Category : Spain
Posted in Madrid on 18. Aug, 2011
Between boat rides on the lake in the Parque Del Buen Retiro, long days spent in the halls of the Prado, Thyssen Bornemisza and Reina Sofia Museums and the thousands of tapas bars and nightclubs throughout the city, Madrid has plenty to keep you busy. But if you can make the time, there are also many things to see surprisingly close to the Spanish capital city that you really don’t want to miss. Here are five of the most noteworthy choices:
El Pardo, 16 kilometres
Though mostly associated with General Franco, as the Palacio Real del Pardo served as the dictator’s residence for much of his rule, El Pardo and its palace have a long history, going back to at least the year 1406. That was the year that the palace was built by King Henry III of Castile. In 1739 the palace played a part in averting a war between Britain and Spain, when it played host to a peace conference, resulting in the Convention of Pardo. Now used as a residence for visiting heads of state, the palace is notable for its luscious interior decoration with its ceiling frescoed by Gaspar Becerra and paintings by Vincenzo Carducci and Cabrera. Besides the palace, the smaller royal residences of the Casita del Príncipe and the Quinta del Duque del Arco are worth seeing, as well as the 17th Convento de los Padres Capuchinos, which boasts a sculpture of Jesus by Gregorio Fernández. And don’t miss the Palace of Zarzuela.
Alcalá de Henares, 34 kilometres
The first of many UNESCO World Heritage Site close to Madrid, Alcalá de Henares is famous for many things. It is the birthplace of Don Quixote author Miguel Cervantes, and the house of his birth is now a museum. Another historical site worth seeing is La Catedral-Magistral, one of only two magisterial cathedrals in Europe. Inside is la Cripta de los Santos Niños, a tomb for persecuted Catholic children. The Corral de Comedias in central Plaza Cervantes is one of the oldest “Corral de Comedias” theatres in Europe, and the House of Hyppolytus is a Roman archaeological complex with well-preserved mosaics dating back to the 3rd century. The 14th century Archbishop’s Palace is also quite amazing, as is the House of the Interview, a Franciscan convent founded in sixteenth century. But what the city is really known for is la Universidad de Alcalá, a venerable old institution founded in 1499 by Cardenal Cisneros and the centre of Spain’s academic excellence in the 16th and 17th centuries.
El Escorial, 56 kilometres
Paris has Versailles, Berlin has Sanssouci, and Madrid has El Escorial. You may find this magnificent palace more somber than the others, but that’s because it was constructed by pious Philip II in the 16th century to serve as the royal monastery. You may be surprised to see how Spartan his own quarters are, but you will be bowled over by the gardens outside, the chapel in the centre and the ornate rooms and halls throughout the building. Now wonder that it too has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the windows and the balconies, you can just make out Madrid in the distance, and you can imagine the delight of the royals over the ages being able to see from one palace to the other. Speaking of the royals, one of the most impressive sights in el Escorial is the royal crypt downstairs, where nearly all the Spanish kings and queens can be found in a cool, somber chamber glistening with many colors of marble. After all that walking, you can stroll to the town centre of San Lorenzo del Escorial for a nice meal in a sidewalk café.
Toledo, 89 kilometres
Yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient walled city of Toledo was a rarity in that it was (for awhile anyway) one of the only places in Christian Spain where Muslims, Jews and Christians actually got along – in large part because of Alfonso X. Though the peace did not last, you still get to reap the benefits, as in addition to all the Christian monuments (such as one of the most impressive Cathedrals you’re going to find anywhere, there are still many remnants left behind from Toledo’s Moorish and Jewish inhabitants. For example, the Synagogue del Transito awaits in the old Jewish Quarter, now home to the Sephardic Museum, and the Tornerías Mosque dates back to the 11th century. Now owned by the Catholic Church, the Santa María la Blanca is the oldest Synagogue in Europe still standing. Toledo’s other claim to fame, besides its famous city walls and gates, is that it was home to El Greco. His presence is still felt everywhere, especially in the Museo de El Greco. The ancient Alcántara Bridge across the Tagus River takes you back to the time of the Romans, and for an unforgettable experience, you can just put away the guide book and get lost in some of the windiest Medieval streets in the world.
Cuenca, 168 kilometres
Not quite as famous as its Andalusian counterpart Ronda, the city of Cuenca is nonetheless quite impressive with its casas colgadas “hanging houses” defying gravity perched up there on top of those cliffs. Halfway between Madrid and Valencia, Cuenca can be accessed by high-speed rail, making it easy to visit. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is not the ideal place for those afraid of heights. But for the stout-hearted, many rewards are waiting. This gem in the province of Castilla La Mancha offers a beautiful baroque Town Hall, built by Charles III in 1762 and supported by three Roman arches. Though the Cathedral is incomplete after an unsuccessful nineteenth century refurbishment, it is still quite beautiful, and one way to get into two of the hanging houses is to visit the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art, which has occupied them for the last several decades. The Archeological Museum reveals many Roman finds in the area. But in the end, the main reason to visit Cuenca is for the breathtaking views of the Huecar River Gorge from its 15th century casas colgadas.
Hotels
El Pardo: Four-star AC Hotel Monte Real by Marriott
Alcalá de Henares
San Lorenzo de Escorial
Toledo
Cuenca
Posted in Spain on 09. Aug, 2011
Though Spain is more known for its bullfighting, the truth is there are few better places for the much gentler activity of bird watching. Southern Spain is the site of one of two main migration routes between Europe and Africa, while the 42,000 square kilometres of Extremadura boast some of the most important natural ecosystems on the continent, where large areas of Mediterranean forest, mountains, plains and wetlands shelter black storks, black vultures and one third of the world’s population of Imperial Eagles. Here are five of the best areas to discover our fine feathered friends.
