Basque Language in Bilbao

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Hannah Gordon

The city of Bilbao is a part of Basque country. Because of this, the Basque language, called Euskera or Vasco, is co-official with Spanish. This fact makes Bilbao the perfect destination for students or professors interested in anthropology or linguistics!

Euskera has a very unique history. The language, unlike many of its other European neighbors, is not a Romance language. In fact, despite its place in the Roman Empire, Euskera has very little Latin influence besides a few loan words. This could be because Basque country is situated in mountains that were of very little material interest to the Romans. In fact, there is no evidence that Basque is related to any other language and it is the only non Indo-European language in Western Europe. Though the earliest written sources of Basque come from the 16th century, attempts to reconstruct the more ancient form of the language have been useful in determining Basque’s uniqueness. As the only surviving pre-Indo-European language in Europe, it is a valuable undertaking to teach Basque and preserve its cultural history.

Euskera went through a period of strengthening and unification for a period until the War of Spanish Succession when the Nueva Planta banned languages besides Castilian. Bilbao was one of the cities most impacted. The Basque language has gone through periods of repression and regeneration, the most recent of which was under Francisco Franco. Franco, who was ardently against regionalism, made Castilian the official language of Spain. After his death, many regional languages like Euskera, Galician, and Catalan have been revived. Since this language revival, many activists in Basque Country have fought for what they call “language planning”. This is essentially government policy meant to promote bilingual education through media programs, public language use, and educational programs. The movement of language planning has been an effort to prevent cultural assimilation. Since 2011, the number of Basque speakers has risen dramatically. The 2021 population and housing census indicates that 62.4% of people had some knowledge of Basque. Bilbao has had the greatest increase, with 30.6% of the population speaking Euskera for a total of 103,631 speakers. The population of Bilbao has made a successful effort to not let this stunning and unique language be lost to time. We hope that you are interested in helping this effort as well.

Bilbao is the perfect destination for a linguistics study abroad, not only because it is in Basque speaking Basque Country, but also because the University of Deusto in the city offers Basque language programs. The University is registered as an Euskaltegi under the Basque government. They offer a variety of courses and programs, including an option to obtain a certificate in the language. There are also a variety of levels and an option to test into any of them. This is the perfect program for students hoping to immerse themselves in a language program. Students can attend classes and learn the basics of the language and practice those skills among the native speakers of the city. We hope you choose to visit the beautiful city of Bilbao!

For an easy guide to some beginner phrases, try this link!

Posted in Bilbao | Comments Off on Basque Language in Bilbao

Segovia

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Paul Espinoza

Discovering the culinary delights of Segovia: A taste of tradition

Segovia’s culinary history is closely connected to its farming traditions, location, and culture. The city has historically benefited from its agricultural richness, especially during the mid 20th century, when local farms played a big role in providing food for the community. The culinary evolution of Segovia can be seen through its most iconic dishes: Cochinillo Asado (roast suckling pig) and Judiones de La Granja (large white beans).

Cochinillo Asado is not just a meal. It’s part of Segovia’s history and tradition. It’s made by roasting a young pig until the skin is super crispy, which has made it famous in Spain and outside of Spain as well. The presentation and symbolic ritual of serving the cochinillo, which involves bringing it to the table on a wooden board and slicing it with a plate, showcase not only the dish’s cultural significance but also the communal aspect of dining in Segovia.

Here’s a picture of the Cochinillo Asado in a wooden board as mentioned earlier.

For the other hand, the other iconic Segovia’s dish is the Judiones de La Granja. They are large white beans that come from the area around the Royal Palace of La Granja, near Segovia. They’re known for their soft texture and rich flavor, making them perfect for slow-cooked stews. The dish is usually made with chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), and a pork, giving it a strong and savory taste. It became more popular in the 1950s as a way to improve local diets, and since then, it’s been a winter favorite that represents both comfort and tradition in Segovian homes and restaurants.

