| Almería Antequera
Andalucía
Autonomisessa Andalucíassa asuu 8.150.467 asukasta. Ulkolaisia Andalucíassa asuu 675.180 henkilöä. Koko maassa asuu 5,6 miljoonaa ulkolaista, eniten marokkolaisia. Koko Espanjan väkiluku on 45.828.172 asukasta ja sen ennustetaan kääntyvän laskuun vuonna 2045. Kun tänä päivänä suurin ikäluokka on 30-40-vuotiaat, on se vuonna 2049 70-80-vuotiaat, ennustaa INE.
Vuonna 2006 Andalucíassa kävi ennätysmäärä 24,5 miljoonaa turistia.
28. helmikuuta on pyhäpäivä, Dia de Andalucia.
Vuoden 2009 lopussa tehdyn mielipidetiedustelun mukaan PP voittaisi PSOE:n ensimmäisen kerran Andalucìassa. Seuraavat paikallisvaalit, kunta- ja maakuntatasolla järjestetään vuonna 2011. Vuoden 2008 vaaleissa PSOE sai äänistä 48,2% ja 56 paikkaa. Nyt ennuste on 41,6% ja 51 paikkaa. Kansanpuolue PP sai vastaavasti äänistä 38,6% ja ennuste on nyt 43,2%. Andalucíassa koko maahan verrattuna suurempi vasemmistopuolue IU on ennusteen mukaan säilyttämässä 7,1%:n ääniosuutensa.
Helmikuun lopun mielipidetiedusteluun palataan maaliskuun alussa. Tulos antaa Kansanpuolue PP:lle ehdottoman määräenemmistön.
Kansalaisten valveutuneisuudesta kertoo se, että vuoden 2009 huhtikuussa valitun autonomisen Andalucían uuden presidentin, José Antonio Griñánin tuntee vain 28,7% haastatelluista.
Andalucian talouden ennustetaan taantuvan vielä vuonna 2010 1,5%, kun vuonna 2009 BKT laski 3,7%.
Andalucia
The Costa del Sol is the name given to the 300 kilometers of coastline from Gibraltar in the west to Almunecar in the east. Officially the Costa del Sol falls within the three provinces of Cadiz, Málaga and Granada, it is that bit stretching from Nerja to Estepona, all within the province of Málaga, which is best known.
The coast consists of a series of large beaches, coves half hidden amongst cliffs, Sport harbours and fishing grounds. It is protected from cold north winds by the mountains and has a mild climate with scant rainfall and sea breezes. This weather results in subtropical vegetation with frequent palm-trees, cypress, oleander and hibiscus and other colourful plants. Oranges, lemons and olives grow in abundance and it is often a surprise to visitors to find streets in towns lined with fruit bearing orange trees. Away from the coast the scenery is largely mountainous, but with pretty, typically spanish, villages, valleys full of orchards and spectacular views.
Málaga is situated practically in the centre of the Costa del Sol, but with the major tourist areas to the west. Like the whole of the coast Málaga has been influenced by the different cultures, which have populated it. Founded by the phoenicians in the 7th century it later became a roman municipality until it was conquered by the moors and finally re-conquered by the christians in 1487. With such a varied history it is no surprise that the city contains a welth of interesting features including fine gardens, a magnificent Catherdal, the Alcazaba, 11th century moorish castle, and numerous museums and galleries.
To anyone not familiar with the Costa del Sol it may seem that each tourist resort and town is the same as the others. This is certainly not the case and in fact each town has a different character dependant on what it was like before the days of tourism and how it has been developed since. Torremolinos, the first resort heading west from Málaga was the pioneer for resorts in the area and many people still associate it with it's reputation of 20 or more years ago. Whilst it still has it's discos and high rise apartment blocks the old fisherman's quarter has been developed into an area of wonderful shops and restaurants and with it's two main beaches, Bajondillo and La Carihuela it has everything for a wonderful holiday.
