​India is an exotic country of contrasts. India is a mysterious country of contrasts

Interesting information about India

India is one of the most amazing countries in the world. It can rightfully be called the most unique and beautiful country South Asia. The history of Indian civilization goes back more than 5000 years. World religions were born here: Buddhism and Hinduism. India is an amazing country, full of colour, life and light. A bunch of interesting places, among which are natural and architectural attractions, breathe history, and seem to be thoroughly permeated with mystery. The energy of these beautiful places so colossal that having visited them once, people get an indelible impression for the rest of their lives.

India is the largest country in South Asia. It has a significant area and is very large population. It is among the top ten countries in the world for these two indicators. The birthplace of ancient Indian culture. There are many historical and architectural monuments on its territory. Modern fast development countries contributes technical progress and improving the quality of life of the population, but, by European standards, they are still low. Despite the fact that India is the second most populous country in the world, its territory is three times smaller than that of the United States. Rupees – Indian National currency, is prohibited for import and export from the country.

India is the second largest English-speaking country in the world. In India, almost every state has its own language, so English is considered the national language here. There are about 1650 dialects in India. The number of people who speak English is slightly smaller here than in the US. English is one of the 22 official languages ​​of India, and a subsidiary official language of the government along with Hindi. Only 10% of Indians speak English, and a small minority speak it native language, but in a country with such a large population, you can almost always find someone with whom you can communicate on it.

India attracts tourists and travelers from all over the world with its beautiful landscapes, a pleasant holiday on the sea coast, with chic temples and magnificent architectural monuments. For my long history Many attractions were built in this country, which are valuable not only for the Indian people, but are also considered a world heritage. Since ancient times, other peoples have sought to see all the wonders of India with their own eyes.

Each state has its own set of attractions, among which it is easy to find places to suit every taste. Large cities (New Delhi, Mumbai) are megacities, noisy and active. Outback - villages in the jungle, secluded beaches. There is a lot of exoticism in the country, in all spheres of life. Tropical nature, intricate palaces and temples, the Great Ganges and the Indian Ocean, colorful saris and spices. There is almost nothing in India that is familiar to residents of other countries.

In India, in 2010, they created the most luxurious train in the world, called the Maharaja Express (great kings), the route of which runs from Delhi to Mumbai along the most famous places countries. The Maharaja Express is a unique tourist route, where guests travel in 5-star conditions.

In India, Holi is celebrated - the festival of spring. On this day, Hindus wish each other happiness by sprinkling the chosen one with colored powder or spices, or dousing them with colored water. Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The holy city of Varanasi was first inhabited more than 3,000 years ago, and Hindus themselves believe that the city is even older and was created more than 5,000 years ago by the deity Shiva. Varanasi is located on the holy spots of the Ganges River. Many Hindus choose to die at this place as they believe it frees one from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.

The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh could become the fifth most populous country in the world. The population of Uttar Pradesh is more than 200 million and it more people than in Japan, Mexico and even Russia. This northern state is home to the Taj Mahal and the city of Varanasi, as well as many other attractions including " dead city» Fatehpur Sikri, nature reserves, the building of Bara Imambara in Lucknow and others.

Stepwells can be found throughout the desert. In the dry climate of northern and western India, water is not always readily available and often has to be extracted from underground. Many stepwells in Delhi, Rajasthan and Gujarat were carved and decorated like temples with zigzag steps with many tunnels and balconies that lead to the water. Some of the most beautiful step wells are Chand Baori near Jaipur and Ajalaj outside Ahmedabad.

India has the largest sundial in the world. The Jantar Mantar observatory complex in Jaipur and Delhi, built in the 18th century, was once a place where astronomical tables were prepared and the movements of the Sun, Moon and planets were predicted with the naked eye. Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is the largest, and is equipped with 19 architectural astronomical instruments, including the largest sundial in the world. The Delhi observatory is smaller but not as crowded and you can even climb some of the structures. Here you can find strange and unusual post offices.

India has the largest postal system in the world, and here you can find post offices in the most unexpected and unusual places. Thus, in the city of Haikki in the state of Himachal Pradesh, there is the highest post office at an altitude of 4,440 meters. A floating post office can be found on Dal Lake in Kashmir, and in the 70s, some cities were supplied with mobile camel post.