Doñana National Park, Andalucía
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also considered to be the most important wetland in Europe. A whopping 300,000 to 400,000 birds settle in Doñana every winter, representing more than 300 different species. Doñana National Park is also the most important area in Europe for wintering geese and the second most important breeding area for Spanish Imperial Eagle on the entire planet. Here you’ll also find raptors, passerines and hundreds of both sea and wetland birds. Eighty percent of all endemic Iberian birds can be found here, and many are hard to see anywhere else. Though November through June is the optimal time to go, this beautiful corner of Spain is worth visiting all year round. The most convenient homebase for your visit is the town of Aznalcázar, where you’ll find some great hotels.
Cabañeros National Park, Castilla La Mancha
Heading north to Castilla La Mancha we find Cabañeros National Park, a 25,615-hectare natural wonderland full of pastures, grasslands and hills. Dense Mediterranean forest and scrub areas abound, giving you the feeling that you’re a thousand miles from the nearest civilization. And then there are the birds. With around 130 pairs, the park boasts the second largest colony of black vultures in the world. Other species found in the park include the black Stork, white Stork, black-winged kite, golden eagle, imperial eagle and the highest densities of eagle owls in the country. Keep in mind that many of the species you’ll be seeing are in danger of extinction. The most interesting parts of the park can only be accessed with a 4×4 vehicle, and it is recommended that you use a local guide. After all that roughing it, how nice it would be to pamper yourself in four-star luxury. For that, you can head to the town of Horcajo de los Montes for a stay at the Parque Cabañeros Hotel.
Monfragüe Natural Park, Extremadura
Though Extremadura has the reputation of being an inhospitable desert-like region, you’d never know that after spending time in Monfragüe Natural Park. Like Doñana in Andalusia, Monfragüe is Extremadura’s bird sanctuary. Featuring dry open pastures, cork and holm oak forests, rocky cliffs, deep gullies and a reservoir, the park also boasts the largest colony of black vultures in the world, clocking in at over 200 pairs, as well as the world’s largest breeding colony of monk vultures. Other birds you’ll find include the Spanish imperial eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, short-toed eagle, imperial eagle, Griffon vulture and many more. There are also two species of harrier and three species of kite. A large number of waterfowl species are found in and around the reservoir and the rivers feeding it, and if you want to take a break from feathers and spend time with fur, the park is also home to the rare Iberian lynx, red, roe and fallow deer, wild cats and wild boar. When you’re ready to return to the world of man, there’s no better place to do it than in the four-star Hospederia Parque Monfragüe located in the town of Torrejon El Rubio.
Ebro Delta Natural Park, Catalunya
Going from dry to wet, we come to the beautiful Ebro Delta Natural Park, stunning wetlands jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea. Considered to be the greatest wetland area on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, and the second greatest in the entire western Mediterranean, the park offers over 8,000 hectares of large lagoons, reed beds, channels, rice fields, and seasonally flooded areas of scrub. This is a paradise for birds and therefore a paradise for bird watchers. If you’re looking for water fowl, you’ll find an average of 53,000 ducks and 13,000 Coots in the fall. In fact, the park boasts 10% of the waterfowl that winter in the whole Iberian Peninsula. Make note of the 1,461 pairs of greater flamingo, 577 pairs of purple heron, 5,000 pairs of Kentish plover, 405 pairs of avocet, 392 pairs of slender-billed gull… The list goes on and on in this delta whose bird population covers 50,000-100,000 birds belonging 60% of the total number of species found in Europe. If all this seems a bit overwhelming, then you can take a break and relax at the three-star Rull Hotel located in the town of Deltebre.
Picos de Europa, Asturias, Cantabria and León
When you experience the overwhelming beauty of Northern Spain’s Picos de Europa, it will make perfect sense that this was the first piece of the country to be designated a national park back in 1918. The second largest national park, Picos de Europa is famous for its magnificent slopes that rise 225 feet above sea level. The park straddles three provinces and from its highest peak (8,100 foot Torre Cerredo) to its lowest valley, it offers an impressive variety of flora and fauna. A wide variety of birds certainly seem to love the place. Up high you’ll find many different kinds of eagles and vultures, while down by the coast you’ll find egrets. In other parts of the park are a number of black and common redstarts, wrynecks, great and middle-spotted woodpeckers. The wallcreepers seem to love the limestone mountains, and summer brings a variety of migrating birds. There are also many great places to be found for migrating bird watchers in and around the town of Fuente De.
How ironic that the walls built around European cities centuries ago to keep people out are now drawing them in. Part of what makes European walled cities so special is that finding one with its walls intact is extremely rare. But when you do find it, it’s like finding a time machine and traveling back to the distant past. Here are some European walled cities that you’ll never forget.
Avila, Spain
Not only does Avila have its medieval city walls intact, but it’s also got one of the largest collections of Romanesque and Gothic churches anywhere. Known as the City of Song and Saints, this city in Castile-Leon boasts walls dating from the 11th century. You can get up close and personal every day as the wall walk (Passeig del la Muralla) is open daily from 8 am until 10 pm. If you want views of the walls rather than from them, then take the Passeig Arqueologic, which circles the walls from outside. Located just 115 kilometres northwest of Madrid, Avila makes a wonderful daytrip from the capital city, and as the rest of the city doesn’t have too many sights to offer, you can combine it with a visit to Escorial, which is on the way. If, however, you want to linger, there are many great Avila hotels as well.
Carcassonne, France
With Europe’s most complete 6th, 7th and 8th century walls, Carcassonne provides an experience unlike any anywhere. Whether you stay in a Carcassonne hotel in the old town surrounded by history or along the river below, with its romantic view of La Cite lit up at night, Carcassonne offers many unforgettable views. The walls actually span a much longer time period, with a section dating back to the Romans and a tower (one of many) dating from the 13th century Inquisition, which is still known as The Inquisition Tower. There’s even a good old-fashioned drawbridge, and if you want to experience the dark side of the dark ages, you can visit the Musée de la Torture to see some of the original torture devices used by the Catholic Church. Inside the city, be sure not to miss the Basilica of St. Nazaire and St. Celse, the Cathedral and the Church of St. Vincent.
