Founded in the 14th century by the Nasrid King Yusuf I, Madrasah, a name which means Koranic school or university in the Arabic language, was the first University of Al-Andalus, built to teach theology, law, medicine, astronomy, logic, mathematics and more. The school gave rise to poets of the likes of Ibn al-Khatib and Ibn Zamrak, both of whom have works etched into the walls of The Alhambra.
One of the last buildings from the Nasrid period standing, the Madrasah resides within the same suburb as the Great Mosque of Granada. After Ferdinand II and Isabel I took Granada, bringing an end to the Reconquista, the school was raided and many of its books burned. In 1500 the building was given a new purpose and used as the town hall of Granada, where in the building was overhauled giving a more Baroque appearance, however many of the original features remain such as in the buildings oratory, which retains its horseshoe arches, original colors, as well as the latticework and plaster on the ceiling. Additionally a room called “the hall of the 24 knights” was preserved housing preserved Muslim armors.
The building was reclaimed in 1841 by the state where it was repurposed back to its original purpose and became apart of the university of Granada and became the seat of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Nuestra Señora de las Angustias.
Today the Madrasah, on top of serving as part of the university of Granada, is open to public allowing for tours of the once great university, where in you can view many great art works such as the “Virgin of the Rose” which is preserved and housed there.
The Basílica de la Sagrada Família (Sagrada Família for short) is an architectural masterpiece, functional church, and popular tourist attraction located in Barcelona. In 2005 it was even made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, demonstrating its significance as a design. Yet perhaps the most interesting thing about the Sagrada Família is the fact that it hasn’t even been completed yet!
Indeed, the Sagrada Família has been a work in progress for over a hundred years. Construction began in 1882, based on the plans of Francisco de Paula del Villar. Only a year later, Paula del Villar resigned and Antoni Gaudí took over the project. Gaudí is the one who would go down in history as the creator of the church.
Gaudí worked on the church until his death in 1926. Construction continued, but was disrupted during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. Even more than disrupted, the Sagrada Família was vandalized. Components of the building were destroyed, and the original Gaudí plans were burned.
After the war, the Sagrada Família project resumed. Efforts have continued to this day to complete the church, although it still remains unfinished today. Yet, it has received recognition for its grand presence and story, as well as for its beautiful design.
The Sagrada Família is impressive, complex, and has an even more vivid history than summarized above. It is truly a worthy site to visit and to learn more about.
Image courtesy of the Sagrada Família official website’s photo gallery.
The title of the city, “Segovia” is thought to be Celtic in origin, as before the Roman conquest of the area, the land was inhabited by Celts. After the Roman takeover, the culture and landscape of Segovia dramatically changed with Roman innovation, religious locations such as churches and cathedrals as well as places of worship for Muslims and Jewish religions. Segovia is a melting pot of sorts with various cultures blending together and forming the city for what it is today. Wool and textiles were also once a driving force behind the growth of upcoming Segovia, which led to more economic growth and also put Segovia on the map for being a political destination.
Segovia looks as if it is was plucked straight out of a history book. With beautiful walkways and architecture, a perfect place for those studying abroad and becoming immersed in the culture of Spain. The visuals of the city and the rich history to be found make a great destination for History majors and those interested in the beauties of early Spain. There are also Roman-built wonders still standing, such as the aqueduct bridge that is featured below. This is a wonder even to the modern day engineers and is one of the greatest landmarks of the area. With over 20,000 stones used in the construction and stretching over 30 meters high in areas, the aqueduct demands the attention of viewers and stretches out well over 2,000 feet.
With the ability to walk into locations and see these wonders, Segovia is like an expansive classroom in the real world. Featuring visual enjoyments of art and architecture, rich history through celebrations and food, and exciting places to explore and tour. Within the city, you will find various pieces of history from the various groups of people and religions through the years, Roman, Jewish and Christian influences can be seen through the art, buildings, and culture of the area. This allows students and interested parties to explore the rich culture outside the boundaries of a classroom or mere textbook pictures, but rather their everyday surroundings.
