Don Quijote

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Spanish Locations

Today, Spain is a country that is very popular with film director and producers. Thanks to the excellent combination of a diverse geography, excellent infrastructure and cheaper filming costs means that you have probably seen more of Spain than you may have imagined. The arrival of the international productions really began in the 50's when David Lean discovered the deserts of Almería when he shot Lawrence of Arabia. In this list, let's see if you recognize any of these Spanish locations.

1. Alcazar de Segovia

This is not the most filmed location in Spain but it is something we see almost daily (especially if you have kids) or at least we see its influence. First mentioned in 1120, this castle was built atop an Arab fort and was used as the home of King Alfonso VIII at the end of the 12^th century. The castle we know today was finished in the mid 13^th century under the reign of Alfonso X of Castile. The Castle's most important moment was when Isabel's brother, King Enrique IV, died. There was a struggle between her and her niece, Juana la Beltraneja, for succession to the throne and Isabel took refuge in the castle and later proclaimed herself queen. A bloody 5-year war with Portugal would ensue and the rest is history. So where does the movie fit in? Simply, this castle was one of Walt Disney's inspirations for Sleeping Cinderella's castle. Whenever you visit Disneyland or watch a Disney movie, keep an eye out for the castle and you'll see a little bit of Segovia every time.

2. Plaza de España, Seville

Located in the beautiful urban Maria Luisa Park in Seville, the Plaza de España is a magnet for tourist and Sevillanos alike. Constructed in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition World's Fair, this Renaissance Revival landmark was used to house Spain's industrial and technological exhibits. Around the Plaza you will find tile walled alcoves along the building and within each one is a representation of the provinces of Spain. There is also an artificial river that borders the plaza where you can rent a boat and have a unique visit of this historic plaza. There have been so many films shot here it is difficult to single on out, but the one that stands out for me is from my least favorite Star Wars movie, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Here there are various scenes shot where the Plaza de España is Naboo. It also reappears in Episode II. Another memorable appearance is in David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia.

Guggenheim Bilbao 3. The Guggenheim, Bilbao

One the most iconic buildings in Spain, the Guggenheim opened its doors in 1997. The opening of this building was the defining moment in the history of Bilbao since it signaled the rebirth of a city that was hit by a depressed economy along with a waterfront that would have made Detroit seem like Paris. Largely considered the most important architectural work since 1981, the Guggenheim rose up out of the rust and decay like a phoenix, transforming Bilbao into an economic motor and cultural showcase for all of Spain. In Brosnan's third Bond movie, The World is Not Enough, the opening segment is shot in Bilbao and around the Guggenheim museum. Although it isn't a movie, Mariah Carey's video "Sweetheart" was shot her too.

4. Palacio de los Hornillos, Santander

An estate hidden in the fog on the island of Jersey is the center for the mysterious happenings to Nicole Kidman and her family in the blockbuster movie The Others. This estate, which is not located on any island, is actually located close to a major highway that connects the northern city of Santander with Madrid. This palace is located on a 148 acre (60ha) estate 30 miles south of the stately city of Santander—and was once the retreat of Spanish royalty. Today the palace remains in private hands owned by the Duke of San Carlos. If you'd like to visit, you'll have to be invited to a wedding—or getting married yourself— or rent it out as a B&B the next time you're here negotiating the purchase of a small country.

5. El Cortijo del Fraile, Almería

What looks like a Spanish Mission is actually a farmhouse located in the desolate Cabo de Gata Natural Park near Almería. Built in the 18^th century by Dominican Friars (Fraile in Spanish), this farmhouse was the epicenter of a spectacular crime known as the Crimen de Nijar (Crime in Nijar) which would captivate an entire country in 1928. The story of this crime is retold in the movies Bodas de Sangre (Blood Wedding) based on the Federico Garcia Lorca play. This building was home to another criminal figure. Do you remember "El Indio"? This is the character brought to life by Italian actor Gian Maria Volonté in the movie For a Few Dollars More, the second in Leone's "Dollars Trilogy". In the movie the Friars Farmhouse is used as El Indio's old mission hideout.

6. Candilichera, Soria

Soria is a foreign land even for Spaniards! Like Almería, this is a part of Spain that largely goes ignored but unlike Almeria, Soria is only a little more than an hour from Madrid. Located on the Spanish Meseta, this province has arctic-like winters and hellish summers. Given these circumstances, David Lean must have thought he was in Pre-Revolution Russia when he chose Soria to recreate the Russian Steppes of Doctor Zhivago. The little town of Candilichera (pop. 204) would be the location for Yuri's country dacha where he, Tonya and Sasha escaped to when Moscow became too dangerous. It is also here were Yuri would have an affair with Lara in nearby Yuriatan. Like much of the movie, Yuri and his family would stay here until the revolution would come between them…again.

