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Historically, flamenco is an improvized performance that arises spontaneously from a gathering, but the rule these days tends towards scheduled spectacles. Still, if the mood is right, these events still generate a great deal of emotion.

Great minds of Andalucía, such as the Moor Averroës and the Jew Maimonides, were considered among the most advanced thinkers of their age. The former almost single-handedly preserved the writings of Aristotle, while the latter’s writings sought to reconcile Biblical faith and reason.

Attracted by the area’s mineral wealth, the Phoenicians founded a trading post at what is now Cádiz in 1100 BC, while the Greeks established a toehold near Málaga in 636 BC. The two maintained a mercantile rivalry until Carthage, a former Phoenician colony, dominated the region.

This semicircular plaza was designed as the centrepiece for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. Almost completely covered with gorgeous glazed tiles, its surfaces depict historic moments and heraldic symbols of the 40 regions of Spain. A boating canal follows the arc of the structure, crossed by colourful footbridges. The site was used as a set in the film Star Wars: Attack of the Clones , for its other-worldly feel.

This exotic palace was primarily the brainchild of Pedro I, who had it built as a lavish love-nest for himself and his mistress, María de Padilla.

This sumptuous palace and extensive gardens constitute a world of royal luxury. The architectural styles are a blend of mainly Moorish traditions – note the lavish use of the horseshoe arch, glazed tilework and wood ceilings.

The front towers and gateway of Seville’s royal palace retain their Moorish origins (see Seville Cathedral & La Giralda).

The dissolution of the Caliphate in 1031 marked the beginning of the end for Moorish Spain. Some 30 taifas (principalities), jostling for political hegemony, proved no contest for the Christians. The eight-month siege and reconquista of Granada in 1492 was the most poignant loss.

Although non-Muslims had to pay a special tax and wear distinctive clothing, Moorish policies towards Jews and Catholics were generally easygoing. There was greater repression after the fundamentalist Almohads came into power in the 12th century, but on the whole the faiths were well integrated for centuries.

The first Roman town in Spain, Itálica, was established in 206 BC; Rome finally wrested the entire region from the Carthaginians in 201 BC. Due to abundant local produce, Andalucía became one of the empire’s wealthiest outposts.