A Few Spanish Facts

I am sure that as a dedicated tourist, you thought about visiting Spain, unless you have already done that. Well, your choice was or is going to be a very good one, because Spain really is an unbelievable country. It is, in fact, a kingdom, situated in the southern part of the European continent. The south, as well as the east of the country is strongly connected to the Mediterranean Sea, so you can now understand why Spain is such a perfect destination for a sunny holiday spent on a warm and delicate beach.

The north of the country is bordered by the Biscay Bay, while the Atlantic Ocean stands at the west. Interesting countries such as Morocco, Andorra or Portugal stand among its neighbors, so the unique influences in art, culture and even gastronomy have a reason when you learn that.

A short history of a big country

Spain was originally inhabited by the Basques and the Celts, as well as by the Iberians, but the year 206 BC transformed it into a small part of the big Roman Empire. The Moors fought for it and even conquered the country to the detriment of the Romans, but the Christians were the ones who had the final word to say. Its role in the history of humanity is bigger than people can imagine: it is one of the first places in the world where the mineral commerce began, having the Phoenicians as road openers.

While being ruled by the Islam, learning received a very important role to play in the lives of Spaniards: Cordoba became a center of global importance for the study of medicine and science, as well as for the study of literature and philosophy. Important discoveries had Spain as their base; Fernando Magellan, for example, explorer born in Portugal but financially sustained by Spain, was the one who completed a global circumnavigation.

Needless to say that Christopher Columbus was helped by the Spanish King Ferdinand and by the Spanish Queen Isabella in his long journey to discover America. It is also the merit of a series of Spanish explorers the discovery of other landmarks in the world; for example, Argentina was colonized by the Spanish Pedro de Mendoza. One thing is certain: the world would not look like it does today if it hadn’t been for Spain and its wonderful inhabitants.