For many people, Andalucia is all that they imagine Spain to be. Great weather, sun, sea and beaches, bullfighting, sherry and flamenco. Covering over 33,000 square miles and runs along the southern coast of mainland Spain is the largest and most populous of the 17 autonomous regions of Spain. Andalusia is crossed by the Sierra Morena mountain range in the north and south by the snowy Sierra Nevada. The fertile basin of the Guadalquivir River lies between the ranges. Huelva, Seville, Cadiz, Cordoba, Malaga, Jean, Granada and Almeria, all named for their principal cities, are the eight provinces in the region.
History – Phoenicians settled here in the 11th century BC C. founded several coastal colonies among them Gadir which is now Cadiz. The Greeks and Carthaginians came in the 6th century BC. The Romans expelled the Carthaginians in the 3rd century BC and who in turn had ended his government by the Visigoths in the 5th century. 711 saw the Moors crossed the Strait of Gibraltar and set the center of their western emirate here in Cordoba. The Muslim period was the golden age of Andalusia. Agriculture, leather working, mining, ceramics, textiles and trade were fostered and brought great prosperity. Cordoba, Granada and Seville, embellished by the great Arab monuments in Spain, the Mezquita, the Alcazar and the Alhambra Palace respectively were celebrated as centers of arts, culture and science. It remained under Muslim control until the 13th century when, with the exception of the Moorish kingdom of Granada, most of it was conquered by the kings of Castile, who in turn fell to the Catholic Monarchs in 1492. Andalucia declined along with the rest of the country from the 16th century. Although trade with the New World enabled the ports of Seville and Cadiz to continue to flourish. In 1713, Gibraltar was ceded to Britain in 1833 and Andalusia is divided into the present eight provinces. The region was a stronghold of anarchism during the Second Spanish Republic. It is, however, fell early to the insurgents in the Spanish civil war. Periodic demonstrations against Franco were seen across Andalucia during his dictatorship. It became an autonomous region in 1981 and elected its first parliament the following year.
The region has some interesting contrasts. The deserts of Almeria in the east are the driest part of the whole country, while Sierra de Grazalema in the southwest, as exposed to winds from the Atlantic, is the wettest of Spain. Both the cities of Cordoba and Seville are known for their stifleing heat during the summer months, but the peaks of the Sierra Nevada remain snow covered throughout the year. And the contrast of the rugged coastline of the Cabo de Gata or the Atlantic coast of Cadiz, in comparison with its deserted beaches, the area of intense development in the province of Malaga. If the beaches are still there – you can not see for tourists.
There is still a strong Moorish influence on the character, customs and language of the people. With its tradition of bullfighting, flamenco and dance is one of the most striking colors of Europe. With the abundance of Moorish architecture and its pleasant climate is easy to see why tourism growth has been stronger in recent decades. Agriculture, arid lands contrasted with rich fertile regions where cereals, citrus fruits, are produced grapes, olives and sugar cane. Industries, based generally on local agricultural products are flour mills, olive oil extraction and production of wine. Cattle, bulls are bred for the ring, and horses. The rich mineral resources, exploited since Phoenician times, include copper, iron, lead and zinc. But despite all this poverty is widespread. Agricultural workers are among the poorest in Europe and many unemployed have migrated to industrial centers farther north.
Semana Santa – Holy Week in Andalusia is important festival and is celebrated for a whole week. It features processions of hooded penitents alongside floats decorated with scenes of passion traveling through the streets of most cities and larger towns. Accommodation can be hard to find during the week and booking ahead is recommended.
Flamenco is believed to have been introduced in Andalusia, which is home today, in the 15th century by gypsies arriving in the region. A combination of music, especially guitar, singing and dance and play at parties, in bars and at private parties. Audience participation is encouraged.
Almeria – Probably founded by Phoenicians, Almería flourished from the 13th to the 15th century as the output of the Moorish kingdom of Granada. In 1489 it fell to the Christians. Today the sunny, mild climate attracts many northern Europeans both as tourists and permanent residents. The capital, also Almeria, is a busy Mediterranean port. Exporting large quantities of agricultural products and iron and other minerals recovered nearby. The city has refineries, chemical plants and cement, and light industry.
