Destination: SPAIN
Things To Know Spain Today From Pyrenees to Portugal Diversities of Spain Spanish Characters Cities, Towns and Villages Spanish Lifestyle Traveling in Spain Spanish Passions The Moorish Occupation Originally from southern Spain, flamenco music is now heard all over the country © AA Photo Library	Spain Today Spain's long and checkered history peaked in the Golden Age of the 16th century, when it was one of the most influential nations of the world. It had immense power across Europe and possessed many overseas colonies. The following centuries saw a gradual decline and increasing isolation from the rest of Europe, culminating in the bitter Civil War (1936-39) and Franco's long dictatorship. In Spain today, political, cultural and artistic life flourishes, along with national confidence. In 1992 Madrid was chosen as the Cultural Capital of Europe, the same year that dynamic Barcelona hosted the Olympic Games and Seville the World Fair.	COUNTRY Introduction Things To Know Survival Guide TimeLine Essential Info REGION CITIES Madrid Barcelona Santiago Seville MAPS World Europe TRAVEL BOOK