Best places of Spain to inmerse in Islamic History For a Muslim who has some familiarity with Islamic history in the Iberian Peninsula, a visit to Spain is almost like a pilgrimage. In the era of the Golden Age of our civilisation extending from early 8th to late 15thcentury, coincidental with Dark Ages in the rest of Europe, when Al Andalus was the centre of global civilisation. Its capital Cordoba was Europe's largest city. Greatest Islamic heritage of spain is located here in the south, Andalusia: Granada (Gharnata) and Cordoba (Qurtaba). Alhambra Palaces When you hear the name Alhambra, somehow the name itself gives you a certain excitement, as the place seems mystical and adventurous. Who would not be in awe of such an amazing place that’s rich in history and culture? The best thing is that it was influenced by various civilizations, especially the Muslim civilization. Just to prove to you how important Alhambra is, I’ll give you a short overview of its history. According to historical documents, in the year 889, Sawwar ben Hemdun needed to seek refuge in a fortress called Alcazaba, which Muslims then had to rebuild due to the struggles that had taken place. The castle then soon turned into a military fortress due to its strategic position as it overlooked the whole city. When the first King of the Nasrid dynasty administered Cordoba, he then established the royal residence in Alhambra. Yusuf I and Mohamed V are the ones responsible for most of the construction in Alhambra that still remains until today. However, when Cordoba fell into the hands of the Catholics, Charles V wanted to rebuild parts of the castle in his name and therefore built several new areas such as the Emperor’s Chambers and the Queen’s Dressing Room. There are so many
Best places of Spain to inmerse in Islamic History For a Muslim who has some familiarity with Islamic history in the Iberian Peninsula, a visit to Spain is almost like a pilgrimage. In the era of the Golden Age of our civilisation extending from early 8th to late 15thcentury, coincidental with Dark Ages in the
Top Destinations of Portugal Some of the most visited sites Lisbon has always been the most popular destination in Portugal, but given its size, the country is amazingly diverse. From astuning cliffs that buffer the Atlantic to cork forests and olive groves. Let us propose you the MUST SEE towns of Portugal. Algarve While the region’s beaches and picturesque villages have made it world renown, the region also has some world-renowned golf courses. The area’s capital, Faro, remains nearly the same as it was in the 18th century, with some of its charming neighborhoods intact. Lagos and Sagres on the east end of the Algarve date back to Roman times. But it was in the 15th century that Sagres achieved importance with the frequent presence of Prince Henry the Navigator. Visit the Fortress of Sagres dated of i 15th century. By the same token visit Cape of São Vicente, one of the most westerly points of the European continent. It was also a sacred place to the Romans who called it Promontorium Sacrum. Sintra Palace da Pena is the highlight, one of the best examples of 19th century Romantic ressurgence in Portugal. Set at the top of the Monte da Pena, the palace was built on the site of an old monastery belonging to the Order of St. Jerome. It was the result of the imagination of Dom Fernando of Saxe Coburg-Gotha. After falling in love with Sintra, he decided to buy the convent and the surrounding land to build a summer palace for the royal family. The result was a mixture of architectural styles. He also established an english style woodland park with a wide variety of exotic trees. The highlight of the palace’s interior is the chapel. Its alabaster altarpiece is attributed to one of the architects of the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos in Lisbon. Also,
Top Destinations of Portugal Some of the most visited sites Lisbon has always been the most popular destination in Portugal, but given its size, the country is amazingly diverse. From astuning cliffs that buffer the Atlantic to cork forests and olive groves. Let us propose you the MUST SEE towns of Portugal. Algarve While the region’s beaches and
The Costa Brava Beautiful Seaside Towns In Catalonia Spain Famous for its charming coastal region known as the Costa Brava, Catalonia offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. There are so many towns from where you can enjoy the Mediterranean breeze! Here are our recommendation for your trip. this is our selection of Top Seacoast Towns of Costa Brava Catalonia Spain. Cadaques A town rich in history, Cadaqués is a charming coastal town often visited by the likes of great Catalan artists Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró. A popular weekend getaway for the residents of Barcelona, just a mere two hours or so from the Catalan capital, it is a popular retreat for both locals and travelers. One of its most remarkable features is the presence of