Spain constantly attracts the eyes of tourists. The country promises an incredible cocktail made by her from sharply contrasting natural and man-made objects, unforgettable emotions and bright colors. It hosts the famous tomato festival, a dangerous and adrenaline-causing bullfight, and here they dance a dance of passion - flamenco. But if many people know about these events, who have never even visited the country, then some interesting facts about Spain can only be found by touching the history of a hot nation.
Geography of spain
Interesting facts about the country are connected with its unusual position. It has borders on two continents at once. In the south, Spain borders on Morocco, and their total border line is 13 kilometers.
The climate is distinguished by its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
Not many people know that the islands located in the Atlantic Ocean and called the Dog Islands, are part of the territory of Spain. However, it is worth mentioning the modern name - Canary, and everything becomes clear. In ancient times, dogs were brought there. But the breed turned out so fierce and terrifying that they had to be destroyed.
The mainland is occupied by mountains. The main ones are the Cordillera and the Pyrenees. There is a volcano on the territory of the country, but it is considered extinct.
For history buffs
Of course, the country is not the richest in ancient artifacts and attractions, but interesting facts about ancient Spain will help to take a fresh look at the streets of cities.
It is reliably known that the place where the modern city of Cadiz is now spread was previously occupied by the ancient Phoenicians. It is considered the oldest of all European cities. Historians calculate the time of its foundation from the II century BC. Then came Abdera and Malaka, and the ancient Greeks settled along the Mediterranean.
The official formation of the kingdom is considered to be 1469. In those days, Isabella of Castile married Ferdinand of Aragon. After Columbus discovered America, gold and silver flowed into the country. Spain is becoming very influential and powerful.
But after political and economic turmoil, Spain is losing all its colonies. Cuba was lost in 1895. Now the country has a constitutional monarchy.
Unique moments
Before you take a vacation ticket, it will be interesting to get to know the amazing, and sometimes incredible, facts from ancient and modern Spain.
For economic relations, it is important that the country is one of the few that affects the internal relations of lands on another continent. Studying interesting facts about Spain, you can find out that under the Spanish flag are the African cities of Ceuta and Melilla, as well as the fabulous Canary Islands.
No less interesting is the fact that it is Spain that belongs to the province of Almeria. And the uniqueness of these lands is that a real desert is located here - the only one in the European lowland. Tabernas boasts the hottest and driest climates in the whole country. However, while tourists value sunny days, local farmers are making incredible efforts to achieve excellent harvests. After all, the lack of rain completely suits the spa, but pretty much harms the landings.
No less interesting facts about Spain for tourists can often be heard from guides. So, it is curious that in one country there is a cathedral, which is considered the smallest in the world, as well as a church, which has the largest sizes, and you can see it in Seville. The tiny cathedral barely reaches an area of 2 square meters. meter and comfortably located in Malaga.
Dedicated to football fans
Interesting facts about Spain include the country's sports life. The most beloved and popular sport among the population is football. The game is so in demand that it is even equated with religion, and successful players are revered by the whole country. In this way, the country is very similar to Brazil, where football is also broadcasted at all points of public catering.
Studying the most interesting facts about Spain, you can find that the famous exclamation of Ole Ole fans comes from the local population. By the way, 2010 was enchanting for the fans. The Spanish team became the world champion.
The customs of the Spaniards
Despite the small size of the country, each province has its own traditions, local customs and food cravings. Studying interesting facts about Spain and the Spaniards, you can find that even the language of the indigenous inhabitants of the land is significantly different.
The northern inhabitants - the Basques - generally possess a unique dialect. Its feature is that it is completely artificial and originated during the war with the United States. The US military developed it as an encryption of messages for transmission to headquarters.
Tourists are pleased with the fact that only Spain can boast such a vibrant nightlife. Everywhere, from the main streets and parks to the squares, you can safely walk in the rays of bright lights. Even children have something to do. All rides operate as before. Such nightlife is due to the fact that it is very hot during the day, so residents can rest in peace only after sunset.
In the country grow bananas. But the inhabitants learned about the existence of tomatoes, avocados, potatoes and cocoa thanks to the discoverers. Thus, tobacco was brought to Spain.
Interestingly, the Spaniards are a very selfish people. If the Slavs are in a hurry to do everything on time, then the inhabitants of the sunny country always put off the important things for tomorrow.
Andalusian horses are the pride of Spanish breeders. No wonder it is considered the most proud, beautiful and vibrant breed. The horse is always used in official processions and national parades. The Spaniards are very proud of their offspring and nicknamed the horse "the son of the wind", because of its appearance and chic developing mane.
Spain for children
For tourists traveling on a trip with offspring, it will be important to find out interesting facts about Spain for children. Little researchers will certainly be interested in visiting one of the largest aquariums.
The institution is located in Barcelona, in the port area. Appearance alone can strike the imagination of children. The complex includes 35 aquariums, where you can personally see more than 10 thousand inhabitants of the deep sea.
The pearl of the complex is a huge aquarium with a walk-through tunnel, the length of which is 80 meters.
