surrounding suburbs of the city are also compelling: Matosinhos offers great seafood eateries and small beaches stretching down the coastline. Foz do Douro is known as the wealthier area, with nightclubs and restaurants just 5 kilometres northwest of Porto, while Amarantes, a small northern town over the Tâmega River, has everything to win your heart: a preserved historic centre, charming architecture, and the warmth of its inhabitants.
Ribeira
In the heart of the Old Town, the “Riverbank” quarter of the city contrasts historic winding streets with lively and colourful facades. With abundant restaurants and galleries, this is a great place to venture out during the day as well as at night, when the array of trendy bars and nightclubs open their doors.
RibeiraRibeira, Porto
Aveiro
Known as the Venice of Portugal, Aveiro, located 57km to the south of Porto, is a charming town surrounded by beaches, lagoons, and beautiful canals that run through it. It is easy to reach Aveiro: several trains leave Porto to Aveiro every day, and the journey takes about an hour.
AveiroAveiro, Portugal
Tower of D. Pedro Pitões
Medieval tower discovered during the demolition work of several buildings around the Sé Cathedral and then reconstructed 15 metres away from its original position. Today, this restored and fortified medieval tower is home to the Porto Tourism Office.
Tower of D. Pedro PitõesRua de São Sebastião, Porto
OPORTOJul 12
Portuguese Centre of Photography
Located in a former 18th-century prison, the PCF is a free museum featuring exhibitions on both Portuguese and Brazilian photography, as well as a collection of historic cameras and photography equipment.
Portuguese Centre of PhotographyCampo Mártires da Pátria, Porto
Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
These romantic 19th-century landscaped gardens are free to visit and offer spectacular views of Porto, Gaia, and the Douro River. Spend some time wandering the maze-like gardens, populated with luscious trees and flowers, take a couple of pictures, and then stop by one of the many fountains to admire the free-range peacocks.
Jardins do Palácio de CristalR. de Dom Manuel II, Porto
Nova Sintra Park (Parque das Águas)
Currently the headquarters of the municipal company Águas do Porto, hence its second name Parque das Águas (Water Park), the Nova Sintra Park is one of the largest green spaces in Porto, boasting great botanical diversity, dense trees, as well as a peaceful atmosphere--a nice place to relax and take a break by one of its many fountains.
Nova Sintra Park (Parque das Águas)Rua do Barão de Nova Sintra, Porto
Soares dos Reis National Museum
Culture vultures will not want to miss this National Museum dedicated to 19th- and 20th-century Portuguese painting and sculpture. After your visit, you can enjoy a coffee in the museum's café.
Soares dos Reis National MuseumR. de Dom Manuel II 44, Porto
Clerigos Tower
Torre Dos Clérigos is a 75-meters high granite Baroque tower built by the Italian artist Niccolo Nazzoni in the 18th century. Those who endure the steep 240-step journey to the top will be rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view of the city.
You should also visit the Igreja dos Clérigos (Church of the Clerics), a true Baroque masterpiece in the city.
Porto - Shopping
Porto’s main shopping street is the pedestrianised Rua de Santa Catarina in the city centre, where you will find famous international brands as well as the large Centro Comercial ViaCatarina Shopping Center. However, the small streets off the main streets are also worth a visit, brimming with independent shops selling fresh bread, cheese, and cakes, interspersed with bookstores and traditional shoe shops.
Gold jewellery is another speciality of Portugal, a reflection of its colonial past and its conquests of gold-rich lands in South America.
For a taste of daily Portuguese life, pay a visit to one of Porto’s many open-air markets to mingle with the locals and try some local delicacies.
Rua de Santa CatarinaRua de Santa Catarina, Porto
Centro Comercial Via CatarinaRua de Santa Catarina 312 a 350, Portohttp://www.viacatarina.pt/en/home
Open-air markets
A Pérola do BolhãoR. Formosa 279, Porto
Jewellery
Casa Da Guitarra (House of Guitars)Av. Vimara Peres 49, Portohttp://www.casadaguitarra.pt
Garrafeira do CarmoRua do Carmo 17, Portohttp://www.garrafeiracarmo.com
Mercado Bom SucessoPraça do Bom Sucesso 74-90, Portohttp://www.mercadobomsucesso.pt/en/
OPORTOJul 13
Porto - Do & See
In Porto, there is so much to see and do. Be sure to visit the port wine caves, its vibrant open-air markets, historic churches, but remember to set aside some time to admire its beautiful architecture and colorful neighbourhoods.
Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)Terreiro da Sé, Portohttp://www.diocese-porto.pt/pt/catedral-do-porto/
RibeiraRibeira, Porto
Port Wine Caves at Vila Nova De GaiaVila Nova de Gaia, Porto
Soares dos Reis National MuseumR. de Dom Manuel II 44, Porto
Serralves Museum of Contemporary ArtRua D. João de Castro 210, Portohttp://www.serralves.pt/en/
Tower of D. Pedro PitõesRua de São Sebastião, Porto
Nova Sintra Park (Parque das Águas)Rua do Barão de Nova Sintra, Porto
AveiroAveiro, Portugal
Stock Exchange PalaceR. de Ferreira Borges, Portohttp://palaciodabolsa.com/en/intro/
Monument Church of St FrancisRua do Infante D. Henrique, Portohttp://www.ordemsaofrancisco.pt
Dom Luis I BridgePonte D. Luis I, Porto
Church of Santa ClaraLargo Primeiro de Dezembro, Porto
São Bento Railway StationPraça de Almeida Garrett, Porto
Guindais FunicularR. da Ribeira Negra 314, Porto
Portuguese Centre of PhotographyCampo Mártires da Pátria, Porto
Beaches
Jardins do Palácio de CristalR. de Dom Manuel II, Porto
OPORTO - COIMBRA - OPORTOJul 14
No Plans For This Day
PORTO - LISBONJul 15
No Plans For This Day
LISBONJul 16
Monument to King José I at Praça do Comércio
The Monument to King José I can be found right in the middle of Praça do Comércio — Lisbon's grandest square. The square, still often referred to as Terreiro do Paço by the locals, is the perfect starting point for your exploration of the city. The square is hugged by historic buildings complete with countless columns. The statue of King José I faces the Tagus River — a gateway to the New World, now a busy transportation hub with a ferry terminal and connecting tram lines.
Monument to King José I at Praça do ComércioPraça do Comércio (Terreiro do Paço), Lisbon
São Jorge Castle
São Jorge Castle is one of the oldest structures in Lisbon. This was once a fortress (taken from the Moors in 1147), and now a must-see landmark with a fantastic view of the city. Peacocks and peahens a plenty around the grounds.
Humans have been living on the castle hill since at least the 8th century BC, while the first fortifications date from the 1st century BC. Truly a historic place!
São Jorge CastleCastelo de São Jorge, Lisbonhttp://www.castelodesaojorge.pt/en
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
A must-see on every tourist's list, the scenic viewpoint of Portas do Sol offers panoramic views of traditional Alfama houses with rustic red roofs. The viewpoint is a good stop on your way to the São Jorge Castle — take the tram 28 up the hill and walk the rest of the way through the maze-like narrow streets.