Osborne Bull 7. Osborne Fighting Bull, Candasnos, Huesca

The Osborne bull is a billboard that you can find along highways all over Spain. These 50 ft. (14 m.) tall billboards which are nothing more than a silhouette of a fighting bull were first put up in 1958. Today, of the many that existed there now remain 91 and can be found in almost every part of the country. Since 1994 the bulls have been considered an "aesthetic and cultural" icon and have been permitted to stay in place along the highway even though the law prohibits roadside advertising. If you remember Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz in their breakthrough movie Jamon, Jamon, you will remember the bull as the place where the characters in the movie go to escape, seduce and…

8. Castillo Papa Luna, Peñiscola

Peñiscola today is a great beach town frequented primarily by Spaniards. Its blue flag public beach is considered one of the most tranquil and family friendly beaches on the Valencian coast. What tourist and movie people have noticed about Peñiscola is its imposing castle that lies atop a rock outcrop surrounded by the sea. Constructed by the Knights Templar on the ruins of a Moorish Alcazaba at the start of the 14^th century, It's most famous resident was the antipope Benedict XIII, or the Papa Luna in Spanish. This castle served as the backdrop for Charlton Heston in his classic 1961 movie El Cid. In the movie, Peñiscola and its castle were used to portray 11^th century Valencia.

9. Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona

Considered the most expensive street in Barcelona, this thoroughfare houses buildings designed by Gaudí like the Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. You will know this street for its appearance in Woody Allen's 2008 movie, Vicky Cristina Barcelona. In one scene, you will notice Vicky and Cristina walking among the human shaped chimneys located atop the Casa Milà. This building is open to the public along with access to the rooftop which was also used in the Jack Nicholson movie The Passenger. For the visitor to Barcelona this street is as obligatory a stop as the Champs-Élysées is in Paris.

10. La Ciudad Encantada, Cuenca

This park is home to some amazingly weird rock formations nestled in a pine forest in the Sierra de Cuenca, 2 hours east of Madrid. Here some of the most memorable scenes from Conan the Barbarian were filmed for this fantasy about an orphaned slave turned warrior. Today the Enchanted City is a popular destination for fans of Arnold and Conan. Because it is on private property, you can visit after paying a 3€ entrance fee.

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Travel to Spain

One of the best travel opportunities you can have as a tourist is coming to a country like Spain and living in a house or flat just like a typical Spaniard. This kind of experience is unique and incredibly gratifying since you get a perspective that a regular tourist can only dream of. Not living in a hotel means that you’ll have the chance to go to the different neighborhood stores to buy your meat, produce, bread and groceries. You’ll meet and talk to people from the neighborhood in the corner bar while you’re having a coffee and churro for breakfast. But not all is sidewalk cafes and roses…there is a downside to all of this greatness (as there usually is). One day you will have to use the oven, dishwasher or washing machine. It’s then when things start to get a little sketchy and you'll begin to question the wiseness of not staying in that 4 star cubicle.

Washing Maschine

If you’re coming from the US then you are probably used to control dials on a washing machine, for example, that conveniently point to programs like “normal”, “heavy duty” or “delicate”. No fuss, no mystery. But in Spain (and Europe for that matter), it is not that easy or straight forward.

Photo by: Benj Carson

Dishwasher Symbols

In the case of a washing machine we will encounter symbols like spirals, arrows, shirts and the letter “u” with stars! An oven or dishwasher is not that much different. There is really no way to know intuitively what the symbols mean and there is a high probability that you will put your designer hand wash shirt through the heavy duty cycle if you don’t take the time to inform yourself beforehand.

Photo by: Paul Hudson

Oven Icons

Ovens are also demanding. In the US normally you just have to hit the bake, roast or broil button, program the temperature and you’re good. Here there is usually a wheel of fortune with another group of icons that you must decipher, these may include: a square with two lines, a fan, a fan with on line, a fan with two lines and the madness goes on and on.

Photo by: Jonathan Abourbih

Oven Icons

I’ve noticed that some European appliances sold in America do have these symbols but they are accompanied by a written description next to each icon on the control panel. There must be a shortage of paint here in Europe because that nifty cheat hasn’t been applied here for most appliances. I guess you can always go out and buy a label maker though. If you are one of the lucky people to have a European appliance (with labels) in your American home, than you are definitely one step ahead of the rest of us.

Photo: Courtesy Electrolux USA

Other unknown appliance symbols await the traveler that will be living in a home during their stay in Spain. I guess this is the small price we must pay for having the unique opportunity of living like a native and, by doing so, have an experience that is only attainable when you are here as an indigene. When you travel the traditional way, you’ll never have the chance to try to order a tri-tip from a local butcher (Spanish cuts of meat is another blog entry) or help solve the parking problems of Salamanca or Madrid. Fortunately, this appliance problem is not so bad since there is always the internet to turn to in a pinch. Remember: If you come across an appliance that endangers your clothes or meal, you can simply do a quick search on the internet for the appliance and more than likely you'll quickly crack the code. No Rosetta Stone needed, just a tablet or notebook computer.

