Calling all professors, history buffs, culture lovers, and of course, ever-curious students! If you’re looking for a travel destination that combines deep historical roots with sublime architecture, something to spice up your syllabus or support your learning journey, Santiago de Compostela is your golden ticket. In this city, every cobblestone tells a story, every monastery vibrates with centuries-old wisdom, and even the air hums with wisdom!
Let’s talk about the monasteries. These aren’t just dusty architectural leftovers, they’re living monuments of knowledge, faith, and resilience. Situated in the lush green landscapes of northwestern Spain, Santiago de Compostela marks the final stop on the legendary Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage route that has drawn travelers and tourists for over a thousand years.
Monastery of San Martín Pinario
This spectacular building dominates the space just north of Santiago’s cathedral. As the second-largest monastery in Spain, San Martín Pinario was once a powerhouse of Benedictine scholarship. With its intricate brilliance, mesmerizing staircases, and centuries of religious study etched into its stone walls, it’s a must-see for anyone who’s madly in love with history and architecture. click herefor more info.
But wait, there’s more! Santiago’s monasteries weren’t just religious sanctuaries. They were hubs of innovation, education, and community.
Take the Convent of San Paio de Antealtares, one of the earliest foundations of the city. Attributed to Alfonso II and dating back to the 9th century, this place is absolutely bursting with history. click here.
Then there’s the Monastery of San Francisco, an architectural gem dating back to 1214 was founded by the saint himself. Today, it operates as a hotel, but remnants of its original cloister and its rich legacy still captivate visitors. If you’re a history whiz or just someone who appreciates a good story carved in stone, you have to check it out. These spaces can kind of serve as immersive classrooms. Students and professors can explore medieval daily life. Want to talk about ancient manuscript production? The role of religion in colonial expansion? The impact of pilgrimage culture? This city is your canvas! Click here.
There ya have folks! What more could you ask for? This city is wrapped in medieval charm, but it never feels like a boring museum. Here, students and scholars are able to walk the same paths as ancient pilgrims, sip espresso in sunlit plazas, and soak up Galician art. Santiago is walkable, welcoming, and safe. It is an ideal city for faculty-led programs and solo student adventures. Plus, it’s located in northwest Spain, meaning you would be just a train ride away from other Spanish destinations.
Santiago de Compostela is a city where one gets to walk through time. For professors, it is the perfect stage to bring your lectures to life, and for students, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to trade your boring classrooms for ancient cathedrals.
So, what are you waiting for?! Why settle for just studying history when you can walk through it? This isn’t just a study abroad trip, it is a transformative journey that has the ability to shape your future, one cobblestone at a time!
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Santiago de Compostela is home to one of the country’s oldest universities, the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC). The university got its start way back in 1495 when a monk named Lope Gómez de Marzoa started a school to help poor students get an education. At first, it was just a small college called Colegio de Santiago Alfeo where religion was the only subject being taught at the school. Then in 1526, King Charles V made Santiago de Compostela an official university. In these early years, the school mostly taught religious subjects like theology and canon law. The classes were held in beautiful old buildings that you can still see today in the city’s old town.
The University of Santiago de Compostela has lasted for more than 500 years because it knows how to adapt and stay strong. It was founded in 1495 and has always worked to improve and change with the times. Even through wars, political changes, and new technologies, the university has continued to grow. It has strong support from the local community and the government, and it focuses on both teaching and research. By mixing tradition with new ideas, the university has stayed important and useful. Its long history shows how learning and hard work can help something last for centuries.
During the 1700s, the university started teaching more subjects beyond just religion. They added classes in medicine, law, and philosophy. The school became famous for its beautiful library and grand buildings like the Colegio de Fonseca, which had an amazing staircase and big classrooms. Things got tough when Napoleon’s army invaded Spain in the early 1800s. Many schools closed, but USC managed to stay open. After this difficult time, the university worked hard to improve and add more science classes to keep up with modern education.
