by Tracy Bee

Created on: December 13, 2008

Truly, there are too many beautiful cities in the world to contain in one article. However, to make such a selection easier, I can narrow them down based on thbeauty of their striking monuments.

GRANADA, SPAIN

Granada has always held a special place in my travel memories due to its magnificent Alhambra. Beginning in the 800s, the same time that Catholicism was widely sweeping across Europe and Northern Africa, the southern region of Spain (Andalusia) became occupied by Moorish rulers and gypsies. Thus, the religious thinking of this region harshly contrasted that of the north and the rest of Europe. Thus, the Christian Kings in the north were not happy that Spain's southern region was dominated by Islam rather than Christianity and plotted to eradicate all other beliefs. Ironically, however, southern Spain enjoyed unparalleled economic and cultural prosperity during this time of religious conflict, as evidenced by the fantastic Islamic Alhambra.

The Alhambra and southern Spain became a sanctuary for the Islamic religion in Spain. Granada enjoyed such cultural fame between the 800s and 1492 that its streets became filled with merchants, craftsmen, scientists, and scholars who came from afar to be a part of it. Even today, the Alhambra is apparently one of the best preserved and most elaborate Arabian palaces in the world. Many gypsies have also survived as an underclass of society. Traditionally, these gypsies were blacksmiths, horse traders, musicians, dancers and fortune-tellers, and some of their traditions thrive in Spain today. In fact, modern Spanish culture remains closely associated with Flamenco dancing, which is actually said to have originated among these Spanish gypsies.

Fortunately, the Alhambra was not destroyed during the Spanish Inquisition and many Moorish influences remain apparent in the south of Spain. Seville also flourished after the Spanish Inquisition and even after the Moors were expelled from Spain in 1492. The Cathedral of Seville was built with many Moorish influences. One of the cathedral's creators is said to have commented, "we shall have a church [so great and] of such a kind that those who see it built will think we were mad." The spires of the cathedral are distinctly Arabic, while other aspects of the church were clearly not at all Arabic. In fact, this massive structure now has the world's largest Gothic cathedral. This previously unseen mixing of influences in the Cathedral of Seville is actually an example of the changes that began to occur across Europe during the Renaissance movement.

FLORENCE, ITALY

Florence, Italy is another incredibly beautiful city. The Duomo, set amidst Florence's cobblestone streets, is one of the greatest achievements of the Italian Renaissance. Some of the time's best architects, artists and even poets collaborated on this structure. Yet, as incredible as the Duomo is, it is only one of many wondrous buildings and artworks that exploded during the Renaissance. Italy as a whole is a beautiful country, rich with history.

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

Prague is breathtaking. Crossing the incredible Charles Bridge, one is met by the magnificent Prague Castle. Prague Castle is actually said to be the world's largest castle. However, it is not merely a castle. It demonstrates the power of the church during medieval times. Everything about Prague Castle was influenced by the church. The first walled building was The Church of Our Lady. Then, the Basilica of Saint George and the Basilica of St. Vitus were constructed shortly after. Also, Bohemia's first convent was founded in the castle. The palace itself was eventually rebuilt in a Gothic style. All of these constructions make up what is now the grand Prague Castle.

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