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It’s May – spring is in full swing and nature has donned her finest splendor. Below you’ll find a panoramic peek at scenic, historic, relaxing, and spectacular gardens around the Spanish speaking world.

1. El Generalife

Granada’s Generalife gardens were built in the 13^th century as part of a summer residence for Nasrid caliphs. Although the gardens are located just outside the walls of the Alhambra palace, they originally could not be accessed from there, being accessible instead from the Cuesta de los Chinos. Today visitors reach this masterpiece in landscape architecture from the palace fortifications by first crossing a bridge over the moat, then following the Paseo de los Cipreses (Walkway of the Cypresses) to arrive at the Jardines Nuevos (New Gardens) and its open-air auditorium. The Patio de la Acequia (patio of the irrigation canal) highlights the Generalife gardens with its summer palace. This grand estate has served as a place for relaxing ever since its creation eight centuries ago.

2. The Aranjuez Gardens

This ensemble of gardens just a few kilometers outside of Madrid complements the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, which is something like the Spanish version of Versailles. Four gardens make up this large green space: the Parterre, with four fantastic fountains, the Isla, surrounded by the Tajo River, the Principe, measuring 7 meters in perimeter and featuring an artificial lake called el Estanque de Chinescos, and the Isabel II, the most modern of the four (19^th century). Visitors can expect to see pines, cypresses, magnolias, and banana trees including Madrid’s tallest tree the Plátano de la Trinidad standing at 57 meters.

Botanical Garden in Madrid 3. The Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid

Created by order of Fernando VI in 1755, this is Spain’s oldest botanical garden. Today it sits on the Paseo del Prado, next to the museum. It was moved to this location shortly after its foundation in 1781. This engaging garden displays aromatic and medicinal plants from Europe, America, and Pacific coastlands in handsome terraces, the largest of which is the Terraza de los Cuadros. The Terraza de las escuelas (Terrace of the Schools) is unique in that its plant families are taxonomically organized in a way that allows observers to follow the plants’ evolution. A statue of Carl Linnaeus stands in the center of the Plano de la Flor Terrace, which offers a splendid collection of bonsai trees.

La Orotava, Tenerife 4. Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava

The name of this botanical garden located on the island of Tenerife in Puerto de la Cruz recalls its 18^th century origins, a time when Puerto de la Cruz was not yet a town separate from La Orotava. The garden was created to acclimate plants brought from the America’s so they could later be grown on the Iberian Peninsula; Spain’s first tomatoes, peppers and ears of corn all grew here. This is a must-visit garden in the neighborhood of La Paz.

Mexican Garden 5. The Floating Gardens of Xochimilco

To the south of Mexico City, in Xochimilco, a network of canals conjures images of a distant past, an age when Tenochtitlan served as the capital of the Aztec Empire. Colorful Trajineras, traditional boats propelled by poles manipulated with expert precision by drivers, carry passengers to these aquatic gardens.

6. The Japanese Garden of Buenos Aires

In Buenos Aires’ popular Palermo neighborhood, and between Casares and Figueroa Alcorta avenues, this garden stands out from its Argentine surroundings. It’s like a slice of Japan right in the middle of BA that gives residents and visitors the chance to admire the elegance of Japanese art captured in this garden. It was created by the local Japanese community as a tribute to then crown prince of Japan Akihito and crown princess Michiko when the couple visited the city in 1967. Today the garden is home to a cultural activity center and the Fundación Cultural Argentino Japonesa. Visitors can expect to see the wonderful autumn reds and ochres of cherry trees, azaleas, and Japanese maples (remember the southern hemisphere is in the middle of fall).

Huerto del Cura, Elche 7. Huerto del Cura

In the city of Elche (in the province of Alicante) and within the city’s enormous palm grove, this garden was accredited as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The Huerto del Cura is a thriving botanical garden that covers 13,000 square meters and features over 1,000 palm trees along with pomegranate trees, jujubes, orange trees, lemon trees, and fig trees that all create a refreshing atmosphere filled with the sweet spring aroma of orange blossoms. Huerto del Cura, meaning “the priest’s garden”, takes its name from the property’s early owner José Castaño Sánchez who was a priest and owned the land until 1918.