The 20th century brought big changes. In the 1960s, the university built a whole new campus north of the city to handle all the new students. Today, USC has over 30,000 students and programs in everything from medicine to computer science. Even though it’s now a modern university with high-tech labs and sports facilities, USC still keeps its historic buildings and traditions alive. Many students study in rooms where people have been learning for 500 years. USC isn’t just important for students, it’s helped shape Galicia’s culture and history. During times when Spain’s government didn’t allow regional languages, the university helped keep the Galician language alive. Today, it’s one of the best places to study Galician history and literature.
The university also brings people from all over the world to Santiago, just like the Camino pilgrimage does. Walking through campus, you might hear Spanish, Galician, English, and many other languages as students from different countries study together. From its start as a small religious school to its place today as a major university, USC shows how education can last through wars, political changes, and technological advances. It’s a living piece of history that continues to teach new generations just as it has for over 500 years.
If you want to learn more about the history of the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), click here
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For students interested in cuisine, Valencia follows a rich Mediterranean style. On the savory side, Valencian dishes are known for containing fresh vegetables, different meats, seafood, spices and rice. One of their most commonly known dishes is Paella which originated in Valencia. On the sweeter side, Valencia has an abundance of fresh fruits which can be found in pastries and flatbreads.
Frutas de Sant Donis
Craving something sweet? If so, this Valencian sweet is for you! Frutas de Sant Donis is a traditional Valencian dessert with colorful marzipans shaped like fruits. This dessert can usually be found on the 9th of October in Valencia. The 9th of October is “El Día de la Comunidad Valenciana,” which is an important local holiday in Valencia where many public celebrations are held to celebrate regional pride.
Want to learn more about the El Día de la Comunidad Valenciana? Click here
2. Buñuelos de calabaza
Missing a taste of America? Try Buñuelos de calabaza! These pumpkin fritters are a very popular dish in Valencia during the Fallas festival. Come with your friends and immerse yourself into the Valencia culture by attending the festival and picking up some yummy treats while you’re at it! They are a traditional Spanish dish made from pumpkin, flour and an abundance of spices. The origins of this dish can be traced way back to medieval Spain where it was served as a treat to the upper class.
In need of a refreshment as a study break? Valencia is the perfect spot to grab a Horchata! This is one of Spains most famous non-alcoholic drinks, it is sweet and creamy and will have you obsessed and wanting more! It is made from ground chufa nuts, water, cinnamon and sugar and is like nothing you’ve tasted before! In Valencia, this drink is commonly enjoyed with “fartons” which are long donut like pastries. The Chufa Sedge originally made its way to Spain during the Al-Andalus caliphate, but this plant has been used throughout history since Ancient Egyptians ruled.
Want to know more about Horchata and how to make it? Click here
4. Coques
This sweet or savory flatbread is the perfect pick me up in between classes! Run by a café to grab a Coques! This popular flatbread can be filled with all sorts of delicious nuts and candied fruit or even vegetables and anchovies! This recipe is so amazing because of the how versatile it can be. This dish can be served in a variety of ways making it the perfect dish for any occasion. This traditional Spanish flatbreads called the “Coques de Dacsa” are very similar to a Mexican tortilla. They are made with wheat flour, cornflour, olive oil and salt. This pastry is commonly seen in Valencia and Catalonia Spain. Look for cafes that serve “cocas” to try this delicious dish!
Want the recipe for the Coques de Dasca? Click here
5. Fartons
This tasty dish typically found in the Valencian town of Alboraia and commonly enjoyed with Horchata. This sweet pastry is glazed with a sweet sugar and is a must try. While you’re in the town of Alboraia it is important to grab a Horchata and a traditional Farton. This Spanish pastry is a staple in Valencia and the Spanish culture. Fartons are made from a yeasted dough with eggs, milk, sugar, oil and glazed with a sugary syrup.
Paella Valenciana one of Valencia’s most known dishes will have you obsessed and wanting more. This dish was originated in Valencia and is a stable in the Vlalencian culture. Paella can be found all over Valencia in different variations. There is Vlaencian Paella, seafood paella and mixed paella. These variations range from being made with chicken and rabbit to seafood and vegetables. This dish contains meat mixed with rice, flavorful spices and vegetables.
