Best of European Union » artistic styles http://www.best-of-european-union.eu Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Málaga – birthplace of Pablo Picasso | Spain http://www.best-of-european-union.eu/2011/10/14/malaga-birthplace-of-pablo-picasso-spain/ http://www.best-of-european-union.eu/2011/10/14/malaga-birthplace-of-pablo-picasso-spain/#comments Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:14:44 +0000 Julius http://www.best-of-european-union.eu/?p=5133 Malaga is the capital of Costa del Sol and a cultural center of the whole Spanish part of Andalusia. It became known as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, one of the greatest painters of the 20th century, which was also the founder of the avant-garde artistic movements of Cubism. On the numerous monuments of the […]

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]]> Malaga is the capital of Costa del Sol and a cultural center of the whole Spanish part of Andalusia. It became known as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, one of the greatest painters of the 20th century, which was also the founder of the avant-garde artistic movements of Cubism. On the numerous monuments of the city can be seen mingling of different cultures that used to change here. The major dominant of Malaga is the Roman fortress Alcazaba, to which was in the 8th century added the Gibralfaro castle. Together, these buildings create architecturally unique complex with 30 towers and 20 fortified gates.

Málaga - birthplace of Pablo Picasso | Spain
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by manuelfloresv

Other historical treasures include local Malaga Cathedral of the first half of the 16th century, which combines several artistic styles. You can walk through Paseo Marítimo seaside promenade, but there are also several pedestrian zones criss-crossing the center. You certainly should not miss a tour of the Picasso Museum, housed in a Palacio de Buenavista palace. Establishment of this museum was made thanks to the wife and grandson of painter, Christine and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso, who donated a large portion of images. Currently you can see there more than 200 works, including the paintings, drawings, sculptures or engravings.


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The museum was inaugurated March 27, 2003 with the participation of the Spanish royal family. Besides the permanent exhibition of works by Picasso are also temporary exhibitions.

Roman amphitheatre is one of the oldest monuments in Malaga. It is situated at the foot of the Alcazaba fortress. It dates from the 2nd century after Christ, from the reign of Emperor Augustus. It was discovered only in 1951, during completion of one of the gardens.


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]]> http://www.best-of-european-union.eu/2011/10/14/malaga-birthplace-of-pablo-picasso-spain/feed/ 0 Książ Castle – one of the largest castles in Europe | Poland http://www.best-of-european-union.eu/2011/10/05/ksiaz-castle-one-of-the-largest-castles-in-europe-poland/ http://www.best-of-european-union.eu/2011/10/05/ksiaz-castle-one-of-the-largest-castles-in-europe-poland/#comments Wed, 05 Oct 2011 09:08:23 +0000 Julius http://www.best-of-european-union.eu/?p=5065 Książ castle is the largest castle in Lower Silesia and the third largest castle in Poland (bigger castles are only Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow and the Crusader castle in Malbork). It is often considered the pearl of Lower Silesia. It lies in the county of Wałbrzych, among picturesque forests of Książ Landscape Park (Książański […]

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]]> Książ castle is the largest castle in Lower Silesia and the third largest castle in Poland (bigger castles are only Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow and the Crusader castle in Malbork). It is often considered the pearl of Lower Silesia. It lies in the county of Wałbrzych, among picturesque forests of Książ Landscape Park (Książański Park Krajobrazowy) and the valley of the river Pełcznica. The most beautiful view of the castle is from the terraces on so-called Giant Rock (Skała Olbrzyma), where you can get by following the broad path leading through the castle park.

Książ Castle - one of the largest castles in Europe | Poland
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Maciej Kasprzyk

The first written mention of the Książ castle dates back to 1288. It was one of several defensive castles built by duke Bolek I “the Cruel”. In 1508 Książ castle fell into the hands of John von Haugwitz, who sold it to Conrad von Hochberg.

Książ castle was rebuilt many times, so it combines many architectural and artistic styles – including the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and eclectic elements. The most beautiful part of the castle is certainly Maximilian Hall, which was used for concerts and theater performances, and its interior served as a setting for several movies.

One of the most important and also the most tragic periods in the history of the castle was the time of the World War II. In 1941 Książ castle was occupied by the Nazis. All the valuable works of art, furniture and contents of the castle library where took by Nazis. Many underground corridors were built below the castle, which proves that Nazis prepared here one of the seats of the German dictator Adolph Hitler.

Książ castle combines the history of several nations and many people. In addition to the standard attributes of building castles like beautiful gates, bastions and towers, also hundreds of undiscovered secrets are waiting here for the visitors.

The castle is open daily except for Mondays from 10:00am to 3:00pm (extended in Summer and weekends). You can attend several routes, the basic admission is 20PLN (€5).

For further details visit the official website of Książ castle.


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