Spain has a great artistic heritage. The most known the golden age were the Toledo-based artists El Greco and Diego Velázquez. Francisco Goya emerged in the 18th century as Spain's most famous painter .The art world in the early 20th century was influenced by Spanish artists: Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris, Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí.
Spain's architecture ranges from prehistoric monuments in Menorca, through to the Roman ruins of Mérida', Gothic cathedrals, castles and palaces.
The guitar was invented in Spain in the 1790s when a sixth string was added to the Arab lute. It gained its modern shape in the 1870s. Flamenco, music , is experiencing a comeback. Paco de Lucia is the best known flamenco guitarist internationally.
Spaniards are sports crazy, and football (soccer) is huge. Bullfighting is also very popular, despite continued pressure from international animal-rights activists.
Eating out in Spain is relatively cheap and meals are usually substantial instead of gourmet. The Spanish tradition of tapas is a good way to sample the local food. Tapas are small dishes of snacks which are served anytime especially in small places. They cover all types of foods from seafood to vegetables. Many Spanish people make an evening of hopping from place to place bar trying different tapas. Another of Spain's favourites is Ham . Spain is famous for its fish delicacies , especially if you get to coastal areas. Paella has long been a Spanish favourite, based on either meat or seafood. Every region in Spain has its own specialities
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