Miradouro das Portas do SolLargo Portas do Sol, 1100-411 Lisboa
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Another great lookout is Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, located in a churchyard. It is recommended to visit this lookout early in the morning or late at night when this magic city lights up right beneath your feet.
Miradouro da Senhora do MonteMiradouro da Senhora do Monte, Lisbon
Tower of Belém
The Tower of Belém, officially the Tower of Saint Vincent, was built on the banks of the Tagus between 1515 and 1521 by King Manuel I of Portugal to guard the entrance to the port of Lisbon. Through the centuries it has served as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers, as well as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. In 1983 the tower was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, together with the Jerónimos Monastery.
Tower of BelémTorre de Belém, Avenida Brasíliahttp://www.patrimoniocultural.gov.pt/en/museus-e-monumentos/dgpc/m/torre-de-belem
Lisbon - The City
Lisbon’s heart lies beside the river, even if the city has grown in all directions. Sit down at a pavement cafe on Rossio Square and you will see the Baiza, the flat city centre that dates from the 18th century, between yourself and the river bank. Look up in one direction and you will see the São Jorge castle on the top of a hill. Look in the other direction and you will see the ruin of the Carmo Church on another hill. Walk, or take a tram to one of them and you will discover the quarters of old Lisbon, most of them with a magnificent view of the rest of the city and the river.
Wander north from Rossio, you will soon end up on a stately 19th century avenue, in the part of the city which is still called "Avenidas Novas". Further north, the buildings become really new, with the city’s two large football grounds, Luz and Alvalade, and, lastly, the airport which is twenty traffic-jam-free minutes in a car from Rossio. Most of the best sights, restaurants and nightlife are situated along the river. Shopping is good along the Avenidas Novas, but otherwise the rule is to keep close to the river to get the best out of your visit.
Lisbon - Tourist Information
Passport / Visahttp://www.iatatravelcentre.com
Lisbon Airport (LIS)Lisbon Airport, Lisbonhttp://www.aeroportolisboa.pt/en
Best Time to Visit
Public Transporthttp://www.metrolisboa.pt
Pharmacy
Telephone
Electricity
LISBON - SINTRA? - LISBONJul 17
Sintra
Sintra is a charming town located in the lush hills of the Serra de Sintra amidst an evergreen pine forest, known for its whimsical villas and the ruins of a 10th century Moorish castle. The main attractions include the vibrancy-coloured yellow Palácio Nacional de Pena, the Neo-Gothic mansion of Quinta da Regaleira and the medieval Palácio Nacional de Sintra. The town's entire centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some day tours to Sintra will also include a visit to Cabo da Roca — the westernmost point in Europe, — as well as a stop in the Cascais bay area.
Lisbon - Do & See
A true modern metropolis that can compete with any world capital in the number of attractions, Lisbon is a city that is on the up and up. Best known for its colonialist history, rich architectural tradition and Fado music, the city is perfect for long walks — hike up the hills of Alfama or at St. George's Castle to get the most spectacular views. Romans, Berber pirates, Moorish builders and brutal Reconquista knights left their mark on the urban fabric of the city.
Most of the best sights, restaurants and nightlife spots are situated along the river. Dive headfirst into the bohemian atmosphere of Lisbon.
São Jorge CastleCastelo de São Jorge, Lisbonhttp://www.castelodesaojorge.pt/en
Jerónimos MonasteryMonasterio de los Jerónimos de Belém, Praça do Impériohttp://www.patrimoniocultural.gov.pt/pt/museus-e-monumentos/dgpc/m/mosteiro-dos-jeronimos
National Tile MuseumMuseu Nacional do Azulejo, Rua da Madre de Deus 4http://www.museudoazulejo.gov.pt
Parque Das NaçõesAvenida Dom João II, Lisbonhttp://www.portaldasnacoes.pt
Church of Sao RoqueIgreja de São Roque, Largo Trindade Coelhohttp://mais.scml.pt/museu-saoroque
Gulbenkian FoundationAvenida de Berna 45A, Lisbonhttp://www.gulbenkian.pt/en
Lisbon OceanariumEsplanada Dom Carlos I, Lisbonhttp://www.oceanario.pt/en
São Pedro de Alcântara Garden and Viewing PlatformMiradouro(Jardim) de São Pedro de Alcântara, Rua de Sao Pedro de Alcantara
Pavilion of KnowledgePavilhão do Conhecimento — Ciência Viva Science Centre, Largo José Mariano Gago 1http://www.pavconhecimento.pt/en
Sanctuary of Christ the KingSantuário de Cristo Rei, Alto do Pragalhttp://cristorei.pt/en/home
Monument to King José I at Praça do ComércioPraça do Comércio (Terreiro do Paço), Lisbon
Escape Room in the Heart of LisbonRua dos Douradores 13, Lisboahttp://boostportugal.com/en/activities/experiences/lisbon/escape-hunt-en
Miradouro da Senhora do MonteMiradouro da Senhora do Monte, Lisbon
Cascais VillageCascais — about a 45-minute drive from Lisbon
Lisboa Story CentreTerreiro do Paço 78-81, Lisbonhttp://www.lisboastorycentre.pt
The Orient MuseumMuseu do Oriente, Avenida Brasília 352http://www.foriente.pt
Tower of BelémTorre de Belém, Avenida Brasíliahttp://www.patrimoniocultural.gov.pt/en/museus-e-monumentos/dgpc/m/torre-de-belem
Monsanto Forest ParkParque Florestal de Monsanto, Monsanto Hills
Carmo Convent & MuseumLargo do Carmo, 1200-092 Lisbonhttp://www.museuarqueologicodocarmo.pt
National Palace of QueluzLargo do Palacio, 2745-191 Queluzhttp://www.parquesdesintra.pt/en/parks-monuments/the-gardens-and-national-palace-of-queluz
Miradouro das Portas do SolLargo Portas do Sol, 1100-411 Lisboa
National Museum of Ancient ArtMuseu Nacional de Arte Antiga, Rua das Janelas Verdeshttp://www.museudearteantiga.pt/english
Sunset Cruise on the Tagus RiverFerry terminal "Sul e Sueste" close to Praça do Comércio
Lisbon - Shopping
A lot of the shopping in Lisbon is now housed in enormous shopping centres such as Colombo and Amoreiras, or in smaller gallerias. The city’s old centre, Baixa, retains its identity as a traditional shopping district, where you walk on the streets (some of them traffic-free) and drop into the shops. Go in for cork designs, gourmet food, crafts, soaps, shoes and if your wallet allows, gold.
Chiado is close to Baixa, and has the reputation of being the city’s finest shopping district. Chiado successfully manages to combine the gallery model with open shopping, combining the best of both worlds.