Here’s a picture of the Judiones de La Granja, in this case with chorizo in it.

A taste of Segovia for U.S. students and professors

For college students and professors looking to explore Segovia’s culinary scene, consider making reservations at local eateries to experience authentic dishes firsthand. Engaging with local chefs and participating in guided food tours can enhance your understanding of how history and culture shape the culinary arts.

The perfect fit would be Mesón de Cándido, it’s a must visit restaurant in Segovia. This establishment has made a name for itself as one of the finest places to indulge in traditional Segovian cuisine. According to Urrialde, a prominent chef, Mesón de Cándido was instrumental in changing how dishes were prepared and presented, which helped elevate Segovia’s culinary status.

Here’s a picture of the inside of Meson de Candido.

Location: Plaza Azoguejo 5, 40001 Segovia, Spain.

Phone: +34 921 42 59 11

Hours: Monday to Sunday from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm, and reopens from 8:00 pm to 10:30 pm

Dining at Mesón de Cándido is more than just a meal. It’s an opportunity for professors to engage their students in discussions about food culture, sustainability in agricultural practices, and the socioeconomic impacts of culinary tourism.

Final thoughts

Segovia is more than a beautiful city rich in history. It’s a culinary destination that offers students and professors alike an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of traditional and modern Spanish cuisine. Dishes like Cochinillo Asado and Judiones de La Granja reflect the region’s farming roots and long-standing traditions. For U.S students and professors, experiencing Segovia’s cuisine firsthand offers a deeper understanding of Spanish culture while creating memorable moments around the table. Whether enjoying a meal at a historic spot like Mesón de Cándido or joining a local food tour, Segovia’s flavors provide a unique and enriching way to explore the city.

Posted in Granada | Comments Off on Segovia

Mudéjar: Exploring Al-Andalus and Christianity through the Royal Alcázar of Seville

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Quinn Kukk

From modern works of art to historical structures from the middle-ages, it’s no secret that Seville is famous for its elegant and diverse architecture. The sheer variety is stunning enough, but the historical significance of these structures are informative for both students and instructors looking to explore Spain, Seville, and Spanish History.

You can’t visit Seville without exploring the gorgeous Royal Alcázar of Seville, a royal palace constructed by the Umayyad Caliphate on the site of a Roman settlement that would eventually become Spain. This building is not only stunning but also rich in Spanish History. This structure combines elements of Gothic architecture with both Moorish and Christian influence, which both occupied the palace at some point in history, making the Royal Alcázar of Seville a blend of unique historical styles not seen commonly in architecture.

The foundations of the palace were built in 712 CE with the arrival of Moorish forces and their takeover of Visigothic land. After the establishment of the Caliphate of Cordoba, the royal palace saw incredible upgrades. Even once the Caliphate of Cordoba fell, the Taifa Kingdom of Seville maintained the beautiful palace. The impacts of the Moors through the Taifa Kingdoms and Umayyad Dynasty on the structure can be seen through the beautiful, lush Alcazar gardens. These gardens, depicted below, are theorized to be modeled after the paradise described in the Koran, so have fun taking in the heavenly scenery!

With the arrival of more Moorish forces in Al-Andalus, including the Almohads and Almoravids, the palace grew in Islamic architectural influence. The plasterwork courtyard, lattice ceilings depicted below, and archways of the palace are heavily inspired from Islamic styles. However, a carefully trained art historian can tell that most of the design in the palace reflects the Mudéjar style, an architectural style that blends christianity and islamic building styles. As Al-Andalus’ control over Seville collapsed in 1248 CE from the rampaging tide of the Reconquista, Christian power rose, and with it, the Royal Alcázar of Seville was assimilated under Christian rule, who also added flares of traditional Gothic style in the name of the Visigoths. The spiked arches and ribbed vaults seen in the upper floors all point to remnants of Gothic architecture used in the building. This historical time frame allowed the unique architecture of past Seville rulers to accumulate, eventually concluding with Renaissance architectural styles of large marble columns that round out the design.

