What is the name of the capital of Spain. The Kingdom of Spain

Madrid - the modern capital of Spain, a dynamic city. Lovers of historical values ​​will find amazing royal palaces and residences in Madrid, squares where the main historical events and holidays took place, churches.

Madrid - European Capital of Culture, a visit to the Prado Museum is a must in the program of any educated visitor to the city. Also, however, as a visit to the main Retiro Park. In addition to famous monuments, streets, squares and squares of Madrid are filled with original and unusual sculptural compositions of a modern style.

Madrid Attractions Photos

Spain and its capital Madrid are associated with the words:

• Bullfighting - the sounds of "paso doble", the figure of a torero stretched out by a slender statuette and the last throw of a bull - the moment of truth.
• Flamenco - the rhythm of the guitar, screaming singing, a frantic burst of shots of heels and blows of the palms.
• Lorca. His poems embody the essence of the Spanish character.
• Fiesta is a holiday.
• Siesta is an afternoon rest.
• Real Madrid is a football club.

Direct tickets from Moscow to Madrid

Puerta del Sol - central square of Madrid

Puerta del Sol- The central square of Madrid is elliptical. Madrid is the center of Spain. Therefore, it is here that the zero kilometer of Spain is located. All roads of the country lead from here. The square is adorned with two monuments: a monument to Charles III and a bronze sculpture "Bear and Strawberry Tree". Here, residents love to make appointments. The oldest post office building (1761) is located in Puerta del Sol. It is decorated with a clock. Madrid people love to celebrate the New Year here!

Plaza Mayor also claims to be the main city square. Buildings with balconies, arranged in the form of a quadrangle, embrace the square, and through arches in the buildings - its nine gates. In the center of the square there is a bronze equestrian sculpture of the Spanish king Philip III on a granite pedestal. Plaza Mayor is the commercial and cultural center of Madrid. Restaurants, bars, cafes, numerous souvenir shops, street artists and musicians entertain tourists in the capital.

Ancient Egyptian Temple Debod built over 2,200 years ago. It was donated to Spain by Egypt for helping to save the Temple of Abu Simbel. It is located in a beautiful Madrid park near Plaza de España (admission to the Temple is free). From here there is an excellent view of the panoramas of Madrid, the Royal Palace, and the Casa de Campo park.

Royal Palace- the main symbol of the city and the most beautiful landmark of Madrid. It houses the Royal Arsenal and a collection of medieval weapons. The magnificent facade of the palace, 130 meters long, with 240 balconies and 870 windows, soared to a height of 33 meters. Amazing architecture, rich interior decoration of 30 rooms and halls of the palace, its 44 staircases will surprise tourists on excursions that are held daily from 9 am to 5 pm (except for the days of official ceremonies).

The Royal Palace in Madrid is a must-see attraction in Spain! The Royal Palace of Madrid is the seat of the kings of Spain. It is worth noting that the King of Spain, Juan Carlos I, visits him only on the days of official ceremonies, and does not constantly live in these crowned apartments. In the palace, tourists will find luxurious interiors, magnificent crystal chandeliers, collections of weapons and porcelain, Flemish tapestries and a unique collection of Stradivari violins. Local guides will tell you about the famous “secrets of the Madrid Palace”.

Cibeles Fountain - Madrid, Spain

Cibeles fountain- the second symbol of Madrid, flaunting on the square of the same name. The center of the composition is the image of the goddess of fertility of the land Cibeles riding in a chariot, being carried by two lions. The fountain was designed in 1777 under King Charles III by the sculptor V. Rodriguez. Today it is surrounded by stately buildings: the Palacio de Buenavista, the Palacio de Linares, the Communication Palace - the main post office and the Bank of Spain.

Prado Museum in the Spanish capital is the pride of the country. Some tourists believe that the Prado Museum is the fashion house of the famous Italian clothing brand. It's time to clarify that the Prado Museum in Madrid is a collection of the best paintings of the late Renaissance and modern times. The Prado Museum in Madrid is a museum of the Great Names. World famous works of Albrecht Durer, Rubens, Diego Velazquez, El Greco, Goya, Titian, Hieronymus Bosch, Raphael and other masters of painting are exhibited here. 7,600 paintings, 8,000 drawings and thousands of sculptures make up the collection of the Prado Museum. The word "prado" is translated from Spanish as "meadow". In the 19th century, the place where the museum is located today was not located in the center of the city, but on its outskirts. On Sunday, admission to the Prado Museum is free.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is another landmark of Spanish Madrid and a painting gallery. This richest collection was collected by the German baron Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza (a major industrialist). The patron bought masterpieces from American collectors during the Great Depression and returned them to Europe. This meeting ended up in Spain thanks to Carmen Cervera (the baron's wife).
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum possesses a unique collection of paintings by painters from the Dutch, English and German schools, and Italian primitivists. The works of Rembrandt, Kazimir Malevich, Pablo Picasso, Durer and Titian also adorn here.

Reina Sofia Museum- one of the modern museums in the world. Here are collections of modern paintings and works of famous artists Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris. The most famous painting is "Guernica" by Pablo Picasso in 1937.

CIrculo de Bellas Artes- an original building and cultural center. Exhibitions, theatrical performances and concerts are held on its squares. But its main attraction is the huge rooftop terrace, which offers a magnificent panoramic view of Madrid.

Landmark of Madrid - Retiro Park

Madrid's main park - Retiro park... This well-kept park is spread over 12 hectares. Sculptural compositions, ponds and landscaping of the park leave unforgettable impressions for a long time. Here you can relax, go boating, lie on the lawn, watch puppet shows and listen to music. Of particular interest in Retiro Park is Crystal palace... This iconic building (Pavilion - greenhouse) was built at the end of the 19th century for the World Exhibition. There is also one of the three fountains of the park - fountain fallen angel... The park is decorated with a majestic structure - memorial to King AlphonseXII... A high stele-pedestal, which is crowned with an equestrian sculpture of King Alphonse XII, seems to hover over a beautiful colonnade, behind the amphitheater framing the monument, and the lake in front of it.

Falling Skyscrapers (Gate of Europe) in 1996 appeared in the Plaza de Castilla. The glazed twin towers are 115 meters high, tilted vertically at an angle of 15 degrees to each other - the third symbol of Madrid.

San Miguel Market Is the most famous conventional grocery market in Madrid. Now it is a giant market-restaurant of exclusive delicacies and tapas bars, consisting of 33 shops, as well as a favorite meeting place for the Spaniards. It is also open at night.

La Latino- the oldest district of Madrid. During the day you can wander the narrow streets, looking at the architectural heritage of the past, while at night there is a wide selection of bars and tablaos. The most famous club-bar in the area is Cardomomo, where you can enjoy the Flamenco Show and taste the national cuisine.

High quality professional "Show Flamenco" Is a fusion of fiery flamenco, heartfelt Spanish national vocals, guitar rhythm, heartbeats, heels and palms with modern plastic.