Also, for those who enjoy a combination of both exploration and fitness, Segovia offers cycle and self-guided tours, where one can walk or ride bikes with a tour group and explore the various landmarks of the area. These tours include visiting important locations, learning of the history and construction of buildings, important people involved in the area and more. These destinations range from wonders of engineering, cathedrals, castles, and museums. One of these stops being, Alcázar of Segovia, which also is rumored to have served as an inspiration for the Cinderella Castle of Walt Disney. One of the most important Catholic monarchs of Spain, Queen Isabella I, was also proclaimed to be Queen on December 13th of 1474 in a church in Segovia. Between both the historical and political significance of Segovia—this makes for a fascinating destination to learn of the past, experience history in the present, and enjoy the wonders of architecture that have stood the test of time.
The Basque country takes pride in the cuisine and has inspired many dishes. This cuisine has been established as unique amongst Spaniards and tourists. The Basque cuisine has not only been noted for its use of seafood, but also for incorporating many vegetables into their recipes. The Basque cuisine has a long history of fishing as a source of getting their food, which can be dated back to as far as the eleventh century. Historically, the Basque cuisine has been known for its traditional ingredients such as beans, chestnuts, fish, pork, and beef. They also used a variety of different fruits such as apples, grapes, and pears. In recent years, potatoes and corn were incorporated into their ingredients to replace chestnuts and millets. The Basque cuisine is most known for having some of the most diverse ingredients that are local to the country. Traditionally, the cuisine heavily focuses on using fresh local produce to make their dishes resonate with their culture. The Basque people take pride most in their ability to provide citizens and tourists with their fresh produce and seafood options.
The Basque cuisine is most known for its variety of dishes. The dishes range from seafood, such as bonito del norte (albacore white tuna) or gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), to a variety of meats and stews. Their most known meat & stew dish is called patatas con chorizo, a potato that comes with the tasty chorizo stew. Another famously known Basque meat & stew dish is the pollo al chilindron. This dish features a chicken stew that includes vegetables, such as peppers and tomatoes with ham on the side. These dishes offer the people who try it, the chance to eat a variety of different foods and get a feel for the Basque culture when they come to visit.
First, we are going to look more closely at the popular Basque seafood dish, Gambas al Ajillo. This seafood dish is not only known for its taste but for how it was originally made. This dish is known for being served in local bars and for being a famous appetizer that is served not only in Bilbao, but throughout Spain. Gambas al Ajillo is shrimp that is marinated in garlic oil. The gambas, however, would be mainly marinated in the garlic oil and would be paired with chorizo to add more flavor to the dish. The meal is so large that it can serve up to four people in a family. A place in Bilbao where people can eat this delicious dish is called Restaurante Marisqueria Serantes. There is another famous dish that really captures the essence of Basque culture, which is pintxo. Pintxo is often served before a main meal. The dish includes different ingredients such as olives, peppers, alongside seafood and cheese. Pintxo is a dish that is not only praised in the Basque country, it also receives international praise. This type of cuisine is so unique that not only people in Bilbao love it, but so do people from across the world.
Restaurants are a good way to learn about the cultural history of Bilbao. These restaurants allow both students and professors on study abroad trips, for example, to explore the culture and cuisine of the Basque country. Bilbao offers a variety of dining options that students can choose from when they are done with classes for the day or where professors can decompress and enjoy the scenery while grading assignments. Overall, Bilbao cuisine is a great way to introduce them to the country and traditions of the Basque people.
To learn more about the cuisine in Bilbao, click here!
Granada’s art scene allows visitors to immerse themselves in centuries of history and culture, as seen through its galleries and street murals. You can find beautiful artwork in galleries like the Museo de Bellas Artes de Granada or on the streets of the Albaicín or Realejo districts.
Museo de Bellas Artes de Granada
The Museo de Bellas Artes de Granada is a fine arts museum located in the Palace of Charles V. It features various art media, including paintings and sculptures, that focus primarily on depicting religious themes. Containing over 2,000 pieces ranging from creation in the Middle Ages to the 20th century, the museum allows visitors to take in the beauty of this artwork in various different rooms that put these pieces chronologically.
