BizAims

Spain is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, having a rich history, outstanding architecture and various landscapes. Among some of the most frequently visited historical places in Spain include: Salamanca, Seville, Cordova and Granada.

Tourism receipts (US$ million)

2004 45,067

2005 47,681

2006 48,220

2007 48,716

Arrivals of non-resident tourists in hotels and similar establishments and at borders

2001 27 011.998

2002 26 610.69

2003 27 248.61

2004 27 619.861

2005 29 028.691

Household expenditure on recreation and culture

2001 5.7202

2002 5.6058

2003 5.5786

2004 5.5717

Government expenditure on recreation and culture

2001 1.3682

2002 1.3781

2003 1.4141

2004 1.3774

Salamanca

Salamanca was an important Iberian settlement, which was destroyed by Hannibal, the Carthaginian general. The event was held in 217 BC. The city served as the cradle of some exceptional artists such as Alberto Churriguera. His famous work is the Plaza Mayor. The city's great historical and architectural attractions include the Romanesque old cathedral as well as the new cathedral. In addition it is worth mentioning that the University of Salamanca is Europe's most important and oldest universities. The roots of its foundation date back to 1218. This was the time when Alfonso IX of Leon decided to establish a university in the city. The structure of the "Escuelas Menores" features a great fresco of the zodiac named The Sky of Salamanca.

Seville

The city is the capital of Andalusia, the landscape of which represents a mix of mountains, beaches, vineyards, fields of olive, orange and lemon trees growing between the houses of the well-known courtyards of the region. Seville is one of Spain's central cities. Don Juan de Carmen was the one of the city's glories.

A great architecture of the city is expressed through historical buildings such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria, a gothic-style construction with an outstanding collection of art. It is also the place where the rests of Christopher Columbus and San Fernando lie. Seville is also the city of great monuments and among them one can find the Giralda, the Alcazar Palace (a Moorish building), and the Torre de Oro.

Each year since 1847 the citizens of Seville celebrate the April Fest which follows Easter. The fest was established when women of Seville put on their best clothes and all the citizens spent their time eating, drinking and dancing sevillanas. Sevillians consider Easter and April Fest to be the two most important days for the city.

Cordova

This city is also located in Andalusia. In Cordova a number of Moorish relics of the Spanish empire can be found. The most spectacular among the relicts is the Mosque of Spain, which was constructed in the 8^th century. The mosque was one of the few Arab masterpieces that remained untouched during the Reconquista (Spanish for Reconquest).

The main feature of the Andalusian city is its old "juderia" found to the northwest of the mosque's high walls. Even today Cordova is considered to be a Moorish city with quite narrow streets, which are sometimes too narrow for the cars. The majority of such streets are located in the older quarter of the city's center and west.

The forge workings beautify the streets made fully of stone and the silversmiths till today are creating great masterpieces within their factories.

Granada

It is interesting to note that the city of Granada was the Moors' final stronghold in the empire. There a well-known expression regarding the city: "it is no greater misfortune than to be blind in Granada".

The city is surrounded by the superb gardens of the Generalife, with a big number of fountains and an effective use of water that serves as a source of refreshment during the hot days of summer. A wonderful architecture is highly appreciated thanks to the Cathedral of Granada, which include the tombs of Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile.

The north east of the city is occupied by the Albaicin quarter, this being the oldest region of the city, having narrow cobbled streets and houses built in Moorish style, called carmines. In Granada a popular tourist attraction are the Caves of Sacromonte.

Sierra Nevada Range with its Mulhacen Peak (3,481 meters) allows visitors to practice winter sports during cold weather and aquatic sports in its beaches during the hot days of summer.