The Alcazar Garden in Seville 8. The Alcázar Garden

These gardens in Seville, embracing the Royal Alcazars Palace, tell the tale of the region’s fascinating past through the diverse architectural and landscaping styles that they exhibit. Mudejar, baroque, renaissance, and gothic styles are all present here. There are a total of 12 gardens, most noteworthy of which are the gardens displaying Arab style, the Garden of Mercury designed in mannerist style, and other more current gardens. There is also a labyrinth that invites visitors to “lose themselves” among the enjoyable scenery.

Ciudadela Park in Barcelona 9. Ciudadela Park

Ciudadela Park was Barcelona’s first great garden-park. Built on the land that once held the city’s fortress (hence the park’s name meaning citadel), it was designed after Paris’ Luxembourg Gardens. The park covers 17.5 hectares, not including the space occupied by the adjacent Barcelona Zoo. Curiously, the park continues to hold the old arsenal of the citadel, the current location of the parliament of Catalonia. The park was built for the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition, and a young Gaudí participated in its design by creating the Cascada Monumental, an incredible sculptural ensemble that is full of surprises. Take a stroll around the park to also discover the Castle of the 3 Dragons and a replication of London’s Crystal Palace erected for that city’s 1851 Expo.

Turia Garden in Valencia 10. Turia Garden

In 1957, when a terrible flood in Valencia cost the lives of 81 people, local authorities decided to put an end to the threat of flooding in the city by redirecting the Turia River and laying a highway in the place it had flowed. The highway project was never carried out, but in 1986 a city park was installed that would become a distinguishing feature of Valencia. These gardens help make up Spain’s largest city park, which covers 110 hectares and crosses the entire city from the impressive City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències) all the way to Bioparc, which houses the city zoo. 23 bridges of all different styles cross these gardens connecting the old banks of the Turia River.

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Madrid Derby: Real Madrid - Atlético de Madrid

History will be made in Lisbon on Saturday May 24^th as Madrid’s two most famous football institutions compete in the final of the UEFA Champions League. It will be the first time in the history of this prestigious tournament that two sides from the same city will play against each other in the deciding fixture. The match at the end of May will be the 155^th played between the two teams in a rivalry that extends all the way back to 1928.

Real Madrid ruthlessly dispatched Bayern Munich in the second leg of their semi-final, while Atlético managed to defeat Chelsea in London to set up the most mouth-watering of occasions. Much of Madrid’s 3.3 million inhabitants will be evacuating their home city for the week-end, regardless of whether they have tickets or not, and travelling the 390 miles to Portugal’s capital city Lisbon, where the final is being played at the impressive Estadio de Luz.

Real and Atlético may exist in the same city with their stadiums are only a few miles apart, but the bitter rivals share very little else. Atlético are generally viewed as being the working man’s club, with Real the team favored by the royalty and their respective history and financial power are monumentally different.

From purely an economic perspective, there would be no competition whatsoever. “Los Blancos” (Real) have an enormous budget of €500m that dwarfs that of their inter-city enemies “Los “Rojiblancos” which is reported to be around €120m. In fact, Gareth Bale, Real’s most recent galáctico who joined over the summer cost just €20m short of their neighbors’ entire resources.

From a historical perspective, Real are in a different stratosphere. Their nine European cups compare to Atlético’s zero. In fact, their pursuit of their tenth triumph “La Décima” has become somewhat of an obsession with 10 managers having been sacked for failing to provide the holy grail of European football. The pressure on Real’s head coach, Carlo Ancelloti is enormous; coming second is just not an option.

Atlético haven’t appeared in a final since 1974, when their legendary striker Luis Aragonés scored a goal, only to see the opposition equalize in the last moments of the game. Aragonés sadly passed away earlier in the year, but his memory seems to have inspired Atlético to reach unprecedented heights this season. With their old manager watching over them, the new man at the helm, Diego Simeone, has completely revolutionized the team, and if they are to fulfil this most unexpected of destinies, it would be nothing short of miraculous.

The Cibeles and Neptuno fountains located in the centre of Madrid are the locations where fans of Real and Atlético Madrid respectively have long since assembled to celebrate their clubs triumphs, and only one of them will be busy with joyous supporters on the night of Saturday 24^th May. An exhilarating, tantalizing prospect is in store; the sort of occasion that acts as evidence of football being far more important than just a game.

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Miguel de Cervantes is one of the most famous figures in Spanish literary history, his greatest work “Don Quijote de la Mancha” is generally considered to be the first ever modern European novel; and such was his influence on the Spanish language, it is often referred to as the “lengua de Cervantes”. Given the prestige of his work, many of the circumstances surrounding his life, his death and his burial are somewhat surprising.

Although the don Quijote novel enjoyed some success at the time it was released, it did not provide Cervantes with the fame or recognition that he enjoyed posthumously when the work was re-discovered. This Spanish literary great ended up passing away at the age of 69 on April 23^rd 1616, on the same day as William Shakespeare, without a penny to his name. He asked to be buried within the Trinitarians convent in Madrid, a religious institution that had been responsible for paying the ransom needed to release him from slavery after his capture by pirates.