Bombas is a traditional tapas dish that originated in the neighborhood of Barceloneta, located on the Western coast of Barcelona. Specifically, the dish was created by María Pla Segura, co-owner of the restaurant, La Cova Fumada. This dish was a huge hit and has now become common in almost every bar in Barcelona. According to the legend, they are called Bombas because the first person who ate one in 1955 said they were “the bomb.” Bombas are balls of fried mashed potatoes filled with spicy beef. María wanted a spice that was perfect for the dish, and received a gift of cayenne pepper from Kenya, which became the official spice of the dish. The sauce used on top is an “all I oli” and a spicy sauce that gives it the spice customers crave. If you are ever at a bar and in dire need of a snack, bombas are the perfect pick.
Spain’s resourcefulness and ability to minimize food waste are evident in this fish stew, Suquet de Peix. This fish stew originated in Barcelona and a few other cities located on the Costa Brava, the coastal region in the northwest of Spain. Suquet de Peix was created when fishermen had leftover fish, squid, shrimp, offal, and any other kind of seafood that did not sell in the market. They would make the stew using fish stock, wine, and other vegetables, such as carrots and tomatoes. This dish was originally a type of meal reminiscent of leftovers, but nowadays, it has been elevated to be featured in fine dining restaurants around the city, such as Els Pescadors. The key with this dish is to be adventurous and unafraid of the seafood items that are not commonly used.
Barcelona is famous for the ingredient-rich dishes, but their simplest may be one of the best. Pa Amb Tomáquet is merely stale bread, tomato, and olive oil. Farmers would make this dish to avoid wasting the stale bread and softer tomatoes. It is called Pa Amb Tomáquet, and not Pan Con Tomate, because this dish originates from the Catalan language. This dish is served in restaurants throughout the region as an appetizer and in nearly every home as a common snack. Normally, it is served with a side of various cuts and styles of serrano ham; however, the best versions of this meal feature roasted garlic spread on the bread before the tomatoes. If you’re ever in the mood for a light and simple snack, this Barcelona staple will fulfill your needs.
Have you ever wanted to visit a place not just for all the fun things to do or the views but specifically something that regards the art work, architecture, and the stories behind them? Do you ever want to find a quiet and historical place of value among the city? Well here are some gorgeous paintings you can come see at the Toledo Museum of Art. They have many different historical pieces of work and the history behind these works is just astonishing. Some of the places you can visit are Santa Maria la Blanca and San Juan de los Reyes. These classical buildings give way into the architectural displays of what the Toldeo, Spain offers.
To start your day of architectural adventure, you may begin at the monastery of San Juan de los Reyes (St. John of the Monarchs), an exquisite Franciscan monastery originally built in the 15th century to celebrate the 1476 victory at the battle of Toro, which united Spain. This monastery was intrusted into the province Franciscan of Castille. The location of the monastery being separated by the population by the Tagus river and housing called “the Cigarrales” causes a community to come together. Within the walls of the center monastery, there is a grouping of paintings on an altar that embodies the stories of the St. Helena Cross, the resurrection of Christ, and many other hints towards the Old Testament. Although the original altar disappeared in the Napoleonic War, the current paintins and architecture display the Christian impression among its walls. San Juan de los Reyes includes alongside the original monastery, eight quiet chapels and four bodies on a ship on display.
One beautiful place is Santa María la Blanca, a synagogue-turned church in a Moorish style. This church is one of the oldest synagogues from the 1200s still standing in Europe today. This church signifies a blend of cultures from Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. In 1250 a fire devastated the church leading to its restoration in 1250 by the Castilian King Alfonso X. The rich history of this unique monument’s ability to capture an audience. The architecture is influenced by Muslim, Castilian, and Nasrid techniques such as the octagonal pillars and complex decorations of volutes and horseshoe arches. These architectural designs shaped the construction of other Spanish synagogues.