Fábrica Sant'AnnaRua do Alecrim 95, Lisboahttp://www.santanna.com.pt/en
Baixa NeighbourhoodBaixa, Lisbon
Centro ColomboAvenida Lusíada, Lisbonhttp://www.colombo.pt/en
Centro AmoreirasAvenida Eng. Duarte Pacheco, lojahttp://www.amoreiras.com/en
ChiadoChiado, Lisbon
Centro Vasco da GamaAvenida Dom João II 40, Lisbonhttp://www.centrovascodagama.pt
Armazéns do ChiadoRua do Carmo 2, Lisbonhttp://www.armazensdochiado.com/en
Luvaria UlissesRua do Carmo 87A, Lisbonhttp://www.luvariaulisses.com
A Vida PortuguesaRua Anchieta 11, Lisbonhttp://www.avidaportuguesa.com/en
Freeport Lisboa Fashion OutletAvenida Euro 2004, Alcochetehttp://freeportfashionoutlet.pt/en/freeport-outlet-shuttle-en
Feria da LadraMercado de Santa Clara, Campo de Santa Clarahttp://www.golisbon.com/sight-seeing/feira-da-ladra.html
LISBON - SEVILLEJul 18
Arrival into Seville, Capital of Andalusia Today
After arrival and checking into your hotel, we suggest you take the boat tour up river Guadalquivir as an introduction to the city, this will set the mood for a relaxed, yet lively experience in the capital of today’s Andalusia. You will be near enough to walk through the town’s pedestrian center, by the Cathedral along to the modern center with plenty of shops and a few Halal meal options available. There are two or three mosques in town currently, which opens at prayer times; even though you will be fascinated by the amount of older mosques which are nowadays very folkloric churches in Seville’s capital. There are at least 300 of these ‘old’ mosques.
Casual city walk towards Shopping area in Seville
Plaza NuevaSevilla, Andalucía, ES, 41001
Ayuntamiento De SevillaPlaza Nueva, 1http://www.sevilla.org
Seville casual walks - Google My Mapshttps://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1pffakM7p2NQm8NKuO54qKTyG2ye_jjLT&usp=sharing
Seville - Tourist Information
Passport / Visa
Best Time to Visit
Seville Airporthttp://www.sevilla-airport.com
Public Transporthttp://www.tussam.es
Taxi
Telephone
Electricity
SEVILLE (FIRST WHOLE DAY)Jul 19
Seville Highlights
Time for touring the highlights of Seville’s historical center. Starting with the Alkasr Royal Palaces you may continue to discover the Cathedral of Seville, built over the former mosque and still holds it’s minaret, the modern Giraldatower. This will all take you through to lunch, which you can find nearby. It may be advisable to take some rest through midday Spanish heat, especially during the summer time. A leisurely afternoon plan provides for shopping and further options from the historical town to the modern city center. You may find souvenir shops, typical Spanish restaurants and picturesque garden homes, nearby the city’s main shopping streets, laid out as if it were a large outdoor mall. Dinner arrangements, night walks and further options provided at the time of your booking.
The rest of the day in town is intended as a leisurely day, further options provided at the time of your booking. For independent tours we usually include a city transport card or hop-on hop-off tour of the city. Our private serviced tours include a dedicated driver and assistant, these are optional extras you may book towards your tour. You should not leave Seville without visiting ‘Plaza de España’ and ‘Parque de Maria Luisa’ where you will find some of the most exotic flora from around the world in beautiful gardens formerly belonging to the Royal Family. There are also two museums within the park, worth a visit to widen your knowledge of Popular Culture and Archaeology in the city of Seville.
â–¶ Real Alcazar of Seville - Official Website and Ticket Saleshttps://www.alcazarsevilla.org/en/
Seville - Do & See
Today’s Seville is a lively place, bustling with culture, music, exquisite food and an unstoppable personality. Some of the city's main sights include the Moorish castle of Alcazar, the former upper-class neighbourhood of Santa Cruz, the promenades along the Guadalquivir River, the rougher Macarena neighbourhood with its Baroque churches, and the oldest bar in Spain, El Rinconcillo. The city’s gigantic Parque de Maria Luisa is worth visiting, as are the bohemian chic bars in the Alameda de Hércules district.
Cathedral Santa María de la SedeAvenida de la Constitución, Sevillehttp://www.catedraldesevilla.es
Plaza de EspañaAvenida de Isabel la Católica, Seville
Santa CruzSanta Cruz Quarter, Seville
Maria Luisa ParkPaseo de las Delicias, Seville
Museo del Baile FlamencoCalle Manuel Rojas Marcos 3, Sevillehttp://www.museoflamenco.com
Torre del OroPaseo de Cristóbal Colón, Sevillehttp://www.visitasevilla.es/monuments-and-culture/torre-del-oro
Basílica de la MacarenaCalle de Bécquer 1, Sevillehttp://www.hermandaddelamacarena.es
Church of El SalvadorPlaza del Salvador 3, Sevillehttp://www.catedraldesevilla.es/iglesia-de-el-salvador
Sevilla de ÓperaCalle Pastor y Landero 8, Seville
Tower of PerdigonesCalle Resolana 41, Sevillehttp://www.camaraoscuraworld.com/en/tower-of-perdigones-seville
Metropol Parasol (Las Setas de Sevilla)Plaza de la Encarnación, Seville
Seville Olive Oil Workshops
Palacio de las DueñasCalle Dueñas, 5http://www.lasduenas.es
Mercado de FeriaFeria, s/nhttp://www.mercadodelaferia.es
Seville - The City
The Phoenicians arrived in this area first, establishing a number of trade colonies by the river. They taught the locals how to work with iron and created a new way of processing gold. The Romans came next and founded the town of Hispalis a few hundred years BC. Hispalis grew into a beautiful and prosperous city, but it never managed to emerge from the shadow of nearby Córdoba, until the Visigoths transformed Hispalis into a provincial seat and a centre of learning.
Transliterated as Ishbiliya in Arabic, Seville took on a particular significance after the Almowahiddin berber sultanate had extended from North Africa making it the most northern representation , and mirroring their capital Marrakech, to the south.
Seville being conquered in 1248 by the Christian Kingdom of Castilla, was to become the new Christian Kings favorite city in Andalusia, and a placeholder to further attack onto Granada, the last Muslim Kingdom of Al-Andalus. It is not by chance that after Granada's sign over to the Catholic Christian Kings of newly formed "Spain", Christopher Columbus discovered "a new continent" in 1492, that same year, as he followed maps drawn by some say Chinese Muslim and were until then secretly kept by only some family clans. From then on, colonization taking place, all exclusive trade rights were given to Seville, hence the city quickly became the wealthiest and most cosmopolitan city in Europe, retaining that position for several hundred years. This eclectic mix of influences over the centuries have shaped the city we see today, and Seville's fascinating history is visible at every turn.
SEVILLE (SECOND DAY)Jul 20
Seville - Shopping
Seville's diverse neighbourhoods offer some interesting shopping. North of La Geralda clock tower lies Seville’s largest shopping area, centred around Calle Sierpes and Calle Tetuan, where many shoe shops and souvenir boutiques can be found. Get high quality shawls, handmade fans, Seville hats or even a unique Flamenco dress designed for you. The working-class neighbourhood of Triana, on the opposite side of the river, is well-known for its ceramics market and tile havens such as Cerámica Santa Ana. In the Alfalfa district you will find plenty of antique stores and trendy galleries, but also a handful of noteworthy fashion shops.