• This is a dance... He came from the gypsies. Dance professionals will lead you into their mysterious world of emotional, passionate and unbridled art of the gaze! Real flamenco is when a fantastic rhythm merges with the magnificent grace of a dancer, and the magical power emanating from him brings the audience to a state of nirvana. The dance combines the tenderness of a girl and the brutal rock of a woman, and everything is subordinated to one thing - the conquest of a man!
• This is singing... This is the melody of a naked feeling! In the beginning - a stretching and seething singing, which is saturated with pain, passion and feelings of the singer, and then the singer himself becomes a melody of delight.
• This is a guitar: chaotic, virtuoso in the hands of the maestro, mesmerizing in Spanish!

Madrid - the capital of Spanish Fashion.
Madrid is famous for its popular shopping areas: Barrio de Salamanca, Mercado de Fuencarral, Chueca.
Barcelona also has shopping areas: Las Ramblas, Paseo de Gracia, Plaza de Cataluna, Avenida Diagonal.
These two megalopolises of Spain are among the three absolute leaders in shopping in boutiques in Europe in terms of the concentration of retail outlets in large commercial centers and leading world trends, as well as in terms of safety and availability of public transport systems near convenient lines.

Madrid Pargue Warner expanded in June 2014 to add another highlight to its entertainment mosaic - Warner Beach. Warner Beach is the sixth thematic area of ​​Warner Park. This is a unique new attraction - the Water Park. The park-beach is located inside an already existing large park and attracts tourists to “water procedures” that help them survive the hot Spanish summer with the help of tunnels, slides, themed children's pools with animated characters. The opening hours of this recreation area (unlike the other five year-round) are seasonal: from early June to late September.

Accommodation price in Madrid

Bloodless Bullfighting for Tourists in Spain

Spain has the Alhambra, Goya, flamenco, Montserrat, but the main thing is bullfighting. Spanish bullfight Is a deeply national and at the same time promoted all over the world "brand".

Small and fragile, but endowed with intelligence, a person fights with the uncontrollable force of nature. Even in a bloody bullfight, a person did not always come out victorious, because even in the 19th century, every 25th fight ended with the death of a matador, since there was remarkable physical strength on the side of the bull.

In the 21st century, bloody bullfighting is prohibited: The humane treatment of the animal prevailed. The first ban on this bullfight was announced in 1991 in the Canary Islands. In 2008, television broadcasts of bullfights were stopped. On June 28, 2010, the Parliament of Catalonia also decided to ban it.

Today, the Catalans are showing the public an old tradition in a new way: a humane bullfight where a bull is not killed. It can be viewed, for example, in Catalonia, in estate Alpha de Carles.

"Kind" bullfight Is a beautiful show, where a person and an animal delight the audience. In the arena, as before, the main irritant is the matador's red cloak. Torero opposes the animal with his agility, agility, flexibility, intelligence and desire to win! The main thing in the show is the grace of dodging the bull! The modern matador, like the ancient Greek Theseus, jumps over the animal, holding on to its horns like handrails. It's very spectacular! But beware, bullfighter: the bull does not give up! It is not for nothing that they say that bulls are very stubborn, but this is the "trick" of the fight! That's why it's impressive!

Alcala in Spain

If you come to Spain on vacation, do not forget to visit the suburb of Madrid - the small town of Alcala.

Alcala is the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes- a character creator fighting windmills. Be sure to take an excursion to the university, named after the creator of Don Quixote, and to the house-museum of Miguel de Cervantes, where he finished the first part of the world famous novel Don Quixote in 1603-1606. A copy of the first edition of his book is carefully kept in the office of the Spanish writer on the second floor.

Alcala's Comedy Theater is the oldest operating theater in the world, more than 400 years old. The theater from the time of Cervantes keeps its shrine - an old stone flooring covered with a modern glass floor, as well as a secret box-room for important persons.

Monument "Don Quixote and his faithful squire Sancho Panso»- a meeting place for lovers on a bench and an entourage for great photos of travelers from all over the world from beautiful Spain!

Madrid is located in the center of the Iberian Peninsula on the Meseta plateau (translated from Spanish as "table"), at an altitude of over 650 m above sea level, south of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains, on both banks of the low-water Manzanares River (Tajo basin). This part of the plateau is called Novokastilskaya. In terms of precipitation, the Meset plateau is one of the last in Europe, so it can be called a real European desert. Hot dry summers are also due to the subtropical Mediterranean climate of the continental type. In winter, the air temperature rarely drops below 0 ° C. The average January temperature is + 5 ° C, in July - up to + 24.5 ° C. On average, about 440 mm of precipitation falls on this territory per year, mainly in winter. The water supply of Madrid is fraught with some difficulties, therefore reservoirs have been created in the Sierra de Guadarrama region, from where water is supplied to the city through special canals.

In the vicinity of the capital, there is vegetation characteristic of the Mediterranean, for example, evergreen shrubs - maquis, gariga, as well as semi-shrubs - tomillars. Maquis consists mainly of bushes of myrtle, juniper, wild pistachio and cistus. Deer, roe deer and wild boars are widespread. Of the predators, wolves, foxes and Spanish lynxes predominate. The fauna of the plateau is characterized by the presence of several species of lizards, snakes and chameleons. Tarantulas and scorpions breed well here as well.

Population, language, religion

The capital ranks first in the country in terms of population, which is increasing mainly due to immigrants. According to the latest data, about 16 thousand foreigners permanently reside in Madrid. The population of the capital is approximately 5 million people.

The state language is Spanish. Some districts also allow the use of Catalan, Galician and Basque. Spanish, or Castilian, belongs to the group of Romance languages. Nevertheless, some elements from the Arabic language have still been preserved in it, which is due to the long domination of this ethnic group in this territory. Catalan, like Spanish, belongs to the Romance branch, and Galician is close in origin to Portuguese.

Most of the population is Roman Catholic. The church is separated from the state. Its relationship with the main institutions of power is being built in accordance with an agreement concluded in 1979.

The history of development

Madrid grew up around the Mauritanian fortress of Majirit, the first mention of which dates back to 932. Until 1083, a fierce struggle between the Arabs and the Spaniards was going on for the fortress. In the end, the fortress became the property of the latter. The Christian Reconquista, which means "reconquest", "return", was started by the Visigothic nobility under the leadership of Pelayo. In 1118 the city acquired great rights in connection with its successful completion. Of great importance for the rise of Madrid among other major cities was the marriage between Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, concluded in 1469. As a result, a gradual process of centralization began, which was completed by the end of the 15th century.

During the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella, the struggle for the purity of the Christian faith was proclaimed. In the capital, a brutal persecution of Jews, Muslims, and somewhat later of Protestants began. All over Madrid at that time the fires of the Inquisition were blazing. The great-grandson of the famous royal couple Ferdinand II went down in the history of the development of Madrid as a man to whom the city owed the status of the capital. This happened in 1561. The growth rates were so great that in just a century the city turned into a major commercial and industrial center of the country. The strengthening of the role of Madrid was due to the political activities of Charles III, who was called the most successful king of the 18th century. During his reign, an unprecedented economic growth was observed not only in the region, but throughout the country.