Cervantes' Burial Site in Madrid

This convent, which still exists in the literary quarter of Madrid, is to be searched by historians who have long been campaigning to look for the bones of Miguel de Cervantes. Ground-penetrating radar will be used by forensic archaeologists to investigate the area underneath the convent. The exact burial site’s precise place has been lost throughout the course of history, with it being almost four centuries since his death, because of various stages of development on the convent, but historians are confident that the quality of the technology is sufficient to find Cervantes’ bones.

Luis Avial, who has worked on a number of excavations of old Spanish Civil War burial sites, will oversee the work. The first stage of the process will be scanning the ground underneath the oldest section of the convent with the use of georadar. If the initial scans manage to reveal a likely location of the bones, then an excavation will take place to recover them. It is thought that Cervantes is not the only person buried here, however, injuries that he suffered in battle will make it much easier to identify his remains.

Cervantes sustained musket wounds during the 1571 naval battle of Lepanto. He was shot in the chest as well as in the arm, which left him with a withered left hand for his whole life. A historian, Fernando de Prado, stated that the injured hand and the damaged ribcage, alongside knowledge that Cervantes only had six teeth left in his mouth when he died, will make identifying the body a much easier process.

Madrid City Hall has commissioned the project and provided an estimated €100,000 to cover the costs of the exploratory work. The culture councilor Pedro Corral acknowledged that the operation was not guaranteed to be a success, but that it was essential to try and find the remains of the man who is recognized across the world as the creator of the modern novel, and that a discovery of Cervantes’ bones would prove to be a significant boost for the city’s tourism industry.

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Here’s a quick peek at a few of dQ’s upcoming excursions, extra courses, and fun activities, all designed to give you personal insight into the rich culture you’re immersed in. Participating in these events is also a great way to get to know your classmates better and maybe even get to know their culture – students often make life-long international friendships during their study abroad courses.

So prepare to make the most of your study abroad experience, making new friends and unforgettable memories while expanding your vision of the world.

You can also check out our full calendar of don Quijote activities for more information.

dQ Activites in Spanish Cities

The following activities are all coming up in the next few weeks and we hope to see you there; we also hope to hear you there, speaking Spanish of course!

Granada

This weekend, if you’re in Granada, dQ has organized a trip to Morocco, giving you the chance to get to know Spain’s neighbors to the south on the continent of Africa.

The following weekend, Friday May 9, explore Granada’s Sacromonte area, where flamenco performances and casa-cuevas highlight the Valparaiso Valley. Cap off the experience by taking in a live flamenco show while immersed in this emblematic neighborhood that inspired Lorca’s lyrical Romancero Gitano.

Tenerife

This Friday, May 2, check out the tapas tour to try some of the island’s most delectable dining concepts. Also on Friday, put on your dancing shoes and move to the high-passion rhythms of salsa in a very special dance lesson.

The following Friday, May 9, we invite you to indulge your appetite for delicious culinary culture –join us for an authentic Canary Island-style meal at a guachinche.

Salamanca

May 3, Salamanca students can take a trip to the nearby mountain range Sierra de Francia, where scenic mountain landscapes and charming villages offer enjoyable lessons in local culture.

The following Saturday, May 10, come with us on a trip to historic Toledo. This year, the city is particularly active as it commemorates the 400 year anniversary of the death of one of its most celebrated residents, the painter El Greco.

Valencia

Saturday, May 3, observe wonderful walruses, playful dolphins, shivers of sharks and huddles of penguins at Valencia’s Oceanographic. The marine complex houses 500 species of animals representing diverse habitats, from tropical waters to the Arctic Ocean.

Saturday May 10, we’re going to the nearby picturesque town of Sagunto, where winding streets of the Old Jewish Quarter lead up to the Roman Theater and the hilltop castle. The Mediterranean hillside town inspires visitors to imagine its ancient origins, a time when Iberians erected city walls and later Romans took over.

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Top 5 lesser known museums in Madrid

When we think of museums in Madrid, the Prado and Reina Sofia are usually the first to come to mind. These are great museums, no doubt, but like any great European capital, Madrid has many more museums available for the visitor to see. If you don’t know what to do in Madrid and are avoiding going to a museum because the idea of large crowds turns you off, we have just the thing you’re looking for. Among the many Madrid attractions available, I am going to propose 5 museums that will surprise you and give you the opportunity to know another side of the Madrid museum scene—and without the crowds.