Adolfo DomínguezCalle Asunción 10, Sevillehttp://www.adolfodominguez.com
Women's SecretCalle O'Donnell 10, Sevillehttp://www.womensecret.com
El Corte Inglés Shopping CentrePlaza del Duque de la Victoria 8, Sevillehttp://www.elcorteingles.es
Sombreros MaquedanoCalle Sierpes 40, Seville
Plaza de Armas Shopping MallPlaza de la Legión, Sevillehttp://www.centrocomercialplazadearmas.es
SEVILLE - CORDOBAJul 21
Walk through the Medina Al-Qadima of Córdoba.
Upon arrival and check-in to your hotel in Cordoba, we will take a leisurely walk through the Al-Medina Al-Qadima of Córdoba into the very surroundings of the Ummaya Mosque, current Cathedral of Córdoba. Free time is provided here for any extra activities, rest, or shopping! As well as a lively town center and many shops, there are three active mosques in Córdoba today worth visiting, a marvelous opportunity to meet some local Muslims while touring around town. Our welcome group dinner plan is optional at extra cost, we will advise you on possible activities at the hotel lobby upon check-in.
Mezquita De Cordoba, gestión integral de venta de entradashttps://tickets.mezquita-catedraldecordoba.es/en/458-web-individual/3019-the-soul-of-cordoba
Dropbox Capturehttps://capture.dropbox.com/SbpLt431zjH75CpC
Mezquita De Cordoba, gestión integral de venta de entradashttps://tickets.mezquita-catedraldecordoba.es/en/458-web-individual/2334-bell-tower
Cordoba Highlight Tours
As a first time explorer in Cordoba, or to deepen your historical knowledge of the city, we suggest you explore Cordoba's ancient Islamic ‘medina’ , the most ancient town, ‘Madinat alqadima’ of Cordoba and it’s Ummaya Mosque.
We also recommend a series of our favorite expositions and museums in town. While in Cordoba one must also take a short excursion to witness and explore the Ummayad's Government city of Madinat al Zahra the Caliph's ruling city.
There are three active mosques in Cordoba worth visiting, a marvelous opportunity to meet some local Muslims while touring around town.
Further service standards and options are provided at the time of your booking. You must not leave Cordoba without visiting 'Plaza de La Corredera', 'Parque de Colón' where you will find and actual mosque open for Muslims to pray in today. There are also some expositions in town, worth a visit to widen your knowledge of popular culture and the historical roots of Cordoba.
Mosque-Cathedral Monumental Site of Cordoba | Web Oficial - Mezquita-Catedral de Córdobahttps://mezquita-catedraldecordoba.es/en/
17:47 - Departure
High Speed Train from SEVILLA TO CORDOBA*
CÓRDOBA – SEVILLA* TOUR OF THE HISTORICAL CENTRE, ALKASAR & CATHEDRAL, INCLUDING GIRALDA TOWER, FORMER MINARET
Then continue down the river Guadalquivir towards Almodovar del Río, and further to Seville, 150 km. Visits in the historical centre of Seville, include the Alkasr Royal Palaces and gardens, Cathedral of Seville and the remains of the Almohad courtyard and minaret, the modern Giralda, Torre del Oro, Jewish quarters, old medina and city walls. After a break for lunch we advise to walk along the river to the Parque de Maria Luisa and Plaza de España, alternatively you can do this by horse carriadge from the nearabouts of the Cathedral.
Night walks around the historical centre or riverside and flamenco shows are available during our free evenings in Seville.
CORDOBA (MAIN DAY)Jul 22
Mosque Booklet.pdf
Historical Introduction to Cordoba
Cordoba Guide & Historical Introductionhttps://trips.alandalus-experience.com/get-app/6yw9rqew3z7wqz2amyde5b93qgay82a
Medina Azahara - Conjunto Arqueológico Madinat al-Zahra
Medina Azahara - Conjunto Arqueológico Madinat al-Zahrakm 5.5 Ctra. Palma del Río, Córdoba, ANDALUCÍA, ES, 14005
Museo Casa AndalusíC. Judíos, 12
CORDOBA - GRANADAJul 23
16:21 - Departure
Train Connections From Cordoba To Granada
Attached you can find the train ticket connections from Cordoba to Granada.
GR*: GRANADA, THE LAST MUSLIM KINGDOM, FRUiT OF AL-ANDALUS; DAY TIME INCLUDING GUIDED VISIT TO THE ALHAMBRA (UNESCO HERITAGE SITE)
GR*: GRANADA, THE LAST MUSLIM KINGDOM, FRUiT OF AL-ANDALUS; DAY TIME INCLUDING GUIDED VISIT TO THE ALHAMBRA (UNESCO HERITAGE SITE)
You will be introduced to the modern capital of Granada, we will go through the most important areas of the historical medina within the modern city centre, the old medina after which Granada is named.After this introduction you will have free time for shopping, leisure walks or activities in Granada, during your last afternoon in Spain.
- Optional Guided Tours available by Al-Andalus Experience in Granada, Spain. Will update this section to include these.
AlbayzinGranada, Andalucía, ES
Home - Tickets Alhambra Patronatohttps://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es/en/
Granada - Do & See
It is possible to explore the city by foot, though you may find a local guide useful to make good use of your time in town.
The AlhambraAlhambra, Granadahttp://www.alhambra.org/en
AlbayzínAlbayzín, Granada
Plaza Larga MarketPlaza Larga, Granada
Arco De Las PesasPlaceta de las Minas 4, Granada
Mirador de San NicolásPlaza de San Nicolás, Granada
SacromonteSacromonte, Granada
Generalife GardenRealejo-San Matias, Granadahttp://www.alhambra-patronato.es
Mosque of GranadaPlaza de San Nicolás, Granadahttp://www.mezquitadegranada.com
Museo Cuevas del SacromonteBarranco de los Negros, Granadahttp://www.sacromontegranada.com
Carrera del DarroCarrera del Darro, Granada
GRANADAJul 24
No Plans For This Day
GRANADAJul 25
No Plans For This Day
GRANADA - MADRIDJul 26
Welcome to Madrid, Spain.
12:40 Arrive - Taxi from airport and Checkin to hotel.
The Islamic origin of Madrid is integrated here in a welcome city tour, passing through the capital's most popular highlights, and key areas. *This tour includes the recently declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, "Paseo de Las Luces" , from Madrid-Atocha Train Station to Palacio de Cibeles, passing by the Arts District, Paseo del Prado and Botanic Garden of Maddrid.
