Page 25 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

INTRODUCING SP AIN  23

A PORTRAIT OF SPAIN

The familiar images of Spain – flamenco dancing, bullfighting, tapas bars and
solemn Easter processions – do no more than hint at the diversity of this vast
country. Spain boasts four official languages, two major cities of equal
importance and a greater range of landscapes – from sandy beaches to mountain
peaks – than any other European country. These remark able elements contribute
to making Spain an endlessly fascinating country to visit.

Separated from the rest of Europe by In early times, Spain was a coveted prize
the Pyrenees, Spain reaches south to for foreign conquerors, including the
the coast of North Africa. It has both Phoenicians and the Romans. During the
Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, Middle Ages, much of it was ruled by the
and includes two archipelagos – the Moors, who arrived from North Africa in
Balearics and the Canary Islands. the 8th century. Reconquered by Christian
The climate and landscape vary from forces, the country was unified at the
snowcapped peaks in the Pyrenees, end of the 15th century. A succession of
through the green meadows of Galicia rulers tried to impose a common culture,
and the orange groves of Valencia, to but Spain remains as culturally diverse as
the desert of Almería. Madrid is Europe’s ever. Several regions have maintained a
highest capital, and Spain is its most strong sense of their own independent
mountainous country after Switzerland identities. Many Basques and Catalans,
and Austria. The innumerable sierras in particular, do not consider themselves
have always hindered communications. to be Spanish. Madrid may be the
Until railways were built, it was easier nominal capital, but it is closely rivalled
to move goods from Barcelona to in commerce, the arts and sport by
South America than to Madrid. Barcelona, the capital city of Catalonia.

Landscape with a solitary cork tree near Albacete in Castilla-La Mancha
Flamenco dancing in Seville

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