Museum for the Blind

The Museo Tiflológico is a museum run by the ubiquitous ONCE; a Spanish non-profit and lottery empire that provides support and services to the blind and people with serious visual impairment. All the pieces on display (paintings, sculptures, and models) are displayed with the intention that every visitor can touch them. The museum is split into 3 principal exhibition halls: Braille and its evolution which includes machines and modern devices; models of monuments, both national and international and an exhibition of the works of visually impaired artists. One thing you will find is that this museum has something for everyone and for that reason alone this museum is worth a visit. You can find this museum in the Tetuán neighborhood near the Santiago Bernabéu stadium and 3 blocks from the Estrecho metro station.

National Museum of Romanticism

The Museo Nacional del Romaticismo is a state-run museum that focuses entirely on the daily life and customs from 19^th century Spain using the romantic style as the uniting theme. This movement emphasized fantasy, imagination and the irrational and was a reaction to the simplicity and symmetry of the neo-classical movement. Housed in an 18^th century mansion in the center of Madrid between Sagasta and Fuencarral streets, this museum will offer you a perspective of what Spain was like at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.

Museo del Traje

The Museo del traje—literally the dress museum—is a museum dedicated to Spanish fashion and costume. Here you will find exhibits that show you the evolution of clothing in Spain from the 18^th century to the present. You will also see examples of regional dress and costumes that illustrate just how culturally diverse Spain really is. There is also an important contemporary element that highlights modern Spanish designers and shows how they have influenced global fashion trends. This museum is housed in a modern building in the north-western part of Madrid close to the Faro de Moncloa and the Arco de la Victoria.

Royal Tapestry Factory

Tapestries have been an important part of Spanish art and culture since the middle ages. With the treaty of Utrecht signed, Flemish tapestries became harder to come by and Spanish king Philip V needed to find a new source. To remedy this, he founded in 1720 the Royal Tapestry Factory. Today this factory is still producing works of art in its present location within a building that was constructed in 1889. The museum offers guided tours every 30 minutes that will take you through the workshops to show you the painstaking precision that these works of art require. You will also have the opportunity to see some incredible finished works on display and meet the artisans that make it all possible. A favorite stop for those who have gone, the museum is in the center of town near the Atocha train station behind the Basilica of our Lady of Atocha. The museum is only open Monday through Friday until 14:00 with the last guided tour at 13:30.

The Train Museum

The Museo del Ferrocarril is a museum dedicated to everything related to the history of rail transport in Spain housed inside the historic converted Delicias train station built in 1880. The museum has on display more than 4,800 pieces ranging from clocks to locomotives. Kids will especially love the idea of roaming between all the trains and exhibits. Especially entertaining is the Mercado de Motores. Every second weekend of the month the museum turns into a flea market full of stands selling everything from vintage clothes to soaps to model trains. You will also find an assortment of food stalls and a great terrace with tables and chairs to relax and listen to one of the many live bands that play throughout the weekend. This is definitely a great way to experience a bit of authentic Spanish living. The train museum is located 6 blocks south of the Atocha train station and next to the Delicias metro station.

If you are in Madrid remember: a museum visit is enriching, easy, inexpensive and you don’t have to feel like head of cattle in roundup. Here we’ve given you some ideas, but if there is a small and lesser known museum that you’ve visited in Madrid that isn’t mentioned here let us know!

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Semana Santa in Spain

Signaled by the full moon, Semana Santa (holy week) launches us on an annual journey of reflection and tradition. It’s a time celebrated by both the religious and those who simply welcome a few days off from work or school to watch the spectacular recreations of scenes representing the passion of Christ. No matter what it is that attracts visitors, Semana Santa in Spain offers an incredible amount of celebrations which center mostly on processions that take place throughout the country.

We know that any top 10 selection will inevitably be incomplete, but we’ve gone ahead and put together this list with the best intentions for anyone hoping to delve deeper into the rich traditions of Spanish culture.

Semana Santa in Elche 1. Las Palmas de Elche

Palm Sunday, a day that recalls Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem according to biblical scripture, in the city of Elche (in the eastern Valencian Community) Holy Week participants take to the streets holding yellow palm leaves that have been intricately woven into wonderful and seemingly impossible figures. The palm leaves come from the city’s enormous palm grove that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Particularly noteworthy is the procession of La Borriquilla, which displays Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey.

Semana Santa in Toledo 2. Procesión del Cristo Redentor

Just before midnight on Good Friday, in the city of Toledo (the capital of Castilla-La Mancha), the Cristo Redentor procession emerges from Sto. Domingo el Real Monastery. These solemn procession participants make their way through the complicated labyrinth of streets in the Judería district. Dominican monks accompany them, adding a churchly air to the Easter ambience.

