Culture of Spain
The history and culture of Spain is rich and versatile. The colorfulness of this country, its unequaled beauty provided inspiration for Picasso, Goya, Velasquez, Dali and others. The influence of different nations, religions and cultures, the location at the border of Europe and Africa, as well as being locked up between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean reiterates in the majestic monuments and interesting traditions of Spain. Probably, this location made Spain to be birthplace of flamenco and Corrida. Another interesting branch of the culture of Spain is architecture, especially Spanish Modern Art.
Spain's input into the world cultural heritage is truly enormous – this country can boast not only the beauty of its cities, but also the fact that it is the home of many artists. The culture of Spain is presented by the legendary Spanish painters of the Golden Age – El Greco and Diego Velasquez who brought fame to the city of Toledo through their astonishing and impressive style and playing with shades. El Greco Museum, which was built in 1912, is located relatively close by the house of the painter and can show its visitors a very diverse collection of El Greco's works.
For visitors of Barcelona, this city uncovers the amazing world of Antonio Gaudi, a genial architect whose real name is Antoni Plàcid Guillem Gaudí i Cornet. His work is a culmination of Spanish Modern Art and gives Barcelona a truly unique look – Casa Mila, Park Güell, Casa Lleo Morera, Casa Ametller, Casa Batllo, these are the famous buildings of this city. A special atmosphere is in the city due to those buildings of Spanish Modern Art. However, the zenith of his genius Gaudi certainly reached in the unsurpassed Church Sagrada Familia. The construction started in 1882, and the great architect connected his master-work with the rebirth of Catalonia in both a cultural and social sense. The style of this architectural masterpiece is difficult to determine and most research points to it as an example of Gothic architecture although this verdict is debatable since it is known that Sagrada Familia was conceived in a strictly Middle Age spirit.
The paintings of the 20th Century were under full authority of such Spanish painters as Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris, Juan Miro and Salvador Dali who gave the world some of the most astonishing and somewhat shocking works. These Spanish painters experimented with materials and techniques, but more than anything else they experimented with their audience, which is why nobody can remain indifferent after seeing their paintings. The famous Dali Theater and Museum is located in the town of Figueres, a place where more and more tourists come each year to enjoy the master's beautiful works.
Obviously, the culture of Spain is characterized not only by the above names – flamenco, the musical genre, and Corrida, the art of bull fight, are probably the true symbols of this country. Southern Andalusia and its three towns: Moron de la Frontera, Jerez de la Frontera, and Vida are the birthplace of flamenco, a synthesis of Arab, Gypsy, Jewish and Christian musical and religious traditions.
Twisting hands, a strong, straight back, a pulled up torso, the knocking of heels, a passionate and piercing look in the eyes and emotion in everything – that's flamenco. This is a dance where not only a sense of rhythm and other similar physical skills are crucial for the good dancer, but also the feelings, the emotions coming from the heart. No strange that Spain is a birthplace of flamenco, a dance of body and soul.
Long before this union of guitar, dance and singing another art was born in Spain and became the calling card of this country – the start of Corrida is often connected with the first cave drawings depicting bulls. The beauty of this thrilling show, where the main roles are played by fierce animals and a brave matador attracts many tourists from different countries.