Still heading west is Benalmadena Costa, a modern resort built as an extension of the older towns of Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmádena Pueblo. Between them these three areas provide every facility from one of the finest pleasure ports on the Mediterranean, to a modern seaside area and in Benalmádena Pueblo a typical "white" spanish village.
Another name synonymous with the Costa del Sol is Fuengirola, which has the longest sea front promenade on the coast together with an older town centre and all the attractions that you would associate with a good holiday resort.
Mijas is another "white" village famed for it's donkey taxis and now spread down to the coast as Mijas Costa.
Continuing further west we come to the well known town of Marbella. Unlike many of the other towns along the coast this was never a little fishing port, but has always been a thriving trading town. Along with Puerto Banus and Estepona, further to the west, Marbella has been very successful in attracting upmarket guests with exclusive developments, luxury hotels and five star shopping.
The area to the east of Málaga is less well developed with the main resort town being Nerja. Nerja is a small town built on a ledge, where the mountains meet the sea. Nerja is famed for it's protected climate, clear air, famous caves and it's magnificent views over tha sea.
For those who are prepared to travel inland, the area is full of small white villages with their narrow winding streets and each with their own character and history. There are several areas of incredible natural beaty and the two inland towns of Ronda and Antequera are each extremely interesting in their own way.
Another outstanding feature of the area is it's numerous golf courses. The Costa del Sol with it's alternative name of Costa del Golf is a must for golfers who will find everything they need for just a round or two or a full golfing holiday. Finally of course the Costa del Sol is rightly acclaimed for it's way of life, with plenty of small bars to relaxin, superb food, wonderful people and of course it's ferias or fairs.
Every town and village has at least one feria to celebrate it's patron saint. These ferias usually last for a week and are an excuse for residents and visitors alike to really enjoy themselves from early morning to early following morning. If there is a feria on whilst you are on holiday - why not visit?
Almería
Almeríassa on lännenelokuvien Mini-Hollywood.
Antequera
Antequeran 20. Blues-festivaalien ohjelma 2010 on seuraavanlainen:
16.07. Cañones y Mantequilla
17.07. Suitcase Brothers
23.07. West Weston´s Bluesonics
24.07. Kike Jambalay
26.07. Coco & Toto
27.07. Poyatos B.B.
28.07. MingoBlaguer & Lluis Coloma
29.07. Hook Herrera
30.07. Kat & Co, Greg Wright, Lou Marini & Red House
31.07. Esther Weekes, Michael Burks, James Hunt
Konsertit ovat ilmaiskonsertteja ( tai 2 euron solidarisuuslippumaksu järjestäjille). 16. 7 - 28.7 Ayuntamienton patiolla ja sen jälkeen Plaza Santa Maríalla alkaen klo 22.30.
Antequera- Luz de Luna ( Antequera kuun valossa)
Alkaen 7.7 ja päättyen 3.9.2010 Antequeran Ayuntamiento järjestää iltaisin ja alkuyöllä opastettuja retkiä jalkaisin tai sähköllä kulkevalla minibussilla keskiviikkoisin, torstaisin ja perjantaisin.
Retkien lähtöpaikkana Plaza de Toros . Lähempiä tietoja: Oficina Municipal de Turismo: 952 70 25 05 ja Centro de Iniciativas Turísticas: 952 70 00 05 , klo 9.00 - 14.00
Iltaisin ovat valaistettuina kaupungin tärkeät nähtävyydet: Colegiata De Santa María, San Juan De Dios-kirkko, Plaza de Toros, Museo de Taurino ja El Torcal.
Antequera sijaitsee Andaluciassa, Málagan provinssissa, noin 50 km Málagasta pohjoiseen ollen provinssin pinta-alaltaan suurin kunta 810,32 neliökilometriä. Asukasluku on 43.000. Sijaintinsa vuoksi, Málagan, Cordoban, Sevillan ja Granadan teiden risteyksessä, sitä kutsutaan Andalucian sydämeksi.