Semana Santa in Granada 3. Los Gitanos

Throughout the night of Holy Wednesday, the statue of Jesus called el Cristo de los Gitanos de Granada drifts along city streets beneath the dignified gaze of an illuminated Alhambra fortress. The statue makes its way through town eventually entering the “barrio Gitano”, which erupts in bonfires as the statues of the Cristo del Consuelo and María Santísima del Sacromonte pass. The procession is slowed down by the throngs of observers who gather to touch the figure of Mary’s cloak.

Semana Santa in Málaga 4. Los Legionarios

The Spanish Legion has always been associated with this parade, which is always held on the afternoon of Holy Wednesday in Malaga, the capital of Andalusia’s Costa del Sol. Soldiers speed-march at 180 steps per minute, carrying the Cristo de la Buena Muerte statue, better known as the Cristo de Mena after the statue’s sculptor. This is Malaga’s most eagerly awaited Semana Santa procession.

Semana Santa in Zamora 5. El Yacente

On the night of Holy Thursday, the town of Zamora (western Castile and Leon) fills with a silence that is only broken by bell chimes and candles and long torches knocking on the ground during the stirring Cristo Yacente procession. Thousands of people with crosses join the procession in complete silence, making their way to the Plaza de Viriato, where the event is highlighted by an emotional funeral hymn.

Semana Santa in Seville 6. La "Madrugá"

In Seville, nobody sleeps on the night of Holy Thursday, known as “La Madrugá”. Procession participants parading with floats of statues proceed through the streets of the Andalusia capital. These are some of Spain’s most famous Holy Week statues: La Esperanza de Triana, la Macarena, the Cristo de los Gitanos, and the Jesús del Gran Poder are all present here. The bustling city observes in attentive silence as the float bearers carry the heavy statues and move to the inspired rhythm of the procession bands.

Semana Santa in Castro Urdiales 7. Pasión Viviente

In the north, on the Cantabrian Sea, in the city of Castro Urdiales, Good Friday is celebrated not only by way of a series of processions, but also with a full reenactment of the Passion of Christ, from the last supper to the end of the Resurrection. All the town’s 30,000+ residents participate in some way or another in this extraordinary tradition, an event that is enriched even more by the spectacular stage scenery. Santa María Church is particularly beautiful in itself, a gothic temple that is half light house and half castle.

Semana Santa in Aragón 8. Romper la Hora

Internationally recognized Spanish film-director Luis Buñuel has included the sounds of these marching drums in many of his movies. They are drums that play every year at noon on Good Thursday in the Calanda’s town square in the province of Teruel (southern Aragón). Thousands of people sporting purple tunics and bearing drums of all different sizes eagerly await the first bell chimes of the clock striking 12:00. Right when the bells ring, not a second before, the plaza erupts into a thunderous celebration of tradition when thousands of participants pound their drums in vibrating in unison.

Semana Santa in Valladolid 9. Procesión General

In Valladolid (the capital of Castile and Leon), on the afternoon of Good Friday, streets fill with floats of incalculable beauty when the city’s 19 brotherhoods join together in procession for the Procesión General. The parade is like watching a moving museum; statues of polychromatic woods from Spain’s opulent Siglo de Oro period (16^th and 17^th centuries), produced by legendary sculptors such as Juan de Junio and Gregorio Fernández, ramble down Valladolid’s streets accompanied by drums and cornets and the classic dulzaina instrument.

Semana Santa in Cuenca 10. Las Turbas

In the early hours of Good Friday, Cuenca (Castilla-la Mancha) is splashed with a wave of joy and color. Drums, bugles and trumpets sound throughout this gorgeous city. The procession of the Camino del Calvario, better known as “Las Turbas”, reaches the iglesia del Salvador as the sun rises. The incredible commotion of excitement is silenced only by the appearance of Our Lady of Solitude. It’s a loud night that is abruptly halted by a moment of silence and deep reflection.

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Spanish Patios

When we visit a city we are almost never able to see what’s behind the doors of the homes and historic buildings that we pass by and when we do, more likely than not, we’re paying for a ticket to get in. Spain has many hidden nooks and crannies and Salamanca is no exception. The patio or claustro is a typical element in the construction of the buildings in Spain; even today you will find blocks of flats constructed with an interior patio. This means that some of the best tourist attractions aren’t even on the map and the tourist don’t know that they are even attractions! So I’m going to let you in on 5 hidden gems hiding behind the walls of some of the most historic buildings in Salamanca. If you’re looking to get off the beaten track and want to soak up some history, here is where you need to go when you are in Salamanca:

5. The patio of the Anaya Palace

This is one of the few neo-classical buildings found in Salamanca and was constructed at the end of the 18^th century. Four big ionic columns meet you as you enter this university building that now houses the department of Spanish Philology and as you pass through the doors you will be met with a patio that has two galleries and a lot of classic columns—32 to be exact. It may be hard to meditate here since this is a building that holds classes but the view and relaxed atmosphere are worth it.

