ANDALUSIA THE FUSION BETWEEN ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY IN THE ARTS AND CULTURE OF EUROPE

ANDALUSIA

THE FUSION BETWEEN ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY IN THE ARTS AND CULTURE OF EUROPE

One of the most remarkable places in the world: nowhere else is the complex coexistence between Islam and Christianity more etched in historical landscapes, architecture, art, music, food and current customs than here, in Spain’s Andalusia, a vast region of snowy mountains, olive-studded valleys and desert coasts whose tip sits less than 16 kilometres from Morocco.

For nearly 800 years, caliphs ruled Andalusia. In 1492, the Catholic king and queen , Fernando and Isabel, ended the last Islamic stronghold in Europe —a few months before signing off on Christopher Columbus’ trip to the new world, which also started here.
The Iberian Peninsula has been a bridge between Europe and Africa for centuries, and Andalusia has been ruled by Romans, Greeks, Byzantines and Phoenicians, though Islam, Christianity and Judaism have left most of the marks.
Discover the historical influence these religions have had on this prosperous and thriving region, and see beautiful Moorish architecture. Revel in the chance to go behind the scenes of these three great cultures to see how they coexisted for hundreds of years, and how and why it changed.

ART & ARCHITECTURE

Privately Visit the Dueñas Palace in Seville, built in the late 15th century in the Renaissance style with Gothic and Moorish influences. The palace is one of the major historic homes in the city of great architectural and artistic heritage.
Visit the private palatial home of the Marquis of Motilla in Seville. The Marquis welcomes you into his house and guides you around this stunning property. Built in neogothic style it is inspired on the Palazzo Vecchio of Florence.
With a professional architect explore the Mosque Cathedral of Cordoba and the quaint Jewish quarter. Discovering the architectural styles of the Caliphate of Cordoba, former capital of the Omeya caliphate, it became one of the largest cities in the world with one million inhabitants in the 10th Century.
Private tour of the Abbey of Sacromonte in Granada, a 400 year old monument with an important cultural, historical and religious legacy. A space for dialogue between cultures and with a large archive of documents and artistic pieces.
Visiting the catacombs of Sacromonte, known as the holy caves, a touching experience on the sacred grounds of Granada.
At closed doors visit the Alahambra palace and its gardens, one of the most spectacular reminders of 800 years of Islamic settlement in Spain. The best surviving examples of Moorish art & architecture today. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site it is one of the most visited locations in Spain.
Privately visit the historic quarter of Granada, the Madrassa built in 1349, a koranic school and the first university in Granada, the Grand Royal Chapel of the Catholic Kings, Ferdinand and Isabel and the Granada Cathedral.

NATURE

Private Boat Trip along the Gualdalquivir River, experience the beauty of Seville aboard a private yacht. The Guadalquivir is the only navigable river in Spain. Enjoying the perspective of both riversides, seeing the old quarter of Triana and the 13th century Golden watchtower as we sail down the riverbank.
Privately visit the Patios of Cordoba, the UNESCO Recognised Patio gardens of the old town of Cordoba are enchanting. Visit some of the prettiest examples with a local guide. Springtime is the best time to see these colourful spaces which are carefully managed by private residents.

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

Private Flamenco Show & Guitars collection visit in Seville, The Casa de la Guitarra dates from the 18th century, offers a unique museum collection of old guitars from the 19th century, all of them very special pieces. Today talented artists grace the stage of this exclusive flamenco venue in Seville. Enjoy a private and exclusive flamenco music and dance show.
In the the courtyard of the palace of the Marquis of Motilla in Seville enjoy a private Opera performance and let the senses immerse in a complete experience of beauty and style.
Evening Show at the Royal Horse Stables of Cordoba, see the unique thoroughbred Spanish Horses at the Royal Stables of Cordoba. Commission by Phillip II in 1570 the Royal Stables was to achieve the best horse breed in history. The Andalusian horse – purebred Spanish horse
Perfume Workshop set in an historic building in the lower Albaicin in Granada, create your unique perfume with natural ingredients and the guidance of a master perfumiere. Discover raw materials used in perfumery, compose your own formula and take with your unique essence.
Private Hammam Experience Bathe in this stunning Hammam set inside a 13th Century building beneath the Alhambra in Granada. The session includes several contrasting baths with different temperatures and a massage with aromatic oils. The fragrances are inspired on the Al Andalus, choose between Orange blossom, rose, jasmine or pomegranate.
Create your own Ceramic art according to the tradition of Muslim artists at the time of Al Andalus, set inside a typical Carmen house overlooking the city of Granada.

EPICUREAN

Celebrate Spanish wines, and their incredible variety, through pairings with local produce cooked right before your eyes. Lead by our Head Chef and a professional sommelier, enjoy the live cooking demonstration and get cooking tips.
An unforgettable experience at Noor, a Michelin star restaurant creating dishes of Arabic and Andalusi cuisine by Paco Morales. A renown Spanish chef, the project at Noor is to recover Andalusia’s Arab Cuisine, yet with Avant Garde and contemporary touches.
Basque chef Alvaro Arriaga delights us with a private lunch at his contemporary restaurant in Granada with views across the city and Sierra Nevada.
Privately dine in the oldest 5 star hotel in Spain with an architectural style inspired in the Alhambra Palace and panoramic views across the city of Granada.