Madjrid as a Ribayat fort city, defending Umayyad Al-Andalus. | MADRID, FROM ISLAMIC FORT, TO CAPITAL OF SPAIN TODAYhttps://trips.alandalus-experience.com/discover/trip/6yw9rqt2e6lzqz2aeezbcvvqfruupya/day/11548680
Ofiicial Madrid Bus Tour - 10%OFF | Madrid City Tourhttps://madrid.city-tour.com/en
Madrid Panoramic Tourhttps://www.taketours.com/madrid/madrid-panoramic-tour-400-5060.html
Tours From Madrid > Book Now Tickets > The Yellow Tourshttps://www.theyellowtours.com/en/
Madrid Islamic Highlights & Other Landmarks
CALLE MAYOR & PLAZA MAYOR
Calle Mayor is probably the most historic street in Madrid; dating back to the Middle Ages, it had changed greatly with time, and now the facades of many of the buildings date back to the early 19th century, when cars first started cruising around the Spanish capital. Calle Mayor is also important due to its location, connecting the Royal Palace to Plaza del Sol. Walking down the street in this direction, you will find several places of interest to the right; after passing the military HQ and a few religious buildings, you will come to an open square with a picturesque building at the back, and a statue standing in front of it, almost in the middle of the square. This statue represents Quevedo, a famous Spanish literary figure from Madrid, and the building is the former Town Hall, which was moved a few years ago to Palacio Cibeles.
PLAZA MAYOR:
Plaza Mayor (Main Square) is surrounded by residential buildings that overhang a covered pavement that runs around the whole square, bursting with restaurants and café terraces.Built over the original Plaza del Arrabal, it was the scene of manyauto-da-feevents, at which ‘heretics’ (secret Muslims and Jews) were condemned at tribunals of the Spanish Inquisition. Today it has lost its eerie connotations, and the varied seasonal markets and events regularly held here make Plaza Mayor a reference point in Madrid.
If you cross the square to its southernmost entrance and go down the steps, you can walk down to Calle Toledo, a street that leads to our next stop, Puerta de Toledo, which will allow us to expand a little on our ongoing topic of Madrid as an Islamic citadel.
PUERTA DE TOLEDO (Bab Tulaytulah):
‘Is this really an Islamic gateway?’ you may well ask, since nowadays it looks more like anarc de triomphe, a tribute to the city of Madrid’s historic origins. This is a good place to start understanding Madrid from its roots as an Islamic medina. We are close to the original palace founded in Umayyad times, currently the Spanish monarchy’s residence, Palacio de Oriente.
PUERTA DE ALCALÁ: (Bab Alqala’at):
This emblematic Neoclassical monument retains nothing more than the memory of the original foundation of the city of Madrid. A silent witness to centuries of history, it has been referred to in pop songs since the 70s, yet still bears scars from bullets from the Spanish Civil war in the 1930s, visible as patches in the granite. The Puerta de Alcalá thus embodies Spain’s heritage all the way from its roots through its Neoclassical architectural elements and up to the present.
PARQUE DEL RETIRO:
Retiro Park was made by and for the monarchs. These recreational grounds were where Spanish kings and queens came to escape their urban routines and enjoy riding, outdoor games, or hunting, until the mid 17thcentury, when the royal family donated it to the city of Madrid. Since then it has been a public park.
CALLE ALCALÁ:
The longest street in Madrid is Calle Alcalá, which begins at the Puerta del Sol and leads northwest. It intersects Paseo del Prado at Cibeles Square, and its main highlight is the Puerta de Alcalá, the gateway to Alcalá. This was the original entrance to the Islamic city, from Alcalá la Real, a city that lies some 40 km away from Madrid in that direction. Alcalá comes from the Arabic wordal-qala’a, meaning ‘the fortress or castle’. There are many towns and cities in Spain whose names contain this reference in their names, hinting at their Arabic and Muslim roots.
CASA ÁRABE:
A visit to the Casa Árabe (Arabic House) is also fascinating for tourists interested in Spain’s relationship with the Muslim world: this is a public Spanish consortium headed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. A strategic centre in Spain’s relations with the Arab world, this meeting point is where various private and public agents and institutions – in the spheres of education, academia, business, culture and politics – can come together, dialogue, and develop joint projects.C/ Alcalá, 62. 28009 · Madrid +34 91 563 30 66 info@casaarabe.es
PLAZA DE TOROS DE LAS VENTAS:
This is our first example of Mudéjar art, and it allows us to explore the fusion of the unique cultural heritage to be found in modern Spain. Mudéjar – from the Arabic term meaning ‘adopted’ or ‘integrated’ – refers to Spanish art made after the end of the political state of al-Andalus, but based on Islamic inspirations, techniques, or motifs – and even, initially at least, created by the Muslim craftsmen who had remained in Spain after theReconquista.
Madrid’s bullring was constructed in 1925 at the same time as Plaza de España, which was built to a very similar design; the two buildings were the centrepieces of Seville’s ‘World Ibero-Latin Expo’ that year, an event that was intended to present Spain and Hispanic American countries to the rest of the world. The results of that exhibition were strongly affected by the Wall Street crash of the same year.
MEZQUITA M-30:
This is the main mosque in Madrid, founded and maintained by the Saudi Kingdom for Spanish Muslims, and inaugurated in the late 1980s. The complex contains not only a large prayer room with a ladies area upstairs, but also a library, offices, shower rooms, toilets andwudu’facilities in which about 50 people can perform their ablution simultaneously. The complex also boasts a café and restaurant. On our tour we usually stop here for a few minutes to pray before continuing with our exploration of Madrid from its Muslim roots to the present day.
Mezquita de la M-30 mosque and cultural centre, C/Salvador de Madariaga, 4
Tel: 913262610
PASEO DE RECOLETOS – PASEO DE LA CASTELLANA:
Paseo de Recoletos is often confused with Paseo de la Castellana or Paseo del Prado, although this is not surprising, as it is essentially the same avenue. From Atocha through to the north of Madrid, it is first called Avenida del Prado, then once it reaches Plaza de Cibeles and passes through the city centre it is called Paseo de Recoletos, while further north, after passing Nuevos Ministerios, it becomes Paseo de la Castellana, ending at the northernmost point of Madrid at Plaza de Castilla.
NUEVOS MINISTERIOS:
In the Chamberí district of Madrid, just off Paseo de la Castellana, we find Nuevos Ministerios (‘New Ministries’), one of the most important governmental buildings in the capital that now houses the Ministries of Employment Development and Social Security. Construction began in 1933, and despite being halted during the civil war, the complex was eventually finished in 1942. Nearby we can also find the Nuevos Ministerios station, a transport interchange connecting bus, metro, and local train services.
SANTIAGO BERNABEU STADIUM:
The Santiago Bernabeu stadium is the grounds of the Real Madrid football club, and is categorised by UEFA as an ‘élite stadium’ – the highest rank. With a maximum capacity of 81,044 spectators, it is situated on the Paseo de la Castellana, in the Chamartín district. It was inaugurated on the 14thof December, 1947.
An official tour of the stadium can be made independently. The €21 cost includes access to the stadium, and arrows point the way so you can carry out the tour at your own pace, passing through various areas and the field itself, and even the trainers’ seats. The tour comes to an end at the Real Madrid Official Store, on the opposite end of the stadium to the main entrance.
PLAZA CASTILLA:
This public square is a landmark at the very north of the Spanish capital city, named after the central kingdom of former Iberia, Castilla. Some of the highest buildings in Madrid can be found on this square, which are its main attraction. The Puerta de Europa (Gate of Europe) – also colloquially called the Kío Towers – are a pair of skyscrapers that stand at 114m tall and have almost 30 floors. They are visible from anywhere in Madrid, and their main curiosity is that they are symmetrical, both of them leaning at 15º towards the same central point. Also on this square is the blue and yellow Castilla Tower, with a total of 24 floors, on the far west side of the square.