Street Art in the Albaicín and Realejo Districts
Although Granada has beautiful artwork in its galleries and various historical sites, some of its most popular art comes from its street murals, primarily found in the Albaicín and Realejo districts. These murals display history and tell stories of the area’s culture. The art here is done by a number of artists, the most notable being El Niño de las Pinturas. His art depicts strong facial expressions and human figures. With street art becoming more of an important part of culture in Granada, there have been events that have been taken place such as the “Granada Graffiti” festival, where artists from all over the world will travel to have the chance to display their art. These events and the murals generally bring many visitors who are interested in this style of art to Granada.
Bibliography
Alhambra Valparaiso Ocio y Cultura SL. “Museum of the Alhambra.” Alhambra Granada, 2019, www.alhambra.org/en/museum-alhambra.html.
Vidar. “7 Must-Visit Spots to Discover the Lovely Street Art of El Niño de Las Pinturas in Granada.” Streetartutopia.com, 20 Jan. 2024, streetartutopia.com/2024/01/20/el-nino-de-las-pinturas-a-collection/.
Grandes Villas. “Urban Art in Granada: A Tour of the Most Stunning Murals and Graffiti.” Grandesvillas.com, 10 July 2025, www.grandesvillas.com/en/post/urban-art-in-granada-a-tour-of-the-most-stunning-murals-and-graffiti. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
Barcelona serves as the capital of the autonomous community of Catalonia. Reflecting this regional tie is the fact that Barcelona is home to two languages: Catalan and Spanish. Travelers to Spain are certainly aware of the usage of Spanish, but how many know in advance about the regional languages? Or the significance of the regions at all? Let’s brush up on some essential facts about Catalonia and the language of Catalan.
A Comunidad Autónoma (Autonomous Community) Regional affiliation in Spain is not just a matter of identity, it’s also a matter of government. The autonomous communities of Spain have the right to self-government (manifest as unique, local/regional government bodies), and as a whole possess their own culture, foods, and languages. These autonomous communities have had to fight for recognition of their individual importance multiple times in history, even before the concept of ‘Spain’ existed.
Catalonia, for instance, has had fluctuating autonomy ever since the time that Rome controlled the Iberian Peninsula. The most notable instance of regional suppression came in the 1900s with the dictatorship of Franco. The fascist government suppressed regional identity and nationalized governmental control. It wasn’t until 1979, several years after Franco died, that regional power was restored to Catalonia.
Other regions regained access to the same freedoms around this time as well. Catalan has retained its right to self-governance and cultural identity ever since.
The Languages of Barcelona Usage of Catalan has suffered in recent years, but this decline certainly does not mean the language is irrelevant. Far from it — it indicates a necessity for appreciation and preservation.
When visiting Barcelona, don’t just practice Spanish to keep up with the locals! Consider looking into common Catalan phrases, too. Immerse yourself in Spain’s culture and Catalonia’s culture; they fought well to ensure their culture is still seen today.
Granada offers a wide variety of sports to watch and play, such as football, skiing, and cycling. Local facilities, clubs, and the university encourage participation amongst the community, making Granada a popular place for both professional and recreational sports.
Football
The most popular of these sports to watch is football. Granada Club de Fútbol, which is often referred to as Granada CF, is a Spanish football club based in the city of Granada. It was founded in 1931, and the team plays its home games at the Nuevo Los Cármenes stadium. Granada CF has gone between being promoted and demoted to the first and second divisions of the sport. In recent years, they have been in the first division, La Liga, and have also qualified to compete against European teams, such as Manchester United and Napoli. Going to Granada CF games is a great way to be exposed to the sports culture in the city. With their entertaining matches and passionate fan base, it is something that you won’t want to miss experiencing while staying in Granada.
Skiing
As for sports any local or tourist can enjoy, skiing in the Sierra Nevada is an experience that attracts both locals and tourists. It is a short 30-minute drive from the city of Granada and offers a variety of trails suited for every skill level. The ski season typically runs from November through May, with the peak months being December to February. This is an activity that is fun for anyone, whether you’re looking to challenge yourself on the slopes, take lessons, or simply to have fun and enjoy the views of the mountains.
