January 2023 – Brian's Spain Domain

The Cathedral of Burgos

For just over 800 years, this wonder of Gothic architecture has played a central role in Castilian and Spanish life. It’s a unique member of Spain’s more than 90 major churches in that it has elements of both Spanish and northern European features. It’s the only cathedral to be a UNESCO World Heritage site on its own. After a massive 20-year restoration in advance of its 800th anniversary in 2021, it’s looking as fine as ever. We recently returned to this temple for a renewed look at it and were not disappointed. And we don’t think you will either. Listen and enjoy!

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THE EDIFICIO COREA: An American colony in Franco’s Madrid

Here’s a different look at Madrid. In the 1950s, when the Torrejon Air Force Base was built and American military forces arrived, both personnel and their families moved into a neighborhood in the north of Madrid. The picture you see with the yellow rings shows you when it was just built and in the middle of nowhere. It would become a community of “Little America” as well as one of the hottest nightlife zones in the city. Listen and learn more!

SPANISH UNIVERSITIES

Some of the oldest and most venerable higher learning institutions in Europe (and the world, for that matter) are located in Spain. Many were founded as this country was initiating a rise to world power. Swords to engage in warfare with their traditional enemies the Moors were now being substituted for pens to take on intellectual endeavors. Listen to this brief rundown on some of Spain’s earliest universities. Enjoy!

Let’s Open a Bottle 7: Sidra, Spain’s Cider

As Christmastime winds down, there is just one more holiday left before it’s time to take down the holly and drop a few pounds after weeks of celebrating. The Three Kings’ Day, January 6th, is the day for gift-giving and eating roscón cake and toasting with sparkling apple cider, known as sidra. Sidra is inextricably linked to the region of Asturias, where it is a deeply-rooted part of the region’s gastronomy. And you’ll find much the same at any Asturian restaurant you encounter no matter where it is. Learn more about this popular drink and, especially, the zanny way it’s served. Enjoy!

Spanish History 101, Ep. 21: The 13th Century

If you thought the situation in Spain would getter any easier to follow, think again!!! It continues to to be murky as we are often not talking about just one kingdom, but many at the same time. The different kingdoms and regions progress. Of them all, Castile and Aragon appear to be coming out on top. Muslim Spain, Al Andalus, has now been pushed back to the south, and culture in the Christian kingdoms is on the rise. Literature, music and universities appear! Listen and enjoy!