The Royal Alcázar of Seville isn’t just one of the most beautiful structures in the world, but it also serves as a historical timeline of Spain and the occupancy of Seville that can be seen through it’s architectural influences. Seville’s history is literally scrawled out across the walls of the palace, and can be seen on every pillar and archway. Instructors and students alike will have no shortage of histories to explore and unpack through this historical monument. If you get the chance to swing by the Alcázar, drop by the Alcázar – Andalusí Tapas, a restaurant that serves Seville favorites like gazpacho in a tapas-style experience just outside the palace itself. The experience of visiting, the rich history of the building, and the Sevillian immersion of being in the heart of the city make the Royal Alcázar of Seville a must-stop for anyone looking to explore Spanish history and Seville.

Posted in Sevilla | Comments Off on Mudéjar: Exploring Al-Andalus and Christianity through the Royal Alcázar of Seville

Granada’s Tourist HQ: The Plaza de Bib-Rambla

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Christian O'Neill

The Plaza de Bib-Rambla is a square in the city of Granada that has seen the city’s significant historical transformations. The term “Bib-Rambla” is an Arabic one, meaning “Gate to the Sand” or “Gate of the River,” as the plaza previously functioned as the gateway to the city in the period of Muslim control (particularly in the Nasrid period). Nowadays, the plaza is the closest thing Granada has to a Castilian main square and boasts cafés, souvenir shops, florists, and bookstores for students to bring a commemorative item back home! It is also located close to the Granada Cathedral and the Alhambra, so any tourists can easily walk to multiple incredible sites in a single day! The Plaza de Bib-Rambla has been noted as a common meeting place for both tourists and Granadans alike, so it would be in one’s best interest to become familiar with one of the most significant Granadan locales. Another reason to visit the Plaza de Bib-Rambla would be to immerse oneself into the history of a city that has experienced Spain’s most formative and influential historical trends.

1. El Fuente de los Gigatones: The Contribution of an Absentee Monarch

One of the Plaza de Bib-Rambla’s most notable features is the Fuente de los Gigatones (depicted below), or the “Fountain of Giants,” a beautiful fountain in the center of the plaza depicting the Gods of Rome and topped with a statue of Neptune.

The fountain was erected in the mid-17th century during the rule Charles V, a Holy Roman Emperor. It was originally placed in a different location, but was moved multiple times until it ended up in the plaza. Charles V was considered an “absent” monarch because he was not frequently present in Spain as a result of his gigantic empire and poorly received first impression. In the beginning of his rule (1517-1556), Charles V visited Spain for the first time and stole money from churches in Aragon, did not speak Spanish, and left a foreign regent in his place upon departure. Negative sentiments toward the new monarch never truly dissipated despite his best efforts, and the conjunction with the geopolitical landscape of Europe led Charles V into abdication. He spent the rest of his days in our lovely city of Granada, located within walking distance of Plaza de Bib-Rambla. For more on El Fuente de los Gigatones, see this link.

2. From Bazaar to Bonfire: The Plaza Bib-Rambla in the Age of Christianization

The Plaza de Bib-Rambla was comprised of bazaars, medieval jousts, and bullfights when Spain was under Muslim rule (711-1492). The city of Granada was the last city to see the Christian reconquest and thus, its capture in 1492 punctuated the end of the Reconquista. Historians have opined that Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros, a royal official, used the Plaza de Bib-Rambla to burn 80,000 Arabic texts from the city’s first University (Madrasah of Granada). He falsely claimed them to be copies of the Qur’an. The Plaza was significantly expanded to best suit large-scale celebrations such as Corpus Christi (see below), which any tourist can attend in late May/June (for more on the celebrations of Granada, see this link).