Rhodes, Greece
If it’s a moat you want, you’ll find it surrounding the medieval walled City of Rhodes. Along with seven gates, a castle and lots of leftover cannon balls. Though that ancient wonder of the world, the Colossus of Rhodes is long-gone, you can still see the 15th century Grand Master’s Palace, walk down Knights Street and see all the ancient crests and visit the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent, named for the city’s 1522 conqueror. It’s no wonder that one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. For a special treat, head to the ancient Byzantine Harbour, which was recently excavated, uncovering shipwrecks spanning the centuries. One of the most unique experiences is wandering the crooked stone walkways of the old city at night, after the shops have been shuttered and with nothing but the occasional electric light to tell you that you’re in the 21st century and not the 12th. This can be easily achieved by staying in a Rhodes hotel.
Rothenburg, Germany
Nowhere is Germany’s famed Romantic Road more romantic than in the walled city of Rothenburg. One of the country’s favorite tourist attractions, this ancient city offers a large collection of traditional half-timbered houses and a large town square that offers concerts in the summer and delicious food all year round. There’s even a Puppen und Spielzeugmuseum featuring dolls and toys. If you need a break from all the good feelings and charm, you can head to the Kriminalmuseum and get an exhaustive view of 1,000 years of judicial punishment, which takes the form of instruments of torture and information about the witch trials for which they were used. Ah, yes. The walls. Rothenburg’s ancient covered walls are open to all who want to walk them. Which is easy when you stay at one of Rothenburg’s many hotels.
York, England
If you’re looking for the United Kingdom’s best preserved city walls, you’ll find three and a half kilometres worth surrounding the medieval city of York. Set between London and Edinburgh, York was always a strategic city, which explains why it boasted such impenetrable walls. It also explains its mind-boggling array of 45 towers. Don’t miss the famous York ginnels, which are fifty-plus small thoroughfares within the walls which can be used as medieval short-cuts to explore the city. And don’t miss all the historical treasures inside the city, from the iconic cathedral to the York Dungeon to the York Castle Museum to the world’s largest Railway Museum. Though the modern city has far outgrown its walls, many of York’s hotels can be found within the old city limits.
No architect has made such a strong impression on a city than has Antoni Gaudí on the city of Barcelona. This Spanish Catalan architect who lived from 1852 to 1926 has left his mark all over the city with some of the most memorable, most imaginative, most haunting pieces of work you’ll find anywhere. Though his buildings fall under the category of Catalan Modernism, their uniqueness is one major reason that so many people visit Barcelona, and you could spend days in the city just sampling his work. Here are some Gaudí works you won’t want to miss.
Palau Güell (1885-1889)
Decades before Gaudí’s relationship with his benefactor, Count Eusebi Güell produced the famous Parc Güell, this Catalan industrialist was commissioning Gaudí’s work. In fact, the two men met at the beginning of Gaudí’s career, and there are many Güell-financed Gaudí buildings to show for it. The Palau Güell, Güell’s family residence is the earliest example. Gaudí designed everything from the windows to the bathroom taps and though fairly sombre from the outside, the inside is vibrant and stunning. Look for Gaudí’s signature mosaics on the roof and the chimneys and consider them a prevue of coming attractions. Set close to La Rambla, there are many excellent accommodation choices nearby, but if you want to spread out and enjoy your own apartment practically next to the Palau Güell, you can check out the Las Ramblas Bacardi Apartments.
Parc Güell (1900-1914)
Arguably Gaudí’s greatest Güell-financed project, Parc Güell was originally planned as a housing development for the well-to-do. Inspired by English-style garden cities like Bourneville, the idea was to lay out the park while Güell sold plots of land inside for his fellow wealthy industrialists. The residential part of the plan didn’t do so well, but as you’ll see, the park, which was opened to the public in 1923, is an unparalleled work of art. Blending nature and his unique design, Gaudí has created a scene right out of a fairy tale. From the sweeping staircase flowing upwards around a water cascade and defended by a mosaic-covered dragon, to the breathtaking Hall of Columns, to the terraced walls and viaducts held in place with sculpted palm and pine trees, you will not soon forget a visit to Parc Güell. If you’re looking for nearby accommodation, the three-star Hotel Ronda Lesseps is a half-mile from the park.
Casa Batlló (1904-1906)
Casa Batlló is unique in that it was not originally built by Gaudí. Gaudí redesigned an 1877 house and made it his own masterpiece. No matter what angles of the house you’ve seen in photos, your jaw is guaranteed to drop the first time you see it in person. With the near total lack of straight lines, the house seems almost organic. In fact, the locals refer to it as the Casa del Ossos, which translates to the House of Bones, and after seeing its slightly-macabre appearance, you’ll understand why. If you’re lucky enough to see the house on a sunny day, you’ll be struck by the roof, whose shiny tiles shimmer in the sun like dragon scales. Though the Casa Batlló charges a fee to get inside (well worth it) there are two other Modernist buildings on the block, the Casa Lleó Morera, by Lluís Domènech i Montaner and the Casa Amatller by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, both of which are worth seeing, and both of which are open to the public, free of charge. If you want to experience five-star luxury in a classic Barcelona hotel, then the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona is just a block away.
Casa Milà (1905-1910)
Almost opposite Casa Batlló on the Passeig de Grácia is Casa Milà, which is also known as La Pedrera, which means, the Quarry. Looking at Casas Batlló and Milà together shows what a wide range Gaudí had, as the two buildings look like they come from different planets. Where the pulsing, dragon-like Batlló looks like a living thing, Casa Milà looks like it was lovingly carved out of a giant stone. The structure is amazingly supported entirely by pillars rather than walls, and the various heights of each floor and ceiling means that each apartment has a totally unique layout. Be sure to head up to the roof to see the surrealist chimneys up close and personal. The strange warrior characters and swirling figures have become emblems of Barcelona. And if you feel like you just haven’t gotten enough, then a stay in the neighboring Suites Avenue Hotel will allow you to spend the entire night gazing at the building from your guest room window.