Antequerassa voi ihastella pronssikaudelta peräisin olevia paasiluolia Los Dolmenes, Menga ja Viera ja jäänteitä roomalais-, goottilais - ja arabiajoilta kuten myös kauniita renessanssi- ja barokkikirkkoja ja palatseja. Ehdoton nähtävyys on korkealla vuorella vanhassa kaupungissa sijaitseva Alcazaba - linnoitus, jonka rakentaminen alkoi 900-luvulla. Siellä voi tutustua alueeseen omin päin tai pyytää opastuksen, joka on ilmainen kuten kaikki muutkin Antequeran nähtävyydet.
Antequeraan pääsee helposti Málagasta esim. linja-autolla ja matka kestää 1 tunnin.
El Torcal- vuoren ( n.1300 m ) luonnonpuisto sjaitsee n. 10 km Antequeran kaupungin ulkopuolella. Vuoren laki on muinaista merenpohjaa, johon on aikoinaan kerrostunut merieläinten kuorista kalkkikivikerrostumia. Tuuli ja vesi ovat muovanneet vaaleanharmaasta kalkkikivestä erikoisia, surrealistisia kivipylväikköjä. El Torcalin kasvisto ja eläimistö täydentävät tämän luonnonpuiston ainutlaatuisuutta.
Antequeran keskustan ehdottomasti paras ja myös halvin ruokailupaikka on San Sebastian-aukiolla sijaitseva Salon de Juegos Manzanito, Pl San Sebastian,5. Tiskillä runsas tapas- valikoima ja sen lisäksi päivittäin vaihtuvat tapakset suoraan keittiöstä á 50 senttiä juoman kera.
Antequera
Antequera Blues-festival 2010:
16.07. Cañones y Mantequilla
17.07. Suitcase Brothers
23.07. West Weston´s Bluesonics
24.07. Kike Jambalay
26.07. Coco & Toto
27.07. Poyatos B.B.
28.07. MingoBlaguer & Lluis Coloma
29.07. Hook Herrera
30.07. Kat & Co, Greg Wright, Lou Marini & Red House
31.07. Esther Weekes, Michael Burks, James Hunt
Antequera is a privileged setting in the heart of Andalucia. Antequera from a distance offers views of a typical medieval town, with her Renaissance,Gothic and Baroque churches and the walls and towers of her Alcazaba fortress painted in silhouette against a crisp blue sky. And when you make your way into the heart of this elegant town you will discover a fantastically rich artistic and cultural heritage. Many artistis and artisans , poets and writers have settled in the town over the years and its museums contain a staggering 80 per cent of all the art treasures in the province of Málaga.
Its golden period of expansion started in 1410 after the christian re-conquest and its exceptional location, set between Málaga, Cordoba, Granada and Sevilla, attracted many aristocratic families and wealthy merchants to live there. It led to an amazing number of monuments, museums, churches, convents, palaces and mansions to be built.
Her history, though, is rooted way back in time, beginning with the bronze age and there is a profusion of dolmens, burial mounds and roman baths, as well as the moorish castle, firmly signalling her fascinating past.
The Dolmen de Menga and the Dolmen de Viera are the largest megalithic structures in Europa.The megalithic monuments demonstrate a wide variety of architectural techniques and solutions, but they are generically characterised by the use of large blocks of stone to create chambers and enclosed rooms covered by lintelled roofs or false cupolas. They were used for ritual and funerary purposes.
Megaliiths are prehistotic Europe's first form of monumental architecture. Current theory dates them to beginning of the 5th millenium BCE (the Neolithic period), in other words, around 6.500 years ago. For the first agrarian and shepherdin communities in Western Europe, megalithic monumental arrchitecture was an ideological means of marking their presence and the roots of their society on the land.In their role as funeral chambers, some megaliiths are true storehouses of cultural and genealogical identity; as temples and ritual sites they were used for propitiatory ceremonies, often linked to the fertility of nature and the commemoration of ancestors.
