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This Study Tour will explore the fascinating tapestry of Spanish culture, a blend of Moorish, Jewish and Christian heritages that mixed and fought throughout the ages. We will begin in Madrid, Spain’s capital and commercial center, and home to one of the world’s greatest museums—the Prado—and the Spanish monarchy’s Royal Palace. This will also be our home base for day-trips outside of the city to explore some of Spain’s rich history: the medieval town of Toledo and the inquisition-era monastery of El Escorial and the monument to the Spanish Civil War at the Valley of the Fallen. From Madrid, students will head south to beautiful Andalusia, stopping first in Sevilla to visit one of the world’s largest cathedrals, the amazing Alcazar (the 9th century Moorish fortress which was transformed into a stunning palace by Pedro the Cruel) and the lively Santa Cruz neighborhood. On the way to Granada, students will have time to explore Cordoba, once the largest city in Western Europe and capital of the Moorish rulers from the 711 to 1236 centuries with its Mezquita—an immense mosque transformed into a cathedral—a testament to the power of these rulers as well as the Christian Kings who followed them. The next stop is Granada where students will be dazzled by the Alhambra. This “red fortress” sitting atop the hills of Granada was recently ranked as the #2 World Heritage Site by National Geographic Traveler. Valencia, a beautiful coastal town, will provide a stunning example of Spain’s recent economic revival. Here, students will see both the lovely old city center as well as the spectacular “neo-modern” architecture of the City of Science and Art. Finally, Barcelona—one of the great cities of Europe—will allow students to encounter the lively Catalan culture which produced such artists as Dali, Miro, Picasso and its most original citizen, Antonio Gaudi, whose architectural creations still amaze visitors. |
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