The Christianization of the Plaza de Bib-Rambla paralleled another event in Spain that occurred after the Reconquista: The Spanish Inquisition. The inquisition was established with the authorization of Pope Sixtus IV in 1478 and aimed to find and punish “Conversos,” or those that converted from Judaism to Christianity and still secretly practiced Judaism. In reality, however, the inquisition targeted, punished, and even tortured ordinary conversos who did not secretly uphold their former religion. The Plaza de Bib-Rambla witnessed the executions of many of these converts in the days of the Inquisition.

3. Defining Spanish Identity: The Franco Period

Though significant for its Muslim and Christian history, the Plaza de Bib-Rambla also experienced more contemporary historical events too. During the Franco regime (1936-1975), missions were sent out in attempts to return to and reinforce Spanish identity through Catholicism following the divergent political ideologies that led to the Civil War (1936-1939). According to Historians, the Holy Mission in Granada occurred in October of 1949 and transformed the Plaza de Bib-Rambla with loudspeakers and Christian paraphernalia that extended the seemingly constant religious lectures of the Missionaries (Romero, Blanco, and Lopez covered this subject in their article “The Stability and Consolidation of the Francoist Regime“). Attendance at these gatherings numbered in the tens of thousands, highlighting the fact that Granada was consumed by religion in these years.

For more information on the Bib-Rambla and Granada as a whole, see the bibliography below and/or the further reading page.

Bibliography

Barceló Hotel Group. “Plaza de Bib-Rambla: a mirror of Granada’s age-old history.” Barceló Experiences 2024. https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/en/spain/granada/things-to-do/plaza-bib-rambla/.

Dixon, Arthur. “Granada, Spain.” World Literature Today 89, no. 1 (Jan./Feb. 2015): 5. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7588/worllitetoda.89.1.0005.

Hernández, Javier. “Fountain of the Giants.” Granada por el Mundo. 2023. https://granadaporelmundo.com/fuente-de-los-gigantones/.

Romero, Cobo Francisco, Migeul Ángel Del Arco Blanco, and Teresa Maria Ortega Lopez. “The Stability and Consolidation of the Francoist Regime. The Case of Eastern Andalusia, 1936-1950.” Contemporary European History 20, no. 1 (Feb. 2011): 37-59. https://www.jstor.org/stable/41238342.

Rutter, Ian. “Corpus Christi in Granada.” Two South of Granada: A Travel and Lifestyle Blog from Andalucia. 2017. https://www.twosouthofgranada.com/home/2017/6/19/corpus-christi-in-granada.

Posted in Granada | Comments Off on Granada’s Tourist HQ: The Plaza de Bib-Rambla

The Red Castle: The Alhambra

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Logan Wooton

The Alhambra, built between 1238 and 1358 at the behest of Muhammad I, founder of the Nasrid Dynasty, stands on an plateau overlooking the City of Granada. Originally designed as a military zone it was later served as the royal residence for the royal family of Granada.

The fortress’s name Alhambra has origins in Arabic, meaning “red castle or vermilion”

During the 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries the fortress was made of 2 main areas; The Alcazaba, the Military area, and the Medina or Palatine city, which housed the Nasrid palaces and houses of nobles and other common folk.

When the city fell into Catholic hands in 1492 much of the interior was damaged or removed, after Charles I (Charles V) took the throne in 1516 he had portions of the fort rebuilt however he also had parts destroyed to make way for an Italianate Palace. In 1812 during the Peninsular War the French blew up several towers, in 1821 an Earthquake further destroyed portions of the fortress. In 1828 a major repair job was undertaken by José Contreras an endeavor that was later endowed by King Ferdinand VII in 1830. After the death of Contreras in 1847, his son Rafael took up the mantle of restoration until his death in 1890 where in his son Mariano Contreras Granja continued his families work.

For more information about the history of the Alhambra:
https://www.alhambra.org/en/alhambra-history.html

For more information on the Alhambra:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Alhambra-fortress-Granada-Spain

Posted in Granada | Comments Off on The Red Castle: The Alhambra

All About Move-Out: Helpful info for parents whose students live in Longwood-managed housing

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Sabrina Brown

Today’s post will focus on the ins—but mostly outs—of students departing Longwood-managed housing as the semester draws to a close. Final exams are less than a month away, scheduled for Monday, May 5, through Friday, May 9.

