If you enjoy exploring towns rich in history, distinctive architecture, and authentic local experiences, Sueca, a medium-sized city in the Valencian province, should be on your itinerary. Just 30 minutes south of Valencia city, this charming destination offers a surprising mix of agricultural heritage, Modernist architecture, and artisan chocolate-making.
*Report & Photos by Art Historian and Educator Karla Darocas, B.A. (Hons)*
This is Fontilles, a tranquil sanctuary perched in the municipality of La Vall de Laguar. For over a century, it has stood as a symbol of compassion, resilience, and enlightened care for society’s forgotten souls.
The Way is an inspiring and visually stunning film directed by Emilio Estevez and starring Martin Sheen.
Spanish Romanticism in painting, emerging in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was a response to political upheaval, national identity struggles, and evolving artistic influences from Europe. Unlike the structured realism and compositions of Neoclassicism, Romanticism embraced emotion, drama, and individuality, often highlighting Spain’s historical past, cultural traditions, and exoticism.
Several distinct movements developed, each reflecting different aspects of Spanish Romanticism.
Immersive Journey into the Rise and Fall of Rococo in Spain!
José de Ribera (1591–1652) was a master of the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. His work is relatively easy to grasp within the context of the Baroque era, a time when the Catholic Church employed art as a powerful tool of propaganda—reminding the faithful of the saints' suffering under Roman persecution, reinforcing religious devotion, and countering the influence of Protestantism.
What stands out about Ribera is not only his command of Caravaggio’s dramatic chiaroscuro but also his unique position outside the traditional court system. Unlike court painters who were often confined to formal portraits and official commissions, Ribera worked under the Spanish rulers of Naples, granting him a broader creative range. His subjects extended far beyond tortured saints to include some of the most intriguing and unconventional themes, often rooted in gripping stories from Spanish history.
Thank Goodness the Franciscan Convent of Benissa Was Not Turned Into a Hotel
Preserving the historical and architectural heritage of the Franciscan Convent in Benissa was a relief to many locals and history enthusiasts alike. Plans announced in 1917 to transform this storied convent into a hotel were met with mixed emotions, as the proposal risked altering the character of one of Benissa's most iconic landmarks. Instead, the convent remains a treasure of cultural and spiritual significance, even as its use evolves to accommodate modern realities.
Discover the Splendor of Spanish Renaissance Architecture: The Golden Age
Step back in time to the opulent world of 16th-century Spain, a period celebrated as the "Golden Age" of art, culture, and architecture. Book NOW for this engaging talk with slides where we will explore the iconic architectural styles, masterful architects, and royal patrons that defined an era of unparalleled wealth.
The door and portal of the Iglesia del Monasterio Jerónimo de la Concepción (Monasterio de San Jerónimo) in Granada, Andalucía, are remarkable examples of Renaissance architecture, crafted by Martín Díaz Navarrete around 1593.