The 19th century is known as the time of the struggle against the reactionary monarchy. In March 1808, Madrid was captured by French troops. Two months later, the war of liberation broke out, which marked the beginning of the Spanish revolution of 1808-1814. In the XIX century. Madrid became the center of revolutions 4 times.

1868 was marked by the creation in Madrid of the Spanish group of the 1st International. The first republic, however, lasted no more than a year. Under the constitution of 1876, royal power was limited, but the country developed slowly under such conditions.

Since the First World War, Madrid has become the center of the political struggle of various segments of the population. Although Spain formally remained neutral, the economic crisis was growing, and public discontent was growing due to the rise in inflation. After the military coup in 1923, General Primo de Rivera came to power, who managed to ensure stability in both the political and economic spheres for 8 years. But in 1931, at the request of anti-monarchist forces, the king abdicated the throne, and the Second Republic was proclaimed.

In the period 1936-1939. Madrid was the place where the republican forces were concentrated. Despite the fact that the south and west of the country went over to the side of the rebels under the leadership of General Franco, Madrid remained loyal to the republican government. Nazi Germany came to the aid of the pro-fascist rebel army. In early November 1936, fascist rebels invaded the outskirts of Madrid. The inhabitants of the city held the defense until March 28, 1939. The defeat of the capital was not officially recognized, but over time this center of resistance was eliminated.

Madrid remained a place of activity for revolutionary-minded youth in the middle of the 20th century. With the accession to the throne of the current King Juan Carlos I in 1975, significant changes were outlined in the political life of the country. Spain took the path of democratic development after the riots of 1981 and 1982, the center of which was Madrid. The last major event in the history of the capital's development was its proclamation as a European city of culture.
Cultural significance

The cultural significance of the Spanish capital is difficult to overestimate. After all, the city over the past few centuries has become the focus of dramatic and musical theaters, numerous museums and architectural monuments. The historic core of Madrid is located southeast of the former royal palace area. Unfortunately, most of the architectural monuments were lost during the reconstruction of the city in the 19th-20th centuries. The appearance of old Madrid, with an irregular layout inherent in a medieval city, has been preserved only to the southwest of Plaza Puertadel Sol, located on the site of the eastern gate of the medieval city. In this part of the capital, it is worth highlighting such architectural monuments of the 16th-17th centuries as the Episcopal Chapel (1520), the Plaza Mayor ensemble, designed by the architect X. de Mora in 1629, and the Church of San Antonio de los Alemanes (1624) in the Herresco style.

In the XVIII - first quarter of the XIX century. classicism prevailed in the architecture of Madrid. Architectural monuments dating back to this period are the Royal Palace (1738-1764), the Town Hall, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts "San Feriando", rebuilt in 1774 under the direction of the architect X. de Villanueva, the Church of San Francisco el Grande , the Prado Museum and the Church of San Antonio de la Florida, which still have paintings by F. Goya.

The rapid growth of Madrid occurs in the second half of the 19th century. During this period, Madrid intensively merged with the suburbs. Art Nouveau became the leading architectural style. The Cathedral of Nuestra Senora de la Almudena, built at the end of the 19th century, is the most striking example of this trend in the history of the development of Spanish architecture.

In 1929, a master plan for the reconstruction of Madrid was developed, which was headed by the architect F. De Escondrilla. During the reign of the Republicans, the government carried out intensive work to improve the city. According to the created in the 1950s. According to the new general plan, the city was to be built up mainly in the north, east and southeast. This is how a number of satellite cities appeared, including El Escorial and El Prado.

To replace eclecticism in the XX century. modern trends came. A prime example of the trends characteristic of this period is the Ministry of Aviation, built under the direction of architect L. G Soto (Syodad Hardin, Garden City), a university campus rebuilt in the 1950s. Central Tuberculosis Sanatorium (1935), Zarzuela Racecourse (1935), Institute of Structures and Cement (1951). The most important piece of architecture in the 1960s. can be called the skyscraper "White Towers" architect F. X. Saenz de Hois.

The masterpieces of the monumental sculpture of Madrid can be admired endlessly. The famous equestrian statues of Philip III (1613), Philip IV (1640), fountains of the 18th century, monuments to X. Columbus (1885), F. Goye (1905), two monuments to M. Cervantes (1835) and 1927), made of bronze, will not leave anyone indifferent.

Madrid is of great importance for connoisseurs of Arab-Moorish art. Here, like nowhere else, you can trace the history of its development from the very beginning to the era of its highest flowering in the XIII-XIV centuries. There are over 100 museums and art galleries in the capital. But the hallmark of Madrid can rightfully be called the Prado Museum, where priceless paintings by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Bosch, Bruegel, Goya, Velasquez, El Greco, Durer, Rubens, Rembrandt, Caravaggio and many other famous artists are kept. Selected rooms in the Prado Museum display classical sculpture, jewelery and a fine collection of porcelain and coins.

The Archaeological Museum contains valuable exhibits from all the cultures of Spain, from ancient times to the present day. Here you can see the richest collections of ancient coins and ceramics. And the Museum of Modern Art in Spain houses the largest private collection in Europe, the Thyssen Bornemissen Art Gallery. The Royal Palace is interesting because here you can see the palace halls, the Royal Library, the Royal Pharmacy, the Armory, the Numismatic Museum, as well as the Museum of Music, Applied Arts and Painting.

The famous Puerta del Sol is located in the center of Madrid. It is popular among tourists because in the middle there is a bear figure made of stone. Not far from Puerta del Sol, there is the Carboneras Monastery, erected in 1607, where the most valuable old paintings are kept. The Royal Theater, built in the 17th century, is located next to Place Encarnación. No less famous is the Descalsas Reales convent, founded in the 16th century. For several centuries, dignitaries stayed here, who donated various works of art from their collections to the monastery as payment for their stay. Thus, at the moment, the museum contains many masterpieces of world art. The Kalatravas Church is distinguished by original architectural solutions. The palace of the Dukes de Ouseda, dating back to the beginning of the 17th century, is of cultural value. The fountain of the goddess Cibeles, which is installed on the square of the same name, is also famous for its extraordinary beauty. The composition represents a chariot harnessed by lions.

Madrid is home to a large number of large educational institutions. All comers, including foreigners, are given a good opportunity to get an education of international standards. These include the University of Madrid, the Catholic University, the Autonomous University of Madrid, the Royal Collegium of Maria Cristina, the Conservatory and the School of Dramatic Arts. In addition, Madrid also has specialized educational institutions, such as the Royal Spanish Academy, the Royal Academy of History, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts "San Fernando", the Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences, the Royal Academy of Moral and Political Sciences, the Royal National Academy medicine. Among the research institutions, the astronomical observatory and the botanical garden should be singled out.