Sagrada Familia (1883-present)
Speaking of emblems of Barcelona, if you’re reading this article you know about the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Known formally as the Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s masterpiece has been under construction for 128 years now. This follows the tradition of many Medieval Cathedrals, which often took centuries to build. Starting in 1914, Gaudí dedicated his life to the project, sleeping in his workshop and taking on the appearance of a madman. In fact, when he was hit by a train in 1926, he wasn’t even recognized, and it took several days until he was found in a pauper’s hospital. After his death, other architects continued the project, following his plans. Incredibly, the unfinished church was almost torn down due to the anti-clerical sentiment during the Spanish Civil War. Presently plans are to finish it by 2026, which will be the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death. The three-star MH Apartments Sagrada Familia is about as close as you’ll get to sleeping in the Cathedral like Gaudí did.
One of the most popular activities in Europe is visiting Cathedrals. But did you know that Europe also boasts a large collection of amazing Mosques and that many of them are open to the public, just as the Cathedrals are? Most are found in Spain, where the Moors ruled for centuries and in south-eastern Europe, which was Ottoman Turkish territory. But with the recent influx of Muslims into Europe, there are Mosques being built everywhere from Berlin, Germany to Reykjavik, Iceland. Here are a few worth visiting:
Ali Pasha’s Mosque, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Listed by Lonely Planet as one of the most top ten cities to visit in 2010, Sarajevo is so famous for its mix of Islam, Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Judaism that it has often been called the “Jerusalem of Europe.” Standing out among many amazing Churches, Synagogues and Mosques is Ali Pasha’s Mosque, which was constructed during the rule of the Ottoman Turks in 1561 by Hadim Ali-pasha, the former Ottoman governor of the Budapest administrative district and the Bosnia Pashaluk. Built in the classical Istanbul architectural style, the Mosque features a large dome to cover the central prayer area and three smaller domes to cover the cloister. Unfortunately, the Mosque was heavily damaged by Serbian forces during the war in the 1990s – much like the rest of the city – but it was lovingly restored in 2004 and 2005, which led to its inclusion on the list of National Monuments of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Banya Bashi Mosque, Sofia, Bulgaria
Completed just 15 years later in 1576, the Banya Bashi Mosque gets its name (“Many Baths”) from the natural thermal spas that it was built over. It is possibly the only Mosque in the world that boasts steam rising from vents in the ground just outside the walls. You’ll be impressed by the size of the dome and the beauty of the minaret as it rises to the sky. You’ll be impressed by the beauty of the tile work. This is also an active Mosque, used by the nearly 9,000 Muslims living in the city, so you can only go inside when there are not services being performed. In a city once boasting over 70 Mosques, the Banya Bashi is actually Sofia’s only active Mosque. It was closed under Communist rule and opened and restored after the fall of the Iron Curtain.
La Mezquita, Córdoba, Spain
Moving from the Ottomans to the Moors, we now go to one of the most impressive places of worship on the planet, the famous Mezquita of Córdoba. A Cathedral since the Reconquista in 1236 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this was once the second largest Mosque in the world, and its forest of 856 columns is a sight you will never forget. The use of this spot as a religious site predates the Mosque. Before construction started in 784 (and additions that spanned the next 200 years) it was the Visigoth St. Vincent’s Basilica. At some point before that it was a Jewish Synagogue and before that a Roman Temple. Unfortunately the conquering Christians destroyed the centre of the Mosque and replaced it with a chapel, which is actually quite lovely, but also quite misplaced. Still the remaining columns, made of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite and some coming from Córdoba’s Roman buildings, create a magical atmosphere not replicated anywhere else in the world.
The Grande Mosquée de Paris
Located in the romantic 5th arrondissement, the Grande Mosquée de Paris is the largest mosque in France and the third largest in Europe. Unlike the Mosques in Sarajevo, Córdoba and Sofia, this is a 20th century affair, built after World War I as a sign of France’s gratitude to the the help of the Muslims in the French colonies, 100,000 of whom died fighting against Germany. Its rich history also encompasses World War II, when it served as a secret refuge for those persecuted by the occupying Germans, providing fake Muslim birth certificates for Jewish children. Built in the Mudéjar style, full of mosaics, wood carvings and wrought iron from Morocco, the Mosque’s gorgeous interiors could are reminiscent of the Alhambra in Granada. The Mosque is an active place of worship for North Africans living in Paris, and tours are given of the building, its central courtyard, and its Moorish garden. The marble Turkish baths are also quite popular, as is the couscous and sweet mint tea at the Muslim Restaurant de la Mosquée de Paris.
The Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque, Gibraltar
Officially inaugurated in 1997, the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque, also known as the King Fahd bin Abdulaziz al-Saud Mosque perfectly represents the history of the Muslim presence in Europe. The southernmost Mosque on the continent, the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim was built to accommodate the new Muslim population in a location just a few metres from the Roman Catholic Shrine of Our Lady of Europe, which itself started out as a Mosque until the Muslims were expelled from the continent in the 15th century. Boasting a school, a library and a lecture hall, the Mosque also boasts fantastic views of the mountains of Morocco from its perch at Europa Point. It’s one of the largest Mosques in a non-Muslim country and an underwater cistern right next to it dates back to the age of the Moors, cementing the relationship between past and present.
Accommodations
Seeing these cultural treasures is made easier when you stay in a local hotel, and there are many hotels from which to choose, whether you’re in Sarajevo, Sofia, Córdoba, Paris or Gibraltar.
