Spain history and culture

Spain is known for its culturally diverse heritage, having been influenced by many nations and peoples throughout its history. Spanish culture has its origins in the Iberian, Celtiberian, Latin, Visigothic, Roman Catholic, and Islamic cultures.

After Italy, Spain is the country with the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, with a total of 40 sites having received this acclaim.

Spain has an extraordinary artistic heritage. The dominant figures of the golden age were the Toledo-based artists El Greco and Diego Velázquez. Francisco Goya emerged in the 18th century as Spain's most prolific painter. The art world in the early 20th century was influenced by a remarkable group of Spanish artists including Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí.

The architecture of Spain ranges from prehistoric monuments in Menorca in the Balearic Islands, through to the Roman ruins of Mérida and Tarragona, the decorative Islamic Alhambra in Granada, Mudéjar buildings, Gothic cathedrals, castles and palaces, fantastic modernist monuments and Gaudí's intricate fabulist sculptures.
One of the world's greatest works of fiction is the 17th-century novel Don Quijote de la Mancha, written by Spain's Miguel de Cervantes.

Flamenco is experiencing a revival, and you are sure to see dramatic performances in Andalucía, its traditional home, accompanied by excellent guitar. You will also see flamenco at Spanish fiestas, which are not to be missed. 

Spanish food has a deservedly fantastic reputation and tapas are probably one of the most civilised inventions since cold beer.