Spain: Andalucía

"This is something I've only ever seen in my biology textbooks!" awed my friend in amazement while pondering plant after plant in a Nicaraguan cloud forest as we hiked together a few years ago. I like trees just as much as anybody else, but the hike simply would not have been the same without her knowledge and contagious plant passion. As my academic interests are more with Spanish language and literature than environmental science, this past week was my turn to transform text into real life while journeying through Spain's southern region of Andalucía. Finally, countless hours of studying Spanish Golden Age literature were turned into something more than a passing grade on a Master's Exam: endless tributes to Luis de Góngora in Córdoba, the prison where Miguel de Cervantes was once held in Sevilla, and the Hall of Abencerrajes at the Alhambra in Granada. 

We started the week in Córdoba, where Catholic monarchs Isabel and Fernando strategically established their base in their efforts to win back Granada from the Moors in the late 1400s. We visited the alcázar (castle) which the monarchs made their own and also where Christopher Columbus went request financial support for his exploration efforts. Córdoba is also famous for its Mosque-Cathedral which, like many important buildings from Spain's past, was architecturally modified as it changed owners and purposes throughout the centuries. Starting as a smaller mosque as compared to that which stands today, the present structure houses an ornate Catholic Cathedral in the center of a larger mosque. It was raining for most of our visit, so we could not climb the bell tower which can be seen from all angles of the old Jewish quarter and Medina and Azahara neighborhoods. We struggled but managed to navigate our way through these winding, narrow streets of the historical center to find the 8th century Roman bridge. 

Click here to see more of our photos from Córdoba.

After our visit to Córdoba, we set off towards the region's capital, Sevilla, to continue our journey back into the past and to dry off a bit from the Cordoban rain. We began our visit with a flamenco show consisting of a guitarist, singer, and dancer. No photos or videos were allowed at the show, so you'll all just have to take my word for it that it was spectacular. We visited the Plaza de España first thing in the morning, and in the afternoon we toured the world's largest gothic cathedral which also happens to be the burial site of Christopher Columbus.

Click here to see more of our photos from Sevilla.

Culminating a week of bringing the Spanish Golden Age to life, we made our way to Granada. Here we visited the Royal Chapel where King Fernando and Queen Isabel have been laid to rest, as well as the biggest attraction in all of Spain: La Alhambra. A military fortress, royal palaces, and massive gardens originally built and inhabited by the Moors, the Alhambra now receives 6,000 daily visitors from all around the world. This all was taken over by the Christian monarchy when they took back Granada in 1492, and most of it has been remarkably preserved despite the tests of time and French armies. As first-time visitors, it was difficult to find enough time in just one day to behold so much stunning architecture, scenery, and history. Nestled in the hills near the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the Alhambra provides endless breathtaking views.

Click here to see more of our photos from Granada.

With so many sights and never enough time, we were left wanting to see more of Andalucía. Topping the list of things to do the next time we make it back there are visiting the Alcázar in Sevilla, going on a Miguel de Cervantes walking tour also in Sevilla (apparently one is about to premiere, but it was not quite ready at the time that we visited), and eating all the tapas in the Albaicín neighborhood in Granada.