20 sights, beautiful and sacred places India

1.Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is the greatest structure in Agra and is the most famous and popular attraction in India. This majestic mausoleum, covered with beautiful romantic legends was built in the 17th century by order of Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. This is the huge snow-white tomb of Shah Jahan and his wife. The building is made of rare marble inlaid with semi-precious stones. The building combines various architectural styles. Its walls are lined with a special type of marble, which seems to change color in different time days. Numerous gems, semiprecious stones, a huge garden with artificial ponds - this is what tourists who decide to visit this place will see. Taj Mahal is considered greatest monument Hindu-Muslim culture. Every year, millions of tourists come to Agra to see this unique Indian attraction with their own eyes. The Taj Mahal has rightfully earned an honorable place in the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is included in the list of new wonders of the world.

2. Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple is located in the capital of India. The walls of the building are made of snow-white marble, and its shape resembles a blooming lotus, which is what gives this attraction its name. This is a relatively young temple in New Delhi. It was built in 1986. The Lotus Temple is the main temple of the Bahai religion in India. The building is exceptional in its architectural design, unusually impressive at any time of the day. There is a garden next to the temple. One of the most popular places among tourists in Delhi.

3. Qutub Minar

The Qutub Minar is considered the tallest and oldest minaret on Earth. According to these indicators, he is even listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Currently, disputes about whether the minaret belongs to Islamic or Hindu culture have not yet subsided. The tower, 72 meters high, is built of brick, decorated with carvings and artistic masonry. You can climb 379 steps to the very top. The minaret consists of five tiers, the lower one with a diameter of 14 meters, and the upper one - 3 meters. The Qutub Minar reflects the history of medieval architecture in the Indian capital. Its walls are decorated with inscriptions, even containing the words of the Holy Koran. This minaret was built in Delhi by several generations of sultan rulers. Protected by UNESCO.

4. Hampi

On the banks of the Tungabhadra River, in the north of the Indian state of Karnataka, one of the most interesting places in India is located - the village of Hampi. This Indian settlement lies in the heart of the ruins of the once great city of Vijayanagar. The village consists of several streets and is a stone plateau. The houses are built between giant boulders. Hampi village is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year to enjoy unprecedented beauty, swim in the Tungabhadra River and climb giant boulders. Now there are the remains of ancient buildings and functioning Hindu temples. In 1986, Hampi Village was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has become an architectural, historical and religious landmark in India. Indeed, in the Hampi region there are 18 ancient architectural and historical monuments.

5. City of Varanasi

The city of Varanasi is the center of the world for Hindus, the most important and revered place by them. Possesses unique history, architecture, everyday life. This oldest city in India. It is located on the Ganges River and serves as a place of pilgrimage for many local residents and visitors. Ritual actions are performed on the banks.

6. Gateway of India in New Delhi

The India Gate is an architectural monument designed in the form of an arch by the architect Edwing Lutyens. This is a monument to Indian soldiers who died in the First World War. It was opened in 1931. It is located right in the center of the capital. Outwardly resembles Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The monument is made of sandstone, about 40 meters high. 90 thousand names of the dead are engraved on the walls of the arch. Nearby is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, erected in 1971. There is a large park around the memorial. At the foot of the monument is burning Eternal flame. It is customary to lay wreaths at this monument in memory of fallen soldiers.

7. Red Fort in Agra

This is a grandiose fortress built of red sandstone. Located in Agra, it is one of the two most significant landmarks in the region. Built by several generations of the Great Mughals, the beginning of construction dates back to the middle of the 16th century. Inside the impregnable walls there is a whole complex of buildings, palaces and parks. Red Fort of Agra or Akbarabad Palace long years was the residence of Indian rulers and military leaders. The fortress perfectly adorns the banks of the Yamuna River. Agra Fort is a whole ensemble of architectural buildings that are protected by a huge red sandstone wall, 20 meters high and 2.4 kilometers long. Behind the wall there is a deep ditch. It used to be filled with water with crocodiles. In 1983, this Indian landmark was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The fort still plays a significant role.

8. Humayun's Tomb

Humayun's tomb was built on the orders of his widow Hamida Banu Begum in the mid-16th century. The creators of this architectural complex are considered to be the architects Mirak Giyathuddin and his son Said Muhammad. The Humayun Mausoleum is a whole complex of tombs of great Indian rulers and their entourage. The attraction is located in the city of New Delhi, on the banks of the Jumna River. The tomb is made in the best Indo-Islamic traditions. It is the prototype of almost all mausoleums in the world. The building rises 44 meters in height and is crowned with a snow-white marble dome. The complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best tourist spots in India.

