Europe uncovered - Contiki

Europe uncovered
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contiki.com
SPAIN cont’d:
Gothic Quarter: Explore this old section of the city which
houses it’s amazing cathedral, with Roman ruins and narrow,
winding streets; it was here that Christopher Columbus brought
his findings from the “new world” to offer the King and Queen
of Spain.
Columbus Column: Climb this column situated at the base of
the main street of Barcelona featuring a statue of Christopher
Columbus supposedly pointing towards the “new world”.
Take the lift and take a look for yourself.
Ramblas: Walk along the promenade of the main street of
Barcelona and take in the sights and sounds of the city’s flower
stalls, bird markets and also visit the fruit, vegetable and fish
markets located just off the main street.
Places of interest in Madrid
Visit: The Prado Museum. Designed in 1785 for Charles III.
Contains 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th century art concentrating
on El Greco, Velázquez and Goya. The Prado Museum
represents Spain’s greatest contribution to world culture.
The museum benefited greatly from a law passed in 1836
which forced monastries, convents and churches to hand over
their works of art to allow them to be enjoyed by the public.
See: The Reina Sofia Museum. It opened in 1990 and has a
contemporary art collection. The focus is on Picasso, Dali and
Miro and is home to Picasso’s “Guernica”.
Enjoy: Plaza Mayor. Soak up the atmosphere as you dip
into some tapas and watch the world go by in this truly
Spanish square.
Experience: The Royal Palace built by Phillip the 5th from
1734 on the site of the old Alcazar that was destroyed on
Christmas Day of the same year. It is perhaps the most well
preserved Royal Palace in Europe, with 2800 rooms that are
decorated with Flemish tapestries, paintings by the royal artist
Goya and numerous artifacts.
Manners and customs
The custom of Siesta is gradually disappearing and department
stores now stay open through the traditional 3-hour Siesta.
Many of the specialities of Spanish cuisine are based on
seafood - eels, bream and squid. The area of Andalusia is noted
for its cooking, especially featuring Gazpacho, a cold vegetable
soup. Spain is also famous for bullfights and flamenco dancing.
Best buys
Leatherware - shoes, sandals, Toledo wrought swords, peasant
pottery and baskets, jewellery, Lladro figurines.
eKit access number: 800 099 665 or from a hotel 900 991 722
eKit hints on calling in Spain: Make international calls from any
phone box marked ‘telefono internacional’ or at Telefonica
offices in cities and towns.
ekit economy number (Madrid 91-787-25-91, Nationwide 90-
198-80-70) provides lower ekit rates but may incur local
call charges.