Cuban-style houses. These were constructed by the rich descendants of Cadaqués residents who emigrated to Cuba in the early 20th century and were financially successful. Sitges Located just 35 kilometers south of Barcelona, Sitges is a popular day-trip for travelers staying in Barcelona looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without having to compromise on the availability of bars, restaurants and night-clubs. Known for being one of the most gay-friendly towns in Europe, Sitges has a vibrant night-life and a friendly atmosphere. Many of the beaches surrounding Sitges have been awarded a blue flag by the European Union. Tossa de Mar This historic town is believed to have been populated since as far back as the Neolithic era and remains of its Roman and Medieval past are still visible today, including the Medieval wall which once surrounded the city. Despite being located on the water front, Tossa de Mar thrived thanks to its production of cork. Exporting thousands of cork taps to America
The Costa Brava Beautiful Seaside Towns In Catalonia Spain Famous for its charming coastal region known as the Costa Brava, Catalonia offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. There are so many towns from where you can enjoy the Mediterranean breeze! Here are our recommendation for your trip. this is our selection of
Top 10 Most Beautiful Destinations of Andalusia (Spain) One of the many wonderful things about southern Spain is that there are so many little villages to discover. Andalusia, a rocky, sun-baked region on Spain’s southern coast, has its own character and its own specialties, which makes every trip an authentic experience. Instead of visiting only Malaga, Granada, Cordoba or Seville, try exploring the interior of Andalusia along the Route of the White Hill Towns. This charm bracelet of charming villages gives you wonderfully untouched Spanish culture. From Moorish palaces, traditional towns and villages to golden beaches and hot flamenco. We compiled a list of The 10 Most Beautiful Towns In Andalusia. Medina Sidonia Medina Sidonia is a small village set atop a hill called “Cerro del Castillo” in the Province of Cadiz. The village has Roman and medieval walls and tidy narrow cobbled streets. At the top of the hill you will find an old Muslim fortress, and the Torrestrella Castle, both dating from the 12th-14th Centuries. Medina Sidonia is also famous for having within its township numerous fighting-bull ranches. ¿Looking for a Halal Restaurant? Halal restaurant in Cadiz Alhama de Granada Alhama de Granada is a pretty, ancient spa town located approximately 53 km (33 miles) from Granada. It is perched precariously at the top of a ravine from where the Rio Alham carves through otherwise rolling countryside. There are 6,000 inhabitants in the town, and its picturesque location, thermal springs, affordable tapas and Spanish charm attract many visitors. Casares Nestled in the hillside with its white-painted houses interlaced with tiny streets, Casares is a unique village of Arab origin that has been designated as a Historical-Artistic Site. Its main tourist attractions are the quaint streets, the ruins of the Medieval castle and the Birthplace of Blas Infante. Besides walking along the narrow, cobbled streets with their
Top 10 Most Beautiful Destinations of Andalusia (Spain) One of the many wonderful things about southern Spain is that there are so many little villages to discover. Andalusia, a rocky, sun-baked region on Spain’s southern coast, has its own character and its own specialties, which makes every trip an authentic experience. Instead of visiting only Malaga,
Discover Granada Must See Sights Dobla de Oro Islamic Heritage Discover Granada Must See Sights Dobla de Oro Islamic Heritage. World Heritage Sites protected by UNESCO tell you the history of old Al-Andalus in Andalusia (Spain) History After the fragmentation of the Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba in the 11th Century the city of Granada began to acquire an increasingly important position on the map of Al Andalus. The Zirid Dynasty established a kingdom in the city, building the Qadima, a fortress protected by defensive walls and glorified by palace buildings in what is today the high part of the Albayzin. With the arrival of the Almoravids and above all the Almohads, the city went from strength to strength. When Al-Ahmar de Arjona proclaimed himself the first King of the Nasrid dynasty in 1238, he turned his attention to the hill opposite known as La Sabika. The Alhambra was born and the Albayzin became a residential district. Under the Nasrids the Alhambra and the Albayzin enjoyed a period of burgeoning architectural heritage until 1492 when Isabel and Ferdinand conquered Granada. The new rulers decided to develope the city in other directions. The Albayzin was left as the last bastion of the Moriscos, the Muslims who remained in the Iberian Peninsula after the Christian conquest. Over time the Albayzin underwent dramatic urban development with the widening of its streets, the construction of churches on top of what once were mosques, the arrival of new religious orders and the construction of grand palaces for the local nobility on the bank of the River Darro. The close links between the Albayzin and the Alhambra show that the designs used in one are often imitated in the other. The Court of Myrtles in the Alhambra is a house of palatial dimensions, which the surviving Moorish houses in the Albayzin reproduce at