9. Indian Museum

The Indian Museum is considered one of the oldest museums on the planet. Its walls house exhibits from almost all over the world. There is an Egyptian mummy, Buddha-related exhibits such as a Buddhist stupa and Buddha's ashes. The Ashoka Column occupies a place of honor in the Indian museum. The museum houses fossils and remains of ancient animals, works of art and even meteorites. The Indian Museum is the largest museum and a tourist hotspot in India among lovers of antiquities and art. It was founded at the beginning of the 19th century by the Danish biologist Nathaniel Wallich. The museum is located in Serampore, near Kolkata.

10. Dudhsagar Falls

This is the largest and most famous waterfall in India. Is in natural park- the largest in Goa, in the Bhagwan Mahavir Nature Reserve. This is the most beautiful natural attraction in India! The name of the waterfall is translated into Russian as “milk shores”. Its jets fall from a height of 300 meters and have White color. A powerful stream of water falls from high mountain(the total length of the waterfall is 603 meters) and falls into the purest lake with fresh water. The road runs through tropical forests, in real jungles, where many animals and birds live. You can get to it only by special transport (jeeps). Thousands of tourists come here every year to enjoy the beautiful spectacle of the seething waterfall, as well as to feed the fish that swim in the lake. If you crumble some bread to these fish, they will freakishly jump out of the water. A truly breathtaking sight! Untouched tropical vegetation, the play of water jets, immersion in the atmosphere of wild nature will not leave any visitor indifferent.

11. Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station

This is the most unusual building in Mumbai and is its symbol. The architecture of the station is quaint and very decorative, reminiscent of the maharaja's palace. The building was built by British architects during colonial times, but is stylized local traditions. Previously, the station was named after Queen Victoria. The film “Slumdog Millionaire” was filmed there.

12. Mehrangarh Fortress

This huge fortress-palace is located on the top of a mountain in the state of Rajasthan, just above the city of Jodhpur. Its construction began in the middle of the 15th century, along with the construction of the city. The walls and gates were built over several centuries and became simply monumental. Until the mid-20th century, local rulers lived in the fortress. Inside there is a museum, palaces and observation decks to the city.

13. Golden Temple Harmandir Sahib

The golden temple of Harmandir Sahib rises majestically on the Amritsar reservoir in the city of the same name in the state of Punjab. It is considered the main prayer center for devotees of Sikhism. The settlement of Amritsar itself was founded in 1577 by the 4th guru of the Sikhs, Guru Ram Das. On the site of the modern city of Amritsar, he ordered to dig a reservoir called Amritsar, which translated means “source eternal life" After 11 years, the great Sufi from Lahore - Hazrat Miyan Mir - began to erect a temple building in the heart of the reservoir. IN early XVII century it was ready for use. Before you find yourself inside the temple, you need to cross the path along the marble bridge, which marks the road from sin to holiness. Every tourist will be interested in visiting the Golden Temple of Harmandir Sahib in India.

14. Lake Pikola Palace

The palace of the local ruler was built right in the center of the reservoir. On the surface of the water there is a white-stone eastern castle, richly decorated with carvings. Currently, it is rented out to tourists and there are about a hundred luxurious rooms inside. One of the James Bond films, Octopussy, was filmed here.

15. Goa

An Indian state with about 100 km of beaches one after another. Divided into North and South. The northern coast is more “youthful”; it can be noisy and fun. Yuzhnoe is quieter, there are fewer hotels there and they are more expensive. Almost all beaches are sandy and ideal for relaxation. The proximity to the sea also determines the rich diet of fresh seafood.

16. Ganges River

The Ganges River is a sacred river for Hindus, a place of numerous rituals. It originates in the Himalayas and descends to the Bay of Bengal. Partially navigable. The flora and fauna are gradually becoming poorer, but are still of interest to tourists. Many cities and temples were built along the banks. This is the largest and longest river in India. Has a huge economic and cultural significance for the country.