THE CALATRAVA OBELISK (PLAZA CASTILLA)
This 92m tall, 6m wide obelisk was designed by Santiago Calatrava, and was donated by Caja Madrid to the city of Madrid to celebrate the bank’s 300th anniversary. Set on the southern side of the square, when seen from Cuzco station as in this picture, the obelisk seems to be placed exactly between the two slanting towers of the Puerta de Europa. Its steel structure is made up of 12 turning rings that give the impression of creating waves as it slowly spins. The project was launched in 2004, but because of the busy metro stations underneath, the plans had to be altered, and construction finally ended in 2009. Further along this street we come to the four tallest towers in Madrid, also of recent construction.
M-30, M-40, M-50 RING ROADS
MADRID BARAJAS / ADOLFO SUAREZ INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
TAKE THE METRO INTO TOWN
FLIGHT CONNECTIONS TO MADRID
EXPRESS ARRIVAL FROM AIRPORT TO HIGH SPEED TRAIN: CORDOBA, SEVILLA, MALAGA, OR BARCELONA
PATRON SAINTS OF MADRID
The veneration of Madrid’s patron saints dates back to the earliest years of Christian domination. Legend tells that an image of the Virgin Mary was found on the outer city wall on the 9thof November, 1085 CE (463 AH), while San Isidro Labrador (b. circa 1070 CE, d. 1130 or 1172 CE), a Mozárabe farmworker born during the Muslim era, was a great devotee of the Virgen de la Almudena. Both are patron saints of Madrid.
This brings us back to the religious syncretism of this European capital, which has barely been studied but which is in plain evidence: the Virgin of the Almudena is the image of the Madrid cathedral, which is situated over the foundations of the ancient mosque of the citadel. The word Almudena is derived from Al-mudayna, meaning citadel in Arabic, and related to the worddin, or religion. SanIsidro Labrador could be a Hispanisation of Idris, probably referring to a local Muslim saint.
Although this was a fortified city, designed to control the border and protect the important city of Toledo, few vestiges of the Islamic or Mudéjar period remain. However, we will explore these on this tour, shining a light on a little-known aspect of this European capital’s Muslim past.
MINARET OF SAN MIGUEL DE LOS SERVITAS & THE MORERÍA:
Even though all that is left of the original building is its tower, the archaeological remains that have been found, together with its location, suggest that this 12thcentury Mudéjar church was built over one of the six mosques that existed in Majrit before the Christian conquest in 1083 CE (461 AH). This is why it is referred to historically as the only minaret that was preserved in the city, although this is not conclusively proven. What is evident is that it was built by thealarifes(Muslim builders and master craftsmen) that remained in the city after the Reconquista, on the condition that they continued their work as builders for the new Christian rulers.
At the end of the 11thcentury or beginning of the 12th, a second city wall was built around Madrid; it was described as the ‘Christian wall’, but constructed in the same style as the previous one, as it was the Mudéjars who were responsible for its construction. These Mudéjars lived in what would be the modern-day neighbourhood of La Latina, previously known as the Morería (Moorish quarter); in this district we can still find the Moorish gate and a square that bears the original name of the neighbourhood.
Tiles showing the names of squares in the original Moorish quarter of Madrid
The new name of this district came from an old hospital, but today it is better known as the most fashionable district in the capital, to which thousands of people flock every weekend to enjoy its atmosphere and itstapas.But while La Latina might be the correct name for the Mudéjar district, locally it is still known as La Morería.
La Morería is the neighbourhood where initially the Mozárabes (Arabised Christians) lived during Islamic times, and to which the Mudéjars (Muslims who remained after the Christian conquest) would later move when the city fell to Alfonso VI in 1083 CE (461 AH). This Spanish ruler gave the Muslims a generous degree of autonomy, allowing them to live according to their customs and traditions.
Muslim farmers, craftsmen, and builders crossed the city towards the valley of Las Vistillas to live in what had been the Mozárabe quarter, which was eventually incorporated into the citadel when Alfonso VI raised the new defensive walls around the suburb, protecting it from attack. The interior boundary of the Muslim quarter was delimited by a small stream that the Muslims called Majra, literally meaning ‘running water’ in Arabic – from which the Muslim name for the city, Majrit, was derived, and from there its modern name. This is where thehammamwas situated. This stream has long since dried up, and Calle Segovia was built over it.
12th century addition to the city walls; within these new precincts the Mudéjar quarter was found, also known as the Morería or Aljama quarter
In contemporary times, the layout of this neighbourhood allows us to distiguish its original street plan, splayed out around the Plaza del Alamillo, where the Islamic court of law was located. There were also two mosques on the sites where the churches of San Andrés and San Pedro el Viejo – with its magnificent Mudéjar tower, clearly recalling its Andalusi influences – stand today.
Mudéjar church of San Pedro el Viejo in the Morería district
An ancient Muslim water channel (qanat) from the 11th century is hidden in the Plaza de los Carros (shownbelow). Channels like these brought the water that lay under these rich soils out through underground conduits and carried it to distant agricultural fields for irrigation. This hydraulic supply system is one of the most important inheritances of Islamic Madrid, as it remained in use until the creation of the Isabel II canal.
Next to this old water channel we also find some of the almost 100 granaries and wells that have been found in excavations, which served to store foodstuffs until, much later, they were turned into rubbish dumps. Shards of Andalusi pottery have been found in these containers, which are now on display in the Museo de los Orígenes, located in the same district.
Muslim-era granaries in the centre of Madrid
Calle MayorCalle Mayor, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, ES
Plaza MayorMadrid, Community of Madrid, EShttps://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Plaza+Mayor,+Madrid,+Madrid,+Spain&ftid=0xd42287ed85fe0d9:0xd202c4f0d67625e8
Puerta del SolMadrid, Community of Madrid, EShttps://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Puerta+del+Sol&ftid=0xd422880a07d7dc7:0x694aee57da1dc679
Puerta de AlcalaMadrid, Comunidad de Madrid, ES, 28014
Plaza CastillaPlaza Castilla, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, ES, 28046
Plaza De CibelesPlaza De Cibeles, Madrid, Madrid, España
Estadio Santiago BernabéuAvenida de Concha Espina, 1http://www.realmadrid.es
Nuevos MinisteriosMadrid, Comunidad de Madrid, ES, 28046
Islamic Cultural Center of Madrid7 Calle Salvador de Madariaga, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, ES, 28027
Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (MAD)Avenida de la Hispanidad, S/Nhttp://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/satellite/aeropuerto-madrid-barajas/es/inicio.html
Monasterio San Pedro el Viejo - Iglesia San Pedro el ViejoPLAZA SAN PEDRO, S/N
Las Ventas TourMadrid, MADRID, ES, 28028http://www.las-ventas.com
MADRIDJul 27
2nd day in Madrid
PUERTA DEL SOL (Bab Shams):
Close to Plaza Mayor,coming fromCalle Mayor, is perhaps the most central square in Madrid. It is also named after the former Muslim-era gate, the Puerta del Sol, or Gate of the Sun. This was the entrance to the heart of the original Islamic medina. Today, the Puerta del Sol is famous in Spain for being the place where many people come to celebrate New Year, afiestathat is transmitted live on all television channels and attracts the highest number of TV viewers in the entire year. Puerta del Sol is also famous for another detail, one that is small in size but large in significance: the Km 0 plaque, our next stop.
