Spain

DVD. Terra Mystica. 26 Minutes. Built during the 13th and 14th centuries, the Alhambra is a group of buildings that overlook Granada. The finest example of Moorish architecture, it was a magnificent citadel for the Moorish kings of Spain. When the Moors were expelled from Spain, the citadel was mutilated but in the 19th century, it was restored to its former glory. Close by is the Palacio Del Generalife, the summer residence of the Moorish rulers, on the grounds of which contain fabulous gardens. The Moors were a nomadic North African people consisting mainly of Arabs and Berbers. They invaded Spain in the 8th century and were expelled from it in the early 17th century, prior to which most had been exterminated during the Spanish Inquisition. Yet, their contribution to Spain in terms of medicine, art, architecture and science, was immeasurable. A people of commerce, learning, imagination and panache who, like so many of their kind throughout history, were eventually persecuted to near extinction.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Mezquita Cathedral is one of the most important historical monuments in Cordoba, a beautiful city in southern Spain and former residence of the Moorish Caliphs. The cathedral contains both Moorish and Christian architecture and a unique and fascinating combination of styles. However, Oriental design dominates the building. The building complex that surrounds the courtyard and its orange trees is known as the Patio De Los Naranjos and is one of the most beautiful Islamic buildings in the world. The immense prayer hall is the glorious focal point of the Mezquita and its several hundred columns and horseshoe arches create an oasis of stone. The 16th century cathedral is located in the middle of a splendid forest of columns and precious marble and paintings by Palomino decorate the main altar. Here the Moors created a solid and enduring monument of their art and one of C?rdoba's most outstanding landmarks.

DVD. 7 Days. 52 Minutes. Andalusia in southern Spain is a fantasy land situated between Europe and Africa. In Algarrobo, a white village close to the coast, time seems to have stood still. It is a place of both inspiration and contemplation. Since Phoenician times the earlier `Malaca' was a busy trading port that was defended by the Castillo De Gibralforo. The Cathedral, also known as `La Manquita', symbolizes a Catholic victory on the former site of a mosque. On the edge of the city centre is the Moorish fortress of Alcazaba that was once a fortified residence on the hills of Castillo. The second largest city in Andalusia also became known as the birthplace of its famous son, world famous artist Pablo Ruiz Picasso. Since the 1950s, the modern coastal resort of Torremolinos has attracted mass tourism, with a numerous variety of huge hotel skyscrapers, bars and restaurants. In the hilly inland area of the Costa Del Sol is the pretty white mountain village of Mijas. A small hilltop bullfight arena shines bright white along with the houses of the surrounding area. Marbella, the prima donna of the Costa Del Sol, serves as a rendezvous for the stars of stage and screen and a leisure resort for the international jet set. Another short excursion into the mountains near the coast leads to Casares, a sleepy mountain village crowned by the ruins of a Moorish Castle. During the Roman Carthaginian Wars Cadiz played an important role as a trading centre. After the Moors came the Normans, and in 1262, the city fell into the hands of the Christian king, Alfonso. Dreamy harbor towns, cultural metropolises with a Moorish past, Christian buildings and white villages. Beauty in the Garden Of Eden - that's Andalusia!

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Andalusia in southern Spain is a fantasy land situated between Europe and Africa. In Algarrobo, a white village close to the coast, time seems to have stood still. A place of both inspiration and contemplation. Since Phoenician times the earlier `Malaca' was a busy trading port that was defended by the Castillo De Gibralforo. The Cathedral, also known as `La Manquita', symbolises a catholic victory on the former site of a mosque. On the edge of the city centre is the Moorish fortress of Alcazaba that was once a fortified residence on the hills of Castillo. The second largest city in Andalusia also became known as the birthplace of its famous son, world famous artist Pablo Ruiz Picasso. Since the 1950`s the modern coastal resort of Torremolinos has attracted mass tourism with a numerous variety of huge hotel skyscrapers, bars and restaurants. In the hilly inland area of the Costa Del Sol is the pretty white mountain village of Mijas. A small hilltop bullfight arena shines bright white along with the houses of the surrounding area. Marbella, the prima donna of the Costa Del Sol, serves as a rendezvous for the stars of stage and screen and a leisure resort for the international jet set. Another short excursion into the mountains near the coast leads to Casares, a sleepy mountain village crowned by the ruins of a Moorish Castle. During the Roman Carthaginian Wars Cadiz played an important role as a trading centre. After the Moors, came the Normans and in 1262, the city fell into the hands of the Christian king, Alfonso. Dreamy harbour towns, cultural metropolises with a Moorish past, Christian buildings and white villages. Beauty in the Garden Of Eden - that's Andalusia!