It recently came to my attention that the Musée Picasso in Paris is closed for renovations until sometime in 2012. What’s a Picasso lover to do? Plenty. Because an artist as prolific as Pablo Picasso needs more than one museum to show his work. It seems that Picasso Museums are scattered all over Europe – though mostly in France and Spain. From his birthplace in Málaga to the French capital of Paris, wherever the artist painted, sculpted or glazed ceramics now has its own Picasso Museum, creating a whole new genre of “Picasso Tourism.” Here are five Picasso museums worth visiting.
Musée Picasso, Antibes, France
The Côte d’Azur city of Antibes has the distinction of being the first city to open a museum dedicated to Picasso, having beaten out both Málaga and Paris. They did not take this decision lightly, as they chose for the museum site the Château Grimaldi, a beautiful building enjoying both a wonderful location on the city’s ancient coastal ramparts and an important place in the city’s history. Belonging to the Grimaldi family since 1608, the Château was home to Picasso for six months in 1946. Much of the 245 works of art at the Musée Picasso was given to the museum by Picasso himself, with some extra exhibits were provided in 1990 by his second wife, Jacqueline Picasso. Here you can see such iconic works as “The Goat” and “La Joie de Vivre” and many other drawings, paintings, etchings and ceramics. When it’s time to bed down for the night, most of Antibes’s hotels are in the newer part of the city, but if you want to remain within the ancient city walls, you can stay at the Pierre et Vacances Antibes, which is only several blocks from the museum.
Musée National Picasso La Guerre et La Paix, Vallauris, France
Just 15 minutes from Antibes, nestled in a valley just inland from Golfe Juan is the sleepy village of Vallauris. Strolling through the tiny town square and gazing at the handful of shops, restaurants and bakeries, you may be surprised to learn that Pablo Picasso lived here from 1948 until 1955 and that one of his greatest works of art is only metres away. He also returned in 1961 to secretly marry Jacqueline in the town hall. The artist came here to learn how to make pottery, something the town has always been famous for. And the museum is full of them. But the main attraction in Vallauris is the nearby Chapel of Peace, where decided to decorate a small 12th-century chapel with a mural entitled War and Peace, which takes up the entire interior. Walking through the tunnel-like work of art is quite an experience. The closest hotels to Vallauris that are still on the water can be found in Golfe Juan.
Museu Picasso, Barcelona, Spain
Much earlier, in 1894, a 13 year-old Picasso arrived in Barcelona with his family. This is where the young artist completed his first major works, such as The First Communion (1896), and Science and Charity (1897), both of which are at the museum. In fact, the Museu Picasso has one of the most extensive Picasso collections on the planet. Even if Picasso isn’t your favorite artist, the five adjoining medieval palaces that make up the museum are worth seeing. Since opening in 1963 with 574 works, the museum has greatly expanded its collection and now includes over 3,500 pieces in its permanent collection alone, including school books, academic pieces and paintings from Picasso’s early Blue Period. Located in the neighborhood of La Ribera, the museum is close to many excellent Barcelona hotels.
Museo Picasso Málaga and the Museo Casa Natal, Málaga, Spain
As Picasso’s birthplace, Málaga has the distinction of being the only city to host two Pablo Picasso Museums, the Museo Picasso Málaga and the Museo Casa Natal. Though the Museo Picasso Málaga didn’t open until 2003, the idea of it began in 1953. The grand opening drew such luminaries as the King and Queen of Spain, and the museum has an impressive collection, much of which was donated by members of Picasso’s family. The collection ranges from early academic studies to cubism his late re-workings of Masters, and there’s also a library and archive including over 800 titles on Picasso, along with many interesting photographs. The museum is housed in the 16th century Palacio de Buenavista, which was built on the site of a Moorish Nasrid Palace, some of which can still be seen, making the museum a unique historical experience as well.
The Museo Casa Natal, literally “Birthplace Museum” also houses the Fundación Picasso. Set on the Plaza de la Merced, the Foundation is set up to promote the work of the artist – which seems like a pretty easy job. In addition to the Museo Casa Natal, facility includes a Picasso documentation center and many art collections. Of course Picasso’s work is well-represented and includes paintings, drawings and sculptures. But the museum also highlights the work of many other artists, including Pablo Palazuelo, Marc Chagall, Joan Miró, Christo, Francis Bacon, Max Ernst, Jaume Plensa, and many local artists as well. Málaga offers a wide variety of accommodations near both museums and near the city’s many other attractions and landmarks.
With Minnesota’s 390,000 square-metre Mall of America and the 570,000 square-metre West Edmonton Mall in Alberta Canada, not to mention such iconic malls as the Sherman Oaks Galleria, you would think that the world’s best malls would be found west of the Atlantic. But the Old Country still has some tricks up its sleeve, and whether you’re looking to find that one special bargain or you just want to shop till you drop, Europe boasts some awesome shopping venues. European malls not only provide you with the full spectrum of shopping and dining options, but many also boast some unusual attractions for the non-shopper. As we will see…
Madrid Xanadú, Arroyomolinos, Spain
A fine example of a mall offering more than shopping can be found 30 kilometres from the centre of Madrid in the countryside just outside of the town of Arroyomolinos. In addition to offering over 222 shops and restaurants and the 15-screen Cinesa Movie Theatre, Madrid Xanadú is also one of Spain’s most popular places to go skiing and snowboarding. How, you may ask? Simple. The mall plays host to Madrid SnowZone, a huge covered ski slope with artificial snow. The mall, which is anchored by Spain’s famous mega-store, El Corté Inglés, along with its Hipercor at El Corté Inglés, was built in 2002 with the SnowZone opening in 2006. Most Madrid hotels will be able to help you find easy transportation to the mall.
Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin, Ireland
Though its 80,000 square metres makes it smaller than the Mall of America, Dundrum Town Centre is Ireland’s biggest mall, featuring over 160 tenants. These include Tesco Ireland, Marks and Spencer, House of Fraser, Next, Karen Millen, Harvey Nichols, GAP, Timberland and Penney’s, as well as its own petrol station at the shopping centre. A full list of tenants is available on the shopping centre’s website. Dundrum Town Centre’s claim to fame indirectly derives from its origin as a Pye television factory. It may be the only mall that has its own TV and radio stations. Dundrum South FM 93.9 is a local community-based radio station for South Dublin, which predates the mall by nine years, and the TV station, Dundrum Television is operated by RTE. Students from local schools get involved in the action, gaining valuable media experience. Dundrum Town Centre may also be one of the only malls to be blessed upon opening by the local clergy. Fifteen minutes from the heart of the Irish capital, the mall can be easily reached from your Dublin hotel.
Il Vulcano Buono, Nola, Italy
Though Il Vulcano Buono offers a choice of 155 shops, along with some restaurants and bars, the shopping is not what makes this 2007 shopping mall unique. Can you guess looking at the photo? Set right near Mount Vesuvius, the unique design by architect Renzo Piano is meant to represent a volcano itself. Its gently grass-covered slope blends harmoniously with the surrounding environment as it pays homage to the area’s most prevalent natural feature. There’s also a multiplex theatre and a gallery here, and its 160-metre circular centre, which is modeled on the Naples Piazza del Plebiscito, is used for concerts and events. The open sky allows light to enter through the “rim” of the volcano, and there are also skylights fitted with solar double-pane glass. The entire establishment occupies an area of approximately 450,000 square metres. Your best accommodation bet is to stay in the charming town of Nola.
Gasometer City, Vienna, Austria
Another unique mall that is more than a mall is Gasometer City, a community that boasts a 3,000 person music hall, a movie theatre, a student dormitory, 800 apartments and a shopping mall. All within a series of four brick gas tanks dating from the 1890s. Used until 1984 to store gas and then natural gas, Gasometer City is one of the most creative re-use projects in the world. Completed in 2001, this is a city within a city, featuring offices as well as residences and shopping, providing residents with everything they need without every stepping outside. Many theses and dissertations in psychology, urban planning, journalism and architecture have been written about the place, and even if you’re not in the mood to shop, it’s still an interesting Vienna attraction and not far from most Vienna hotels.
Mall of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
Though the Mall of Sofia located at the central intersection of Aleksandar Stamboliyski Boulevard and Opalchenska Street would not draw much attention if it was located in any western European or American city, it is an indication of just how far capitalism has come in formerly communist Eastern Europe. This modern glass and steel shopping centre opened its doors in 2006 and also boasts distinctive office space in its attached Sofia Tower. Four-stories tall and taking up 70,000 square metres, the mall and office complex offers up a lot of shopping. There are 130 stores, a supermarket, pharmacies, a beauty salon, an Internet café and DVD and video rentals. And to drive herald even further the arrival of the west, just look at some of the food options. McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut are all there, along with Cinema City, a 12-screen multiplex cinema featuring the first 3-D IMAX theatre in Southeastern Europe. Set prominently in the city centre, the mall can be easily reached from most Sofia hotels.
When one thinks of European lakes, one tends to picture the Alpine lakes of Switzerland and Italy. And with good reason. They’re beautiful. But nearly every European country (besides, of course, Vatican City and San Marino) boasts their own beautiful lakes, and to miss visiting them is to miss discovering some of the continent’s most beautiful spots. Many of these European lakes offer sandy beaches, secluded coves and centuries-old villages dotting their shores. Some lakes are hard to get to, and others are hiding in plain sight. Here are some of the most interesting.
Lake Ladoga
Have you been to Europe’s largest lake? Most people outside of Russia (and many inside of Russia) haven’t. But the south-western shore of Lake Ladoga is just 50 kilometres from the heart of Saint Petersburg. Covering 17,891 square kilometres, boasting 660 islands and measuring 219 kilometres, north to south, Lake Ladoga offers a thousand adventures. Fishermen can choose from 48 kinds of fish, from roach to carp bream to zander to European perch to smelt.
50 kilometres from the heart of St. Petersburg. The lake even boasts its own ringed seal subspecies known as the Ladoga Seal. The lake is rich in history as well, as the frozen lake was the last line of defense for the Russians during the World War II Siege of Leningrad. There’s also plenty of hiking, biking, rock climbing, sailing and kayaking. And if you want to spend the night in the nearby city of Saint Petersburg, there are plenty of hotels waiting.
Lake Balaton
Though the capital Budapest is known for its thermal spas, the country boasts another watery claim to fame. Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, is sometimes referred to as the “Hungarian Sea.” Located in the beautiful Transdanubian Region and located just over 100 kilometres from Budapest, the lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the land-locked country. The mountainous north shore is one of Hungary’s major wine regions, and the southern shore is where you’ll find most of the resort towns that have been attracting pleasure-seekers for centuries. Siófok, Keszthely, and Balatonfüred are the major resort towns, with Siófok winning the title of Party Capital of Hungary, thanks to its wealth of clubs and young vacationers. Most beaches consist of grass, rocks or silty sand, but many resorts have artificial sandy beaches. In the winter, you can go ice-fishing or skating, assuming the lake freezes over. And no matter what time of year, there are plenty of hotels in both Keszthely and Siófok.
Lake Maggiore
Okay, I know I said I was going to stick to the little-known lakes, but Lake Maggiore is too beautiful not to mention. Known as Lago Maggiore to the Italians and Lacus Verbanus to their Roman predecessors, this lake nestled on the southern Alps has been providing the perfect getaway since ancient times. The crystal waters extend 70 kilometres, from Locarno to Arona, and is blessed with an oddly mild climate all year round, which results in the unique sight of Mediterranean gardens filled with rare exotic plants. Many of these gardens are located on the lakes stunningly beautiful islands, including the Isola Madre, Isola Bella and the Isole di Brissago, as well as the Alpinia Botanical Garden on the mainland above Stresa. Speaking of Stresa, this lovely commune of 5,000 residents makes a wonderful homebase for visiting the island. In addition to such historical treasures as the 1770 Villa Ducale, and the 1900 Villa Dell’Orto, the town boasts many fine hotels and easy access to the breathtaking Borromean Islands.