KM 0 & THE NATIONAL ROAD SYSTEM:
If you walk towards the centre of the square and look up, you will see a central building with a clock at the top of its facade. Under that is a large door providing access to the building, usually flanked by two uniformed Civil Guards in their traditional three-pointed hats, and beneath their feet, a few metres ahead, you will see a plaque made of coloured stone with bronze lettering. This marks the Km 0 or absolute beginning of the national road system in Spain. Six major roads start symbolically at this point, which are, clockwise: National 1 to Burgos, (North), N2 to Barcelona (North-East), N3 to Valencia (East), N4 to Andalusia (South), N5 to Extremadura & Portugal, and N6 to Galicia, Asturias, and the North-West.
MADRIDJul 28
ATOCHA TRAIN STATION
ATOCHA:
Atocha is Madrid’s main railway station, connecting the capital with Barcelona, Cordoba, Seville and Malaga via the high-speed AVE line within a matter of 2-3 hours! It is also an interchange that connects Madrid’s local train and metro networks.
AtochaMadrid, COMMUNITY OF MADRID, ES, 28045https://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Atocha,+Madrid,+Madrid,+Spain&ftid=0xd42263d74685c5d:0x42e69362679ae93
INFORMATION & DOCUMENTS
INFORMATION & DOCUMENTS
Historical Introduction
The scope and interest of Al-Andalus is immense since Al-Andalus was in fact the first monarchic democracy to be established in Europe, in the IXth Century. As a foundation stone of Europe and the modern world, we should try to come close to Al-Andalus, learn more about it. We might find clues about our world, how to live in it better and avoid falling into the same mistakes.
This is what Al-Andalus Experience is about, for you to get beyond the veils of your daily life and step into the true lands of Al-Andalus through it's generous heritage which can most be witnessed in Cordoba and Granada provinces.
Unfortunately there is a general miss culture which has lead to offering the worldwide public a'historicalpantomime' going as far as to bend history into a series of fables and chronicles which in many cases pay little tribute reality. This is well known to modern Spanish historians and researchers and we know exactly where the mistakes or'blackholes' are in both popular and official account of history. As an organization we are in touch with researchers and historians as well as publishers and editors, it is our intention to rediscover the true history of Al-Andalus and we’re working on several projects in this line. Through our tours we invite you to participate in the memory of Al-Andalus and also help you actively to discover it.
Al-Andalus Experience originally emerged partly due to the lack of a service that goes about solving logistic problems for Muslim travellers in Spain. A great part of our team and collaborators are of Muslim faith and religion, hence we appreciate the needs and interests of Muslim travellers.
It is evident that our world needs to go beyond the veils and prejudice of labels, to hold respect for the diverse nature of humanity, if we are to walk into a peaceful and blessed future.
Some More Specific Details
The biggest part of Spanish history is closely related to the history of Islam, especially after the Islamic history left eight centuries of an indelible mark in the Iberian Peninsula. This Islamic presence had different levels: after the rapid entry (711) and the establishment of the first group of Muslims, Cordoba becomes the most powerful city, the new province of a Muslim empire: al-Andalus. In the hands of the Umayyad dynasty, almost three centuries, the power gets more centred, the territory is administered, the economy develops and the society as a whole blossoms as a consequence of the Caliphate in Cordoba(929).The sharp fall from the Caliphate happens during the reyes taifas period that was facilitating the advancements of the Christians.
The capture of Toledo by the Castile (1085) would announce the beginning of the Reconquista byconfronting first one of the Berber empires, Almoravids, and eventually the Almohads. The defeat of the Muslims in 1212“LasNavas of Tolosa” battle made an end to their superiority in the peninsula. Nevertheless the last political Muslim entity remained for another three centuries: the Nasruddin kingdom in Granada.
The capitulation of Granada in 1492 saw its last Muslims living consequently under Christian domination, to be named“Moriscos”thereafter, before an expulsion by Royal Decree in 1609.
Most local Muslims here in Spain, nowadays believe that the invisible seeds sown by the Muslim saints during these centuries allowed the present communities to reap the fruits in our contemporary multicultural societies.
RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY IN THE IBERIAN PENINSULA, ARIANS AND TRINITARIANS
Because of the size and geography of the Iberian Peninsula, there has always been many different'pockets'of population. These pockets where extended around the country in a very decentralized and disperse manner. As to religion, the Visigoths where Arian – followers of Ario – a form of Christianity which had extended throughout the Roman Empire during the 4th century and which negated trinity, considering it a form of polytheism. Though there weren't confrontations with the so called'orthodoxChristians', the majority of Hispano-Roman population was Catholic, defenders of the idea of three personalities of one same God.
The global picture of Europe until then had been very divided, religious views within Christianity not being an exception. In the peninsula, thousands of slaves, many of whom were Germanic, joined with their kin, who had become the real masters of Spain. In this equation we must not forget about the large population of Jews which spread out through Europe and the Iberian Peninsula. The further the aristocratic power changed from milder Arianism to Catholicism, which was completing itself by the 8th century, times got worse for the Jews.
The Catholics where an aristocratic minority of only around 12% including clerics who held much corruption and confusion at this time, weak knowledge and lack of a consensus or any religious criteria. Moreover, they where opposed by a mass of what they considered as'heretic'Christian movements throughout the entire peninsula. Within the Visigoths there weren't only Arian Christians but also Priscilian, following another old Unitarian Christian, Priscilio, with similar views to Ario.
THE DECADENCE OF THE VISIGOTH KINGDOM AND THE FORMATION OF AL-ANDALUS.
Towards the beginning of the VIII Century, the Visigoth kingdom who's capital was Toledo, was in the midst of a political and social crisis provoked by the impoverishment of economy, frequent droughts, hunger in the lower classes, lack of prestige of the monarchs and how not, a rivalry in the noble class.
As the post of the throne was not hereditary but by appointment, the main noble families rivalled against each other to achieve it. Kings where frequently assassinated by members of the noble class who aspired to take the throne. This struggle ended weakening the Visigoth Kingdom. In this state of affairs, the king before last, Vitzia, tried to make the crown hereditary. As it happened, when he passed away, his young son Aguila was proclaimed king, but part of the noble class refused to accept him and put the charge onto a noble man named Rodrigo, duke of the Betic region, who was Catholic. In spite of his efforts, Rodrigo couldn't avoid a civil war breaking throughout the country. The sons of Vitzia had decided to get back in throne to whatever effect. From here the story becomes unclear and there are many elements of legend in it.
