Spain
Read More
The Alhambra. 2007.
“The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain. It was originally constructed as a small fortress in AD 889 on the remains of Roman fortifications, and then largely ignored until its ruins were renovated and rebuilt in the mid-13th century by the Arab emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar of the Emirate of Granada, who built its current palace and walls. It was converted into a royal palace in 1333 by Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada. After the conclusion of the Christian Reconquista in 1492, the site became the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella (where Christopher Columbus received royal endorsement for his expedition), and the palaces were partially altered in the Renaissance style.” - Wikipedia
Pamplona. 2011.
“Pamplona or Iruña, is the historical capital city of Navarre, in Spain, and of the former Kingdom of Navarre. The city is famous worldwide for the running of the bulls during the San Fermín festival, which is held annually from July 6 to 14. This festival was brought to literary renown with the 1926 publication of Ernest Hemingway's novel The Sun Also Rises.” -Wikipedia
An Osbourne Bull on the Highway. 2011.
“The Osborne bull (Spanish: Toro de Osborne) is a 14-metre (46 ft) high black silhouetted image of a bull in semi-profile. Nowadays the conservation of the bulls is handled by the family of Félix Tejada. The Osborne sherry company (founded by Thomas Osborne Mann in 1772) erected large images of bulls starting in 1956 to advertise their Brandy de Jerez. The images were black (with the brand "Veterano" in red on it) advertising boards located near major roads throughout Spain. The original image was smaller and slightly different in design. The current larger image was created to comply with a law that prohibited advertising within 150 metres of a road. In 1994 the EU passed a law that prohibited all roadside advertising of alcoholic beverages, and the bulls were therefore to be removed. By this time the signs were nationally renowned, so although some campaigners wished them completely removed to fully comply with the intent of the law, public response resulted in the signs being retained, but completely blacked out to remove all reference to the original advertisers. The Court eventually allowed these signs to remain on the grounds that they have become a part of the landscape and have "aesthetic or cultural significance", thus turning the bulls into public domain images.” -Wikipedia
The Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba. 2011.
"The Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba is the Catholic cathedral of the Diocese of Córdoba and is regarded as one of the most accomplished monuments of Moorish architecture. According to a traditional account, a small temple of Christian Visigoth origin, the Catholic Basilica of Saint Vincent of Lérins, originally stood on the site. In 784 Abd al-Rahman I ordered construction of the Great Mosque, which was considerably expanded by later Muslim rulers. Córdoba returned to Christian rule in 1236 during the Reconquista, and the building was converted to a Roman Catholic church, culminating in the insertion of a Renaissance cathedral nave in the 16th century." - Wikipedia
The "Hombre Rio" Sculpture in Cordoba. 2007.
The "Hombre Rio" was a floating hardened polyester resin and fiberglass sculpture tethered to the bottom of the Guadalquivir River in Córdoba, Spain. It was sculpted by artists Rafael Cornejo and Francisco Marcos and was in place from January 8th, 2007 until November 22, 2007. - Wikipedia
The Bahía de La Concha in San Sebastián. 2011.
“La Concha Bay is a small bay located on the Spanish coast of the Cantabrian Sea, in front of the city of San Sebastián. As indicated by its name, it has a shell shape, and houses two beaches (Ondarreta and La Concha beach) and an island, the island of Santa Clara.” -Wikipedia
Sleeping boats in the Bahía de La Concha in San Sebastián. 2011.
“La Concha Bay is a small bay located on the Spanish coast of the Cantabrian Sea, in front of the city of San Sebastián. As indicated by its name, it has a shell shape, and houses two beaches (Ondarreta and La Concha beach) and an island, the island of Santa Clara.” -Wikipedia
The Beach in San Sebastián. 2011.
“San Sebastián is a coastal city and municipality located in the Basque Autonomous Community, Spain. It lies on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, 20 km (12 miles) from the French border. The capital city of Gipuzkoa, the municipality's population is 186,095 as of 2015, with its metropolitan area reaching 436,500 in 2010. Locals call themselves donostiarra (singular), both in Spanish and Basque. The main economic activities are commerce and tourism, and it is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Spain. Despite the city’s small size, events such as the San Sebastián International Film Festival have given it an international dimension. San Sebastián, along with Wrocław, Poland, was the European Capital of Culture in 2016.” -Wikipedia
The Sunset in San Sebastián. 2011.
