This magnificent baroque library was constructed during the 18th century. What Happened To Germanwings Flight 4U9525? Today, millions of visitors flock to Spain and Portugal, drawn in by the countries’ enthralling cities, wonderful food, wine, and diverse landscapes. The Ribeira is Porto’s most dynamic district.

Omissions? Highly interesting artistic flowerings occurred in Spain at the end of the protohistoric era.
This sprawling culture arose in the very south of the peninsula, in the modern day region of Andalucía. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/Iberian-Peninsula, Iberian Peninsula - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Porto is also becoming more and more known for its gastronomic offerings, with upscale restaurants and humble taverns serving up something for every palate. The treasured collection of approximately 60,000 books is slowly being digitized. Similar to Sardinia and unlike the Balkans and Italy, Iberia was shielded from settlement from the Bosporusand Caucasus region by its western geographic locatio…

Iberian Peninsula, peninsula in southwestern Europe, occupied by Spain and Portugal.

Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. Long before the Moors ruled Córdoba, the Romans also left their mark throughout the city. The ancestry of modern Iberians (comprising the Spanish and Portuguese) is consistent with the geographical situation of the Iberian Peninsula in the south-west corner of Europe. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... A satellite photograph of the Iberian Peninsula. In addition to having aesthetic appeal, the garden enhances the university’s medicinal studies, and researchers also maintain a seed bank. Afternoons in Coimbra are made for walking along the Mondego River, popping into a pastelaria to enjoy Portuguese pastries and coffee, or admiring the details of the Igreja de Santa Cruz church, whose architecture mostly dates back to the 16th century. The Iberian Peninsula is well connected and can be reached via plane, bus, train, and by boat. Also, Sintra is only 20 miles from Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, making it a wonderful day-trip. This former place of worship also houses the Sephardic Museum, whose artifacts help shed light on the Iberian Peninsula’s once-thriving Jewish population. Long a refuge for Portugal’s royalty and elite, much of Sintra is included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. And it’s not just fine cooking accessories that make Toledo a culinary paradise, because the city is also known for its saffron, its fine marzipan, and Manchego—cheese made from sheep’s milk. Sun-drenched coastal areas define the peninsula’s south. Cape Roca, in Portugal, is the most westerly point of continental Europe.

It includes the countries of Portugal, Spain, and Andorra. This coastal metropolis is known for its port wine, the Dom Luís I Bridge (which has metalwork reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower), and its beautifully-worn buildings, some of which are clad in stunning blue-and-white tiles called azulejos. Córdoba’s Old Town is known for its charming patios, which are studded with a colorful array of potted plants and other greenery.

In this small square, tourists mingle with locals playing the Spanish guitar, all while watching the Alhambra blush in the last light of the day.


While in Coimbra, it’s a joy simply strolling up the steep streets along the mosaic-tiled sidewalks (called calçadas), trying a shot of ginja (a traditional Portuguese liqueur made with a sour cherry-like fruit), or popping into a club to listen to Portugal’s traditional fado music. Located on the southwestern tip of the European continent, the Iberian Peninsula , includes the countries of Andorra, Portugal and Spain, and the British Crown colony of Gibraltar. Its flamboyant exterior makes it a favorite with photographers, and since it is perched on one of the area’s highest peaks, it provides stunning vistas, too. For centuries, Córdoba was the Moors’ capital and one of Europe’s most sophisticated cities, boasting esteemed universities, libraries, and public bathhouses. Since the bridge is pedestrianized, it is a delightful place to stroll and take in views of Córdoba’s Old Town skyline. (Portugal is one of the world’s largest cork producers.). Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. The Atlantic Ocean washes the northern, western, and southwestern coasts, and the Mediterranean Sea washes the southern and eastern shores. Subscribe to the Magazine Today and Save 35%.

Spain, Portugal, and France are all members of the European Union. Its architecture is overwhelmingly Gothic, but it also has elements of Renaissance and Mudéjar design. Updates? Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. The Next 10 Countries: The World's Most Likely New Nations. The Alhambra’s Islamic architecture (think horseshoe arches, graceful fountains, and vibrant tiles decorated in geometric patterns) might make you feel as though you have been whisked off to Morocco. However, the peninsula technically includes the tiny country of Andorra, a sliver of France, and the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. A satellite photograph of the Strait of Gibraltar, between southern Andalusia, Spain, and northern Morocco. The peninsula is also home to continental Spain’s highest mountain peak, Mulhacén. Coimbra has several lovely greenspaces, which are a superb place to admire Mediterranean flora, read a book, or simply relax. The region also produces an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables—including a vast share of the world’s olive oil. A Moorish fortress, royal residence, and a military academy once stood at this site. Coimbra’s version of fado often includes lyrics about university life. Franco, Spain’s long-ruling military dictator later had it rebuilt. However, to keep the originals safe, a resident colony of bats lives inside these elegant surroundings—kept there so as to devour any insects that might otherwise destroy the books. For millennia, the Iberian Peninsula has been a coveted destination, with everyone from the Phoenicians and the Romans to the Visigoths and the Moors leaving their mark on this southwestern slice of Europe. Thanks to its commanding position and impressive size, the Alcázar is one of Toledo’s most recognizable buildings. Wander into one of these courtyard gardens, where you can enjoy tea and delightful Middle Eastern pastries all while watching birds begging for a sweet morsel. The area’s riverside promenade is perfectly suited for people watching: You can see groups of traditional student musicians (called tunas) performing, and chat with vendors selling embroidered linens, souvenir-sized bottles of port, and purses and ties made of cork. After you have savored the Alhambra, stroll through Albayzín—Granada’s hilly neighborhood filled with centuries-old whitewashed buildings. Its graceful white arches are dramatically illuminated by uplights, inviting you to marvel at the intricacies of the magnificent architecture. So elaborate was the cathedral that it took centuries to build. Inside the cathedral you can find paintings by Spanish masters such as Velázquez and Goya, as well as El Greco, the Greek artist who lived in Toledo for much of his life.