In terms of their protection, the Menga Cave was first acknowledged in a Royal Order of 1st January 1886 that declared it a National Monument. This status was ratified by Royal Decree on 12th July 1923, which also recognised the importance of the Chica or Hermanos Vera Cace. Some years later, in 1931, the El Romeral Cave was also declared a National Monument.
Today, these monuments are in the care of the Junta de Andalucia Consejeria de Cultura, through the Conjunto Arqueológico Dólmenes de Antequera.
The town lies at the base of the El Torcal and spread out in the valley below are fertile farmland areas swathed in brilliant yellow of sunflowers in summer. The town and valley are overlooking by a huge crag of limestone, 880 metres high, called La Pena de los Enamorados. The name comes from a local legend about a doomed love affair between a young christian boy from the town and a moorish girl from Archidona, who wwere hounded to the top of the cliff by moorish soldiers.
The town is just 47 km north of Málaga and is easily reached by road.
Alpujarra
Cádiz
Cádizin provinssin pääkaupunki Cádiz sijaitsee Lounais - Espanjassa, Atlantin rannalla Costa de La Luzilla, Valon rannikolla. Se on Euroopan vanhin kaupunki, yli 3000 vuotta vanha , vanhimmat löydöt ovat peräisin 900 eaa. Löytöretkien aikaan Kolumbus purjehti Cádizista matkoilleen ja se oli Espanjan aarrelaivaston pääsatama.
Kaupungissa on n. 135.000 asukasta. Tärkeimmát nähtävyydet sijaitsevat vanhassakaupungissa: katedraali, jonka torniin kapuamalla voi ihailla maisemia, Torre Tavira - vartiotorni ja La Caletan ranta linnoituksineen.
Cádizissa on runsas ja monipuolinen kulttuuritarjonta ja se on yliopistokaupunki. Kaupunki tunnetaan myös vilkkaasta yöelämästään, erityisesti karnevaalien aikaan, 15.- 25.2, jotka ovat Iberian niemimaan kuuluisimmat.
Córdoba
Córdoba on Andaluciassa sijaitsevan Córdoban maakunnan pääkaupunki. Se sijaitsee Guadalquivir- joen varrella. Asukasluku on 306.000.
Córdoba oli Córdoban kalifaatin pääkaupunki v. 929 - 1031. Jo Rooman vallan aikana Córdoba oli Hispania Baetican pääkaupunki. Kaupungissa onkin romaanisen temppelin ja romaanisen sillan rauniot ja muita romaanisia rakennuksia. Islaminuskoiset maurit valloittivat Córdoban v. 711. 700 - 900-luvuilla rakennettu entinen moskeija La Mezquita onkin kaupungin tärkein muistomerkki ja nähtävyys. Kristittyjen noustua valtaan v. 1236 siitä tuli kristillinen kirkko, jolloin sen sisäpihalle rakennettiin katedraali.
Vanhassa kaupungissa on myös juutalaiskaupunginosa, joka muistuttaa inkvisiition ajoista ,,jolloin juutalaiset karkoitettiin kaupungista.
Córdoban vanha kaupunki kuuluu UNESCOn maailmanperintöluetteloon.
Córdobaan voi matkustaa helposti esim. Málagasta AVE- pikajunalla. Matka kestää n. 1 tunnin.
Còrdoba
Ten centuries ago Cordoba was one of the greatest cities in the world. It was the capital of Muslim Spain and Europe's largest city. At that time it had public baths, mosques, a great library and numerous palaces. Unfortunately, with Spain's mixted history each successive conqueror carted away much of it's treasures and distroyed many of it's buildings. Nevertheless it still retains much of it's fascination and is a wonderful place to visit for it's atmosphere, artistic and arcities chitectural treasures and wonderful homes. The city recently became one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites and that honour alone indicates it's value as a place to visit.
