Madrid

The Napoleonic Wars in Spain: A Turning Point in European History

Peninsular War: Goya's The Third of May - El Tres de Mayo

The Napoleonic Wars, a series of conflicts spanning from 1803 to 1815, profoundly shaped the political, social and economic landscape of Europe. These wars, centred around the ambitions of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, reshaped national boundaries, sparked revolutionary ideals and left an indelible mark on the continent. For Spain, the …

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Joaquín Sorolla (1863–1923): Spanish Impressionist Transforms Mediterranean Light into Art

Joaquín Sorolla - Beach at Valencia - Playa de Valencia

Joaquín Sorolla was one of Spain’s most celebrated artists who is renowned for his masterful use of light and colour. Best known for his luminous beach scenes and portraits, Sorolla’s work captured the vibrant energy of Mediterranean life. His ability to depict movement, atmosphere and sunlight with remarkable precision secured …

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Francisco Goya (1746-1828): Life, Paintings and Legacy of the Spanish Artist

Peninsular War: Goya's The Third of May - El Tres de Mayo

Francisco Goya stands as one of Spain’s most influential and enigmatic painters, bridging the transition from the Old Masters to modern art. His works range from lavish court portraits to harrowing depictions of war and haunting images of the human psyche. As an artist, he chronicled the turbulent political and …

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Spanish Art and Artists: From Cave Paintings to Salvador Dalí

Joaquín Sorolla - My Wife and Daughters in the Garden

Spain stands as a cornerstone of Western art history, offering an extraordinary legacy that spans from prehistoric cave paintings to 20th-century avant-garde movements. The Iberian peninsula’s complex cultural heritage – shaped by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, North Africans and Visigoths – has produced an artistic tradition of remarkable diversity and depth. …

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Things to Do in Segovia: A Fairytale City Frozen in Time

Things to do in Segovia

Standing atop a rocky crag just 92 kilometres north-west of Madrid lies Segovia, a treasure trove of Spanish history which remains remarkably preserved despite the passage of centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage gem may be home to only 50,000 people, but it punches well above its weight in cultural significance …

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