The end of the academic year is always a bittersweet time on a university campus—and Longwood is no exception.

There’s the excitement of Commencement and new beginnings for the Class of 2025. Other students are looking forward to internships or going home for the summer. Those of us who work here share in that excitement, but we also think about how quiet the campus will be when the students are gone and how we’ll miss those who are graduating.

Move-out Dates and Times

Residential communities close at noon on Saturday, May 10. Except for the groups mentioned below, all students must depart their residences within 24 hours of the conclusion of their last spring 2025 exams or by noon on Saturday, May 10, whichever comes first.

The following students may remain on campus after noon on Saturday, May 10*:
—Graduating seniors**
—Graduating master’s degree students who live in the residence halls**
—Students approved to assist with Commencement**
—Apartment residents participating in 12-month housing                                                                                                                                                                   —Students working with select faculty- or staff-sponsored department activities (for example, some athletes and students working with Brock Experiences)
*Students who believe they should receive special approval to remain in Longwood-managed housing after noon on May 10 should contact their coach or the appropriate faculty member for approval information.
**Students participating in Commencement must depart campus no later than 4 p.m. Saturday, May 17.

Checkout Process 

  • Remove all belongings. Residents must remove all personal items from their assigned space or any other areas of their unit before departing campus.
    Abandoned property. Personal items still in a unit after a resident has checked out OR left in an unauthorized area of a unit will be considered abandoned and are subject to disposal and financial charges. Residents should be sure to double-check their unit and remove all personal items prior to departing campus.
  • EXPRESS checkout procedures are available for all residence halls and apartment communities.

—Pick up an EXPRESS envelope, available at each service desk, and fill it out.
—Place key(s) inside envelope.
—Place the envelope in the drop box. For residence halls, the drop box is in the vicinity of the front desk. For Lancer Park, there is an exterior mounted box close to the Brown Commons front service desk. In the Landings, each ground floor elevator lobby area has a wall-mounted box.

Departure Expectations

  • Prior to leaving campus, all residents must complete the tasks below. Units will be inspected to ensure compliance. Failure to comply may result in judicial sanctions and/or financial charges.
  • Departure Checklist
    —Remove all trash and perishable food.
    —Thoroughly clean the unit, including the bathroom and common spaces.
    —Remove all personal items (medication, electronic devices, eyeglasses, wallet, etc.).
    —Turn off all lights.
    —Close and lock all windows.
    —Lower all window blinds/shades.
    —Lock all doors.

Information for Residents of Moss and Johns Halls

—Loading-zone access on the South Main Street side of Moss and Johns halls will be closed from Friday, April 25, through Monday, May 19.
—In order to access Spruce Street, enter Wynne Drive to Pine Street and turn onto the sidewalk in front of the Fitness Center.
—Spruce Street and Redford Street will be open for exit only (one-way traffic) onto South Main Street from Friday, April 25, through Monday, May 19. Do not enter campus at Redford Street from South Main Street.

 Expectations and Best Practices

—Do not drive or park on the grass.
—Do not park in the nearby lots for private businesses. These lots are tow-away zones at all times, including weekends.

—Residential students should continue parking in their designated parking permit zone.

—Remain vigilant and patient with other pedestrians and vehicles.

—Students are encouraged to bring their own dollies or handcarts to expedite removing their personal belongings from Longwood-managed housing.

—Do not illegally park on campus or attempt to enter restricted/barricaded areas.

—The sidewalks in front of Wheeler and Stubbs halls are restricted and designated for emergency or authorized vehicle use only.
—Farmville Area Bus (FAB) service ends at 6 p.m. Friday, May 9.