On your last stop of the day, you may want to stop by the El Greco Museum where you can find many promotional exhibitions of Don Benigno de la Vega-Inclán y Flaquer, II Marquis of Vega-Inclán (1858-1942) work based upon El Greco. El Greco’s works came from the beginning of the 17th century and influenced Toledo’s community to this day. Don Benigno is a figure used by the museum to reform the historical environments of displaying work from El Greco. El Greco is a mannerist painter of Greek and Italian training. Many of the understandings emphasized by the museum are El Greco’s influence towards contemporary painters to the present day along with disseminating and valuing remains of the Jewish quarters kept within the museum.
In conclusion, there are alot more places throughout Toledo, Spain that you can learn about its history through the arts and architectural structures. Places such as the El Greco Museum, San Juan de los Reyes and Santa Maria la Blanca provide an understanding into the blend of cultures that built the personality of the art history in Toleldo, Spain.
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When you are craving a sweet treat, there is nothing more perfect than Crema Catalana. This dish is silky and creamy and is similar to a crème brûlée; however, there are key differences that make this traditional Barcelonian dish better than its cousin. This dish dates back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest custard-style desserts in Europe. It is typically served around St. Joseph’s Day in March, which is why it is also known as “Crema de Saint Joseph”. The egg custard itself is infused with accents of lemon and cinnamon, which give it a distinctly Mediterranean taste. The top is sugar that is either torched or broiled to give it the crunch that perfectly complements the silky custard.
written by William Perkins & Henry Owen, posted by Henry Owen due to IT difficulties
Toledo was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 thanks to the important roles it held for the many different empires and kingdoms it survived. The city has had considerable influence on surrounding areas and events for many different reasons—during the Visigoth period, it was the capital of a far-reaching kingdom, and during the Renaissance, it was one of the most important cities in Spain. Toledo showcases well-preserved tradition, architectural features, and structures from a vast number of historic civilizations, as well as having a long history in the production of steel and swords.
Antiquity
One of the first recorded accounts of the city of Toletum came from the Roman historian Livy, describing the place as a “small city, fortified by location”. This is in reference to the city’s geography, situated on a promontory that is surrounded by the Tagus River on three sides. Before Roman occupation, it was once inhabited by a Celtic tribe, the Carpetani. Roman general Marcus Fulvius Nobilior conquered the city in 193 BCE and the city would remain important throughout the different eras of Roman administration, though its importance grew more in the later periods. During the time of the Romans, a circus was constructed in Toletum, becoming one of the largest circuses in Hispania. This circus was used for chariot races on special holidays, and records exist that show there were games paid for by a private citizen to celebrate him becoming a priest. Along with the circus, public baths, a water supply, and a storage system were also constructed.
Middle Ages
During the sixth century, Toledo was the capital of the Visigothic court and was host to a series of famous church councils, the third of which featured King Recared’s conversion to Christianity—and most of these councils were held to discuss and deal with religious issues and conflicts. From the early eighth century to the late eleventh century the Moors occupied the city, putting down multiple revolts from the city due to issues with Parias (tribute) and territorial mutilations. During the Umayyad caliphate, a governor was held hostage in Toledo in a demand for the return of Toledan hostages that were being held in Cordoba. This escalated into a feud with the city of Calatrava la Vieja, and Toledo attacked and nearly destroyed Calatrava in the mid-800s. Though Toledo suffered a defeat, they did not surrender, and after more unsuccessful military moves from both sides, Toledo remained virtually independent for the next two decades until Muhammad I finally successfully sieged Toledo and gained control. A large contingent of the population were Mozarabs during the Moorish occupation and integrated smoothly when King Alfonso VI conquered the city.
After a protracted set of military campaigns, Toledo became the most important political and social hub of Castile. The residents were a mix of culturally Jewish, Muslim, and Christian subjects who all engaged in cross-cultural efforts such as when Alfonso X established the Escuela de Traductores (School of Translators) to facilitate such interactions in the thirteenth century. Toledo also hosted a royal library and at least one private library, with records showing that one contained copies of religious commentaries, religious works, and works that would later become very influential on medieval Spanish laws. However, these efforts were not without internal strife as the Archdiocese of Toledo sponsored multiple persecutions throughout the seventh century. The Kingdom of Toledo doubled down on this trend as many forced conversions, mass murders, and riots would follow in the thirteenth to the fifteenth century. Toledo remained a key part of Spain’s holdings until its importance decreased drastically during the reign of the Holy Roman Emperors.
