Switzerland. The diversity of landscapes and geographical terrain gives rise to an array of environments that go from the heat of the Guadalquivir River valley through to luxuriant mid-mountain areas, volcanic landscapes such as the Tabernas desert, and the snow-capped peaks of Sierra Nevada. The Guadalquivir is Andalusia’s most important river and brings life to many areas in its journey across the region.

 

In barely forty kilometres you can go from Alpine mountain landscapes to tropical areas on the shores of the Mediterranean. The coast of Andalusia stretches for almost 900 kilometres and is home to a large number of cities, towns and beaches that are a delight to visit. The whole ensemble represents a range of attractions for tourists that goes from impressive monuments in large towns to typical small villages, which have provided a constant source of inspiration for all kinds of artists.

 

Andalusia today is a modern region with well-developed infrastructure. It offers a warm welcome to visitors and, while conscious of the need to modernise and move forward with the times, it is also careful to take care of its roots and maintain its important cultural heritage and monuments, legacy of the region’s ancestors. Andalusia’s age-old history has left behind a wealth of artistic heritage. The Alhambra in Granada, the Great Mosque of Cordoba and the Giralda Tower and old town of Seville are all World Heritage sites, but the majority of its towns and villages also bear witness to the peak of Andalusia’s artistic heritage over the ages.

 

The stunning Moorish, Renaissance and, above all, Baroque architecture to be seen in its most important buildings, the castles, fortresses and monasteries to be found throughout the region, complete a hugely valuable array of heritage. The native region of Velázquez, Murillo and Picasso is home to canvasses, sculptures, jewellery, images and archaeological remains to be found in cathedrals, museums, churches, convents and palaces, guardians of this important artistic development. Even in the most remote villages you can find a first-rate altarpiece, a masterpiece of painting or an item of the most intricate precious metal work. The variety of fiestas and celebrations to be found in Andalusia is as broad as its geography and the calendar of events is a real encyclopaedia taking in the arts and customs of its people. The spring festivals, planting and harvest festivals, patron saint’s day fiestas, fairs, wine festivals, open-air fiestas and pilgrimages all demonstrate the finest local crafts, gastronomy, music and religious beliefs. 

 

 The Carnival celebrations give a noisy start to the season, with a humorous, satirical look at everyday roles in society. During Easter week, churches bring out their most valuable treasures to accompany the Passion statues for processions that follow their itineraries faithfully year after year. The Corpus Christi festivities are the inspiration for another dazzling parade. The May Crosses festival brings together the sacred and the profane in spectacular harmony. Bullfighting has fundamental importance in Andalusia on account of its deep roots.

 

For three quarters of the year there are bullfights held in many different bullrings, to coincide with local fairs that are the scene for dancing and song accompanied by the guitar. Flamencomusic is the most authentic expression of Andalusian folklore. The flamenco festivals in summer offer a calendar of performances to suit all tastes. “Romerías” are religious processions that take place in the countryside, heirs of ancient fertility rituals. The region’s ceramics and pottery, its artwork in metal and jewellery, its leatherwork for shoes or saddles, craft textiles from blankets to embroidery and shawls, along with a whole range of further crafts including furniture making, wickerwork, picture framing, work in stone and marble and musical instrument making, have all become highly renowned. Andalusian cuisine centres on fresh, local ingredients, with fish dishes available in coastal provinces and the finest meat dishes inland.

 

A huge variety of fruit is to be found throughout. Perhaps the only difference is the personal touch that each town and village gives to its typical dishes. Andalusia’s gastronomy is a faithful reflection of its history, packed with aromas, flavours and colours . It is a highly varied cuisine and its traditional products make it different and delicious. The gastronomy of Andalusia owes much to the Moorish cuisine of Al-Andalus. Its refinement came to transform many customs. Casseroles with vegetables and pulses , game stews, along with different seafood dishes are the essence of this cuisine.

 

Visit Andalucia.