DVD. Cities of the World. 60 Minutes. The islands of eternal spring are made up of various landscapes. One can find anything from the lush, green forests in the mountains to sand deserts. The sandy beaches of Tenerife are shaded by the 3600 meters high Teide. One can take a look at Spain's most beautiful zoo, while under the `Rock of Giants' the tourists can befriend dolphins that live in the sea. In Gran Canaria one can take a trip up to the colorful empire of rocks, the nearly 2000 meters high Pico de Los Nieves. In the capital we can take long walks among the colonial style buildings with wooden balconies, and see the house where Columbus lived. Near Maspalomas, we can take a look at a real sand desert. The villages of Fuerteventura let us familiarize ourselves with the local buildings and take a trip on a camel. The island is a paradise for surfers, anglers and divers. In the Timanfaya national park, one can see geysers, volcanoes, which are still active, and the epic work on Manrique, the Jamenos del Aqua, which is a combination of lookout towers, restaurants and swimming pools built into caves.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. The beautiful main facade of the Cathedral Santiago De Compostela rises proudly into the sky, the final destination of a legendary medieval pilgrimage route. For more than twelve hundred years the marvellous buildings of the old town, as well as the striking cathedral, have attracted visitors from all over the world. During the Middle Ages the town enjoyed great prominence. In addition to Jerusalem and Rome, Santiago De Compostela was the third most important Christian pilgrimage destination. Its beautiful main facade combines various decorative and architectural elements that are to be found along the pilgrims' way, the Camino de Santiago. In addition to the imposing cathedral there are further treasures hidden within the historical centre of the town such as the 16th century Colegio De Fonseca. Under the rule of Bishop Diego Xelm?rez both the town and its Catholic church enjoyed much prosperity and the diocese became an archbishopric. Unlike the architectural transformation of its external fa?ade most of the cathedral's interior has retained its original form. The church's main nave and altar, with its precious and exquisite decoration, are a remarkable religious work of art. Santiago De Compostela: even today the town has retained all of its magic, its cultural appeal and deep religious significance.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Cordoba was once the most important metropolis of the Caliphate and today is a city of harmony and contrast. It is a city in which the history of the Caliphs, Romans, Jews and Christians is still very much alive and was the centre of the Arab realm of Al-Andalus that reached its peak in around 1000 A.D. The Ponte Romana extends across the Gudalquivir and leads to the old town. With its sixteen arches the Roman bridge that spans across the river is one of the city's main landmarks. The city's most important building is the Mezquita Catedral in the centre of the old town. It is undoubtedly the most splendid mosque of Moorish-Islamic origin on the Iberian Peninsula. Construction of the main mosque began in 785 A.D. during the rule of Abd-Ar-Rahman The First. The world's third largest mosque was built on the site of a West Gothic Christian church that was built on the remains of a Roman temple. The Plaza Santa Marina dates back to the 17th century and was once used as a bull-fighting arena and also as a theatrical stage. Today it is frequently used as a marketplace. The striking monument of the famous Spanish toreador, Manolete, who was killed during a bullfight inside the arena, occupies a large section of the square. Mighty walls surround the Medina. Some of its old gates have survived such as the Puerta De Almodovar that leads into the Jewish quarter. Once known as a wealthy city, Cordoba was considered to be a worthy prize and was thus well protected and fortified. A combination of the Arabic, Jewish and Christian worlds, Cordoba is most deservedly the Pearl of Andalusia!

