Imagine enjoying the sunny beaches of Spain recreating in your mind the time of the conquistadors and King Felipe’s army sailing the vast ocean in search of lands to conquer in the name of Spain and Christianity.
The old world connects with the modern world on this side of the earth, without taking into account the tragedies of history and the moving events that helped create the foundations of the Spain of today.
The second largest country in Western Europe after France, Spain is bordered to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea, except for a small land border with Gibraltar; to the north with France, Andorra and the Bay of Biscay; and to the west with the Atlantic Ocean and Portugal. Spain was considered the main world power in the 15th century with its colonization of several territories in South America and Asia, highlighting Mexico, Cuba and the Philippines. Under this global empire, Christianity flourished and Spanish culture and traditions are still felt for centuries.
Its current legacy of more than 400 million Spanish speakers around the world speaks to the power and global influence of Spain during that time. Now a developed country with the eighth largest economy in the world, Spain’s renaissance after living in a doldrums after the time of the Spanish Civil War and the reign of Franco is an inspiring thread.
Known for having a diverse cultural heritage, having been influenced by many nations and peoples throughout its history, Spanish culture traces its origins to Iberian, Celtiberian, Latin, Visigothic, Roman Catholic, and Islamic cultures.
Whether you are an avid student of history or simply a tourist with a penchant for places of great historical significance, Spain is the place for you. Its rich history and environment have played an important role in shaping its culture. After Italy, Spain has the second highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, with a total of 40.
If you are an aspiring artist, living in Spain will be a wonderful idea as it is basically brimming with all kinds of artistic diversions and its historical significance will surely inspire you to create your own masterpiece. The great painters Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí, as well as the offbeat surrealist filmmaker Luis Buñuel are just some of the Spanish artists who captivated the world. Of course, we must not forget the impoverished old Castilian hidalgo, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, author of Don Quixote de la Mancha, the most emblematic work of the canon of Spanish letters and a founding classic of Western literature.
So if you ever think of moving, Spain might be the best place for you. As I said earlier, you can create quite a nice image of ships with rough sails on the beaches of Spain or stand behind Don Quixote and Sancho Panza as they conquer the world.