Children always want to see everything at once. To do this, you should visit another Barcelona miracle - the Spanish village. Here, in one place, miniatures and exact copies of the main Spanish attractions are collected. Even adults will be interested in admiring the smaller palaces and castles.
Children can be told that for the reproduction of all objects the same materials were used as in the construction of the originals. The village is quite old. Famous architects have been arranging it since 1929.
Children of school age will be interested in visiting a natural site located on the Montserrat mountain range. The zone is especially protected and contains unique plant objects. Specialists distinguish more than 1500 species of various plants. Be sure to grab the camera. Mountain landscapes and unique flora will help to make unique shots.
Education Facts in Spain
The country maintains a high standard of education and is famous for the quality of knowledge among graduates. Foreign schoolchildren and students come to Spain annually to get an education. This is also facilitated by the fact that the national language is the second most common after English.
It is important to know interesting facts about Spain for students who plan to study there. Recently, a large-scale reform of the entire system has been carried out there in order to switch to European standards.
Spanish education has its own historical traditions, and thanks to modern innovations, the system successfully integrates into the European one.
The education levels in Spain resemble the Russian ones, so it is easier for domestic children to readjust to study in a foreign country. They distinguish a preschool level, a basic one (in our country this is an elementary school), a middle level, called “bichelerato”, and a higher school.
It is important that secondary education, as in Russia, is compulsory for all children and free of charge. They come to school from the age of six and study up to sixteen. But foreign students can study at state educational institutions only for a fee.
Continuing to learn interesting facts about Spain for children, you can find out that after graduating from high school, the student continues to study in college. But the final exams allow you to use the results for admission to higher education.
So vibrant Spain
Interesting facts about the country for children include several things. So, you can tell a lot of interesting things to the guys:
- You can have lunch in the Country at 15-16 hours, while dinner here - only after 22-00. Of course, such a schedule is associated with a hot climate. Therefore, even children are allowed to go to bed late.
- They rarely cook at home, so a mother standing in the kitchen is more likely the exception. Spaniards prefer cafes and canteens.
- Paella lovers will appreciate the fact that it was originally made from chicken, and only later tasted a seafood recipe.
- Drinking water directly from the tap is completely forbidden. Moreover, it is very clean, even a filter is not required.
- During the broadcast of the football match, all Spain’s free men gather in bars and always take their sons with them. By the way, wives and daughters are not far behind.
- It is useful to know that during the conversation the Spaniards are very gesticulating and at the same time come close to the interlocutor. So lovers of waved hands will definitely appreciate this habit.
In general, the country is very fond of children and treat their pranks calmly. Therefore, tourists with kids feel free.
Useful facts for tourists
Every corner of Spain will give tourists a lot of positive emotions and talk about its culture. Different regions differ not only in landscape, but also in traditions, and even climate. Many interesting facts about Spain are related to their eating habits and preferences.
Spanish cuisine is very ambiguous, and sometimes residents like hotter food. But local wines are definitely worth a try. To see the famous vineyards with your own eyes, you must visit La Rioja. Here they will not only tell and show how they make wines, but also let them taste them.
Each village in the region has its own wine museum. Local shops abound with different drinks, and friendly owners will certainly tell you about the taste of everyone and give them a try.
Those who collect interesting facts about Spain will surely be very interested in visiting Seville. After all, it is here that you can see everywhere dancing the passionate flamenco dance. And he does it skillfully and old and young.
Spanish festival
The most spectacular and noisy holiday is held annually in Valencia. The famous Las Fallas is a festival that lasts a whole week. To get to the celebration, you must come to Spain in March. The main components of the holiday are incendiary music, funny dances and bonfires.
During the festival, a competition is organized between different areas for the best sculpture. The materials used are wood and papier-mâché. The figures are simply grandiose. But the result resembles a Russian carnival. At the end of the celebration, they are burned at the stake.
In order to personally witness architectural masterpieces, it is worth visiting the small town of Segovia. It is quite ancient, and it is there that the prototype of the fairytale castle is located in the screensaver from Disney. This is the Alcazar castle with famous recognizable turrets.
Another miracle is the ancient Roman aqueduct. It consists entirely of granite blocks that are not fixed by any means, which are held only due to their own gravity. The strength of the entire structure is proven by time. For more than 2000 years, it has stood as the strongest fortress.
Conclusion
You can find out many interesting facts about Spain simply by visiting the country. But it is well known that all conditions are created for vacationers here. During the day it is best to spend time on the coast or go on an excursion to local attractions, and in the evenings a variety of entertainment programs and shows are organized. Bars, nightclubs, small cafes and taverns work almost all night.
A lot of interesting things can be seen in the country. But, in the end, it is worth highlighting a few facts. to know:
- it is not customary at the table to discuss Francisco Franco, bullfighting and war;
- to please the owner, you should ask for supplements;
- the national food is jamon, which is similar to bacon, but in fact it is a specially prepared pork ham;
- The best artists and famous sculptors come from Spain.
Here she is, proud, bright and cheerful Spain, the facts about which are very lovable.