Information for tourists

The capital of sunny Spain is one of the most unique cities in the world. The never-ending nightlife magically attracts tourists from all over the world. The city's economic and cultural life is centered on the Paseo de la Castellana. This is where the most expensive shops and luxurious restaurants are located. However, for those tourists who prefer a quiet family vacation, you can advise wandering through the quiet streets of the old Moorish quarter that have been preserved almost in their original form, or visit one of the parks that promise coolness even on the hottest afternoon.

Bullfights are held in Madrid twice a year. According to some people, bullfighting is an extremely cruel and bloody act, but for the Spaniards, and in recent years, most tourists, it is a favorite sight.

Toledo - the ancient capital of Spain

Toledo, located in the center of Spain, by the Tagus River, was originally a settlement of the Carpetans, an ancient Iberian tribe. In the II century. BC NS. Toledo was captured by the Roman troops, who gave it the name Toletum (Tolet). In historical sources, the first mentions of Toleta as a Roman city date back to 193 AD. NS. (Toledo is the Spanish version of the name). Fragments of architectural structures such as a circus and an aqueduct have been preserved in the city since the time of Roman rule.

From the 6th to the 8th centuries, Toledo was the capital of the Visigoth state, located on the territory of modern Spain. In 711, the city was conquered by the Arabs, who retained their rule here until the 11th century. For three centuries, Toledo was ruled either by the Arab emirs or by the Moorish caliphs, against whose cruel and unjust government the city dwellers repeatedly revolted. As the center of the Arab Emirate, Toledo was a fairly economically developed city; here the production of metal products (in particular, edged weapons) and leather dressing were well established.

In 1085, Alphonse IV the Brave, who had been king of Leon since 1065, conquered Toledo and several other nearby cities from the Arabs. After that, Toledo became the capital of León and Castile. In 1479, after the unification of the Spanish provinces and the formation of a single state, Toledo received the status of the capital of Spain. In the XV century. handicraft production continued to develop in the city: the manufacture of fabrics (cloth, silk, brocade), jewelry, ceramics, etc. In 1561 the Spanish capital was moved to Madrid, and therefore by the end of the 16th - early 17th centuries. the role of Toledo in the economic and political development of the country has significantly decreased.

During the Middle Ages, buildings were built in Toledo, which are now historical monuments. In the 9th century, already during the Arab rule, the magnificent Puerta Bisagra Antigua gates were built in the city, and at the end of the 11th century. - the Puerta del Sol gate. In the X century. began to build the Bab Mardum mosque, later rebuilt into the Church of Santo Cristo de la Luz, and at the end of the XII century. - Church of Santa Maria la Blanca. By the period of the XIII-XV centuries. includes the construction of bridges-fortifications of San Martin and Alcan Tar, the Gothic Catholic cathedral, the Alcazar castle (royal palace). XVI century dates back to the construction of the City Hall and the Renaissance church of Santo Domingo el Antiguo, decorated with paintings by El Greco.

From medieval times to the present day, the architectural appearance and layout of the city have not undergone any special changes, since the construction of new buildings here has hardly been carried out even in recent decades. The city is bordered by stone battlements, from the historic center of Toledo there are many branched, narrow and crooked streets, some of them rush up the mountain. Since the XX century. Toledo is a national reserve for ancient architecture. The former capital of Spain has also been declared a city-museum. Here is the house-museum of the outstanding artist El Greco, whose period of creativity coincides with the end of the Renaissance and the beginning of the era of new art of the 17th century, as well as the Lerma Museum, the Provincial Museum, etc.

Until now, the city remains a major center of handicraft production: Toledo blades and banderillas, as well as items for carrying out bullfights, are widely known throughout the world. Now Toledo is the administrative center of the Spanish province of Toledo and the auto-pump of the Castile-La Mancha region. The sights of this ancient city attract many tourists from different countries.

Islands and small enclaves in northern Africa (Melilla and Ceuta). Contrary to popular belief that Spain is a classic maritime country with an abundance of sun, it is also one of the highest mountainous countries in Europe. Spain has a well-developed tourism industry, there are many historical monuments, interesting culture, an abundance of fruits and seafood, beautiful beaches - all this makes Spain a favorite vacation spot for tourists from all over the world.

general information

Spain ranks fourth in terms of area in Europe - 504 thousand square meters. km. The population is 47.3 million people. The official language is Spanish (Castilian), in the autonomous regions, along with Spanish, other languages ​​are also official (Catalan, Basque, Galician, Aran). The monetary unit is the euro (EUR). 100 EUR = $ EUR: USD: 100: 2. Time lags behind Moscow by 1 hour in summer and 2 in winter. The time zone is UTC + 2 in summer and UTC + 1 in winter. It is temporarily one hour behind the rest of Spain. Mains voltage 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz, C, F. Telephone country code +34. Internet domain.es.

A brief excursion into history

For more than three thousand years of history of the country (that is how much the first mention of the Iberian tribes, the aborigines of the peninsula, and according to the conclusion of archaeologists, people settled here almost 35 thousand years ago), Iberia was Greek, Phoenician, later Roman. Then, for more than 200 years, the Vandals, Visigoths and Alans reigned here, and at the beginning of the 8th century Spain was captured by the Arabs. And only by the end of the 15th century, after a five-century struggle of Galicia, Aragon, Navarra, Asturias and other kingdoms for the liberation of the territory from the invaders, the country finally returned its lands and became the largest Christian state in Europe. However, the Moors during their reign contributed to the development of culture and left amazingly beautiful mosques, beautiful palaces with flourishing reserves. During the same period, Spain sent its ships to the New World and conquered huge colonies, which contributed to the flow of gold to Spain, but this did not contribute to the development of the country's handicraft and agricultural production. These factors, combined with defeats in several wars and inquisitions, suppressing all freedom of thought, marked the beginning of the era of decline in Spain. At the beginning of the 17th century. a major European conflict began. The struggle of the European dynasties for the Spanish throne led to the War of the Spanish Succession, the Bourbons came to replace the Habsburgs. After several revolutions in the 19th century, a constitutional monarchy was established in the country.

Climate

Due to the peculiarities of the climate, Spain attracts a huge number of tourists - it is one of the warmest countries in Western Europe, the number of sunny days reaches 285 per year, and the average air temperature is +20. It is cold only in the northern and central regions; there is a stronger influence of the continental climatic zone. In winter, the air temperature drops below zero. However, in different regions of the country, the climate can be quite dramatically different. If in the northwest of Spain the climate is with high humidity, then in the southeast of the country it is dry and with significant fluctuations in air temperature depending on the season.

Relief

The relief of Spain is dominated by mountain ranges and alpine plateaus, which make up about 90% of the entire territory. The vast Meseta plateau occupies almost half of the territory of Spain, the average height is 660 meters, it is divided into two parts by the Central Cordillera. The powerful Cantabrian Mountains border Meseta in the north and stretch for 600 km along the coast of the Bay of Biscay. In the central part is the Picos de Europa massif.