DVD. Cities of the World. 60 Minutes. The Costa Brava, the `wild coast,' is the coast of Catalonia, which, with its yearly 50 million visitors, is one of Europe's largest holiday paradises. The mild, Mediterranean climate, the crystal clear water, the mysterious, rocky bays, the long, sandy beaches, the southern flora, the wonders of the Spanish and Catalonian cuisine, the historical monuments and artistic values invite more and more visitors each year. Such artists were living and creating here as Salvador Dali, Anton Gaudi, Picasso, Marc Chagall, and Joan Miro. Cadeques is a city of arts, an untouched fishing village, which also has one of Europe's largest artistic collections. Figueras is mostly known for its Dali museum. They say that once they kept the Holy Grail in the fort above the picturesque San Pere de Rodes monastery. Basalu, which is famous for its stone bridge, is a journey to the Middle Ages. Empuriabrava, with its canals and lagoons is the Venice of Costa Brava. Girona's old, labyrinth-like city core is one of the most beautiful in Spain. Lloret de Mar invitges the visitor with the promise of a Mediterranean night and is the center of Europe's beach discos. Tossa de Mar is the most beautiful area of the coast, where the bastions of the old fort stand guard over the magnificent beach. Not even 100 kilometers from Costa Brava there is the Catalonian capital, the city of Gaudi, the `stage for the zest of life', one of Europe's most beautiful and livable cities, Barcelona.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. The Costa Del Sol is the name of the southern Mediterranean coast of Spain. In former times a variety of bumpy roads connected the region's sandy bays and remote fishing villages but today its modern roads cater for mass tourism. Almunecar is the main tourist centre on this section of the coast. Once a tranquil fishing village, it's now a busy coastal resort. A wide road separates clean, extensive beaches from huge apartment blocks that were constructed during an amazing transformation of the coastline. Torrox is an Andalusian mountain village that has so far managed to remain off the tourist trail and in which village life continues as it always has done. Since Phoenician times Malaga has been a busy trading port that was defended by the Castillo De Gibralforo that is located on the summit of a mountain. The large bay, with its protective mountain range in the north, enjoys a mild climate throughout the entire year. Around ten kilometres south of Malaga is the modern coastal resort of Torremolinos, since the 1950's a centre of mass tourism. The city developed at a wild pace and soon had all the attributes of a modern holiday resort, with innumerable huge skyscrapers, bars and restaurants and also endless sandy beaches and exciting entertainment facilities. Marbella is the prima donna of the Costa Del Sol and a marvellous rendezvous for the stars of both stage and screen plus a leisure resort for the international jet set. The yachting harbour of Puerto Banus is the true symbol of Marbella and its quay has a colourful variety of bars, caf?s, restaurants and exquisite shops. The journey through fiery southern Spain ends with the Rock Of Gibraltar. Dreamy harbour towns cultural metropolises with a Moorish past and Christian buildings and white villages. The Costa Del Sol is full of history and magical atmosphere. The sun is just a bonus!

DVD. Cities of the World. 60 Minutes. Costa del Sol - the Sunny Coast - together with its hinterland of great heritage, Andalusia is one of the most typically Spanish parts of the Iberian Peninsula. Those living in Malaga or Marbella can take an excursion to Granada, Sevilla, Gibraltar or even Marocco. They can see the dream castle of Alhambra, "the stone jewel", the Ronda bridge overarching a wild torrent, the "Balcon de Europa", overseeing the romantic bays. Mijas, the 2600 year old mountain village awaits them with its cobbled, picturesque streets, white rows of houses and donkeycarts. They can see megalithic buildings, Moor monuments and baroque cathedrals, bullfights and Spanish riding-schools. The coast of the Mediterranean Sea from Almeria to Algeciras is a single, 300 km long sandy beach. It's no surprise that the ancient Greeks put their "Garden of the Hesperides" here.

DVD. Passport to Adventure The beauty of Spain's southernmost region unfolds on this two wheeled, wind-in-the-face adventure. Hosts Julie Conover &Mark Jennings cycle through spectacular countryside by day and spend nights in Moorish palaces and luxurious haciendas. In the golden city of Cordoba, they meet the passionate artists who have kept alive the gypsy rhythms of flamenco, then grab capes for a spin in bullfighter's shoes to experience the charge of these powerful creatures. Mark &Julie get a taste of the region's history on majestic Andalusian horses and take an unusual safari through one of Europe's most important wetland wildlife reserves.

