Контрольная работа: Spain
Barcelona, one of the Mediterranean's busiest ports, is more than the capital of Catalonia. In culture, commerce, and sport, it rivals not only Madrid, but also many of Europe's greatest cities. The success of the 1992 Olympic Games, staged in the Parc de Montjuic, confirmed this to the world.
Although there are many historical monuments in the Old Town, the city is best known for the scores of superb buildings left behind by the artistic explosion of Modernism in the decades around 1900.
Today, Barcelona still sizzles with creativity, its bars and public parks speak more of bold contemporary design than of tradition.
Eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands
¥Eastern Spain covers an extraordinary range of climates and landscapes, from the snowbound peaks of the Pyrenees in Aragon to the beaches of the Costa Blanca. The region has many historical sights, including the striking Mudejar churches of Zaragoza and the great cathedral of Valencia.
The coastal resorts of Eastern Spain are a popular destination, as are the Balearic Islands. Mallorca is the most culturally rich of the islands, while Menorca is dotted with prehistoric sites. Ibiza is chiefly known for its exuberant nightlife. Formentera remains largely unspoiled. A dialect of the Catalan language, brought by 13th-century settlers, is still widely spoken on the islands.
Mallorca and the Balearic Islands
Mallorca
The largest of the Balearic Islands is Mallorca. Mallorca has a varied landscape and a rich cultural heritage A massive Gothic cathedral is poised high on the sea wall of Palma, its capital. Completed in 1587 and known locally as Sa Seu, the cathedral is one of Spain's most breathtaking buildings. The interior was remodeled by Antoni Gaudi and a highlight is the Baldachino, his bizarre wrought-iron canopy above the altar.
Also worth visiting in Palma are the Basilica de Sant Francesc, the Moorish Palau de l'Almudaina, and the Fundacio Pilar I loan Miro. Which is a stunning modern building housing Miro's, studio and a collection of the artist's work.
Around the island, Andratx is a chic and affluent town with yachts moored along it's harbor, while Pollenta is a popular tourist resort which has remained relatively unspoiled.
The Monasteri de Uluc, in the remote mountain village of the same name, incorporates a guesthouse, a museum, and a church.
Menorca
Menorca's capital, Mao, has one of the finest harbors in the Mediterranean, an l8th century Carmelite church, and a museum, the Collection of Henandez Mora, housing Menorcan art and antiques.
The town of Ciutadella boasts an impressive main square and a delightful Art Nouveau market.
Ibiza and Formentera
Ibiza and Formentera are popular package-tour destinations.
Ibiza has some of the wildest nightclubs in Europe.
An hour's boat ride from Ibisa harbour are the tranquil shores of Formentera. The capital, Sant Francesc, has a pretty l8th-century church and a folk museum.
Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca occupies a prime stretch of Spain's Mediterranean coastline. The main city, Alicante has an 18th-century Baroque town hall and a 16th-century castle, the Castillo de Santa Barbara. The nearest beach to the city center is the popular Postiguet, slightly farther a field are the vast beaches of Alhufereta and Sant Joan.
The massive, rocky outcrop of the Penyal d'Ifach towers over Calp harbor, and is one of the Costa Blanca's most dramatic sights. Its summit offers spectacular views.
A short drive inland, Guadalest is a pretty mountain village with castle ruins and a distinctive belfry perched precariously on top of a rock.
Also worth visiting are the whitewashed hilltop town of Altea, Denia, which has good snorkeling, and the cliffs and coves around Xabia South of Alicante.
Guardamar del Segura has a quiet beach bordered by aromatic pine woods, while Torrevieja is a highly developed resort wid sweeping sandy shores.
Southern Spain
One large region called (Andalusia) extends across the south of Spain. It was here that the Moors lingered longest and left their greatest monuments in the cities of Granada, Cordoba, Malaga, and Seville.
The eight southern provinces span a wide range of landscapes, with deserts in the east, sandy beaches along the Costa del Sol, and sherry-producing vineyards around Jerez.
From flamingoes in the wetland Dofiana National Park to flamenco, this uniquely Andalusian art form. The region has something to interest every visitor.