Nature and fauna

Due to the variety of climatic conditions, the flora and fauna of Spain is extremely heterogeneous. In the humid climatic conditions in the south, features of similarity between the nature of Spain and Central Europe appear, and the dry arid climate in the south - with Africa. Forests cover only 30% of the territory of Spain, although in the past the territory was significantly forested. Evergreen oaks grow in the northwest, in the mountains ash, birch, chestnut, beech, oak. Small tracts of evergreens, pines and shrubs have survived in the hinterland of Spain. Fragments of semi-deserts are found in the arid regions of the country - Murcia, the Aragonese plateau and New Castile. Typical Mediterranean vegetation is found in the humid regions of southern Spain. The fauna of Spain, like vegetation, has common features with Africa and Central Europe. In the Pyrenees, there are brown bears, wolves, foxes, lynxes, and a forest cat. In Spain, as in North Africa, the burial eagle is found, and the blue magpie was found not only in the Iberian Peninsula, but also in East Asia.

Visa and customs regulations

For citizens of Russia and Ukraine, to enter the territory of Spain, you must apply for a Schengen visa. The import of foreign currency is not limited (a declaration is required if the amount exceeds EUR 10,000). Duty-free import of 200 cigarettes, 2 liters of wine, a liter of spirits, food, household items and things is allowed - within the limits of personal needs.

How to get there

Transport

Domestic flights are quite well developed, Iberia connects all regions of Spain, the cheapest flights are offered by Vueling. Rail transportation in the country is carried out by the state-owned company RENFE. The trains have two classes, with the lowest fares in Europe. The high-speed AVE train runs between Madrid and Seville, traveling at a speed of almost 300 km / h. The most economical means of transportation between cities in Spain is the bus service, buses follow exactly on schedule. With the help of the ships of the state company "Transmediterranea" you can reach the Balearic Islands and northern Africa. Daily flights depart all year round. Flights to the Canary Islands are carried out once a week. Car enthusiasts can of course use their rental car to get around the great Spanish roads. In the high season, it is better to book a car in advance.

Regions

Choose from the list Andalusia Aragon Asturias Balearic Islands Valencia Galicia Canary Islands Castile and Leon Castile - La Mancha Catalonia Madrid Murcia Navarra Rioja Basque Country Extremadura

Cities and resorts

Choose from the list Avila Alicante Astorga Barcelona Benidorm Bilbao Burgos Valencia Valladolid Vigo Vitoria Granada Girona Cambrils Cartagena Caceres Cordoba Costa Baska Costa Blanca Costa Brava Costa Verde Costa Dorada Costa Calidabria Costa de Tropica la Luz Costa del Almeria Costa del Azaar Costa del Garraf Costa del Maresme Costa del Sol Costa do Marisco Cuenca La Pineda Las Palmas Leon Lloret de Mar Logroño Madrid ★ Malaga Marbella Merida Murcia Oviedo Gomera Island Gran Canaria Island Ibiza Island Hierro Island Lanzarote Island Majorca Island Menorca Island Palma Island Tenerife Island Fuerteventura Island Palma de Mallorca Pamplona Reus Ronda Salamanca Salou San Sebastian Santa Cruz de Tenerife -Compostela Zaragoza Seville Segovia Sitges Tarifa Tarragona Toledo Torrevieja Figueres Gijón

Information

Choose from the list Ski resorts in Spain Valentine's Day in the sun ... Canary Islands: the best sports ... Carnival in the Canary Islands Catalan outback Bullfighting, paella and hot flamenco Peaks of Europe National Park Unexplored Canary routes ... Immerse yourself in happiness: TOP 7 natural ... Amusement park Port Aventura Altamira cave Spain beaches Sierra Crestellina cheeses Top 10 places in the Canary Islands Fallas Flower battle in Valencia Ecological food “La ... Escorial

For visiting museums, walking along the old streets and a lingering dinner with wine, the capital of Spain is perfect -. Famous - one of the largest collections of European fine art. - a world famous architectural monument of the middle of the 16th century, the residence of kings, a museum, a library and a historical archive. One of the most beautiful buildings in Madrid with gloomy towers surrounded by massive rectangular walls, has always caused conflicting assessments in the hearts and minds of people, and even today there is no unambiguous public opinion - some consider El Escorial the "eighth wonder of the world", while others call him "an architectural nightmare. ". The symbol of the city is withtattoo "Bear and strawberry tree", made of bronze and stone, and installed on the square. In Old Madrid the most important squares of the city are located, houses of a sunny yellow color here are decorated with forged balconies, and the pavements are lined with cobblestones polished by time.surrounded by buildings with arcades, painted facades and iron cafe tables. The capital is home to 4 million inhabitants, which accounts for 17 thousand cafes and bars. Madrid people are very sociable and friendly, they talk about their city with love.

The second largest city in Spain, the capital is a beautiful city that is the largest port on the Mediterranean and has its own unique atmosphere. Barcelona impresses with its architectural ensembles, parks, museums, cultural and historical monuments. The city harmoniously combined the culture of different eras: monuments of Roman architecture, medieval streets and quarters, magnificent buildings of the modernist era and avant-garde structures of the last century. Catalan modernism has played an important role in the cultural uniqueness of Barcelona and is most vividly expressed in the works of the Catalan architect. One of his most ambitious projects is the Sagrada Familia. 50 km away, at an altitude of 725 meters, there is a pilgrimage center for believers. It is surrounded by numerous limestone rocks of an unusual shape, giving the holy monastery a fair amount of mystical romanticism, making it a desirable destination for tourists who come here not only to take a tour of Montserrat, but also to walk along the hiking trails on the slopes of the mountain of the same name.

Beach lovers are offered an extremely wide selection of different resorts both on the mainland coast (the most popular ones are,) and on the islands.

Lovers of natural attractions and national parks should definitely go on a trip to the north of Spain. The most beautiful mountainous area in Spain - the Alhambra - a Moorish fortress built on a hill of red and pink stone. Located next to the Alhambra - the summer residence of the Moorish caliphs: beautiful gardens of plane trees, cypresses, orange trees and elms. Lush vegetation coexists with many fountains and canals. Alcazar, erected in the 13th century - a luxurious complex, which is richly decorated with turrets, battlements, including a network of shady gardens, orange alleys, many fountains, pools, waterfalls and an abundance of various sculptures.

Mosque of Cordoba- the Roman Catholic cathedral, located in the Andalusian city, was erected as a mosque by the masters of Byzantium and Baghdad in the 8th century on the site of the ancient Visigothic basilicas Saint Vincent, which, in turn, was built on the site of a Roman temple... Every year hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world come to Cordoba to see this unique structure, which is one of the twelve wonders of Spain. The place for the construction of the mosque was bought by the emir from the Christian community. In addition to the grandeur of the building, a feature of the mosque is the absence of walls separating the courtyard from the interior of the mosque: their role is played by slender rows of orange trees.