Cycling
Another sport that is commonly enjoyed in both the Sierra Nevada and the city of Granada is cycling. This sport is also for a variety of skill levels, as one can ride a more challenging course in the mountains or enjoy a more leisurely ride exploring the sites of the city. Granada also attracts professional cyclists training for major races. A popular Australian cyclist named Cadel Evans found that the Sierra Nevada mountains were helpful in altitude training when he was preparing his team for the Tour de France.
Bibliography:
Barcelona, FC. “The Lowdown on Granada CF.” Fcbarcelona.com, FC Barcelona, 7 Feb. 2024, www.fcbarcelona.com/en/news/3884194/the-lowdown-on-granada-cf. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Cooper, Ben. “The LVC Insider’s Guide To: Skiing in the Sierra Nevada.” The Luxury Villa Collection, 21 Feb. 2022, theluxuryvillacollection.com/a-luxury-guide-to-skiing-in-the-sierra-nevada/. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Malaga.us. “Unbelievable Skiing at the Sierra Nevada – Malaga, Spain.” Malaga.us, 3 Mar. 2023, www.malaga.us/sport/skiing-in-malaga-sierra-nevada/. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Sierra Sports & Tours, and Paul D’Andrea. “Granada.” Epic Road Rides, 16 Apr. 2025, epicroadrides.com/destinations/cycling-spain/granada/. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
There are many famous buildings in Toledo with amazing histories. These buildings’ rich histories are both interesting and educational, perfect for the students to enjoy and learn from!
Mosque of Cristo de la Luz
The first famous building is the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz, also called the Church of Santa Cruz. It is one of Toledo’s oldest standing monuments. This building was made in December of 999 through January of 1000. It was built by Ahmad ibn Hadidi, a member of one of the significant Toledo families. The exterior of the building has a façade that was uncommon at the time it was made. The interior of the building is very open and has many interesting arches, representing the architectural style used during the time it was made. This Mosque is a significant cultural and historical landmark and reflects Toledo’s Islamic past. This would be a great place to see where Toledo intertwines history, art, and faith. To see this building, join one of the walking tours or scavenger hunts, which include this building!
Puerta de Bisagra
The next famous building is the Puerta de Bisagra, which is also called Puerta de Alfonso VI. The purpose of this gate is to be an entrance that opens to the walls of Toledo or a city gate of Toledo. The gate was most likely built during the Arab period. The main significant architects who built this gate were Nicolás de Vergara the Elder, El Monzo, Juan de Benavides and Eugenio Sánchez, Hernán González de Lara, and Alonso de Covarrubias. They built the exterior around 1559, which was a Renaissance/classical design. An interesting fact about this gate was that a façade had been put on the door to the gate to make it difficult for enemies to infiltrate Toledo. This gate would be great for students to see because of its historical significance to Toledo and how it protected the city.
San Juan de Los Reyes
Another famous building is the Monastery of San Juan de Los Reyes, which was founded by King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile. They chose Toledo for this Monastery because of its location and because, in the past, Toledo was the capital of the Visigothic Kingdom, which made it more appealing. They also wanted this Monastery to show off their victory in the Battle of Toro. Its construction began in 1477 and was completed in 1504. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in 1809 during Napoleon’s occupation of Toledo, but was restored in 1954. The style used was Gothic with influences from the Spanish and Flemish. It is known for the coat of arms of the Catholic Monarchs being held by eagles.
Castle of San Servando
The last famous building of many is the Castle of San Servando, which was built to defend the Alcántara bridge. Interestingly, it was originally built as a monastery, which Alfonso VI ordered to honor the Saints Servando and Germano. In the 11th century, it was rebuilt due to the reconquest of Toledo. It currently works as a youth hostel, so this would be a great place to stay for a few nights and learn about its history!
These sites and buildings would be a great opportunity for students to learn about the history of Toledo! To see and learn more about these amazing historic buildings, you can get tickets for admission or go on a guided tour of each while you are here.
Toledo’s culinary scene is likely most well-known for its marzipan! Marzipan is a dessert made with sugar or honey, egg whites and almond meal, and is used as the base for a dessert, as a filling, or as a stand-alone that can be shaped and colored to look like miniature fruits!. Many cities across Europe claim marzipan as a specialty, with Toledo among them. The legend of marzipan in Toledo dates back to the invasions of Spain by the Almohads (who were Berber Muslims from North Africa). Many people in the southern Castilian region took refuge in Toledo, where they faced famine due to an existing food scarcity and the large increase in the population. However, the Church there had large swaths of land that grew large reserves of almonds. The population thought to mix the almonds with the fruit and sugar they had, creating marzipan and alleviating their hunger.