17. Hawa Mahal Palace

Hawa Mahal is the harem wing of the Palace of Winds in Jaipur. Refers to 18th century architecture. The windows of the building offer an unforgettable view of the city, and the inside of the building is cool even on the hottest day. The building is unique in architecture, all permeated with windows. Since the palace was built for a harem, all the windows were covered with marble bars, the white color of which goes well with the red walls of the building. It has five floors and about a thousand windows in a lacy stone frame.

18. Gateway of India in Mumbai

An iconic arch gate built on the embankment in Mumbai. They were installed in honor of the visit of the country by King George V. The last British soldiers left India through this symbolic gate after it gained independence.

This palace was once the abode of the Maharajas of Mysore. Currently, the reconstruction of the palace, completed at the end of the 19th – beginning of the 20th century, has been preserved. Gray granite walls and pink marble of the main domes, the presence of temples in honor of Hindu deities are the hallmark of this historical building.

20. Ajanta cave temples

Ajanta is a man-made cave monastery belonging to Buddhist tradition. Despite the fact that it is located in the central part of the country, it is separated from civilization by more than a hundred kilometers. This is a Buddhist temple complex. It consists of many rooms for prayers and the life of monks, carved in stone and decorated with rich carvings and columns. The wall paintings of the complex are interesting and valuable; many surviving fragments belong to the genre of traditional Indian miniatures. This is another gem spiritual heritage India.

30 interesting facts about India

1.About 1 million Indians are dollar millionaires.

2.About 35% of India's population is below the poverty line.

3.More than 50 million people cross the Lotus Temple in India every year.

4. There is no free alcohol in India.

5. In the Middle Ages, a widow in India burned herself along with the body of her husband.

6. The very first university in the world was founded here in 700. BC.

7.The Hindu calendar divides the year into 6 seasons: spring, summer, monsoons, autumn, pre-winter and winter.

8.India is the largest consumer of gold in the world.

9. There are 32 properties in India World Heritage UNESCO.

10. India has the largest number of vegetarians in the world.

11. Padmanabhaswamy Temple in India is the richest temple in the world.

12. India has the most big family in the world. Zion Chana is the head of the largest family in the world. He has 39 wives, 94 children and 39 grandchildren. They live in a 4-storey, 100-room house in Baktwang village in Mizoram.

13.India is the country with the highest annual number of murders.

14.The first cotton fabrics were woven in India.

15. India has the most a large number of mosques in the world. Their number reaches about 300 thousand.

16.Local people often use banana leaves as a plate.

17. Hindu civilization is the oldest civilization that has been able to survive to this day.

18. The Taj Mahal was created by about 20,000 different kinds of craftsmen for about 22 years.

19. Bandra-Worli Sea Bridge is the longest overhead bridge in the world. The length of the bridge's steel wires is equal to the circumference of the Earth at the equator, and its weight is equal to the weight of 50,000 African elephants.

20. The Asiatic lion lives only in western India.

21. At an Indian wedding, the number of guests can reach up to 2000 people.

22.Most people in India live on 2-3 dollars a day.

23.Until 1896, India was the world's only diamond producer.

24.Indian airlines hire only women because they weigh less.

25. Hindus eat only with their hands, without using cutlery.

26. India has very cheap mobile communications.

27. Khari Baoli in Delhi is the largest spice market in the world.

28.Most Big city India - Mumbai.

29.Yoga originated in India about 5000 years ago.

30. There are more than 140 types of traditional Indian desserts.

India is an incredibly beautiful, friendly and open country. Taking advantage of some achievements Western civilization, it has consistently honored its traditions for many centuries. But why is India called a land of contrasts?

"Cradle" of human civilization

Compared to Europeans, Indians have completely different ideas about etiquette, personal space and other things. However, every tourist will notice that people in India are very cheerful and friendly despite the fact that their living conditions are often quite difficult. They are happy in their own way, because they know how to rejoice simple things. For a Western person, satiated with a comfortable life and accustomed to comfort, this is sometimes not so easy to understand. You can learn about table etiquette from.

In the 7th-6th millennia BC. in the territory modern India settled primitive tribes who began to engage in cattle breeding and agriculture. And already in the 3rd millennium BC. The highly developed Harappan culture appeared.

Ancient cities had well-developed sewerage and water supply systems, and the layout itself settlements amazes with its thoughtfulness. A thousand years later, this culture ended its existence. Tribes gradually mixed, moved from place to place and created new communities.