One of the most colorful and unusual regions of Spain is. It embodies the culture of a whole nation, and also amazes with its colors, originality and delicious cuisine. It is here that you can appreciate all the charm of the Iberian region and get a hefty portion of positive, traveling through the ancient areas of the mysterious, but at the same time romantic and hospitable Basque Country.

Accommodation

There is no unified classification of hotels in Spain, the assigned "stars" are conditional. Mainly, in Spain there are city-type hotels. Even on the coasts, hotels are small, only in certain regions (for example, Costa Dorada) there are hotels with good infrastructure, children's mini-clubs, animation and an all-inclusive concept. For sightseeing tours, 3 * hotels with "breakfasts" in the city center are usually sufficient. Throughout Spain, the Parador chain is widespread - a historical landmark, partially or completely converted into a hotel.

Useful data for tourists about Spain, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Spain, cuisine, peculiarities of visa and customs restrictions in Spain.

Geography of Spain

Spain is located in the extreme southwest of Europe. It owns the Balearic and Pitius Islands in the Mediterranean Sea and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Borders with France, Andorra, Portugal.

About 2/3 of the territory of Spain is occupied by the massive raised plateau of Meset, surrounded by high mountains. In its central regions, the large ridges of the Central Cordillera rise.

In the south, the Toledo Mountains rise (the highest point is Mount Corocho de Rosigaldo, 1447 m). The southernmost edge of the Meseta Sierra Morena is raised to heights of about 900 m (the highest point is Mount Estrella, 1299 m). The Sierra Morena drops abruptly to the vast Andalusian Plain with the Guadalquivir River. The Guadalquivir River flows into the Gulf of Cadiz; not far from its mouth is the vast wetland area of ​​the Doñana National Park.

In the southeast of Spain lie the folded mountains of the Cordillera Penibetica with the highest peak in the country - Mount Mulasen (3482 m), crowned with snowfields and glaciers, which occupy the southernmost position in Western Europe. The Iberian mountains separate Meseta from the Aragonese plateau. In some places they exceed 2100 m (up to 2313 m in the Sierra del Moncayo). Low Catalan mountains (average altitudes 900-1200 m, peak - Mount Caro, 1447 m) follow for 400 km almost parallel to the Mediterranean coast.

The Pyrenees stretch for almost 400 km from the Mediterranean Sea to the Bay of Biscay and form a powerful insurmountable barrier between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Europe. The highest peak is Aneto Peak (3404 m). The western continuation of the Pyrenees is the Cantabrian Mountains with the highest point - Mount Peña Prieta (2536 m).

State

State structure

A constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the king. The head of government is the prime minister. The legislature is a bicameral parliament.

Language

State language: Spanish

In a number of areas, local languages ​​are widely spoken: Basque - in the Basque Country and Navarre, Galician - in Galicia, Catalan - in Catalonia, Valencian - in Valencia (the latter is sometimes considered a dialect of the Castilian language).

Religion

The state religion of Spain is Roman Catholic. About 95% of Spaniards are Roman Catholics.

Currency

International name: EUR

Most banks have a currency exchange office. Usually you need to show your passport for exchange. The main types of credit cards are issued at the bank at a time (per day) up to 300 euros.

Depending on the place of currency exchange, you may be charged from zero (pay attention to the inscription "No comission") up to 10% (of the total amount) commission. You should not exchange currency at the airport - here the percentage of the bank commission is always higher.

There are many ATMs in Spain and almost all of them accept Visa and Mastercard. Many ATMs are located indoors behind a closed door, and in order to get there, you need to pass a card through a special device at the door.

History of Spain

In ancient times, Spain was inhabited by the Iberians and was called Iberia. In the 5th century BC, the Celts came to Iberia. From their mixing, the “Celtiberians” nationality was formed. Spain was seized by turns by Carthage (late 3rd century BC), the Roman Empire (late 1st century BC), Visigoths (5th century AD) and, finally, the Arabs (8th century AD), who formed the Cordoba Caliphate. Cordoba became the center of Arab culture. The re-conquest of the peninsula, the reconquista, took about four centuries. The regions conquered from the Arabs in the 15th century united around the united kingdoms of Castile and Aragonia, becoming a single state. In the 16th century, absolutism was established in Spain. Since the discovery of America by the Spanish expedition of Columbus in 1492, Spain has been a world power, reaching its highest power in the 16th century. Under King Charles I (1515-1556), as well as his successor Philip II (1556-1598), Spain embarked on the path of conquering America, becoming the Spanish colonial empire. And then - wars, the struggle for the Spanish throne, revolutions, loss of colonies and colonial divisions, peace, wars again, revolution ... - the history of the state is described on the pages of many books.

After the death of General Franco in 1975, the monarchy was restored in Spain. Juan Carlos of the Bourbon dynasty became king, who laid the foundation for democratic reforms in the country. Spain has been a constitutional monarchy since 1978. The legislative body of the country is the Cortes (bicameral parliament).

In ancient times, Spain was inhabited by the Iberians and was called Iberia. In the 5th century BC, the Celts came to Iberia. From their mixing, the “Celtiberians” nationality was formed. Spain was seized by turns by Carthage (late 3rd century BC), the Roman Empire (late 1st century BC), Visigoths (5th century AD) and, finally, the Arabs (8th century AD), who formed the Cordoba Caliphate. Cordoba became the center of Arab culture. The re-conquest of the peninsula, the reconquista, took about four centuries. Regions conquered from the Arabs in the 15th century united around the United Kingdoms of Castile and Aragonia, becoming a single state. In the 16th century, absolutism was established in Spain. Since the discovery of America by the Spanish expedition of Columbus in 1492, Spain has been a world power, reaching its highest power in the 16th century. Under King Charles I (1515-1556), as well as his successor Philip II (1556-1598), Spain embarked on the path of conquering America, becoming the Spanish colonial empire. And then - wars, the struggle for the Spanish throne, revolutions, the loss of colonies and colonial divisions, peace, wars again, revolution ... - the history of the state is described on the pages of many books ...

Popular attractions

Tourism in Spain

Where to stay

Since the majority of Spain's income is tourism, neither money nor effort is spared in its development in the country. So, today about 10 thousand various hotels, hotels, boarding houses and other accommodation options are offered to tourists. You can choose either a fashionable hotel of one of the world chains, stay in an old castle, or rent a room in a student hostel or hostel.

The hotel's star rating is determined by the Spanish Tourism Administration and can be rated from one to five stars. As a rule, the number of stars means the number of services provided, and the service in all hotels remains at a consistently high level. Most of the hotels in Spain are paradores - hotels of 3-5 stars, which are owned by the state. They are located in ancient buildings - former hunting lodges of the royal family, monasteries, ancient castles, palaces. Accommodation in such a hotel implies not only good service, but also large, beautifully furnished rooms with well-restored antique interiors. Accommodation prices are appropriate.