DVD. On Tour. 26 Minutes. This journey along the Autopista Del Atlantico travels across the northernmost region of Spain in Galicia, a green land on the roaring Atlantic, similar to Scotland, and abundant with colourful tradition and culture. Coru?a's history centres mainly around its harbour.In ancient times the city was an important seaport and under Roman occupation it was known as Flavium Brigantium.Legend has it that the vivacious Maria Pita revolted against the former pirate Sir Francis Drake and thus assisted in the liberation of the city.The Santiago De Compostela Cathedral is said to be the most outstanding monument in Spain.It covers 23,000 square metres and took more than a hundred years to build. Pontevedra is a city on the mouth of the Rio L?rez.Cobbled pavements lead past splendid Pazos, the residential palaces of the city's old trading families. 200 kilometres long, the Galician coast represents 30 percent of the Spanish coastline.Its strategic location once made Galicia an ideal haunt for smugglers and pirates and its tiny villages give the impression that time has stood still. A large chain bridge leads to Vigo with gently sloping wooded hills that surround Galicia's most dynamic city.The narrow alleys of the old town of Berb?s with its pretty middle class houses, arcades and historic squares indicate the dramatic history of this battle-scarred city. The journey via the Autopista Del Atlantico through the captivating and dramatic landscape of one of Europe's most beautiful regions is one that covers much Spanish history swathed in the rich ambience of a truly golden past.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Our journey through romantic northern Spain travels south through Galicia along the Atlantic coast. A Coru?a is the region's largest industrial city and shipping harbour and it thought to have been founded by the Phoenicians in 60 A.D. The Romans conquered this harbour city that has always been associated with the sea and it was from A Coru?a that the invincible Spanish Armada set sail in1588 to invade Spain. Santiago De Compostela is the capital of Galicia and since the Middle Ages it was, apart from Jerusalem and Rome, the most important pilgrimage destination in Christendom. Half a million pilgrims came here each year from all over Europe and Spain's most religious city continues to attract the faithful. Some centuries ago each of the large villages of the Rias Baixas prospered due to fishing, as did Pontevedra. However, all this changed when its harbour was engulfed by sand some three hundred years ago. In contrast to Spain's many other harbour cities, the old town of Pontevedra is almost the same now as it was in bygone times with cobbled streets, intimate squares and the residential palaces of the city's former elite. Across a huge chain bridge that spans the mouth of a deep river is Galicia`s largest city, Vigo. Its name is of Roman origin and it is believed that Vicus Spacorum was the starting-point of Caesar's campaign against Britannia, as well as a storage area for his Empire's oil, fish and wine. For many centuries A Guarda, `the Female Guard', has watched over the river border with Portugal and in the wooded mountain city of Monte Santa Tecla the Celts established a settlement that contained more than a thousand buildings that dated back to the 6th and 3rd centuries B.C. and formed part of a prehistoric settlement. Throughout the centuries life in Galicia was not representative of that in the rest of Spain and both Romans and Moors considered it to be too remote for their interests. Maybe that's what makes it such a special place to be!

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Since the 7th century B.C., Iberians, Romans and West Goths settled in Granada but it was during Arab rule that the city first gained prominence. Sixty thousand Muslims once lived in the old Moorish city complex on the hill above the ancient district of Albaicin.1 Granada has a truly unique and captivating atmosphere, one that has inspired poets, musicians and countless travellers from all over the world. A lively and contemporary university city and at the same time the guardian of an historic past that draws in a multitude of tourists keen to experience its special charm. In the narrow valleys between the Alhambra and Albaicin Hills the gentle River Darro makes its age-old journey toward the city centre and the houses along the riverside have been restored to a high standard with typical wooden balconies, decorated fa?ades and barred windows. The Banos Arabes are ancient Arab baths that date back to the 11th century. The mighty La Alcazaba Fortress rises up from the top of a hill and is separated from the rest of the Alhambra by huge walls. The city extends to the plains below and in the background are the snow-covered mountain peaks of the Sierra Nevada. The huge Torre De La Vela Watchtower is the highest point of the complex and was the first building of the Nasrides Dynasty. The Alhambra served as a military headquarters, administrative centre and royal residence until the expulsion of the Moors by Christian militia. The interior of the Alhambra is like a hidden treasure that lies expectantly beyond plain red walls, waiting to be discovered. The most famous of the courtyards is the Lion Yard of which the well and ornate arcades took several years to complete. The fiery south of Spain is a fantasy world situated between Europe and Africa. A land of passion and ancient culture: Granada is its shining pearl set amid the evocative landscape of Andalusia.

