Spanish Foods

Spanish Foods

Transcript Whenever lists of the world’s great cuisines are published, there is one country which is always at or near the top: Spain.  Yet Spanish cuisine is mostly a collection of regional cuisines from around the country which all fall under the umbrella of “Spanish”. Learn more about Spanish food, its history, and where it …

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The Roman Province of Hispania

The Roman Province of Hispania

Transcript Before Spain became Spain, it was part of the Roman province of Hispania.  To understand the language, and geography of not just Spain but of the entire Iberian Peninsula, you have to understand Hispania.  Learn more about one of the greatest provinces in the Roman empire, and how it created modern Spain on this …

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Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso

Transcript He has been called the most famous artist of the 20th century. His work single-handedly defined an artistic style. He was more loved and criticized than any other artist in history.  He created over 20,000 works, and legend says that he could pay for a meal with just his signature.  Learn more about Pablo …

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The Cortes of Leon of 1188

The Cortes of Leon of 1188

Podcast Transcript In 1188, a historic gathering took place in the city of León, in the Kingdom of León and Galicia.  It was a kingdom-wide assembly convened by King Alfonso IX that brought together nobles, clergy, and town representatives to advise the crown. It is significant because it is the earliest documented European assembly to …

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The Valencia Water Council: The World’s Oldest Democratic Body

The Valencia Water Council: The World’s Oldest Democratic Body

Transcript If you happen to be in Valencia, Spain, on a Thursday, at noon, in front of the cathedral, you might be able to witness the oldest surviving democratic tradition on Earth.  For over 1000 years the Valencia Water Tribunal has been adjudicating water disputes among the farmers of the region.  Learn more about the …

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Catalonian Christmas Traditions

Catalonian Christmas Traditions

Transcript Catalonia is a unique region. They have their own Romance language, their own customs, and cuisine, and when it comes to the Christmas season, they have their own traditions. In fact, when it comes to the Christmas season, they have some very very unique traditions.  I’d dare say that their Christmas traditions are firmly …

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The Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia

Transcript Every year, more than three million visitors will line up and buy a ticket to visit the most popular attraction in all of Spain: The Sagrada Familia. It is a stunning modernist architectural achievement and the crowning design of local architect Antoni Gaudí. Even though it gets millions of visitors, the church has been …

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Holy Relics

Holy Relics

Podcast Transcript Some of the most venerated objects in many different religions are holy relics.  Relics offer a tangible connection to significant figures in various religious traditions, and they are often highly prized and sought after. In the Middle Ages, relics became a significant business, and possessing the right relics could substantially boost a local …

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Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona

Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona

From the World Heritage inscription for the Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona: These are two of the finest contributions to Barcelona’s architecture by the Catalan art nouveau architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The Palau de la Música Catalana is an exuberant steel-framed structure full of light and space and …

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