If you are planning to stay on the coast of Spain for more than a week - villas and hotel-type houses are at your service. In addition, there are always many apartments, mini-hotels, private hotels at the service of tourists.

For those who prefer a vacation at minimal cost, there are places in youth hostels. However, in this case, you must have a Youth Hostel Association member card with you or purchase it locally.

If you are not afraid of the Spartan atmosphere and prefer peace and solitude, you can stay in one of 150 monasteries. Here you will have to adhere to the traditional way of life of the monastery, in some cases to clean the room and wash the dishes after meals on your own.

All over Spain, and especially on the coast, campgrounds are equipped. There is electricity, running water, and many have laundries, sports grounds, restaurants, swimming pools, and other services.

Popular hotels

Tours and attractions in Spain

Spain is a hospitable sunny country with an ancient history and colorful traditions, rich cultural heritage, fashionable resorts, as well as stunning natural beauty. Spain is a variety of architectural masterpieces and cultural attractions, shops and restaurants, sea and mountains and, of course, enchanting flamenco and bullfighting.

The capital of Spain, Madrid is the economic and cultural center of the country, as well as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. When exploring the city, be sure to visit Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Plaza de Cibeles, Plaza de la Villa, Paseo del Prado, Gran Vía and Plaza de España. Among the sights of Madrid, the most interesting are the Royal Palace and its magnificent Sabatini Gardens, the Cathedral of Madrid, the Palaio de Liria, the Encarnacion and Descalsas Reales monasteries, the Royal Cathedral of Saint Francis, the Church of San Antonio de los Alemanes, the Church of San Isidro, Church of San Nicolas, Temple of Debod, Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Royal Theater and San Miguel Market. Madrid is famous for its most interesting museums, among which the most popular are the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Reina Sofia Center for the Arts, the National Archaeological Museum of Spain, the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts, the Lazaro Galdiano Museum, the Serralbo Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the Sorolla Museum, the Military Museum, Madrid Maritime Museum and Lope de Vega House Museum. For travelers with children, it will be interesting to visit the Madrid Zoo, which is located on the territory of the huge Casa de Campo Park and the Warner Madrid theme park in the vicinity of the city.

Barcelona - a resort town on the Mediterranean coast is rightfully considered the "pearl" of Spain. Barcelona impresses with amazing architectural masterpieces, many of which were created by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí - Sagrada Familia, Casa Calvet, Casa Mila, Casa Batlló, Casa Vicens, Palace and Park Guell. The Gothic Quarter, Place Royale, the Great Royal Palace, the Virrein Palace, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Cathedral, the Government Palace, the Piazza Sant Jaume, the House of Leo Morer, the House of Amalle, the Spanish Village, the Palace of Catalan Music, Montjuïc, Tibidabo, are definitely worth a visit. Monastery of Sant Pau del Cam, Royal Monastery, Church of Santa Maria de Pedralbes, Church of Santa Maria del Pi and Church of Santos Just y Pastor. Among the museums in Barcelona, ​​the most interesting are the Picasso Museum, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Frederic Mares Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia, the Museum of Modern Art, the Barcelona Football Club Museum and the Chocolate Museum. Also popular places in Barcelona are the Aquarium, Barcelona Zoo, Botanical Garden, Maremagnum, Christopher Columbus Monument and Cudadella Park.

Almost every Spanish city has an abundance of unique historical and cultural attractions. Traveling through this amazing country, you should definitely visit the stunning architectural ensemble of the 13th century in Granada - the Moorish palace of the Alhambra, the Grand Mosque in Cordoba, the Royal Palace and the famous Cathedral in Valencia, the Alcazar Palace and the Cathedral in Seville, the Alcazar castle in Toledo and the majestic monument Roman era - Aqueduct in Segovia.

Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca, Tenerife, Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, Costa del Sol, Salou and the Canary Islands are the most popular among the famous seaside resorts in Spain. Spain is famous for its excellent ski slopes. The beautiful Sierra Nevada ski resort is located 32 km from Granada in the city of Pradollano, and the famous Baqueira-Beret ski resort is located in the Pyrenees in the Val d'Aran valley.

Spanish cuisine

By and large, all Mediterranean cuisines are somewhat similar. Therefore, it is not surprising to find echoes of Italian or French neighbors in the traditional Spanish concoction. For example, in Catalan cuisine, all kinds of sauces are an obligatory and even the main component, among which there are four main ones: "sofrito" - from garlic, onions, tomatoes, peppers, herbs; "samfaina" (samfaina) - from tomatoes, peppers, eggplants; "picada" - from garlic, herbs, fried almonds; "ali-oli" (ali-oli) - from garlic with olive oil. Popular dishes include roast (casuela), thick and aromatic fish soup (suquet de peix), fried pork sausages with boiling lard (mongetes amb botifara), and capi-i-pota stew made from pork head and pork legs. As well as along the coast, they love white bread, generously poured with olive oil, grated with garlic and tomato, both as an appetizer to the main courses, and separately.

An interesting fact - in Catalonia, the love of the locals for a dish of sweet white leeks gave birth to a whole culinary ceremony called Calcotada. The process of its preparation and consumption has been turned into a colorful performance. These succulent onions with a thick, fleshy stem are baked by the Catalans outdoors on a large trellised platform that sits above a hot vine fire. Cooked onions are served with a special salsa romesco sauce, which is cooked on a nut base with tomatoes, different types of peppers, parsley, garlic, olive oil and vinegar. The "eating" ceremony takes place at long dining tables lined with pre-prepared plates, large ceramic saucers with romesco sauce, and jugs of wine. Since the onions are baked over an open fire and the charred onion can easily get dirty, special aprons and light disposable gloves are issued to participants in the calsotada. The onion is held in one hand, the soft core is removed from the middle with the other, dipped in the sauce and sent to the mouth.

Valencian cuisine is also famous for its typical Mediterranean dishes. Locals make excellent paella with all kinds of ingredients (meat, fish, vegetables and seafood) and other rice dishes, including the traditional Valencian "saldero" of fish and rice, cooked over charcoal in a special deep frying pan. For vegetarians, there is a real expanse here: vegetables - boiled, stewed, fresh - abound in the cuisine of Valencia. For example, the locals are especially fond of pisto huertano (peasant-style vegetable stew) made from beets, beans and beans. From sweet dishes - "turron" (halva) and ice cream, as well as pastries are undoubtedly imprint of Arab cuisine. It is interesting that it was here, in the Mediterranean (in the city of Mahon on the island of Menorca), that mayonnaise, which became the property of many peoples, was born.

Madrid stands out in the general list of cuisines. Madrid-style grilled meats, cod and rennet (sliced ​​and stewed entrails) are equally loved here, as are the traditional cosido madrilenho (pea soups with croutons). But the most popular is Madrid "calos" - spiced tripe with blood sausage and pepper sauce.