—Dinner on Friday, May 9, is the last meal served using the spring semester meal plan.
—Residents are encouraged to consider donating items—especially those they might otherwise throw away—to the local Better Days of Farmville, FACES Food Pantry, Southside SPCA or a local clothes closet. Prior to final exams, collection boxes will be available in all residence halls and at each Longwood-managed apartment community.

—Utilize the large dumpsters placed throughout the campus before the start of final exams.

—Take necessary measures to ensure self-care.

Questions?

Email housing@longwood.edu or call 434-395-2080.

—Sabrina Brown

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on All About Move-Out: Helpful info for parents whose students live in Longwood-managed housing

CEHHS GA

Posted on April 15, 2025 by Kathryn Morgan

Standard (300 hours/semester), Fall 2025 & Spring 2026

The GA position will support College of Education, Health, and Human Services (CEHHS) administrative functions related to clinical placements, assessment, and accreditation for CEHHS programs. Reporting to the Associate Dean of CEHHS, the GA will help with a variety of administrative tasks including data collection and visualization, research for best practices, special event preparation, and editing.

Questions can be directed to Dr. Shannon Salley, salleysw@longwood.edu

Standard (300 hours/semester; $3,000 in tuition coverage and a $4,500 stipend)
Academic Assistant Position 
College of Education, Health & Human Services
Funding Source:  CGPS
Status: Closed

Posted in OPEN positions | Comments Off on CEHHS GA

Aragon “Sea”zes its opportunity! We aren’t Showboating!

Posted on April 14, 2025 by Ronald Carricato
A Catalan Tartane, one of the ships of the Catalan Navy which helped enforce “The Book of The Consulate of the Sea”

Or maybe we are! One of the most interesting aspects of Barcelona’s history was its contribution to Medieval Mediterranean Maritime Law (Say that five times fast) In the fourteenth century, a book titled the “Book of the Consulate of the Sea” was compiled. Though the book was published in Valencia, the organization enforcing the laws in the book adopted the Maritime laws of Barcelona. As the crown of Aragon gained territory in Italy, Greece, and modern day France, other places began to adopt the Barcelona laws. This effectively made the “Consulate of the Sea” the primary set of laws enforced on the Mediterranean Sea. These laws even became printed and distributed in the late 15th century (1494). Interestingly, many of the stipulations in the book refer to the conduct of armed warships and the legality of defending oneself against pirates. There is no doubt that Piracy was rampant in the Mediterranean, but researchers have also uncovered that there were also government sponsored privateers wreaking havoc on the cargo of their enemies.

However, these seas won’t wreak havoc on an enjoyable, and educational study abroad lesson. The oceans that opened trade routes to Aragon’s empire now can open the minds of your students! Plan lessons on piracy, the Catalan Navy, or Aragon’s oversea empire complimented by the breathtaking sights of the Mediterranean!

See the city, the ports, and the waters that defined the rules of seafaring today by scheduling a trip to Barcelona!

The editors of Encyclopedia Britannica “Book of the Consulate of the Sea.“ Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Feb. 2016, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Book-of-the-Consulate-of-the-Sea. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

Kelleher, Marie A. “The Sea of Our City: Famine, Piracy, and Urban Sovereignty in Medieval Barcelona.” Mediterranean Studies, vol. 24, no. 1, 2016, pp. 1–22. https://doi.org/10.5325/mediterraneanstu.24.1.0001.

Posted in Barcelona | Comments Off on Aragon “Sea”zes its opportunity! We aren’t Showboating!

Family Feud! Barcelona in the War of the Spanish Succession

Posted on April 14, 2025 by Ronald Carricato
A fan depicting the siege of 1714, one of the numerous sieges Barcelona endured

One of the most notable historical moments for Barcelona occurred in the early 18th Century during the War of the Spanish Succession. Both the Habsburg and Bourbon Families laid claim to the Spanish throne and decided to settle things the good old fashioned way, through international war. As more and more countries joined the fray, a Bourbon alliance of France, Bavaria and Pro-Bourbon Spain fought the Grand Alliance of Pro-Habsburg Spain, Britain, and the Holy Roman Empire (sometimes referred to as Austria).