Indeed, we can say that India is a country of contrasts . This is manifested in everything: multinationality, diversity of languages ​​and religions. And what can we say about the rich flora and fauna! High mountain meadows give way to dense tropical thickets and endless fields. Fresh greenery blooms in the valleys of the Ganges, Indus and Brahmaputra rivers.

And what kind of strange animals you won’t see here! Different types birds and felines, elephants, rhinoceroses, primates, snakes, reptiles. Moving a little away from the densely populated Indian cities, you can see all this splendor with your own eyes. The main thing is to be careful and not go into places where it could be dangerous. Wildlife after all.

"Colorful" population of India

Indian diversity is evident even in the appearance of the locals. In different parts of the country, people's skin color can vary significantly. For example, closer to the extreme south, people with very dark, almost black skin are more common. But the inhabitants of the north-west have light skin, which makes them somewhat similar to Europeans.

Plurality of languages, religions and nationalities

India is a multinational country that welcomes different religions and languages. According to the country's constitution, English and Hindi are the official languages, and another 18 languages ​​have the status of “registered”. Indeed, an incredibly “motley” population, no matter which way you look at it. Again, this diversity is explained by the historical mixing of nationalities and natural migration processes. .

The languages ​​of the Indo-Aryan group (Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Urdu, etc.) are spoken by about 70% of the population. The other part of the population is incredibly diverse: Telugu, Tamil, Kashmiri, Sanskrit and many more.

But the largest group is the languages ​​of local settlements. These are the so-called "unregistered" languages, of which there are approximately 500. There are also several hundred dialects.

Impressive diversity is also evident in writing. In India, books and newspapers are published, as well as television and radio broadcasts in 24 officially registered languages, except Sanskrit. However, you cannot argue with the fact that there remains a very large percentage of illiterate people in this country.

Indians are very tolerant people in terms of religion. And although Hinduism is most widespread here, religious followers of Christianity, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism and other directions have found a place for themselves in India.

Double impressions of the trip

Let's say you are planning to go on a trip to India and seem to be mentally prepared for the fact that These places differ significantly from the well-groomed and neat environment of many European countries. But, as practice shows, even such readiness does not guarantee that foreign tourist will not experience shock in the first days after arrival.

The variety of smells (not always the most pleasant), the bustle of the locals, the constant movement of traffic, the continuous hum, slums and palaces - all this can make your head spin at first. But over time, getting used to this crazy rhythm of life, you begin to take a closer look at the amazing things that this extraordinary country is filled with.

One of the advantages is low prices. For a foreigner, it may seem surprising how cheaply you can have lunch, travel on public transport or rent a hotel room.

It is relatively convenient to travel around India by train. Thanks to the British, who at one time built an excellent railway, you can travel about 600 km in one night. In addition, it will also be inexpensive, especially if you choose economy class.

Accommodation in cheap hotels also costs ridiculous amounts of money, however, you need to be prepared for the fact that the environment and service can become a test of strength for tourists. And even the climate in India is incredibly diverse.

For the south and center of the country, the best time to visit will be November to mid-February. This is the dry season, which is most favorable to tourists.

Only in contrast can one fully understand the different sides and facets of life and rethink it.

Only in comparison do you begin to appreciate small joys and understand that a person does not need so much to be happy... India will give you many incredible emotions and reward vivid impressions and will definitely change your mind.

Literally from the first minutes of tourists’ stay in India, a waterfall falls on them bright colors national clothes, the pungent smells of spices and smoking incense, the luxury of ancient temples and poverty narrow streets, the diversity of Tantric temples and the silent silence of the Taj Mahal.

India's ambivalence is manifested in everything: here are unique beaches with the purest sand and warm sea, and crooked streets that are difficult to navigate due to the numerous garbage, and unimaginable colors traditional clothes, and the white silence of the most ancient palaces, and the destroyed temples of ancient kings, and the high-rise modern skyscrapers of the largest business centers, and a unique mixture modern technologies and artisanal manual labor.

India is all about contradictions. There is so much mixed in it that it knocks you down, turns your soul inside out, and then puts everything in its place.

Being one of the most populous countries after its neighbor China, India enjoys the status of a republic. Possessing a large area, it amazes with its natural diversity. Here are the inaccessible and alluring “abodes of snow” Himalayas and the endless Thar Desert with camels and nomads, as well as the unique beaches of the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Many rivers originating in the mountains fill their beds during the melting of glaciers and the rainy season and often lead to extensive flooding in some states of the country.

