Spanish art (1)

Art in Spain has a long tradition of external influences and internal mixtures that have contributed to the consolidation of a unique, rich legacy. The first artistic manifestations from the Iberian Peninsula that have been conserved up until today, go back to the Palaeolithic age. Some examples of these, are the outstanding cave paintings of Altamira and those of the Mediterranean Levantine region. There are also still some important vestiges of the old culture of the Iberians, like the sculpture of Lady of Elche.

In addition to an infinity of sculptures and mosaics, the Roman Empire left behind an artistic legacy of great value, like the theaters of Sagunto and Merida, the walls of Lugo, the aqueduct of Segovia, the ruins of Itálica, Tarragona, and Ampurias in Catalonia.

The Middle Ages left behind important Visigothic artistic manifestations, like some outstanding samples of metal work and architecture, like the church of San Pedro de la Nave, or the basilica of San Juan de Baños. Asturian Roman Art was influenced by Visigothic and Carolingian traditions, with beautiful examples like the church of Santa Maria in El Naranco, and church of San Miguel de Lillo (IXth century).

With the Muslim arrival to the peninsula, the artistic panorama changed. Iberian Muslim art covers a long period from the VIIIth to the XVth century, with highlights like the Alhambra of Granada, the mosque of Cordova, the Giralda of Seville or the Aljafería de Zaragoza. At the same time, in the north of Spain the Romanesque Art was being developed around the Way of Santiago, with monasteries like the one of San Martín de Frómista and cathedrals like those of Zamora or Santiago.

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