Marzipan is so important to Toledo that there were three separate clauses dedicated to it by Toledo’s Confectioner’s Guild in the 1600s! Santo Tomé is one of the original manufacturers of marzipan in Toledo, still going strong since its establishment in 1856, and has kept records of the history of marzipan (all accessible on their website)!
You can get brunch (even if you’re gluten-free!), purchase boxes of marzipan carefully crafted to look like miniature fruit, learn more about the history of marzipan, read the marzipan clauses, and visit the largest marzipan Don Quixote in the world (measuring over 11 feet in height and weighing over 1,300 pounds) at the Santo Tomé confectionery website.
Carcamusa
Carcamusa is a specialty of Toledo: it’s a pork stew with vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and peas, and the tomato-based sauce in it is typically made moderately spicy from the chorizo. It is usually served as a tapa with crusty bread. Though it is a popular dish, the origins of the stew are unclear: most sources attribute it to the restaurant Bar Ludeña in the mid-20th century, but the name of the dish is still speculated about. Bar Ludeña is still a very popular place to eat, and with affordable prices, it’s a favorite for any visiting student—but be sure to show up early, because its popularity often means that the restaurant is jam-packed!
Manchego cheese
Manchego cheese is a delicious cheese made from sheep’s milk, aged from 60 days up to 2 years. It has a firm, buttery texture, with a developed, distinctive flavor and nutty undertones. The Manchego Cheese Museum in the heart of historic Toledo is dedicated to the history and production of Manchego cheese. There’s also a tasting room in the museum, where you can taste the best Manchego cheese varieties on offer, paired with the best wines of the Mancha region!
Where to eat?
Toledo is also home to many food markets, with Mercado de San Agustín one of the most well-known. The Mercado de San Agustín is a 23-stall multi-level market that offers a variety of cuisines, both local and foreign, from Manchego cheese salads to Japanese food. This market offers quality food, products, and even tastings, cooking classes, and guided tours of the marketplace—you can’t miss out, it’s a perfect place to grab a bite to eat between classes, sit down for a longer meal, or stock up for the week!
One of the premier restaurants in Toledo is the Restaurante Victor Sánchez-Beato, founded and operated by Chef Victor Sánchez-Beato after he returned, inspired, from a trip to Japan. The restaurant is so small that it can only fit 16 diners (by design), leading to a very personal dining experience that the chef describes as the diner being the “protagonist” of the experience. It is on the pricey side at 62 euros per person, so while it may not be possible to eat there every day, it is definitely worth going once for the experience!
Originally, Segovia was under Iberian settlement until about 700 BCE. The Roman empire took over Segovia in 80 BCE. The Moors had claim over Segovia until the Christian king, Alfonso IV restored order and took the ruling of Segovia back. Segovia was known as a very important place because during King Alfonso X’s reign, his home was based out of Segovia. He is not the only royal figure that lived in Segovia, Isabela I had also visited and lived briefly in Segovia during the beginning of her royal declaration. She was declared “Queen of Castile” in Segovia, which caused a lot of people to be fascinated and drawn to this place.
Another very fascinating part of the rich history of Segovia is the religions. When Segovia was being constantly overpowered by multiple cultures, it left a very important mark of three different religions living in the same town. Christians, Jewish people, and the Moors all had significant leaders playing roles in Segovia. One of the most important leaders, Tomas de Torquemada, had become so invested in the idea of the three different religions in Segovia. He took it upon himself to start creating conversation about what is known as the Spanish Inquisition today.
Today’s view of the Segovian Aqueduct, built by Roman Emperor Trajan.
One of the most prominent figures of Segovia is the Roman Emperor Trajan who was ruling during the building of the Segovia Aqueduct. Segovia today is now prominently known for it’s very impressive aqueduct because of the lack of agricultural advancement compared to today. The building of the aqueduct also marks the start of how significant the Romans would be during this time.