The flora and fauna of India is amazing. Elephants, sacred cows, and numerous dogs calmly walk along the city streets. The crowns of sal and jat trees wave greetings to numerous tourists. Palm trees entwined with vines lean along the many beaches.

Nevertheless, India is glorified not only by its unique climatic conditions, but by its centuries-old culture. Customs, traditions that are frozen in eternity. Here it is impossible to distinguish between the future, present and past. This is a completely different world. A world that shows a person without the embellishment of civilization, without numerous stereotypes, without false masks.

A deeply religious country generously gives the world its culture and centuries-old heritage. Almost the entire population of India are deeply religious people, distinguished by their extraordinary tolerance towards other religions. It is tolerance towards other religions and faiths that makes it possible to see not only centuries-old temples, but also new ones architectural structures. The ancient temples and palaces of India are amazing in their diversity. Here you can find luxurious, huge, and ascetic, strict architectural forms. You can immerse yourself in the brightly colored motley of traditional temples and rest your tired eyes by looking at the dull colors of the numerous cave complexes.

A special place in unique culture The country is occupied by cuisine, which is part of the ancient Indian culture. The cuisine is as fantastic as this mysterious country itself. Here bright and spicy dishes are mixed with tender and soft ones, giving amazing taste sensations. Just look at semolina fried with vegetables, or spicy rice with the addition of sweet mango pieces. Like true artists, skilled Indian chefs blend a variety of herbs and spices into their culinary palettes. Here you can find in any dish mustard seeds, cinnamon, ginger, caraway seeds, and many other seeds, plants and herbs that are rarely found in European cuisine. The range of vegetarian cuisine is very widely represented: from lentils with spicy gravy to hot dishes from a special curd cheese- paneer.

It is impossible not to mention the original and colorful Indian holidays. All of them can be symbolically divided into state, celebrated throughout India, regional and religious. Spreading across numerous city streets, the Indian holiday erases the boundaries that exist between people in this country: religious and national. Whirlpool of performances, classic Indian dances, a riot of colors in national clothes, abundant illumination - this is what the holiday means in India. Their diversity not only fascinates, allows you to rest and relax, but also attracts many tourists with its hospitality.

India is a country you want to visit. She resonates in every heart oriental fairy tale. Arriving in India, you find yourself captivated by the shrill screams of barkers, the sultry aroma of spices and incense, the mooing of cows and the echoing sounds of mantras, chanted speech and bright faces and colors. It is impossible to escape from this captivity. India, with its contradictions, gently breaks all your existing ideas about the world around you and man’s place in it. Breaks down to show life in all its diversity. India is mysterious, diverse, enchanting, bright and melodious. A country that is just waiting to tell its centuries-old tales to everyone who wants to hear it.

Spain is a country of contrasts...

Spain, what do we know about her? In the minds of the average Russian, this is a country of hot men who are fond of football and bullfighting, a country of sun, sand and warm sea. But the tourist who, having arrived in Spain, will never leave the resort town and spend the entire vacation on the beach. After all Spain- this is much more than the azure Mediterranean Sea and flamenco for tourists. Spain is the temperate climate of the Basque Country, and the scorching sun of Andalusia, this is agricultural Galicia, and industrial Catalonia, these are buildings from the time of the Roman Empire and the fruits of the imagination of modern architects, led by Santiago Calatrava, famous for his Olympic Stadium in Athens.

The country has contrasts in everything: from vegetation and climate, to language and even the appearance of the local population. It is enough to note the fact that in Spain as many as 4 languages ​​have the status of state languages, and if Spanish, Catalan and Galician actually have common ancestor- Latin, the Basque language is completely unlike anything else, scientists are still at a loss about the origin of this ancient people and his language. Basques even differ in appearance from typical Spaniards: among them tall blue-eyed blondes. The contrast with the short, stocky, dark, brown-eyed southerners is obvious! It is still very difficult to meet a Russian tourist in the Basque Country, but many Spaniards vacation there, on the coast of the Bay of Biscay. Climate It’s not as hot there as in the Mediterranean, and the places are very picturesque. The most famous local resort is the city of San Sebastian, which is the capital of the annual film festival. Also, thousands of tourists from all over the world come to the Basque town of Pamplona to watch, and the most desperate ones, to take part in the running from the bulls that are allowed through the streets of the city. This event attracts especially many American fans of the work of E. Hemingway, who described this action in one of his novels.