Cadiz – In 1100 BC the Phoenicians founded the port of Gadir, known today as Cadiz, which became a market for silver and tin. Some 600 years later was taken by the Carthaginians and passed in the 3rd century BC to the Romans. It flourished until the fall of Rome, but suffered from the Visigoths and unlike much of Andalucia declined further under the Moors. Its fortifications were rebuilt following its reconquest in 1262 by Alfonso X of Castile. After the discovery of the New World, Cadiz revived its prosperity, as many American ships unloaded their cargoes there. Columbus sailed from Cadiz in 1495, his second trip. Inthe 16th century the late Sir Francis Drake and the earl of Essex led attacks on the fleet anchored there and the city respectivly. When in 1718 a sandbar blocked the port of Seville, Cadiz became the new world trade center. The city declined after Spain lost its American colonies. Cadiz endured two years of siege by the French 1810-181212 LTHE unti the Duke of Wellington’s forces relieved it. Cadiz fell to the Nationalists in the Spanish Civil War. Today the city, which lies at the southern end of the bay of Cadiz, has an abundance of parks and plazas Promanade. It is primarily an export port wine, in particular the local sherry which has a worldwide reputation and other agricultural products and imported coal, foodstuffs and iron. There is a large fishing fleet based here and some shipbuilding on a limited scale takes place. At the north end of the bay is the U.S. naval base on Rota.
Cordoba is located next to a loop in the river upstream from Sevilla Guadalequiver. During the Roman Empire, when Cordoba was the largest city in Spain and enjoyed great prominence during the time of the Moors. They built the Mezquita, the most beautiful mosque in Spain.
Granada – Originally a Muslim fortress, it became the seat of the kingdom of Granada in 1238. At the height of Muslim rule this kingdom encompassed both nieghbouring the province of Malaga and Almeria as well as part of Cadiz and Jean. During this time the city was recognized as a center of art, commerce, industry and science. As Christians heading south of the city was the stronghold of the Moors in Spain, finally surrendering in 1492. In the 17th century Granada is exi importance due to the fact that it was an important center of silk. Located at the confluence of the rivers Darro and Genil. The local surrounding area is devoted to agriculture and mineral extraction with Granada as the commercial center of these. The city is a major tourist destination with attractions like the Alhambra Palace and other notable buildings Arabs. Opposite the Alhambra through the Darro river, the Sacromonte hill is honeycombed with Gypsy caves. The ski slopes at Sierra Nevada also bring visitors to the town. South of Granada are Alpajarras valleys bounded on the north by the Sierra Nevada and south Lújar saws, and Gador The Contraviesa. The area is very picturesque, traditional villages dotted with white. Fertile soil provides good crops of citrus, bananas and avacadoes between foods grown.
The city of Huelva, which is the capital of the province of the same name is in the Odiel river. It is a busy port exporting copper, cork and sulfur. Like most Spanish ports have fleeet fishing is also some oil refineries and shipbuilding. It has a limited tourist trade during the summer months. The city provides water through an aqueduct. Columbus planned his voyages at the nearby monastery of La Rabida. El Coto de Doñana National Park, Europes most important and largest wildlife sanctuary is located in the delta of the Guadalquivir river. 60,000 hectares have been fenced to provide the perfect habitat for varied speices of wildlife, particularly birds.
Jaen was the seat of a small Moorish kingdom and played an important role in the conquest of Granada from the Moors by Christian forces during the 15th century. During the War of Independence in early 1800 the French won a major victory here. Today is the commercial center of a fertile agricultural area producing olive oil and wine. Richest lead mines are nearby and Europes copper and iron are also removed. The town of Alcala la Real is known mineral springs. The Natural Park of Sierras de Cazorla, over 2,000 square kilometers, is the greatest protection are in Spain. Here you can see mountain goats, or fallow deer and wild boar.
The city of Malaga was founded by the Phoenicians and passed through the hands of the Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Muslims prospered as a major port for the kingdom. Finally, it fell to Christian forces in 1487, Malaga is located in the bay of Malaga and is a major port. Exports include the local wine, almonds, nuts, olives and iron ore. Its beaches, luxurious vegitation and mild climate make it one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. Picasso was born here and is a museum of his works.
Seville was important in Phoenician times and favored by the Romans. It continued as the largest city in southern Spain with the Visigoths. It fell to the Moors in 712 and became an important center for culture and commerce. After a lengthy site that was captured by Christians in 1248. Some 300,000 Muslims are reputed to have fled the city after the capture. Seville entered its greatest period of prosperity with the discovery of the Americas and was the main trading port with the colonies. In 1718 a sandbar closed the port to shipping and Seville went into steady decline. The French sacked the city in 1810. Throughout the civil war in Seville was held by the Nationalists. Today Seville is both capital of the province and the region of Andalusia. Standing on the Guadalquivir River, which connects with the Atlantic, has again become a port of the ocean access note. Exports include minerals, cork, fruit, olives and wine. Armanents, chemicals, explosives, machinery, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, porcelain, textiles and snuff are all locally made. It is an important cultural and tourist center. Seville has kept much of its Moorish aspect and one of the world’s largest cathedrals occupies the site of an ancient mosque. The Giralda tower and the Court of oranges remain from the original Moorish structure. It also contains the tomb of Christopher Columbus in the cathedral. The 14th century Alcazar, built by Moorish artisans next to the cathedral and is surpassed only by the Alhambra Palace. It is recognized as a leading center in Spain for the bullfights.
