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The Roman emperor
Hadrian |
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Andalusia -
region situated between two continents and bathed by two oceans.
The name dates from the short period of the presence of the Vandals (409-429
BC). Before these settle Phoenicians (900 BC), Greeks (600
BC) and Romans (3rd century B.C.- 4th century A.C.)
there, later on reigned the Visigoths for almost two
centuries (5th.-7th.) and finally conquered the Arabs (711 -
1492) the whole region, leaving the most impressive testimonies
in Andalusia. With the Spanish-Christian reconquest Andalusia
became the launching point for the discovery and conquest
of the "New Eorld". This marks the beginning of
the golden age.
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The
topography of its more than 87.000 square kilometres is
dominated by the Guadalquivir river, which flows between two
mountains: the Sierra Morena mountains in the north and
the Bética ranges in the south.
Inhabitants today: more than seven millions, living in
aprox. 760 cities and villages.
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Map
with the most beautiful 
and the biggest Natural Parks |
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18 % of the
andalusian territory is under protection. There are 23 Natural
Parks (Parques Naturales),
30 Natural Reserves (Reservas Naturales) and 31 Natural
Sites (Parajes Naturales), distributed between the coastline
and various mountainous areas. Of special interest as an animal
refuge is the Doñana National Park, located on
the mouth of the Guadalquivir river. A smaller part of the
mountain range of Sierra Nevada, former host of the ski
world-championship, has also been declared National Park in
1999. Apart of these must be mentioned the beautiful Sierra de Grazalema
and Sierra de Cazorla.
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The Natural
Parks are mostly mountain and forest regions, but also
parts of the coast belong to them.
The
Natural Reserves are mostly smaller wetlands.
Die
Natural Sites are moderately protected areas and can also
be stoney
or even desertlike.
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Roman and Arab architecture,
Renaissance and the marvellous Baroque have left its rich
heritage in Andalusia. Almost every village as well as the big cities celebrate their own and unique "fiesta".
The religious life can be experienced during the Holy Week
and by visiting numerous pilgrimages or the processions of
"Corpus Christi" in the month of June. The folklore culture is lively present in the local feasts
and festivals,
the so-called "ferias", in the still very popular bullfight
or the authentic flamenco with its variations. Don't
miss the andalusian cuisine.
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Especially
in the handicrafts survived the old arts
and crafts representing the different cultures of the
past: pottery and ceramics, saddlework and shoemaking, the local
production of furniture, copper, gold and silverwork, wickerwork
and handmade music instruments.
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"I
visit Andalusia
3000 hours
a year!"
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Andalusia is an
absolute sun country. The summers are hot and dry, during
the winter period dominates a mild climate with some rain. The
best period to travel Andalusia beginns in March untill the
middle of June and from the middle of September until November
(included). During the hot summer months July and August can be
reached temperatures of more than 40° Celsius (= 104°
Fahrenheit) - time for beach holidays. There are cold periods in the
wintertime especially in the mountainous regions. The peaks of
the Sierra Nevada
are snow-covered all over the year. Very charming: spring, when
the flowers bloom and the countryside is green.
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Many sportsmen and -women are
fascinated by the windy regions. The atlantic coast near Tarifa
offers perfect conditions for the ambitious windsurfer. Between
the mountains and valleys of the Alpujarras and in other highly
located regions can be practiced paragliding und hang-gliding.
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| Region
& People |