Modern Era
The Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, would choose Toledo as his residence fifteen times over his lengthy reign, granting the city its coat of arms. When Charles V named Toledo as his (temporary) seat, it entered a period of economic and political decadence. Toledo would remain relevant to the empire even when Phillip II made Madrid the capital in 1560, drastically lowering the city’s importance to the empire, even as the population increased to over 50,000. The Archbishops of the city remained powerful figures in local politics, owning vast swaths of land in the Inner Plateau and some nearby outer territories.
Many years after the Reconquista, a mass deportation of Moriscos to the city caused quite a stir due to the recent Alpujarras rebellion and the logistical feat of transporting the migrants to the city. The remaining social system that had weathered the mixing cultures and social classes was destroyed by the immigration wave, influencing a long trend of xenophobic attacks on the Morisco population.
For centuries the city excelled in the manufacture of silk, growing in prosperity until the Peninsular War. In the nineteenth century, Toledo gradually transitioned from a convent city into a more secular bureaucratic administration. This change in policy carried the city through the Spanish Civil War and Franco’s regime.
Just before the Spanish Civil War, the Alcázar of Toledo (which had been built during the reign of Charles V) was serving as the Infantry’s military academy. During the war, it was used as a refuge for Nationalists and was sieged by Republican troops and militias for two months until Franco ordered the Army of Africa to rescue the Alcázar. The siege failed, though the building was very nearly destroyed. This “liberation” did result in a major propaganda victory for Franco and gave rise to many tales of heroism and sacrifice, though many of them had been far removed from the actual events of the siege.
During Franco’s regime, the city remained a major tourist destination and an ideal location for diplomatic meetings. One of the most important meetings that took place in the city was in 1940 between Heinrich Himmler and Director General of Security José Finat y Escrivá de Romaní to inspect Spanish security forces and discuss future Spanish-German cooperation. During his visit, Himmler toured the ruins of the Alcázar.
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Nestled between the mountains and by the Nervión River as it spills into the Bay of Biscay, Bilbao is more than just the industrial and cultural capital of the Basque region—it’s a city with deep roots. The earliest evidence of human presence in the region is disputed to the 2nd or 3rd century BCE, with Iron Age burial sites discovered on Mount Artxanda and Mount Avril [1], suggesting that the area had long been recognized for its favorable geography and climate.
These early communities were likely small, self-sustaining, and tied to the Celtic and pre-Roman cultures of the Iberian Peninsula [2]. Over time, Bilbao’s natural resources especially its proximity to the ocean and access to iron, and minerals set the stage for its transformation into a significant trade and maritime center.
A City is Born: 1300
Bilbao’s official founding as a town came in 1300, when Diego López V de Haro, Lord of Biscay, obtained a municipal charter from King Ferdinand IV of Castile [3]. This charter elevated a small fishing village into a formal town, complete with governance privileges and commercial ambitions. The decision was strategic: Bilbao’s sheltered port and access to inland trade routes made it ideal for developing commerce between Castile and northern Europe.
Only a decade later, in 1310, Diego’s niece, María Díaz de Haro, expanded on this vision. She issued a new charter that granted Bilbao commercial monopolies, requiring all trade goods from Castile headed toward the sea to pass through the city [4]. This move redirected traffic from other regional ports, especially Bermeo, and firmly positioned Bilbao as the Basque Country’s commercial gateway.
A Free Port and Cultural Anchor: The 14th and 15th Centuries
In 1372, Bilbao gained a major advantage when King John I of Castile declared it a “free port,” meaning goods could be shipped through Bilbao without paying customs duties. This was a significant boost for the city’s economic growth, as it attracted merchants from across Spain and Europe seeking cheaper and more efficient trade.
Bilbao’s development wasn’t entirely economic. In 1443, the Church of San Antón was consecrated on the banks of the river, and it would become a city landmark and symbol of Bilbao’s religious and civic identity [5]. Alongside the church, a marketplace and trading hall helped define the city center. Bilbao was becoming not just a hub for trade, but a source of culture and urban life.
