Legado Andalusí Route

Sunday

Seven long centuries of Arab influence have left a deep mark on the vast territory named in the Middle Ages as Al-Andalus. The route starts on the Mediterranean coast. Malaga was Arab and its citadel is a beautiful example of that legacy. It was the palace of the Nasrid kings and today it is the headquarters of the Provincial Archaeological Museum. Other places of interest are the cathedral, the cathedral museum and the sanctuary of La Virgen de la Victoria. It is interesting to visit the Museum of Fine Arts and the Picasso’s Birthplace and Museum, where you will discover more than 230 works by the painter. This capital city is a perfect place to enjoy sports -you can go to the neighbouring Parador de Málaga to play some holes on its renowned course-, the sun, the white sand beaches and the nightlife in the coastal towns. And there are few pleasures like tasting the exquisite grilled fish skewers.

Monday

Let’s go to Malaga’s inland. The romantic Ronda, birthplace of bullfighting and bandit dynasties, awaits us. A town of great beauty. The Arab heritage can be felt in each of its streets, since Izn-Rand Onda, which means "Castle City", was one of the capitals of Muslim Spain, offering monuments such as the Arab baths, the Old Bridge, the Giant’s House and the Mondragón House. However, there is also a Ronda with places such as its Real Maestranza de Caballería Bullring, one of the oldest and most monumental in Spain and where the Goyesca Bullfight is held annually, or the impressive New Bridge, built in an astonishing settlement to cross a precipice of 120 metres deep and next to which the Parador is located, with unique views over the Tagus. The natural surroundings of Ronda are no less beautiful that the city, as it is surrounded by protected areas and the Sierra de la Grazalema, Sierra de las Nieves and Los Alcornocales Natural Parks. It is also worth visiting Reservatauro, a theme park on the Mediterranean pasture, the raging bull and the Spanish purebred horse, unique in the world. In addition, you can discover how olive oil is produced in a traditional oil mill or visit one of the more than 20 wineries of the Sierras de Málaga/Serranía de Ronda Denomination of Origin.

Tuesday and Wednesday

The next stop is Antequera. Due to its advantageous geographical location, several civilisations have lived therein, leaving an interesting cultural legacy. One of the most important monuments is the Dolmen Complex of Menga, Viera and El Romeral, from the Bronze Age. Walking through its old town is like traveling through time. It is interesting to visit the churches of San Juan Bautista and San Sebastián, or its citadel. The temple of the Papabellotas Castle and the palaces of the 17th and 18th centuries are also noteworthy. An impressive Spanish Baroque style is present in all of them. In the downtown area you can get to know the Royal Collegiate Church of San Sebastián, from the 16th century. Do not hesitate to visit the Convent of La Encarnación and then visit the Plaza del Coso Viejo, a beautiful bullring near the convent. In order to regain strength from this tour, we recommend you try one of the local specialties: the porra antequerana, a cold cream and thick tomato closely related with the gazpacho. Just over 30 kilometres north of the province, in Los Ardales Natural Park, you will find the spectacular Caminito del Rey trail, a via ferrata previously known as one of the most dangerous in the world, but which today is absolutely safe for transit. Watch out for the splendid view of El Chorro gorge, where the River Guadalhorce flows more than 100 metres high. Another essential plan just half an hour away is the unique karst landscape of El Torcal, with its amazing rock formations, chasms and caves.

Thursday

A good sample of the Arab legacy can be found in the town of Carmona, Seville. Located on the fertile plain of the River Corbones, it is a town that stands out due to its monumentality and the legacy of the different cultures that have lived therein. Churches, palaces and walls are part of the important artistic heritage that houses its historic centre, dominated by the imposing image of its fortress of Arab origin, the Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro. Visiting the Puerta de Sevilla, the Roman necropolis (witness of a splendid past), the San Felipe Mudejar neighbourhood, the Jewish quarter and the Town Museum, which allows you to explore its history, is a must. Its location, half an hour by car from Seville, allows you to enjoy the great monumental and artistic heritage of this city, such as the Real Alcázar, which Abd al-Rhaman III began to build in 913. The Cathedral, the Giralda, the Torre del Oro are also monuments of interest, in addition to the many leisure possibilities offered by the Sevillian capital. There is one that oozes light and charm, where religion and festivity are lived with special passion -mark Easter and the Feria de Abril on the calendar-, and of which you will remember with nostalgia tasty tapas in the sun on the terraces, and magical spots. Pay attention, you sweet tooth! In desserts, the Arab influence is also perceived and the confectionery gathers a long convent tradition. It must be noted the English cake, the oil buns, the rice pudding, the French toast in sweet wine and honey, the homemade polvorones, the almond cakes and the tasty chestnut stew with cinnamon. Irresistible!

Friday and Saturday

Heading towards Córdoba, Écija can be found halfway, in the Genil valley, considered one of the most important artistic centres of Andalusia and the stately past of which has left us a city dominated by great towers and baroque domes. We move to our destination: Córdoba, the legendary city of the Caliphs that was a dream come true for Abd-al Rahman I, capital of the Omeya caliphate and centre of the wisdom of the West during such period. In this World Heritage Site, its Mosque - with its colossal prayer room with almost a thousand columns connected by horseshoe arches - is the most important monument in the entire Islamic West, and one of the most astonishing in the world. It is also worth noting the Synagogue, the walls, the Roman bridge, the royal stables... or such interesting museums as the Julio Romero de Torres Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Bullfighting Museum or the Museum of Fine Arts. It is worth getting lost in the beautiful spots of one of the richest and most complex urban structures, with spaces full of charm and sensuality, and let yourself be surprised by the emblematic patios, with their colourful floral explosion. You cannot miss the fabulous and mysterious city that Abd-al Rahman III ordered to be built at the foot of Sierra Morena, the beautiful Medina Azahara, located just eight kilometres away and with a legendary name and history. And don't forget to have a great meal with Cordovan salmorejo and delicious oxtail stew. It is also worth noting the Synagogue, the town walls, the Roman bridge, the royal stables... or such interesting museums as the Julio Romero de Torres Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Bullfighting Museum or the Museum of Fine Arts. Losing yourself in the beautiful spots of Córdoba is a pleasure for all the senses. This town shows one of the most complex and rich urban structures on the route, with spaces full of charm and sensuality.