“San Sebastián is a coastal city and municipality located in the Basque Autonomous Community, Spain. It lies on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, 20 km (12 miles) from the French border. The capital city of Gipuzkoa, the municipality's population is 186,095 as of 2015, with its metropolitan area reaching 436,500 in 2010. Locals call themselves donostiarra (singular), both in Spanish and Basque. The main economic activities are commerce and tourism, and it is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Spain. Despite the city’s small size, events such as the San Sebastián International Film Festival have given it an international dimension. San Sebastián, along with Wrocław, Poland, was the European Capital of Culture in 2016.” -Wikipedia
A Tunnel through the Pyrenees. 2011.
"The Pyrenees is a range of mountains in southwest Europe that forms a natural border between France and Spain. Reaching a height of 3,404 metres (11,168 ft) altitude at the peak of Aneto, the range separates the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of continental Europe, and extends for about 491 km (305 mi) from the Bay of Biscay (Cap Higuer) to the Mediterranean Sea (Cap de Creus). For the most part, the main crest forms a divide between France and Spain, with the microstate of Andorra sandwiched in between. The Crown of Aragon and the Kingdom of Navarre have historically extended on both sides of the mountain range, with smaller northern portions now in France and larger southern parts now in Spain. The demonym for the noun "Pyrenees" in English is Pyrenean." -Wikipedia
Butcher Shop in Ainsa. 2011.
“The village of Aínsa sits at the confluence of two rivers, the Cinca and the Ara, in the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees in Huesca, Aragón. It is an area of immense natural beauty, whose sublime mountain scenery attracts hikers and climbers from far and wide. Part of what makes Ainsa such a wonderful place to visit is the splendour of its natural surroundings. It is surrounded by three natural parks (Ordesa y Monte Perdido, Sierra y Cañones de Guara and Posets-Maladeta) which makes it the perfect base for exploring the Pyrenees. A few kilometres to the north, a great snow-streaked crag (known as the Peña Montañesa) towers high above the village, creating a spectacular backdrop. Aínsa’s history stretches back to the 11th century, and its medieval character runs deep through every stone. It’s one of those curious, bewitching places that time seems to have completely passed by. The beauty of the local landscape can easily be appreciated while walking around the village. Ainsa’s two main streets – Calle Mayor and Calle Santa Cruz – are especially picturesque. Many buildings still have their ancient, impregnable looking wooden doors. In places, the facades are brightened with plants and flowerpots – pretty splashes of red, green and magenta against the grey medieval stone. The heart of the village is the magnificent Plaza Mayor. This historic square dates from the 12th century – when it was the site of various important fairs and markets. It has an unusually broad, rectangular design, and is flanked on two sides by Romanesque arcades which shelter cafes and restaurants.” -Love of Spain
Waves hit the shore of the Embalse de Yesa. 2011.
The rocky beach of the Embalse de Yesa. 2011.
The mountains from Ainsa. 2011.
“The village of Aínsa sits at the confluence of two rivers, the Cinca and the Ara, in the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees in Huesca, Aragón. It is an area of immense natural beauty, whose sublime mountain scenery attracts hikers and climbers from far and wide. Part of what makes Ainsa such a wonderful place to visit is the splendour of its natural surroundings. It is surrounded by three natural parks (Ordesa y Monte Perdido, Sierra y Cañones de Guara and Posets-Maladeta) which makes it the perfect base for exploring the Pyrenees. A few kilometres to the north, a great snow-streaked crag (known as the Peña Montañesa) towers high above the village, creating a spectacular backdrop. Aínsa’s history stretches back to the 11th century, and its medieval character runs deep through every stone. It’s one of those curious, bewitching places that time seems to have completely passed by. The beauty of the local landscape can easily be appreciated while walking around the village. Ainsa’s two main streets – Calle Mayor and Calle Santa Cruz – are especially picturesque. Many buildings still have their ancient, impregnable looking wooden doors. In places, the facades are brightened with plants and flowerpots – pretty splashes of red, green and magenta against the grey medieval stone. The heart of the village is the magnificent Plaza Mayor. This historic square dates from the 12th century – when it was the site of various important fairs and markets. It has an unusually broad, rectangular design, and is flanked on two sides by Romanesque arcades which shelter cafes and restaurants.” -Love of Spain
A house in the Pyrenees. 2011.