Vegetables and legumes (beans, peas, lentils) prevail in the cuisine of the province of Meset. Pigs are specially raised in Meset, feeding them with chestnuts and acorns, and they also love game dishes here. In Castile-La Mancha, you can taste the cuisine described by Cervantes in Don Quixote: boiled meat with vegetables, meat salad and fried cracklings with scrambled eggs. Saffron, honey and sheep's cheese are also used here.

Despite the external similarity, the northern and southern cuisines of Spain also have their own characteristics. In the Basque country, for example, "family" cooking is very common with dishes from the "home table": "marmitako" (potatoes with mackerel) and "changurro" (shellfish with crabs). Another famous product is "bacalao al pil-pil" (cod in garlic sauce or Biscay). In general, dishes with the inhabitants of the seabed are very common here. For example, "kokotxas" (fins of sea pike) and eel fry are considered to be the tastiest delicacy among the Basques, they also like all kinds of mollusks - for example, boiled octopus ("pulpo a feira"), which is more common in Galician cuisine. Inhabitants of other northern provinces have beans, anchovies, all kinds of dairy products and, of course, excellent cheeses of local origin (goat, sheep, cow). The products produced here are renowned for their unsurpassed quality. In particular, the areas of La Rioja and Navarra are known for their abundant and natural food: asparagus, garlic, peppers, cucumbers, potatoes, young shoots of lettuce and other early vegetables, peaches, pears - the list goes on and on. The traditional dishes of these provinces are "pimientos rellenos" (bell peppers stuffed with all kinds of fillings) and "navarro cochifrito" (spicy lamb stew). Desserts include fresh chocolate covered fruits, as well as canned fruits and traditional buns. In general, I must say that the Spaniards practically did not create their traditional sweet dishes - most of the local delicacies were inherited from the Arab culture.

Andalusian, or southern, cuisine of Spain is a fusion of cultures that once lived here. The famous cold soup "gazpacho" was born in Andalusia, as well as the widespread method of deep-frying food in the world. This is not surprising - it is in the south of Spain that the best olive oil is produced. From the dishes typical for the south, one cannot fail to mention "pescaitos fritos" - tiny fried fish that are eaten with the head and bones, and "pinchos morinos" (thoroughly marinated and skewered meat), as well as various pork dishes (excellent ham "jabugo" is produced in the local province of Huelva).

Spanish cuisine is endless - you can't taste everything ... However, in Spain you should definitely try at least the classic dishes. The famous Spanish tortiya omelet. Spicy smoked sausage "choriso". Serrano ham. Sheep cheese "manchego". Delicacy ham, specially smoked "jamon". And, of course, cold gazpacho soup. By the way, once you are with the Spaniards at a common table and making a toast, you should definitely wish you health, and clink glasses with glasses, say "chin-chin", imitating the clink of crystal. This is an indispensable ritual! If you say a few more words in Spanish, you can become your own person forever.

By and large, all Mediterranean cuisines are somewhat similar. Therefore, it is not surprising to find echoes of Italian or French neighbors in the traditional Spanish concoction. For example, in Catalan cuisine, all kinds of sauces are an obligatory and even the main component, among which there are four main ones: "sofrito" - from garlic, onions, tomatoes, peppers, herbs; "samfaina" (samfaina) - from tomatoes, peppers, eggplants; "picada" - from garlic, herbs, fried almonds; "ali-oli" (ali-oli) - from garlic with olive oil. Popular dishes include roast (casuela), thick and aromatic fish soup (suquet de peix), fried pork sausages with boiling lard (mongetes amb botifara), and capi-i-pota stew made from pork head and pork legs. As well as along the coast, they love white bread, generously poured with olive oil, grated with garlic and tomato, both as an appetizer to main courses, and separately ....

Tips

Waiters, doormen and taxi drivers will not refuse tips, but do not insist on getting them. In a restaurant, the average tip is usually 5-10% of the bill, in a taxi - the same. Tips are often added to round off the bill.

Visa

Opening hours of institutions

Most museums and historic buildings are closed on Monday. On other days, they usually work from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00. Some churches are open during these hours, others only during services.

Shops are open from 10 am to 10 pm, break from 2 pm to 5 pm. Bakeries and bars open from 8 am. There are no breaks in hypermarkets and department stores, but they are closed on Sundays. Markets are open only in the morning.

Banks are open on weekdays from 8 am to 2 pm, some close at 1 pm. In August, most banks are closed on Saturdays.

Souvenirs

Damask jewelry, knives and swords from Toledo, pottery from Toledo, Valencia and Seville, filigree silver from Cordoba, leather wine bottles - botas, castanets, Spanish dolls and bullfighting posters.

Security

In Spain, as in most European countries, you can drive safely through the countryside. In big cities, the situation is more criminogenic, so it is better to keep credit cards and money in your belt, and when parking, do not leave things in the car in plain sight. If you feel unwell, first aid can be provided at the pharmacy.

Robberies are rare in Spain, but a tourist should not walk alone in dimly lit places. It is better to carry a bag and a camera not on the shoulder, but over the shoulder. Keep small change separate from big money, for example, in your pocket: if you are threatened, give it to the attacker.

Spanish men on the streets often see off women with appreciative exclamations. This is just a custom, there is no desire to offend or frighten it.

Question answer

The Kingdom of Spain.

The name of the country comes from the Phoenician "i-shpanim" - "coast of rabbits".

Capital of Spain... Madrid.

Spain square... 504784 km2.

Population of Spain... 40,038 thousand people

Location of Spain... Spain is a southern European country. It occupies five-sixths of the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic and Piti-Us Islands in and the Canary Islands in. The Pyrenees mountains are inaccessible and isolate Spain from the rest, except for the one located on the western part of the peninsula. Spain is washed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It borders on land with Portugal in the west, with (along the ridge of the Pyrenees mountains) and a tiny state in the northeast, with Gibraltar in the south.

Administrative divisions of Spain... Consists of 17 autonomous regions: Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, Balearic Islands, Basque Country, Valencia, Galicia, Canary Islands, Cantabria, Catalonia, Castile-La Mancha, Castile and Leon, Madrid, Murcia, Navarra, Rioja, Extremadura, which unite 50 provinces, as well as 2 cities (Ceuta and Melilla), which are independent administrative units.

Form of government in Spain. .

Head of State Spain... King.

Highest legislative body in Spain... The Cortes General (Parliament), consisting of two chambers, is elected for a term of 4 years.

Highest executive body in Spain... Government.

Major cities of Spain... Barcelona, ​​Valencia, Seville, Zaragoza, Bilbao, Malaga.

Official language of Spain... Spanish, legalized the use of Catalan, Galician and some other languages ​​of national minorities.

Ethnic composition of Spain... 72.8% are Spaniards, 16.4% are Catalans, 8.2% are Galician, 2.3% are Basques.

Spanish currency... Euro = 100 cents.