Discover Granada Must See Sights Dobla de Oro Islamic Heritage Discover Granada Must See Sights Dobla de Oro Islamic Heritage. World Heritage Sites protected by UNESCO tell you the history of old Al-Andalus in Andalusia (Spain) History After the fragmentation of the Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba in the 11th Century the city of Granada began to acquire an increasingly important
Alhambra Palace & Generalife An Islamic World Heritage Alhambra Palace & Generalife are definitely Granada highlights, keep reading and discover why. The name Alhambra comes from an Arabic root which means "red castle", perhaps due to the hue of the towers and walls that surround the entire hill which by sunlight is transformed into gold. But there is another more poetic version, its said that the construction of the Alhambra fortress was done "by the light of torches", the reflections of which gave the walls their particular coloration. Created originally for military purposes, the Alhambra was an fortress, a palace and a smal city. There is no reference to the Alhambra as being a residence of kings until the 13th century even though the fortress had existed since the 9th century. The first kings of Granada, the Zirites, had their castles and palaces on the hill of the Albaicin, and nothing remains of them. The Nasrites were probably the emirs who built the Alhambra, starting in 1238. The founder of the dynasty, Muhammed Al-Ahmar, began with the restoration of the old fortress. His work was completed by his son Muhammed II, whose immediate successors continued with the repairs. The construction of the palaces dates back to the 14th century and is the work of two great kings: Yusuf I and Muhammed V. To the first we owe, among others, the Chamber of Comares, the Gate of Justice, the Baths and some towers. His son, Muhammed V, completed the beautification of the palaces with the Chamber of the Lions, as well as other rooms and fortifications. The Alhambra became a Christian court in 1492 when the Catholic Monarchs conquered the city of Granada. Later, various structures were built for prominent civilians also military garrisons, a church and a Franciscan monastery. Emperor Charles
Alhambra Palace & Generalife An Islamic World Heritage Alhambra Palace & Generalife are definitely Granada highlights, keep reading and discover why. The name Alhambra comes from an Arabic root which means “red castle“, perhaps due to the hue of the towers and walls that surround the entire hill which by sunlight is transformed into gold.
Explore Algarve Coast Villages Tips for Muslim Travelers The Algarve is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe. Blessed with a superb coastline and some of the country's loveliest beaches, the province enjoys hot dry summers short mild winters and a warm sea temperature that is delight. The Algarve is a region of contrast, there is something to see and do for everybody. Its central villages are the most popular and developed, offering coastal resorts,quality amenities very succesful like golf courses. Further east, a string of sandbar islands and lagoons form part of a beautiful and protected natural park. Over to the west, a wilder and more remote land laying in front of the Atlantic Ocean. Here a selection of some of the most interesting villages to explore in Algarve. Faro Faro Old Town deserves a visit, enclosed by sturdy defensive walls, Faro's Cidade Velha sits on Roman and Moorish foundations. The town was badly damaged by the great earthquake of 1755, and what you see today dates mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries. A warren of cobblestone streets and leafy squares surround the landmark cathedral. Find lovly coffee shops tucked between rows of tidy houses and artisans workshops. An excellent museum exhibits some interesting items. The nearby esplanade harbors a small marina, beyond which lies an expanse of lagoons and wetlands teeming with marine life. This beautiful natural park is also composed of numerous islets and enormous sandbars with their own fabulous beaches. Tavira Tavira is located on both sides of the River Gilão, is a destination celebrated for its historical heritage shaped by the Romans and later by the Moors, whose settlement by the river was topped by a castle. Is one of the region's prettiest towns. The hipped roofs of Tavira's architecture are unique to this part of the Algarve. So, too the number of churches 21
