Architecture & Gardens of Andalucia
Summary
Andalucía is unrivalled in Europe for its wealth of history, culture, Moorish architecture and gardens, all set against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada. Visit the classical gardens which complement the adjoining palaces and churches perfectly and discover the wild mountain landscapes.
More famous for its busy, popular coastline, Andalucía has a wonderful hinterland scattered with exotic palaces and gardens left behind by the Moors, the most famous of which are the Alhambra and the Generalife. On a tree covered slope it commands exceptional views down towards the old city, the Albaicin, and the great snow-fringed mountain range of the Sierra Nevada. Indeed, in addition to a full day in Granada we will enjoy a day out from the heat and hubbub of the city as we tour these highly scenic mountains.
Moving on to Córdoba we will visit the Great Mosque, one of the most ancient continuously gardened sites in the world, and the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos with its characteristic terraced pools. Our tour then takes us to the beautiful city of Seville, where we visit the Cathedral and the Orange Tree Courtyard that belonged to the old mosque; the amazing Royal Palaces of the Alcázar; the Patio de la Yesería, the Old Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz and some of its beautiful courtyards; the Maria-Luisa Park, the Plaza de España and the Gardens of Murillo. There is also a free day here, an opportunity perhaps to enjoy some ‘tapas’ in a local bar, attend a spectacular Flamenco show or take a gentle cruise along the Guadalquivir river, which once shimmered with gold and silver from the Americas.
We conclude in the dramatically situated town of Ronda, with visits to the Alameda del Tajo Gardens and the Palacio de Mondragon, whose Moorish courtyards and gardens evoke memories of kings and governors.
As we all know it can get unbearably hot in the high summer months, so our departure dates should be at a time when the climate is at its most comfortable for enjoying a fascinating collection of gardens and architecture. During our free time, there will be plenty of opportunity to sample ‘tapas’ at a local bar; attend a Flamenco show; or take a gentle cruise along the Guadalquivir river, which once shimmered with gold and silver from the Americas.
What to Expect
- Pinnacle of Moorish architecture, the Alhambra Palace
- Dramatic views of the rugged Sierra Nevada mountain range
- Mesmerising multi-arched columns of Córdoba’s Great Mosque
- Centuries old orange trees of Seville
- The historic Puente Nuevo bridge which spans the El Tajo gorge in Ronda