Spain

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is an exception. The town had fewer than 10,000 inhabitants in 1561 when it suddenly rose to prominence.

Farming in many parts is a family affair relying on traditional, labour-intensive methods but it is becoming increasingly mechanized

As well as its cathedrals and palaces, Spain has a great variety of charming vernacular buildings

Spain has always imported its styles of architecture: Moorish from North Africa, Romanesque and Gothic from France and Renaissance from Italy.

Although Barcelona, like most large cities, has its problems, it never fails to captivate tourists with its Mediterranean flavor.