Sassy and Sexy Spain

More than the Costa de Sol or warm English bee, Spain is a country drenched in history with many empires, conquistadors, and legacies. Spain is a sassy and sexy country with amazing scenery and people. For this reason, this country has long been a favorite for tourists from around the world. However, when the country first started out, the Iberian Peninsula was a target for invading civilizations and races.

In the 3rd century, the Romans came to Spain although it took them more than 200 years to calm the peninsula. Over time, Roman laws, customs, and languages were adopted as the standard for the country. Then in 409 AD, Roman Hispania was invaded by Germanic tribes and just 10 years later, a Visigothic kingdom was founded, ruling until 711 when Muslims came across the Strait of Gibraltar, defeating the last Goth king by the name of Roderick.

The Muslim armies took the entire peninsula over, although northern Spain and the mountain regions were untouched. For almost 800 years, Spain was occupied by Muslims, at which time sciences and arts grew and prospered. Interestingly, it was also during this time that public baths were built. However, in 722, a small army under the rule of King Pelayo, another Visigothic king, defeated the Muslims for the first time. This very battle was the beginning of the reconquest of Spain by Christians, known as Reconquista.

At the conclusion of the 13th century, two main Christian powers emerged in the country – Aragon and Castilla. The two kingdoms came together in 1469 through marriage. Then, known as Catholic Monarchs, the entire country of Spain was united, which would be the beginning of the Golden Age. The ruthless Spanish Inquisition was established in 1478, resulting in thousands of non-Christians and Jews being expelled or executed. By 1482, Granada has also been conquered and just 10 years later, the final standing Muslim king surrendered.

In the New World, Spain created a massive empire shortly after Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas. Then, large amounts of gold and silver came to Spain from Peru and Mexico, at which time conquistadors begin to claim land. Spain took advantage of this, monopolizing trade with the new colonies, making them a very, powerful country. Of course, this also ruffled a few feathers with England, France, and the Netherlands, causing some levels of unrest.

It was in 1793 when Louis XVI was guillotined. This immediately pushed Spain to declaring war on the French republic but unfortunately, they were defeated. Sadly, the Spanish Crown started to lose control of the colonies in 1808 when Napoleon Bonaparte stored in with his army. This sparked a war in Madrid, prompting the people of Spain to unite and fight against the French. This five-year war had a good outcome, leading to Spain’s independence.

For the next 20 year, the Spanish throne struggled, causing the country to enter a devastating economic recession while American colonies won independence. Then in 1898, the Spanish-American War was a horrible time for Spain and the end of the famous Spanish Empire. Losing the war against the United States, Spain lost Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Philippines, and Guam. However, Spain continued to have difficulties in the 20th century and in 1923, almost went into a civil war.

From that time on, Spain saw a number of important changes that would mold and shape the country. For instance, through the years, the country saw more than 350,000 Spaniards die in battle, 100,000 Republicans were executed or died in prison, and the country was faced with a crippling recession. However, tourism began to rise in the early 1950s, brining new hope to the people and the country. In fact, just 15 years later, Spain had one of the fastest growing economies throughout all of Europe.

After Spain joined the European Union in 1986, things really began to change. For example, Barcelona was honored with hosting the Olympic Games, Madrid was declared the European Cultural Capital, and Seville hosted the Expo 1992. When you visit Spain today, you will discover an amazing heritage. For instance, many world- renowned artists have come out of Spain to include Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, and others. In fact, artistic work can be seen throughout the country in castles, cathedrals, monuments, sculptures, and palaces.

Currently, Spain occupies approximately 80% of the Iberian Peninsula, making it the biggest country in Western Europe, following France. Additionally, more than 50% of the country is comprised of massive, elevated tablelands known as Mesetas. Then, you will discover five primary mountain ranges, beautiful landscapes from deserts to green wetlands to sun baked plains to rugged snowcapped mountains. Of course, you can also visit the famous Canary Islands, which is located to the west of Morocco. Sadly, hunters have destroyed a large number of wildlife in Spain although you might be fortunate enough to spot deer, ibex, red squirrels, chamois, along with reptiles and more than 25 species of breeding birds.

Of course, the great cities of Spain are what draw people in from around the world. Madrid is a busy city with some amazing art galleries to include one called the Museo del Prado, well worth visiting. Then, the largest bullring in the world is also found in Madrid. While not everyone is into bullfighting, if you are so inclined, you can see real Matadors in action in Plaza de Toros Monumental de las Ventas. Madrid also offers some of the most incredible restaurants in all of Spain with mouth-watering food.

Another exciting city in Spain is Barcelona. Romantic, elegant, and energetic, there you can enjoy a number of excellent museums, churches, restaurants, and nightclubs. However, most people visiting Barcelona come for the shopping. Whether visiting secondhand thrift stores such as Els Encants Vells, antique markets, or craft markets, you will find all types of exceptional treasures.


Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

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