4. La Universidad Pontificia

The Pontifical University has an imposing patio located behind the walls of the La Clerecía church. This building was completed in 1754 and took almost a hundred and forty years to build. The patio, called El Patio de los Estudios, is found within four 4-story high walls built with the famous yellow sandstone that decorates many buildings in Salamanca. Imposing with a regal tone, you will be able to imagine a very different time as you are standing next to the well in the center.

3. Claustro de los Reyes

The Cloister of the Kings forms part of the Convento de San Esteban in the old town. This building can lay claim to the fact that Columbus slept here when he came to defend his theory about sailing west to reach India against some reluctant academics of his time. This Cloister was constructed at the end of the 16^th century and has gothic and renaissance elements. Around the cloister there are some famous Spaniards buried here like Franciso de Vitoria or Domingo de Soto. Plus, in the center of the patio there is a beautiful shrine.

2. Have you seen the frog?

If you know what I’m talking about that means you’ve seen the façade to the old university building. This historic monument was constructed in 1553 and somewhere on the plateresque wall is a tiny frog and, no, I won’t tell you where it is. When you’ve finished looking for the frog be sure to go through the door and take in the patio that awaits you. Here you will find one of the few sequoia trees growing outside of the US right in the middle! Be sure to go upstairs to see the library that is located directly behind the façade. Although you can´t go in, there is a glass entryway that permits you to look inside.

1. The patio in the Colegio de Fonseca

This, for me is the most beautiful patio in Salamanca mostly because of the lawn and garden that is found here instead of the usual cobblestones found in so many others. The great thing about the Fonseca is that you can sleep here - but only if you are a visiting professor or have been invited by the university to visit. If you are lucky enough to be able to sleep here you will pay about 80 euros (around $110) and that price includes all your meals. This building was constructed in the 16^th century and was founded by the Archbishop of Toledo, Alonso de Fonseca. Like many other buildings, this one was constructed with the purpose of giving a home to students that didn’t have the means to support themselves while they were pursuing their studies. If you don’t have the chance to sleep here at least you can have something to drink in the cafeteria next to entrance and you can contemplate one of the most beautiful spaces in Salamanca.

One thing to keep in mind when you are in Salamanca is to check out the events calendar in the local paper. Many times there are concerts, plays or movies that are held in these patios especially in the summer months. It’s a great way to soak up Spanish history and culture at the same time.

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Cherry Blossom in Spain

Cherry blossoms are usually associated with Japan or even Washington D.C. but Spain also has its own particular cherry blossom festival. In a corner of Spain between Salamanca and Cáceres, close to the town of Plasencia, is a valley tucked into the mountains of the central system. Within this 70 kilometer long valley—Jerte Valley—is a growing region home to the Picota cherry, one of the sweetest cherries on earth. This cherry comes with a Denominación de Origin (Denomination of Origin) certificate that classifies this fruit as being of the highest quality and coming from only this area of the world.

Every year in spring this valley comes to life with the blooming of the trees and arrival of thousands of Spaniards that come to see a beautiful, fleeting event. The region prepares an agenda of activities that range from bird watching to participating in the actual picking of the cherries. This area wakes up from a winter hibernation to a calendar of activities that is actually pretty dizzying.

More than 1.5 million cherry trees occupy this basin with many growing up steeply rising hillsides. These trees pertain mostly to small family farms (there are 3,737 registered growers) and are grown in a very traditional and sustainable manner. For example, it is very common to see during picking season the cherries laid out on beds of fern leaves which protects the fruit while it is being gathered. Unfortunately for most Americans, tasting these incredibly delicious cherries is practically impossible: 60% of the productions is consumed domestically while the rest is exported principally to Germany and the United Kingdom.

Right now the trees are starting to bloom and the second act of a three-act play of nature is happening. The locals have given a name to these three moments: Despertar el valle (the valley wakes), Cerezo en Flor (Cherry trees in bloom), and Lluvia de Pétalos (shower of flower petals). This is the moment when most people come to the valley to take in some incredible views and walk along the numerous paths that wind between the trees and the different villages within this area.

If you want to come and take part in an incredible show of nature, you better hurry because by the beginning of May the flowers will be gone and the fruit will be start to be growing on the tree. Not all is lost, though, if you come after the flowers have gone since the fruit will be ready and picked in June and July. You will then be able to taste some the best and rarest cherries in the world. I’d say that would be worth the trip.

How to get to the Valle del Jerte

To get to the Valle del Jerte from Madrid you can go north through Ávila or west, by way of Plasencia—either way the trip takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours making an overnight stay in a casa rural an excellent option. In spring, the weather is usually warm during the day with cool nights without the extremes of the neighboring areas due to the excellent micro-climate the valley creates.

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