Economic Boom: The 1500s and Bilbao’s Maritime Ascent
The 16th century was a time of prosperity for Bilbao, as it benefitted from Spain’s growing empire and overseas exploration. The city became especially important for exporting iron and wool two commodities in high demand in northern Europe. Basque ironworkers were renowned for their skill, and Bilbao’s port was the ideal launch point for shipping their products abroad.
In 1511, the establishment of the Consulado de Bilbao, a powerful merchant guild, formalized the city’s growing economic and political influence. The Consulado regulated maritime commerce, resolved disputes, and protected local traders, setting standards for quality, contracts, and shipping. It was a major institution that ensured Bilbao kept pace with the rising mercantile cities of Europe.
Crisis and Resilience: The 1600s
While much of Spain experienced economic hardship during the 17th century, Bilbao displayed remarkable resilience. Its relative autonomy under the Basque fueros (local laws) allowed the city to manage its own affairs, collect taxes, and maintain its customs system advantages that many other Spanish cities lacked [6].
Although Spain’s imperial economy began to falter due to wars, inflation, and internal corruption, Bilbao adapted by diversifying its economic base. Iron continued to play a major role, but shipbuilding, wine exports, and coastal trade also kept the city afloat. Trade with England and the Netherlands sometimes even during periods of political conflict allowed Bilbao to maintain an active commercial network.
Enlightenment and Expansion: The 1700s
The 18th century brought urban growth and cultural shifts, influenced in part by Enlightenment ideals spreading across Europe. Bilbao expanded along both banks of the river, building new docks, bridges, and civic buildings. Improved its’ port facilities helped the city remain competitive in international trade, even as competition from other ports increased.
During the War of Spanish Succession (1701–1714), the Basques sided with the Bourbon claimant, Philip V, and in return were allowed to preserve their local privileges. This autonomy continued to shield Bilbao from the worst effects of centralizing policies in Madrid.
Revolution to Reinvention: The 19th–21st Centuries
The 19th century was a transformative era for Bilbao, marked by both conflict and industrial boom. The city played a pivotal role in the Carlist Wars—civil conflicts centered around succession to the Spanish throne and regional autonomy. Bilbao, a liberal stronghold, withstood multiple Carlist sieges, most notably in 1835 and 1874, thanks in part to its fortified location and local resistance.
Despite the turbulence, this century ushered in Bilbao’s industrial golden age. The city leveraged its rich iron ore reserves and growing port infrastructure to become a major center of steel production and shipbuilding. Entrepreneurs like the Ybarra and Chávarri families spearheaded industrial growth, while railways and canals linked Bilbao to the Castilian interior and beyond. By the end of the century, it was one of Spain’s most modern and economically powerful cities.
In the early 20th century, Bilbao expanded rapidly, drawing in laborers from across Spain. With prosperity came cultural investment—art, education, and Basque nationalism flourished. However, this was soon interrupted by the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939). Bilbao again resisted authoritarianism, defending the Republican cause. The city fell to Francoist forces in 1937 after heavy bombing and military assault, leading to decades of repression.
Under Franco’s dictatorship (1939–1975), Basque identity was suppressed, and the region’s autonomy revoked. Yet Bilbao endured. Postwar recovery was bolstered by continued industrial production, although environmental degradation and overcrowding strained the city’s infrastructure.
By the 1980s, Bilbao faced economic crisis as heavy industry declined. Unemployment soared, and pollution plagued the Nervión River. In response, city planners and civic leaders launched an ambitious urban renewal project. Central to this was the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, inaugurated in 1997. Designed by Frank Gehry, its futuristic titanium curves became an instant global icon and symbol of the city’s rebirth. This lead to the term the “Bilbao Effect”— which refers to an urban regeneration through cultural investment—attracting global attention and tourism. Today, Bilbao is a vibrant metropolis, home to universities, cutting-edge architecture, and a thriving tech and service economy. Its identity as both Basque and global makes it a compelling destination for students and scholars alike.
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