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Spanish Architecture
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Nearly all Spanish towns have a Plaza Mayor - Main Square - which acts as a focal point for the locals. Cultural events will occur here and normally the Town Hall, bars, shops and a church will surround it. A common sight in Spain is the Ermita - isolated shrines/chapels to the local saint which are painted white. Situated on high these chapels have a long road leading up to them featuring the Stations of the Cross (depictions of Jesus in the run up to his crucifixion).
Spain imports its architecture for Cathedrals and Palaces and then interprets it. Taking Renaissance (Italian), Moorish (North African), Romanesque and Gothic (French) and creating differences using shady and light places, austere and extravagant facades and to reduce sunlight's impact, thick walls with only a few windows.
With regard to general architecture it is local craftsmen who address community needs. The climate is of main concern and there are therefore buildings of timber, clay and stone, excavated cave dwellings and those on stone stilts.
Mozarabic trails have stood the test of time and are feats of incredible engineering. They are stepped; narrow trails which zigzag deep into ravines of mountains and cross through them valley to valley. They have thousand of steps with supporting walls in difficult places.
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