barcelona

If you’re planning a trip to Europe in the near future, a must-see destination is Spain! This Mediterranean country in southwestern Europe is the perfect combination of people, culture and nightlife to keep anyone entertained for weeks. If you don’t know too much about Spanish history and culture, let me give you a quick overview.  The first major inhabitants of Spain were the Romans in the 5^th Century AD, but were quickly followed by a Moorish invasion from Northern Africa a few centuries later. As a result, a large part of the Spanish culture, specifically architecture and art, has its roots in the classic Roman and intricate Arabic styles. Most of Spain, especially the south, has many beautiful palaces and monuments epitomizing the grand and ornate Moorish presence. However, the Christian population of Northern Spain eventually took complete control of the Iberian Peninsula by the end of the 15^th Century.  The change in authority, along with the colonization of the New World, helped bring Spain to the peak of their wealth and power soon after. Recently, Spain has not been doing well economically, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a beautiful and enriching country to explore! (more…)