A common mistake is to think Northern Africa as being Berber in the modern understanding of the term, by the 8th Century. At this point Modern Morocco was indeed nothing but an extension of the Visigoth Kingdom, where population had been stirred in excess through increasing desertification of more Southern areas(ModernSahara). In any case, the monotheistic vision of Islam, a newly revealed religion, had already reached these lands along with a wave of cultural and scientific achievements from the more developed cities of Egypt and Damascus. These where Eastern cities which thrived ahead of their time in a cultural revolution, later to become the Islamic Golden Age.
Returning to the political state of affairs, it is at this point when the sons of Vitzia decided to seek help from the nearby Muslims to dethrone Rodrigo. The Archbishop of Seville, Oppas, uncle of Aguila - the dethroned son of Vitzia - asked his governor Count Don Julian of Ceuta to negotiate with the governor of North Africa under the Umayyad Dynasty of the Caliph Al-Walid I of Damascus, Musa Ibn Nusayr.
History tells us that in 711, Don Julian, Count of Ceuta, helped the Islamized Berber Tariq, the Lieutenant Colonel of Musa across the strait from Morocco to Spain. The sons of Vitzia, archbishop Oppas and other Gothic noblemen summed to a small group of Muslim troops which where commanded by Tariq. Since then the name given to the rock is Gibraltar, or JablTarr, Arabic for'Mountainof Tarr(iq)'.
It is not known how many Muslims went into Spain, some say only 400, others 7000, others 12.000 troops. The prior more likely and whoever they were, they were only relatively new Muslims since the new Prophet, Muhammad, had revealed the religion of Islam only 50 years before.
Another element that historians give importance to is the discomfort in the Jewish communities, many of which lived in exile around Tingitania, north of current Morocco. Many refugees from Iberia, both Jewish and Visigoth lived in Ceuta and many are likely to have joined the famous''Arabinvador'' troops into the Iberian Peninsula.
What conclusively explains such a speedy penetration into the peninsula, as well as the later permanence of Muslims in Spain, is the fact that the Unitarian Visigoths where much closer to eastern cultural revolution and the new Muslim faith, than to the alternative Roman Catholic Church. Hence they would give support to the allied army as they moved swiftly through the Peninsula from city to city.
The Muslims made a pact with noble Visigoths helping them to enter the peninsula, respecting their property, status and privileges. In just 3 years a mixed army of some 3 to 12 thousand men took power over the peninsula up to Zaragoza, and in one more year the entire peninsula was under Muslim government. Many towns opened their doors to the Muslims offering no resistance and in fact welcoming them as their rescuers, others surrendered through advantageous agreements.
An example of such agreements is that of a Visigoth duke, Theodomiro from Murcia, who could continue to govern in his territory – which was to be newly named Tudmir – after his agreement with the Muslims.
Musa, a charismatic figure himself, freshly invigorated by the cultural revolution in the east and moreover by the spirit of a newly revealed religion, would enter into Iberia in 712 C.E. further establishing an independent state from Rome. This was celebrated by the casting of new coins in Toledo stating the Quranic verses''Thereis no god but The God''(lailaha illa Allah),''Hewas not borne nor does he beget''(lamyalid wa lam yulad). These first Quranic verses casted onto Iberian coins where to express the one common thing between the three subsequent cultures living in al-Andalus. One same God worshipped by three cultures: Christian(mostlyUnitarian), Muslim and Jew. Al-Andalus was born.
It is paradoxical that the latest of the Councils of Toledo, number XVIII from 712, has been removed from the safely preserved Church archives and nothing is know of it. There is obvious speculation over what this Council document contained since this was the year when coins where cast in Toledo and the new independent state of al-Andalus was formed.
A famous battle in Covadonga in Asturias, was to later symbolize the resistance of a Catholic-Christian north Spain by the hands of the Asturian King Pelayo. Much in the same manner the battle of Tours in Poitiers 732 E.C, is generally remembered as: when Europe was saved from the Islamic advance, by merit of French Charles Martel. Though there remain many historical paradoxes, some say the battle was simply one of many battles between northern and southern Gales, each accusing the other of being'heretic';in a time when Spain and France were effectively'onesame land'.
From these independent Kingdoms in the north of Spain and in a parallel manner to the Crusades in the rest of Europe, the Catholic Kingdoms of Spain initiated the so called'Reconquista':A series of battles spread over 800 years whereby the Kingdoms of Aragon, Navarra, Castilla and Leon supported by the Church of Rome, steadily gained land over the'arabized'Spanish Muslim state.
On the other hand, within the newly named al-Andalus, in spite of Islam becoming the official religion of the new state, no one was forced to convert. On the contrary, Christians and Jews where allowed to practise their religions and even Muslims shared churches with the old Christians before building their own mosques. A minority of Catholics also remained, mostly religious clerics and monks.
THE COUCILS OF TOLEDO AND NICEA
The need for finding a unifying criteria in the diverse picture of Christian religion during the early middle ages forced the Church to form regular local Councils. The Councils where frequently gathered in order to adopt the necessary means to regulate constant abuses taken by the cleric and noblemen over the lower classes, as well as to learn about and eradicate'heresies'.The Councils where formed by select bishops and took place in Toledo. From Toledo the issues treated where taken to the supreme Council in Nice for further consensus by the Church in Rome.
It is well known about this period that Iberia, just as the rest of Europe lived a severe'darkage' in which human rights where abused on a regular basis by the Clerics, wealth and work were taxed at will by local Monarchs and epidemics where frequent. It was also a time when Iberia lived a profound religious crisis. Religion was divided within Christian faith itself and further, there was discomfort within the Jewish communities who where submitted to a miserable condition close to slavery.
In this state of affairs it shouldn't surprise anyone that there where XVII Councils in Toledo from 325 to 694-712, reflecting the needs for the Church to adapt and to solve the problems throughout the Peninsula
During the Council celebrated in 589, the division in Christianity was officially solved through the conversion of King Recaredo to Catholicism in 587 and Arianism was condemned as a'heresy'.From here on the documents have a constant mention about Christian'heretics',through which we learn that they where'UnitarianChristians', followers of Ario. This and other descriptions of the Arian doctrine which are issued in the Councils, where otherwise completely wiped out during the later'Inquisition'.
The climate in the VII century didn't get any better. The clergy and the two main Visigoth noble families, that of Wamba and Chindasvinto, where divided into Arian(Unitarian)and Catholic(Trinitarian).An interesting characteristic of the Visigoth kingship is that the crown was not hereditary, but through appointment by council of clerics. The king before last, Vitzia, was of an Arian Christian profession as was his inheritor Aguila. After Vitzia's death, Aguila took the throne but however, shortly after, it was given to Rodrigo who was Catholic. This is thought to be the straw that broke the camel's back.
Method for Choosing Meals in Any City
My best advice for choosing meals in any city today, is to download the "Glovo App". The search term could be anything like "Halal", "Vegan", "Vegetarian", "Shushi", "Italian", "Pasta", "Gluten Free", etc. Then we can choose from the results to fit our choice. This would be step one, after this we have the choice of
a) to search for the restauran names we are interested in in Google Maps and call them, then walk or get a taxi there, providing the driver with the restaurant name and adresss, OR
b) to have the meal delivered straight to our hotel or accommodation. In case of hotels we will need to walk down to reception and collect the order in most cases.
Here is a link to the app! ENJOY!!
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