Spain preserves not only the heritage of Christianity. IN Andalusia, which was under the rule of the Moors for almost 8 centuries, many masterpieces of Muslim architecture have been preserved. This is the Mezquita Mosque in Cordoba, from which, after the expulsion of Muslims, they made a Christian cathedral; this is the Seville Giralda minaret, converted into a bell tower at the monumental Cathedral, this is the former Arab quarter of Albaicin in Granada, but authentic pearl of Andalusia- this is the Alhambra Palace, the residence of the emirs of Granada, the oriental elegant courtyards and fountains, as well as the Generalife gardens located in the Alhambra amaze many travelers with their splendor and majesty.

Castile also preserves many monuments. The medieval capital of Spain, Toledo, amazes with the severity of its Gothic architecture, no matter how you remember that it was here that the Inquisition was born. Sunny and cheerful Valencia In recent years, it has become a platform for architectural experiments - it was here that the research and exhibition complex City of Science and Art was erected according to the futuristic project of Santiago Calatrava and Felix Candela.

Madrid as befits a capital, it is elegant and luxurious. Wide squares, beautiful fountains, baroque buildings, mostly bought up by large banks, the Royal Palace, the monument to Cervantes and his immortal heroes, the Prado Museum - to properly enjoy all the charm of this city you need not a day or two.

And finally, speaking of Spain, we can’t forget about the beauty Barcelona. This Mediterranean port city will captivate you at first sight. And how can you remain indifferent to Barcelona's Arbat - the Ramblas, descending straight to the sea, to the fruits of fantasy genius architect Antonio Gaudi, who violated all accepted ideas about form and space, to the splendor of the Singing Fountains, to the charm of the narrow streets of the ancient Gothic Quarter, to the wide avenues of the Eixample quarter, where each intersection marks not a quadrangular, but a hexagonal square, to the view of the city from the mountain Montjuïc, where the Olympic facilities built for the 1992 Summer Games were scattered in the most bizarre way. Barcelona the city is modern, cosmopolitan, it is a city of business skyscrapers and cramped bars, which are filled with crowds of people in the evenings, it is a city of fashion boutiques, and crazy fans of the same name football club. This is a city, a piece of which will forever remain in your heart.

Seville is the #1 tourist destination in 2018, according to Lonely Planet

The capital of Andalusia tops the list of 10 best cities world travel guide in 2018, published by Lonely Planet - the largest international guide and travel portal.
Lonely Planet experts noted the rich historical and cultural heritage Seville, as well as the city's developed infrastructure, which has undergone numerous positive changes over the course of recent years.
Also in the city there is a series cultural events and unique exhibitions dedicated to the 400th anniversary of the great artist Bartolome Esteban Murillo, born in Seville.
Additional interest in the city is caused by the holding of the 31st European Film Festival in Seville in 2018, as well as the filming of some scenes of the famous series Game of Thrones, which took place in the capital of Andalusia.

Spanish restaurants receive new Michelin stars

On November 22 at The-Ritz Carlton Abama, Tenerife, the new winners were announced during the Michelin Gala Dinner legendary stars Red Guide among Spanish and Portuguese restaurants haute cuisine. The list of restaurants with 3 Michelin stars was supplemented by ABaC in Barcelona and Aponiente in the city of Cadiz in southern Spain. Thus, in the Kingdom there are 11 restaurants awarded 3 Michelin stars.
The list of Spanish restaurants with 2 Michelin stars has also increased - it includes 4 more restaurants in different regions of Spain. 17 more restaurants in Spain have received 1 Michelin star

Feast of the Three Kings

The Day of the Three Kings, or Magi, which ends the New Year and Christmas holidays on January 6, is considered one of the most important and widely celebrated winter holidays throughout Spain.
Traditionally, the celebration of Three Kings Day takes place on January 5th and 6th and is accompanied by numerous street performances, carnival processions and colorful decorations. It is on this day that it is customary for Spanish families to give gifts, and according to tradition, participants in street carnivals and processions hand out sweets to children.
You can take part in the celebrations in almost all cities of Spain, but especially bright and large-scale performances take place in Madrid, Barcelona and the cities of Andalusia.