The attraction has to be the "Mezquita - Catedral de Cordoba" - the Mosque. This dates from the 8th century and was the ultimate Muslim achievement in Europe rivalled only by the mosque in Mecca itself. It is a fascinating labyrinth of red and white peppermint striped pillars. The name Mezquita - Catedral de Cordoba means mosque - catedral and this is because, built within the original mosque is a 16th century catedral giving the whole site a strange and wonderful mix of styles and turning it into an architectural oddity. It's most famous feature is the mihrab, a domed shrine of Byzantine mosaics which once housed the Koran.Outside the buildings is the Courtyard of the Orange trees, which is a wonderffully relaxing area with a beautiful fountain.
The Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos is a military building from which Ferdinand and Isabella coverned Castille whilst waiting for to recapture Granada the last Moorish stronghold. It is here that Columbus came to convince Isabella to support his journey of discovery.
Finally amongst Cordoba many features, another one that is particularly notable is the Sinagoga or Synagogue. This is one of the few synagogues which remained after the Jews were expelled from the country at the time of Inquisition. At that time it became a hospital and, later, a Catholic chapel.
Granada
Granada sits 600 meters above sea level, at the foot of the magnificent Sierra Nevada mountains, and itself sits on two hill tops, the Alhambra and the Albaicin. It is a city full of ramance and folklore and was the last stronghold of Moorish Spain. The city's location and history combine to make it a wonderful place to visit providing much to see within the city together with superb views of the surrounding country on one side and the mountains on the other. In Spanish granada means pomegranate and this fruit is the symbol of the city although it is believed that the name Granada originates from the Moorish word Karnattah.
Although there is much to see in the city the highlight of any tour must be the world famous Alhambra Palace. This was originally built as a defensive structure but became the residence of the Sultan. When Cordoba was reconquered by the Spanish, Granada became the centre of Moorish occupation and the Palace became the lavish and wonderful building that we see today. The most photographed part of the palace is at it's very heart and formed the most private part of the building. This is the Court of Lions which housed the harem. Immediately adjacent to this is the Hall of Two sisters which was occupied by the Sultans favourite of the moment. In 1812 the French attempted to blow up the Palace but succeeded only in destroying seven of it's towers. It then fell into disrepair and was occupied by beggars and itinerents. On his arrival in Granada the Duke of Wellington evicted the beggars and himself took up residence. This was the start of restoration of the Palace which has continued up to the present.
Immediately adjacent to the Palace is one of Granada's other treasures, the Generalife. This was built as a retreat for the Sultan .Today it is the wonderful gardens and courtyards which, rigtfully, attract visitors.
Among the many other buildings of note are the Cathedral, the Royal Chapel ( where Spanish Monarchs are buried), the San Geronimo monastery, the Nazaries Palaces and the Charles V Palace.
Huelva
Huelva on Espanjan aurinkoisin paikkakunta. Huelvan 10.000 neliökilometristä 3.000 neliökilometriä on luonnonsuojelualuetta.
Jaen
Jaenissa on neljä luonnonsuojelualuetta.
Mirador de Santa Catalina on näköalapaikka, missä on pakko käydä.
Jerez
Nerja
Ronda
Ronda is a particular favourite with visitors with it's deep gorge, ancient bullring and magnificent mansions.
Ronda is one of the most spectacular places in Spain - the ancient, fortified, mountain top town situated 700 metrs up in the Serrania de Ronda mountains this wonderful aristocratic town has been described as equal parts of art, history and beaty.
The towns best known attraction is the El Tajo or The Gorge which is some 150 meters deep and separates the old part of the town from the new. The gorge is spanned by three bridges the most famous of which is the Puente Nuevo. Despite it's name this bridge was built between 1755 - 1793. Many people have died as a result of falling or being thrown from the bridge into the gorge below. The first recorded death was that of the architecht , who fell whilst inspecting part of the building work.