Lake Constance
Crossing the Alps we come to Lake Constance, set at the northern foot of the mountain range and known to the Germans as the Bodensee. Actually three bodies of water (the Obersee, the Untersee and the Seerhein that connects them), the lake has the distinction of having three countries (Germany, Switzerland and Austria) sharing its shores. First mentioned in 43 CE by the
Roman geographer Pomponius Mela, Lake Constance has a rich history. If you want to experience that history firsthand, and you want the accommodation experience of a lifetime, consider splurging and spending a night at the five-star Steigenberger Inselhotel. Set on its own island in the German city of Konstanz, this world-class hotel has looked over the waters in one form or another since the year 1236 and boasts its own private beach. From here it’s easy to get in some swimming or boating or to rent a bike and hop onto the Lake Constance Cycle Route.
Mar Menor
What is the last country in Europe you would expect to have a lake? Besides Vatican City. If you guessed Spain, you are correct, and admittedly, the Mar Menor is a lake that fits the character of the arid Iberian Peninsula. A salty lagoon that is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a sliver of sand called La Manga, Mar Menor stretches 22 kilometres, with Los Alcázares being the only major city on its shores, though Cartagena is also nearby. The warm clear water never exceeds a depth of seven metres, earning it the title, “the largest swimming pool in the world.” Like the Dead Sea, its high salinity makes swimming there an experience in floating, and the lake’s history as a tourist destination actually predates the Romans and goes all the way back to the Phoenicians. The north end of the lake provides an extra treat in the form of the Parque Regional de las Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro, and if you want to take advantage of that location, you can stay at the three-star Hotel Neptuno in the town of San Pedro del Pinatar.
Anyone who had to struggle through Physics, Chemistry and Biology classes in school might not put spending time in a science museum at the top of their list. But with the amazing array of science museums throughout Europe, you’d be missing out by skipping them. From sci-fi futuristic architecture in Valencia’s Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències to the arcane-bordering-on-macabre ancient cabinets in Leiden’s Museum Boerhaave, there’s a wide range of science museums, covering a wide range of interests. Here are some of the most interesting.
Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, Valencia, Spain
Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences is located in the dry riverbed of the River Turia, whose recent de-watering has given Valencia the opportunity to create a vast network of modern buildings and parks. The already classic museum, designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, has been thrilling visitors with its exterior and interior since opening in 1998. Actually made up of many buildings, the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències features the 13,000 square metre eye-shaped L’Hemisfèric (featuring an Imax Cinema, Planetarium and Laserium), the 40,000 square metre El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe (an interactive museum resembling the skeleton of a whale) and L’Umbracle (a landscaped walk with lush gardens and an outdoor art gallery with work by Miquel from Navarre and Yoko Ono). There’s also L’Oceanogràfic, El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia and El Puente de l’Assut de l’Or, huge bridge spanning the former river. Nearby hotels provide excellent views of the complex.
Cité de l’espace, Toulouse, France
Going from the future to the world of outer space, we go to Toulouse and its famous Cité de l’espace. More of a theme park, the City of Space features many full-scale models, ranging from Ariane 5 to the Mir space station, to a collection of Soyuz modules. You can look to the stars in two planetariums, one with 140 seats and the other with 280, and the control room for the Ariane 5 lets you experience the thrill of a rocket launch. The Terradome presents the history of space in an exciting way, and there’s an IMAX screen showing Space Station 3D, which was filmed on board the International Space Station. There’s much more to see in this three and a half hectare park featuring 2,000 square metres of exhibition space, and there are plenty of great Toulouse hotels that put you close to the museum.
Science Museum, London, United Kingdom
From space to history, London’s Science Museum is part of the famous Museum Row, set in South Kensington, close to Hyde Park. Part of the National Museum of Science and Industry, the museum was founded in 1857 and features a mind-boggling 300,000 exhibits, enough to last the whole day. If you don’t have the whole day, you might want to skip ahead to such historically important exhibits as Stephenson’s Rocket, Puffing Billy (the oldest surviving steam locomotive), the first jet engine and a reconstruction of Francis Crick and James Watson’s model of DNA. You can also see the first prototype of the 10,000-year Clock of the Long Now, along with such modern interactive features as the IMAX 3D Cinema, which seems to be a staple of most science museums. If you’re traveling with kids, you might want to take advantage of ”Science Night,” an all-night extravaganza where up to 380 children, accompanied by adults, are invited to spend the night sleeping in the museum galleries amongst the exhibits. Otherwise you’ll have to settle for all the excellent, though less interesting, hotels in the area.
Museum Boerhaave, Leiden, the Netherlands
To delve back further into history, step right up folks, into the Museum Boerhaave. Though this natural history museum only dates back to 1907, the collection in the Museum Boerhaave stretches all the way back to the 1500s, when the Netherlands began several centuries as one of the planet’s leaders in the sciences. In addition to the world’s oldest herbarium, the Museum Boerhaave boasts Willem Blaeu’s giant 17th century quadrant, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek’s microscopes and the planetarium and telescope of the iconic Christiaan Huygens. You can step back to the 18th century in the cabinets of professors ‘s Gravesande and Van Musschenbroek, and there are also physiotherapeutic devices and the papier-mâché anatomical models from the 19th century. And don’t miss the Theatrum Anatomicum, a reproduction a 1596 anatomical theatre where corpses were dissected. If that’s not creepy enough for you, look up to the wall to see three ancient paintings, one of which shows a Prussian peasant from whom a 10 inch sword, swallowed in a drinking bout, has surgically been removed. Leiden also features many great hotels, both inside and outside the canals of the Old City.