DVD. Cities of the World. 60 Minutes. Gran Canaria is probably the most colorful member of the Canary Islands. For the holidaymakers it is worth it to visit the extremely long and beautiful beach of Playa del Ingl?s. Those who want to take pictures should visit the old district of the capital and wander among its colonial-style buildings with wooden balconies. Tourists are welcome to visit Canary Village and the house of Columbus. For those looking for romantic scenery we suggest the picturesque port of Mogan. The lovers of botany cannot leave out the Palmitos park. Those longing for entertainment can have a quick glimpse at the nightlife of Las Palmas, while during the day they can splash in one of the water parks or spend a pleasant day in the Wild-West village of Sioux City. The hiking fans can feel themselves at home here: they can make a trip into the almost 2000 meters high rocky empire of Pico de las Nieves with its palm trees, flourishing bushes and cactuses, and while at Maspalomas they can enjoy real Sahara sand dunes.

DVD. Cities of the World. 60 Minutes. The green, untarnished island of love. Where one cannot be bored, but can get unforgettable memories, guaranteed by the locals and the many opportunities for fun and serenity. If you don't like sunshine, freedom, having fun, wonderful bays, and complete rest, then do not travel to Ibiza. Everyone else, however, should at least watch this video.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. A few kilometres outside the city of C?rdoba in southern Spain lie the remains of a once legendary Moorish palace district, the Mahdinat Al-Zahra. It is believed that in around 936 A.D. the Moorish monarch, Abd Ar-Rahman The Third, ordered the construction of the huge residence. Work on the palace, the administrative sections and the gardens took more than forty years to complete. Over ten thousand workmen were involved in its construction but today little of the former splendour of this `Andalusian Versailles' is apparent as only the mighty ruins of the former terraced palace have survived to the present day. Thanks to the intensive restoration and reconstruction work of recent years the buildings of the former Reception Hall provide a fascinating insight into the royal court of the Moors. The Sal?n of Abd Ar-Rahman The Third shines out once again in all of its ancient and glorious splendour. Soon after its completion the Mahdinat Al-Zahra was described as a `wonder of the western hemisphere', a fairy-tale-like synthesis of the arts located upon the picturesque southern slopes of the Sierra Morena.

DVD. World Destinations. 27 Minutes. Each year millions of tourists enjoy the perfect Mediterranean climate, beautiful mountains, and coastal views.

DVD. Cities of the World. 60 Minutes. Mallorca, the pearl of the Balear Islands is a real postcard world. There are uncountable hidden, rocky little bays, long, sandy beaches, pine tree gardens, palm tree lanes, sunshine, sky, which is always blue, fluffy white clouds, colorful fishermen's boats, white yachts, beautiful flowers are all parts of the summer lasting from March to October. Old villages and colorful markets, an old tram beside the beach, a monastery from the Middle Ages, fishing villages and the world's largest lake in a cave? this is what the holiday island has to offer! And of course good taverns with dishes from Spanish cuisine, a waterpark and a vivid nightlife, excursions and watersports. And let's not forget the capital, Palma De Mallorca, with its monumental gothic cathedral, two royal palaces, a large bay and a beautiful inner city.

DVD. Passport to Adventure The perfect climate of the Canary Islands has made it a popular destination for European sun worshipers, but getting away from the tourist spots uncovers a fascinating side of these diverse islands. There is no limit to the adventure sport activities to be found here, from miles of hiking on the 13,000 foot Teide volcano, to scuba diving and snorkeling in the clear blue waters of El Hierro. Hosts Mark Jennings &Julie Conover enjoy a sunset take off with local paragliders, catch a wave at a local surfing competition and get a taste of indigenous culture in a night of folkloric song and dance.