The area surrounding Ronda was notorius bandit country and it is said that many of the bandits enemies were thrown rom the bridge.
Certainly at the time of the civil war hundreds of victims from both sides of the conflict were hurled to their death from the bridge.
On both sides of the gorge are cliff hanging houses and hotels which look as if the slightest push would plunge them into the gorge.
The old part of the town , on once side of the gorge retains it's Moorish influence, with narrow, rough streets and a number of interesting buildings. The Banos Arabes are in this part of the town altough today they are just in ruin, this building, which had glass roof windows and hump shaped cupolas dates from the 13th century. Other buildings worth visiting are the Palacio de Mondragon, which was once the private home of one of the visitors to Charles III, the Palacio del Marques de Salvatierra , which is a Renaissance style mansion, still privately inhabited, but open for guided tours; and the Casa del Rey Moro, which means House of the Moorish King, is incorrectly named as it was built in the 1700's long after this part of Spain was recaptured from the Moors. The house is, however, believed to be built on Moorish foundations. The house itself is closed to the public but is well worth a visit to see the outside and the gardens. From the garden there is an underground stairway called La mina which leads to the river below via 365 steps. This stairway was built by Christian slaves to provide a means of getting water in case Ronda came under siege.
The new part of the town is known as the Mercadilo as it was originally tre site where the traders, who were not allowed inside the city walls, set up their market stalls. The most notable buidning in this part of the town is the bullring which is believed to be the oldest in Spain. The Plaza de Toros is open to the public and contains a museum of bullfighting. Bullfighting only takes place once or twice a year including a festival devoted to Pedro Romeroone of the greatest bullfighters of alltime who, in his career killed 5.600 bulls at Ronda.
There is a train line which runs from Algeciras, near Gibraltar, to Ronda and beyond. This line ,originally built by British engineers from the garrison at Gibraltar, provides one of the most spectacular train journeys in Spain, if not the whole of europe, as it winds its way up the mountains.Although the line is old the train itself is modern with comfortable seats and airconditionong. In addition to the views from the train the little stations that it stops at along the way are themselves very pretty and interesting and look very much like English stations of the last century.
Ronda is a great place for anyone, on holiday, to visit. Itis typically Spanish, has wonderfull scenery,history and art. You can get to the town by car or by using one of thr organised coach excursions. The best of these include part of the journey by the scenic train rout
Sevilla
Sevilla is the capital of Andalucia. Everything associated with Spain and Andalucia comes together in Sevilla with it's orange trees, mantillas, flower filled patios, flamenco and castanet rattling gypsies. It has been said that if you can only visit two Spanish cities then Sevilla should be one of them.Sevilla was where Columbus landed on his return from discovering America ( he is reputed to be buried in the cathedral) and was the setting for both Mozart's Don Juan and Bizet's Carmen operas. Carmen was , in fact, a tobacco girl who rolled cigar on her thighs in the tobacco factory which can still be seen today.The factory is the second largest building in Spain and is now part of the University buildings
The major sights in the city are the Cathedral, the Giralda Tower, the Alcazar Palace with it's magnificent gardens,the Barrio de Santa Cruz or old Jewish quarter and the Parque Maria Luisa.There is also a wonderful theme park on a 540 acre island in the river.
The Cathedral is the largest Gothic building in the world and the third largest church in Europe.Built on the site of an ancient mosque building started in the 1400's although it took centuries for it to be completes. Next to the Cathedral is the Giralda Tower . It was erected as a minaret in the 12th century when Sevilla was under Moorish rule and has been added to since. Most unusually there are no steps to the top , instead there is just an endless ramp winding up inside the tower.
The old Jewish quarter, the Barrio de Santa Cruz is the most colourful part of the city. It is full of winding, medieval streets and tiny plazas all shaded by flower filled patios and balconies.
Sierra Nevada
Sierra de las Nieves
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