Nikola Tesla Museum, Belgrade, Serbia
The scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla has developed quite the loyal following, and the Nikola Tesla Museum, set in the heart of Belgrade pays homage to the man and his work. Here in this 1927 villa, you’ll find over 160,000 original documents, over 2,000 books and journals and, more interestingly, over 1,200 historical technical exhibits. In 2006, in honor of Tesla’s 150th birthday, the museum started an exhibition called “Tesla’s everyday life” which features a collection of textiles and other objects that he used in his everyday life. There are also over 1,500 photos, over 1,000 drawings and plans and many models of Tesla’s inventions. The museum’s archive was inscribed on UNESCO’s 2003 Memory of the World Programme Register for its role in the history of electrification of the world. Due to its central location, the museum is surrounded by many of the best of the city’s hotels.
Summer’s here and the time is right for dancing all over Europe. Though Southern California’s Coachella Festival gets all the headlines, the truth is that Europe is full of dozens of music festivals featuring thousands of bands, from the Gulf of Bothnia to the Mediterranean and from the Atlantic to the Adriatic. All music is covered, from heavy metal to jazz and from rap to local folk music, very often at the same festivals. Here’s a list of five of the best music festivals coming up in the summer of 2011.
Roskilde Festival, Denmark
June 30-July 3, Warm-up June 26-29
The Roskilde Festival was created in 1971 by two high school students and it has growing ever since. As the festival is a non-profit organization supporting the development of music and culture, you know your ticket money is going to a good place. Originally a haven for hippies, the musical styles have branched out and its wide range of musical styles can be seen in a sampling of the 2011 line-up. Acts will include MIA, PJ Harvey, Iron Maiden, Killing Joke, Kings of Leon, Big Boi, Bright Eyes, Ice Age, Yemen Blues and hundreds more. In 2007 the festival boasted 80,000 guests who watched 180 bands and enjoyed the work of 3,000 artists. Like most festivals, Roskilde provides the opportunity to camp. But if you’d like to crash in a bed with four walls and a ceiling around you, there are plenty of Roskilde hotels to accommodate you. Though you should be sure to book early.
Oxegen Festival, Ireland
July 7-10
Somewhat newer is the Oxegen Festival, which has become Ireland’s largest, with a 2008 daily attendance of 90,000. Though its previous incarnation, “Witnness” was sponsored by Guinness, the festival is now put on by Heineken. Known as the greenest festival in Europe, Oxegen is a 100% carbon neutral event and takes place at the Punchestown Racecourse in County Kildare, just 32 kilometres from Dublin. As always, 2011 will feature some big names among the 100+ acts, including Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Black-Eyed Peas, Arctic Monkeys, the Strokes, the Script, deadmaus, the National, Weezer, Pendulum, Plan B, Primal Scream and Bright Eyes. If you want to sleep in the open with 80,000 other attendees, there’s camping available. The nearest hotels are just a few kilometres in the town of Naas, and after three nights of camping, a night spent in a Dublin hotel can serve as a nice transition back to civilization.
Benicàssim Festival, Spain
July 14-July 17
What do you get when you mix rock music the blue waters and golden sands of Spain’s Mediterranean coast? The Benicàssim Festival! Known locally as the Festival Internacional de Benicàssim, this four-day party is set in the beachside holiday town of Benicàssim, which is an hour from Valencia in one direction and two hours from Barcelona in the other. Though the festival focuses mostly on pop, rock and electronica music, many other arts are represented as well, from theatre to short film to visual arts and fashion. The 2011 line-up includes The Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, Primal Scream, Arcade Fire, Portishead, Jack Beats, The Juan MacLean, Logo, Lori Meyers and The Marzipan Man. Camping is offered here as well, but if you’d like to mix festival-style fun with beach resort luxury, then check out one of the many resort hotels in Benicàssim and in Castellon de la Plana, 16 kilometres away.
Sziget Festival, Budapest
August 8-15
The Isle of Wight Festival isn’t the only one held on an island. Of course what makes the Sziget Festival unique is that the island is right in the middle of the Danube, right in the middle of the Hungarian capital of Budapest. This is the biggest party in Europe, features a whopping 1,000+ bands and artists, performing on 55 different stages. The variety of music is also mind-boggling, allowing you to choose (and with all those stage, choose you must) between pop, rock, metal, hip hop, dance, world music and more. There’s also much non-performance fun to be had, from bungee-jumping to movies to belly dancing and Hungarian lessons to karaoke to swimming and football. Oh, and then there’s the music, which this year will include Amy Winehouse, Deftones, Flogging Molly, Good Charlotte, Judas Priest, Kasabian, Pulp, Smashmouth, The Chemical Brothers… and hundred more. Though camping out on the island is a unique experience, you might want to pencil in one night in a Budapest hotel, many of which offer the unique experience of visiting one of the city’s famed thermal baths.
Pukkelpop, Belgium
August 18-20
With fall approaching, the Pukkelpop Festival, one of the season’s last, is getting in full swing. Though the line-up has not yet been announced (you can jot down your requests on the festival website), 2010 featured Placebo, Iron Maiden, Queens of the Stone Age, Snow Patrol, Blink 182, Limp Bizkit, The Flaming Lips, Bad Religion, The Black Motorcycle Club, Fake Blood and 200 more. The festival boasts eight stages, including the unforgettable Chateau Crapule. It’s held in a large enclosure of fields and forests close to the city of Hasselt in a tiny village of Kiewit, whose population increases exponentially once a year when the Pukkelpop crowd of 180,000 descends upon it. If you want to skip the camping or are looking for some post-festival decompression, hotel rooms are available in Hasselt and 40 minutes away in the medieval Dutch river city of Maastricht.
