The Routes Of The Legacy Of Al-Andalus
Author: Rudi Van Der Zalm

For almost eight centuries, the Iberian Peninsula lived one of
its most privileged moments, not only with regard to Spain, but
also to Europe as a whole: the age of Moslem Spain, which the
Arabs called Bilad al-Andalus.

The mixture of races, religions and cultures gave rise to a
brilliant civilization, where both the Arts and Science
flourished. Silks, objects of art produced in ivory, bronze and
marble, ceramic tiling, the creation of a subtle architectural
style and luminous sensual poetry all made al-Andalus the
cultural focal point of Europe; a bridge between East and West;
the cradle of a splendid and refined civilization.

The Foundation The legacy of al-Andalus aims to recover
disseminate and preserve the historical, artistic and
architectural heritage of al-Andalus. But also, its wish is to
promote the most outstanding values of that civilization: the
people's feeling for life, how they lived together in tolerance
and harmony, their music, gastronomy, everyday life. The mark
left by al-Andalus is reflected in the concept of art, in the
character and in the attitude toward life of the present-day
inhabitants, heirs to this legacy.

Today we can all delve into this living inheritance, thanks to
projects such as the Routes of the legacy of al-Andalus, which
will take us through beautiful spots, providing us with an
overall vision of the culture, as well as with the chance to
truly experience it.

Route of the Caliphate

This Route runs through lands of Cordoba, Jaen and Granada,
along the N-432 and N-331 main road and covering approximately
180 km. It links two large geological depressions; that of the
river Gaudalquivir and that of Granada, traversing passes in the
Sub-Betic mountain ranges opened by basins and river valleys.
Both depressions are closed in by the Sierra Morena and Sierra
Nevada massifs. This journey follows one of Andalusia's main
communications routes.

This Route is a true adventure for the spirit: from Cordoba to
Granada, also crossing ancient borderlands of Jaen. Two turning
points in history; two unrepeatable moments; two golden ages. It
showes the two extremes of the region, revealing the magnificent
cultural, religious, political and social heritage left by the
Moslems on the Iberian peninsula. Cordoba, the acme, the binding
brilliance that made all the other western cities pale by
comparison. Granada, the refined terminal mannerism of a
civilisation under threat. And, between the two, a succession of
walled towns and castles perched atop strategic vantage-points;
places that, at first, became the scene of, or were witness to,
the occassionally agitated military exchanges and then formed
the camps and bases from which to besiege Granada.

This journey is not just a lesson in history. It is also an
aesthetic delight, a joy for the senses. Not only for the eyes:
refined palates will discover products and tastes with echoes of
the past. Those same echoes also seem to be palpable in any of
the celebrations and traditions fo the towns and villages along
the Route. An itinerary, in short, which will undoubtedly make
us that little bit wiser, thanks to all that we will experience
along either of its two branches: northern and southern.
History, celebrations and crafts, gastronomy.. all taking place
in a landscape with a vegetation, agriculture and climate that
are unique to these provinces of the Region of Andalucia.


About The Author: With more than 20 years of experience in the
travel industry Rudi van der Zalm is the founder of one of
Europe's most popular websites for holiday cottages in rural
Spain. A wide selection of country houses and rural
accommodation can be found at http://www.rural-tour.com