Andalusia: white villages, red earth and blue sky! Land of welcome and passage, it generated a homogeneous people despite its multiple origins (Moors, Jews, Catholics, Gypsies). Its three main cities, Seville, Granada and Cordoba, are among the most beautiful in Spain. Real open-air history books, but also festive cities with the hottest atmosphere. Let the Andalusian soul seduce you for a long weekend.

Seville, with an air of the Orient and flamenco

Stroll through eastern Seville, witness to the Arab-Andalusian golden age. After admiring the Giralda, an old minaret transformed into a bell tower, adjoining the cathedral, visit the Alcázar Palace. Built in the 10th century by Caliph Abderraman III, the Alcázar fortress was transformed in the 14th century into a presidential palace by the Catholic King Peter I by employing Muslim artists: this is called the Mudejar style, named after the Muslims of Spain who became subjects of the Christian kingdoms after the 11th century, during the period of tolerance. Not to be missed: the enchanting gardens from the palate, the result of a judicious combination of water and vegetation, offering tranquillity and freshness.

Take a tour of the Casa de Pilatos, a magnificent 16th century stately home, after crossing the barrio de Santa Cruz and its narrow streets lined with orange trees and white houses with flowered patios: eternal Andalusia. And, if you have a little time left, go see the bullring of Seville, made famous by Carmen de Bizet.

In the evening, head for the Barrio Triana, birthplace of flamenco: this free song was pride, the expression of the poor who gathered in taverns in the neighborhood. This former gypsy district extends on the right bank of the Guadalquivir and offers a stroll full of charm and colors. It is also the neighborhood of sevillana and salsa boxes (less typical!).

And, to end the day with the sound of flamenco, go to Santa Cruz where the Casa de la Memoria de Al-Andalus (c / Ximenes de Enciso, 28) welcomes you every evening at 9 p.m. (and sometimes 10:30 p.m.). Entrance is 13 €. This old Andalusian palace has kept all its splendor and oriental elegance: the interior patio surrounded by arcades is the backdrop for the show, provided by the best students of the Seville Flamenco School. Phone: 954-56-06-70. Mandatory reservation.

Cordoba, crossroads of civilizations
There was a time when Muslims, Jews and Christians lived in harmony. Cordoba remembers this: it was in the 10th century and this spirit of tolerance was so fruitful that the Andalusian city at the time became the largest city in Europe.

The most spectacular example of the success of this melting pot: the Mezquita-catedral (cathedral mosque). Begun in 784, it was to become the largest religious building in the Islamic world at the time. After the reconquest of Cordoba, Charles V agreed to destroy the central part of the mosque in order to build a cathedral in the pure Renaissance style. It is a monument unique in the world: at the heart of the cathedral is the forest of columns of the mosque (la Mezquita): it has more than 900!

In the evening, explore the alleys of the Juderia that surrounds the Mezquita. In the heart of the city, you will feel like you are in a small village with white and flowery houses. Once deserted by tourists, the Juderia regains its soul and you would expect to see Averroes appear at the bend of a street: back to the golden age.

Granada, jewel of Al-Andaluz

Al-Andaluz: this is the name that the Moors gave to the newly conquered Spanish lands, in Granada. This city, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, is a real gem. Granada has one of the wonders of Arab architecture: the Alhambra, an enormous fortress built on a promontory, is a real city with its palaces, baths, a mosque, a fortress (Alcazaba), and above all, harmonious gardens! This monument is the most impressive in Andalusia.

Stroll through the Albaicin district, in Arab style, overlooking the city on the hillside. Go up to the viewpoint of plaza San Nicolás, we have the most photographed view of the Alhambra, Granada and the Sierra Nevada! Then from San Miguel Bajo, you can go down to the calderería nueva where all the teterías (Arab tea rooms) are located.

Relax in the hammam, calle Santa Ana, 16. Tel.: 902-40-99-02. A magical place to discover the mysterious world of the Arab baths. It is absolutely necessary to reserve and plan 1 hour 30 minutes of bath and 15 minutes of massage (from 20 to 29 €). Take the opportunity to visit real 11th century baths: El Bañuelo, carrera del Darro.

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