"The Pyrenees is a range of mountains in southwest Europe that forms a natural border between France and Spain. Reaching a height of 3,404 metres (11,168 ft) altitude at the peak of Aneto, the range separates the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of continental Europe, and extends for about 491 km (305 mi) from the Bay of Biscay (Cap Higuer) to the Mediterranean Sea (Cap de Creus). For the most part, the main crest forms a divide between France and Spain, with the microstate of Andorra sandwiched in between. The Crown of Aragon and the Kingdom of Navarre have historically extended on both sides of the mountain range, with smaller northern portions now in France and larger southern parts now in Spain. The demonym for the noun "Pyrenees" in English is Pyrenean." -Wikipedia
The mountains surrounding Ainsa. 2011.
“The village of Aínsa sits at the confluence of two rivers, the Cinca and the Ara, in the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees in Huesca, Aragón. It is an area of immense natural beauty, whose sublime mountain scenery attracts hikers and climbers from far and wide. Part of what makes Ainsa such a wonderful place to visit is the splendour of its natural surroundings. It is surrounded by three natural parks (Ordesa y Monte Perdido, Sierra y Cañones de Guara and Posets-Maladeta) which makes it the perfect base for exploring the Pyrenees. A few kilometres to the north, a great snow-streaked crag (known as the Peña Montañesa) towers high above the village, creating a spectacular backdrop. Aínsa’s history stretches back to the 11th century, and its medieval character runs deep through every stone. It’s one of those curious, bewitching places that time seems to have completely passed by. The beauty of the local landscape can easily be appreciated while walking around the village. Ainsa’s two main streets – Calle Mayor and Calle Santa Cruz – are especially picturesque. Many buildings still have their ancient, impregnable looking wooden doors. In places, the facades are brightened with plants and flowerpots – pretty splashes of red, green and magenta against the grey medieval stone. The heart of the village is the magnificent Plaza Mayor. This historic square dates from the 12th century – when it was the site of various important fairs and markets. It has an unusually broad, rectangular design, and is flanked on two sides by Romanesque arcades which shelter cafes and restaurants.” -Love of Spain
Trees in the Pyrenees. 2011.
"The Pyrenees is a range of mountains in southwest Europe that forms a natural border between France and Spain. Reaching a height of 3,404 metres (11,168 ft) altitude at the peak of Aneto, the range separates the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of continental Europe, and extends for about 491 km (305 mi) from the Bay of Biscay (Cap Higuer) to the Mediterranean Sea (Cap de Creus). For the most part, the main crest forms a divide between France and Spain, with the microstate of Andorra sandwiched in between. The Crown of Aragon and the Kingdom of Navarre have historically extended on both sides of the mountain range, with smaller northern portions now in France and larger southern parts now in Spain. The demonym for the noun "Pyrenees" in English is Pyrenean." -Wikipedia
Purple flowers in the Pyrenees. 2011.
"The Pyrenees is a range of mountains in southwest Europe that forms a natural border between France and Spain. Reaching a height of 3,404 metres (11,168 ft) altitude at the peak of Aneto, the range separates the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of continental Europe, and extends for about 491 km (305 mi) from the Bay of Biscay (Cap Higuer) to the Mediterranean Sea (Cap de Creus). For the most part, the main crest forms a divide between France and Spain, with the microstate of Andorra sandwiched in between. The Crown of Aragon and the Kingdom of Navarre have historically extended on both sides of the mountain range, with smaller northern portions now in France and larger southern parts now in Spain. The demonym for the noun "Pyrenees" in English is Pyrenean." -Wikipedia
Cartoon Bull in Pamplona. 2011.
“Pamplona or Iruña, is the historical capital city of Navarre, in Spain, and of the former Kingdom of Navarre. The city is famous worldwide for the running of the bulls during the San Fermín festival, which is held annually from July 6 to 14. This festival was brought to literary renown with the 1926 publication of Ernest Hemingway's novel The Sun Also Rises.” -Wikipedia