Streets squares and districts to visit Andalusia

This picturesque village with its small fishermen's houses was probably founded at the end of the 18th century by Catalan and Valencian emigrants such as the neighbouring Isla Cristina.

The quintessence of the image of Seville, the Judería, the old Jewish quarter, very limited in comparison to what it was originally, offers itself as a labyrinth of streets and squares where the traveller can satisfy his curiosity in a playful manner. Beautiful white houses with wrought iron doors and facades adorned with geraniums and small squares covered with orange trees which fill in the spring… There is no route to advise, but places that deserve a dangerous quest. Here are some: Plaza Doña-Elvira, Santa-Maria-la-blanca, Hospital de los Venerables or Museo-Casa Murillo.

Located at the top of the historic centre and along the coast, this balcony has been renovated in a promenade surrounded by palm trees, which ends with a magnificent viewpoint above the sea. Ideal for admiring sunsets at the end of the day. Built on the site of an ancient fortress, destroyed in 1812 during the war of independence, he should be named after King Alfonso XII to visit the city after the earthquake shook the Axarquia in 1884. But there is serious doubt about this fatherhood.

The place de la Alameda de Hércules is an undeniable promenade in Seville. Alameda means «walk». Hercules, for his part, would be according to legend the founder of the city. We owe this place to the Count of Barajas who, in 1574, planted deciduous trees and built beautiful fountains on ancient marshy lands. He had erected two columns from the Roman temple of rue Mármoles, which were crowned with sculptures by Julius Caesar and Hercules. The other two columns, with lions bearing a shield, were formed in the second half of the eighteenth century. Today, the Alameda is one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Seville thanks to its bars and cafés that encircle the square. Its bohemian atmosphere makes it unique.

It is the center of the historic quarter, a sumptuous Renaissance square that is a bit shaded by the rest of the city as it concentrates architectural wonders. Most of the buildings in the xvie th base surrounding this square are the work of Andres de Vandelvira, the architect of Jae 'n's caesales and Baeza and many other churches in both cities. Ayuntamiento (city hall) is located in the palace of Las Cadenas owned by Philippe II. In the square is the Sacra Capilla del Salvador built by Vandelvira. Although the original plans are awarded to Diego de Siloe ' (architect of the cathe's church of Granada and Ma' laga), it is the most remarkable church in the city of Úbeda, especially because of its magnificent retable of the Transfiguration.

It is a very good example of the popular architecture of Grenadina in the 16th and 17th centuries. And a good starting point to discover the Realejo district. The term Corrala refers to the classic house of this period, organized around a central patio. These types of projects were created in the 16th century when the increase in the population following the reconquest created a crucial need for housing. Behind a facade without any particular ornament, the patio opened up, where the inhabitants shared some common spaces, such as the washhouses, of which traces can be seen, and were housed in high apartments with access to the patio through galleries. A structure made essential by the price per square meter. As a result of the need, many Muslim and noble houses were transformed into corralada at that time. Today, it is the headquarters of the University of Granada. Feel free to come through the door to attend conferences or concerts.

Also known as the Plaza de los Flores, Flower Square, it is one of the most lively pedestrian squares in Granada, with a large central fountain dominated by the statue of Neptune. Of Nazari origin, it owes its name Bib Rambla to the Bab al-Ramla gate or puerta del arenal, sand in Spanish, one of the main gateways to the city at that time and to which it was united in its western part. It was then a small esplanade formed by sand deposits from the Darro River but its strategic location, close to places of worship, mosque and cathedral, and commercial areas, has made it the privileged place for many highlights over the centuries. Used to celebrate festivals in Muslim times, it also hosted the bullfights of the Christian period as well as the autodafés of the inquisition, since it was here that almost the entire library of the Madraza, the Koranic school and even executions were burned. After the reconquest, the Catholic Monarchs made it the Plaza Mayor, with Castilian style buildings, a function that it will share with the Campo del Principe. In this spirit, for example, at the end of the 16th century, the Casa de los Miraflores was built there, which housed the customs office and the town council, but unfortunately disappeared in a fire at the end of the 19th century. In the 18th century, it became a permanent market, which led to the opening of streets linking it to the main artery of the Reyes Catolicos and sheltered a hospital, a church and the archbishopric's palace. The 19th century gave it its current dimensions after having knocked down many arches and buildings, with the exception of the archbishopric, which underwent many modifications. Today we go there for lunch, dinner, a drink or a chocolate con churros, seated at one of its many terraces, under the lime trees. And it continues to maintain its festive atmosphere, especially on Corpus Christi day when it fills up with kiosks or at the end of the year when it hosts the traditional crèche market and many other events.

Located in the upper part of Realejo, it is one of Granada's beautiful viewpoints with impressive views of the cathedral, the centro and the city in general. Here you will find a 17th century washhouse with Tuscan stone columns from the Sierra Elvira, a wooden frame covered with Arabic tiles, and pavers with classic Andalusian designs on the floor. It owes its name to the proximity of the Puerta del Sol, part of the Ziri wall that separated the Realejo and el Mauror districts and is named for its orientation. Access to it will not necessarily be easy, but once in Realejo, you can go up the alley of the Santa Escolástica cemetery, behind the Casa de los Tiros. And to be more secure, don't hesitate to activate the geolocation of your mobile phone, because the alleys of Realejo are a little bit intertwined. But upon arrival the effort will be rewarded.

Built in 1872 by George Bruce, inspired by Gustave Eiffel, this former copper transport terminal bears witness to this past activity and constitutes a beautiful viewpoint on the river. On foot, for the bravest and by bike for the others, or by car, you can follow this bank of the Odiel to the tip of Sebo. Where the two rivers El Tinto and El Odiel meet. All will meet there a monument built in 1929, dedicated to the Fe descubridora and which represents the monk of Rabida who helped Columbus in the development of his first trip.