Early in the war, Barcelona was under Bourbon control. In 1704, the Grand Alliance sent a combined English and Dutch fleet in an attempt to take the city. However things did not go to plan. The Allies, expecting a local uprising to make things easier found that the revolt had not happened. As such. the Allies were forced to retreat. However, the British were able to capture Gibraltar. One year later, the Allies landed once again. Under the command of Lord Peterborough, they were successful at claiming the city for the Habsburgs. The Alliance then successfully stopped a Bourbon counter attack.

The Tide Turns on the Habsburgs!

A sight becoming more and more common as the war dragged on. Here, Lord Galway surrenders his British army to a French Bourbon army led by the Duke of Berwick

In just under a decade, the fortunes of war had changed its course. By 1713, it was quite clear the conflict was going in the Bourbon’s favor. The Treaty of Utrecht was signed ending involvement in the war for the British, Dutch, Portuguese and most of, if not all of the non-Spanish members of the Grand Alliance. However, one last Habsburg stronghold remained: Barcelona. A mostly French and Spanish Bourbon army led by the Duke of Popoli laid siege to a Barcelona defended by the armies and militias of Catalonia. (Depicted in the photo of the fan) The Bourbons were initially unsuccessful as they had to wait for artillery. Once more howitzers arrived, the Bourbons tried again and again, only to be repelled by the Catalan defenders. On September 11th, 1714, the Bourbons finally broke through the city walls and engaged in fierce combat against the defenders. However, it became clear to the Catalan forces that the fight was unwinnable and as such, they laid down their arms and surrendered. With the last Habsburg stronghold defeated, the War of the Spanish Succession was effectively over. The recapture of Barcelona marked the end of two centuries of Habsburg rule in Spain and the beginning of Bourbon rule, which brought sweeping reformations. Below, we mention some of the historical landmarks relating to the war.

Montijuc Castle

A view showcasing over 200 years of the castle’s history. A 20th century artillery piece juxtaposed against the 18th century architecture.

Here is a historical landmark students and professors will love. Montjuic Castle was one of the key fortresses captured by the Grand Alliance in their conquest of the city in 1705. Montjuic castle offers stunning views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean sea and is open to the public. Students can explore the history of the castle and observe genuine artifacts in the visitor center/museum while professors can schedule educational lessons and tours for their groups!

However, the castle is not limited to just lessons on the war of Spanish Succession. On a more serious note, the castle became infamous from the late nineteenth century through the end of the Spanish civil war for its housing of political prisoners. Much of the graffiti drawn on the walls by these prisoners remain prompting insightful and reflective discussion opportunities for college students and professors.

Fossar de Les Moreres

One of Barcelona’s key landmarks is a memorial to the defenders who perished in the siege, called the Fossar de les Moreres. the memorial is built over a cemetery where the Catalan defenders were buried. In addition, September 11 is a day of remembrance in Catalonia, as tribute is paid to those who lost their lives in that fateful battle.

The Fossar de Les Moreres

Students, professors, and tourists alike can learn much about and reflect on this period of turmoil in Spain’s history through a visit to the memorial.

A wealth of opportunities awaits with a study abroad trip to Barcelona! Book your visit today!

Ajuntament de Barcelona. “Fossar de les Moreres.” Barcelona City Council, https://www.meet.barcelona/en/visit-and-love-it/points-interest-city/fossar-de-les-moreres-99400386857.

Eaude, Michael. A People’s History of Catalonia. Pluto Press, 2022. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://public.ebookcentral.proquest.com/choice/PublicFullRecord.aspx?p=7098862.

Royal Collection Trust. “Fan Depicting the Siege of Barcelona, 1714.” Royal Collection Trust, https://www.rct.uk/collection/25088/fan-depicting-the-siege-of-barcelona-1714.