Explore Algarve Coast Villages Tips for Muslim Travelers The Algarve is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe. Blessed with a superb coastline and some of the country’s loveliest beaches, the province enjoys hot dry summers short mild winters and a warm sea temperature that is delight. The Algarve is a region of contrast, there
Why choose Alpujarras in Granada as your travel destination? The answer is simple: The Alpujarra White villages Alpujarras Villages Visit the unspoiled natural beauty of Las Alpujarras dominated by the magnificent rugged peaks of Spain's highest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada. This lands natural beauty is due to the warm climate and abundant supply of
Europe Travel - Visit Switzerland Travel Tips for a Switzerland Tour Switzerland may be a small country but has much to offer. The Swiss countryside, lakes and mountains are beautiful anytime of year, from snow-capped mountain peaks and ice-skating on lakes to visit ancient castles. In any season you can find peace and glamour in equal parts, as the country is home to such diverse attractions. Zurich As the cultural hub of Switzerland, Zurich is not one to cross of your list of top Swiss places to see. While the city has kept some of its historical roots, evident in the emblematic guild houses, Grossmünster church, Swiss National Museum and Lindenhof square, regeneration is supreme in wealthy Zurich. Old heritage sites and factories have been repurposed and now serve as cultural spaces, joining more than 50 museums and 100 art galleries to see in Zurich. Known as one of the world's most livable cities, Zurich offers everything you'd want for an urban escape, yet also the chance to reach rural, idyllic towns just a stone's throw away. Zermatt Village Whether you ski or not, you should make plans to see Zermatt, one of the most stunning ski resort village settings in all of Switzerland. Zermatt is certainly a highlight of the Swiss Alps, it is a playground of the rich and famous, but it's worth the price of admission. In addition to the picturesque village and all of its high-end amenities, skiing is the main attraction; in summer, hikers replace the skiers. The Virgins Mountains Eiger, the Monch & Jungfrau If you came to Switzerland to see mountains, you can't leave without seeing the most-famous set of peaks in the Swiss Alps. Known collectively as The Virgins, are three of the Alps most dominant mountains. Experienced climbers often come here to scale
Europe Travel – Visit Switzerland Travel Tips for a Switzerland Tour Switzerland may be a small country but has much to offer. The Swiss countryside, lakes and mountains are beautiful anytime of year, from snow-capped mountain peaks and ice-skating on lakes to visit ancient castles. In any season you can find peace and glamour in
Visit Fes - Travel Tips for your Morocco Tour Fes has the oldest and largest Medina in North Africa and is the cultural center of Morocco. This gorgeous city is the custodian of 13 centuries of Moroccan history. Meknes has a rich, prestigious past and harbors marvelous surprises. Walk through the walls that guard the celebrated Medina of Fes, whose outstanding universal value has been recognized by UNESCO. Meander along the streets of the Fes El-Bali district. In May, the city's squares and streets come to life with music from around the world as the Sacred Music Festival takes over the one-time imperial capital. Along with the Jazz in Riads festival, it is one of the city's cultural highlights. Don't leave without sampling the city's extraordinary cuisine, which is considered to be among the best in the world. Bou Inania Medersa Beautiful Madrasa once a school and now a tourist spot for its amazing architecture and green colors. Address: Rue Talaa Sghira, Fes, Morocco Visiting hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00–18:00 The Tanneries The Chaouwara tanneries are one of the must see sights. A unique experience to learn the natural process of producing leather using methods that have changed little since medieval times. Try to get here in the morning when the pits are awash with coloured dye. Address: Derb Chaouwara, Blida, Fes, Morocco The Medina The medina of Fes is the oldest and largest of North Africa and UNESCO World Heritage. Founded in the 9th century and home to the oldest university in the world, Fes reached its height in the 13th–14th centuries under the Marinids, when it replaced Marrakesh as the capital of the kingdom. The urban fabric and the principal monuments in the medina – madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains - date from this period. Although the political capital of
Visit Fes – Travel Tips for your Morocco Tour Fes has the oldest and largest Medina in North Africa and is the cultural center of Morocco. This gorgeous city is the custodian of 13 centuries of Moroccan history. Meknes has a rich, prestigious past and harbors marvelous surprises. Walk through the walls that guard the celebrated
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