The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. “War of the Spanish Succession.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Mar. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/event/War-of-the-Spanish-Succession. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Thomson, M. A. “Louis XIV and the Origins of the War of the Spanish Succession.” Transactions of the Royal Historical Society, vol. 4, 1954, pp. 111–134. https://doi.org/10.2307/3678854

Posted in Barcelona | Comments Off on Family Feud! Barcelona in the War of the Spanish Succession

Granada’s Greatest Goods

Posted on April 14, 2025 by Kelly Samuel

Granada has a diverse range of delicious cuisine to choose from. It’s a great city to experiment with different flavor profiles and traditional cuisine from many cultures. However, if you are interested in trying Arabian foods and drinks in particular, Granada is the place to go.

Brief History of Moors in Granada

Moors arrived in Spain beginning in 711 A.D. Within a few years, they had successfully seized control of most of the Iberian Peninsula, renaming it al-Andalus. They remained in al-Andalus for centuries, though the amount of territory they controlled was greatly reduced during the Reconquista in the Middle Ages. They held more power in southern Spain, and in Granada especially. Granada was home to the last taifa kingdom (basically kingdoms ruled by Muslims) before the city was captured by the Christians in 1492. Moors were expelled from Spain in 1609.

Throughout the roughly 900 years Moors and Arabs inhabited Spain, they greatly contributed to the rich cultural scene present in the peninsula. Granada in particular features a lot of Arab and Moorish influence, particularly in art, architecture, and food. Here are a few examples of Arab influence in Granada’s cuisine:

1. Teterías

Teterías, or tea houses, in Granada are famous for serving tea, other drinks, and light foods that provide a taste of Arab culture. From Turkish lemonade and coffee to traditional Arab meals and sweets, these tea shops have everything you could think of. While there are some pricier locations, there are also some very nice budget-friendly options perfect for students with limited spending ability.

For a list of recommended teterías and their reviews, click here.

2. La tortilla del Sacromonte

La tortilla del Sacromonte is a type of omelet unique to Granada. Traditionally, the most important ingredients are the sheep brains and testicles; however, it is now being made with pig or cow brains and testicles as well, though some say it’s not la tortilla del Sacromonte if it’s not made with sheep. This dish is thought to have originated in the cave-dwelling village of Sacromonte in Granada. Muslims established the neighborhood after being exiled from Baza in the 1500s.

For a recipe of la tortilla del Sacromonte, click here. For more information about the village of Sacromonte, click here.

3. Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a type of cold tomato soup. It also includes peppers and cucumbers, and it’s typically served with bread. Gazpacho’s cold nature pays homage to the warm Mediterranean climate found in Granada. Granada also has a special variety: beans and dried cod are typically added to the soup. Gazpacho is pretty easy and inexpensive to make – perfect for students wanting to eat a homemade meal.

For a recipe, click here.

Want to learn more about Granada? Click here.

Bibliography

DBpedia. “About: Taifa of Granada.” dbpedia.org, https://dbpedia.org/page/Taifa_of_Granada. Accessed 14 April 2025.

Escuela Delengua. “Learn about the typical food of Granada and how to cook it yourself!” Spanish School Delengua, https://www.delengua.es/spanish-courses-spain/granada/typical-food-of-granada.html. Accessed 14 April 2025.

Food Lover Tour. “The history behind Sacromonte and its tortilla.” Food Lover Tour, https://foodlovertour.com/blog/the-history-behind-sacromonte-and-its-tortilla/. Accessed 14 April 2025.

lovegranada.com. “Teahouses in Granada – Best Authentic Moorish Tea Rooms.” Love Granada, 1 April 2024, https://www.lovegranada.com/food/granada-teahouses/. Accessed 14 April 2025.

“Muslim Journeys | Item #218: ‘Moors’ from Oxford Islamic Studies Online”, April 14, 2025 http://bridgingcultures-muslimjourneys.org/items/show/218.

Posted in Granada | Comments Off on Granada’s Greatest Goods