The document highlights various cultural and historical sites across the Western Mediterranean, focusing on Spain, France, Monaco, and Italy. It details the regions' significant landmarks, like Barcelona's independence movement, the Alcazaba in Malaga, and the architectural beauty of the Alhambra in Granada. Additionally, it describes France's winemaking heritage and the scenic allure of Italian towns like Portovenere and Florence.

1. WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN
2018
Spain, France, Monaco & Italy

2. SPAIN

3. BARCELONA,SPAIN
The capital of
Catalonia and a
center of sports,
shipping and culture,
Barcelona is alive
with history (left).
A tribute to
Columbus is in a
round-about near the
port (below).
Image Source: Trey Ratcliff

4. BARCELONA,SPAIN
A color enhanced
treatment of a park
with a grand
fountain (left).
A vendor in a shop
is carving the
thinly-sliced ham
that is used in
many traditional
Spanish dishes
(below).

5. BARCELONA,SPAIN
But all is not well in
Catalonia, the
province on the
coast and just west
of the French
border. A strong
independence
movement is
growing in
Barcelona and
environs. This
image was
snapped using an
Android phone
camera when we
came upon the
demonstration
(left).

6. GIRONA,SPAIN
The Riu Onyar river
runs through historic
Girona (left), a short
train ride from
Barcelona.
An ancient tree
growing into the rocks
of the ancient
fortification (below).

7. GIRONA,SPAIN
The nave of the
Esglesia de Sant
Feliu cathedral in
Girona showing an
elaborate
crucifixion sculpture
(left).
Exterior features of
the historical
complex (below).

8. GIRONA,SPAIN
The interior of the
Esglesia de Sant
Feliu, a 14th century
gothic cathedral in
Girona (left).
Shown below is a
typical image of
Madonna and child
in the Girona
Cathedral.

9. BAYONMENORCA,SPAIN
Crystal clear water
and calm winds in
this protected bay
(left).
This entire Balearic
island off the coast
of Spain is
designated as a
UNESCO Cultural
Heritage Site.

10. MENORCARESORT,SPAIN
This image shows
the architecture
characteristic of the
island of Menorca
(left).
Ancient dry stacked
rocks are visible
throughout the
island. The look of
the dry stacked walls
visible around the
island, has been
incorporated into
many modern
homes, like the one
pictured below.

11. MENORCAVILLAGE,SPAIN
Historically, villages
were built in the
hills, away from the
dangers of the
coastline from
pirates and malaria
(left).
Modern towns have
continued on the
original footprints
with the original
structures and are
beautifully
maintained (below).

12. PALMADEMALLORCA,SPAIN
Ancient olive trees
grace the
landscape on
terraces originally
built by the Moors
(left).
An estate in the
hills retains the
charm of the old
world (below).

13. PALMADEMALLORCA,SPAIN
Built in the 13th
Century and
continuously
occupied, this
farmhouse is high
in the mountains
and ancient olive
trees grace the
landscape (left).
The signage in the
high country is
quaint (below).

14. PALMADEMALLORCA,SPAIN
The high cost of
gasoline and diesel
fuel in Europe is a
strong incentive for
more fuel efficient
cars. Electric
charging stations
are visible in many
places for hybrids
and electric cars
(left).
The charging
symbol was painted
on the pavement
(below).

15. PALAMOS,SPAIN
Palamos, on
Coasta Brava, is at
its heart, a working
city that still retains
the traditions of the
past. The gothic
church in the old
town is visible from
the harbor (left).
A fisherman
attracts many birds
as he cleans his
catch of the day
(below).

16. PALAMOS,SPAIN
A winter refuge for
northern
Europeans. A long
promenade along
the harbor is a
favorite for biking
and strolling (left).
Gelato is a favorite
among locals and
tourists alike
(below).

17. MALAGA,SPAIN
The famous
Alcazaba complex
consists of the
fortress at the top
of the hill and the
historical home of
the sultans and
later, Ferdinand
and Isabella.
Pictured here is a
view from the top of
the fortress (left).
A seagull keeps
watch (below).

18. MALAGA,SPAIN
Pictured here is a
view of the
fortifications of the
fort with the city of
Malaga visible in
the distance (left).
A lookout tower at
the corner of the
complex (below).

19. MALAGA,SPAIN
Pictured here is a Plein
Air artist taking
advantage of the view
from the top of the
Fortress of Alcazaba
with the city of Malaga
and the harbor visible
in the distance (left).
Musician playing
classical Spanish
guitar (below).

20. MALAGA,SPAIN
Interior of the palace
at Alcazaba is
maintained with
gardens and running
water, just as in the
days it was occupied
by the Sultans (left).
The grounds are still
lush and well
maintained (below).

21. MALAGA,SPAIN
A view of the harbor
from the walkway
between the Fortress
and the Palace of
Alcazaba (left).
And, of course, you
are never too far from
a café or tapas bar
where you can have a
glass of Spanish wine
(below).

22. MALAGA,SPAIN
The complex had
narrow channels of
running water
providing humidity
and a tranquil
sound (left).
Around the old
town of Malaga
there are horses
and carriages that
will give you a slow
ride through town
(below).

23. MALAGA,SPAIN
At the base of the
Alcazaba complex is a
set of Roman ruins that
is currently undergoing
restoration (left).
Original documentation
of the battle when the
Spaniards reclaimed
control of Malaga and
the Alcazar complex
(below).

24. MALAGA,SPAIN
Exterior of the Catedral de
Malaga (left). Rumor has
it that the Spanish king left
the top right tower
unfinished because he
reallocated the money to
support the 13 colonies of
the American
Revolutionary war. The
pillars of the second tower
are still visible today.
One of the only chambers
where a real candle was
burning inside (below).

25. MALAGA,SPAIN
Interior of the
Catedral de Malaga
(left). A fountain
statue in the park
(below).

26. MALAGA,SPAIN
These delicately
carved figures in the
Choir section were all
completed within a 2-
year period during
construction of the
Cathedral (left).
More lavish detail
(below).

27. MALAGA,SPAIN
A typical meal in
Spain is a
sandwich on freshly
baked bread with
local ham and
cheese (left).
Below is an
example of a
typical ‘tapas’ dish
from a fine
restaurant.

28. GRANADA,SPAIN
A view of the
extensive grounds
of the Alhambra
from the Jardines
Bajos leading to the
Auditorio del
Generalife (left).
The gardens are
well maintained
(below).

29. GRANADA,SPAIN
The Auditorio del
Generalife where a
Sultan maintain
residence and held
counsel meetings
during the reign of
the Moors (left).
The grounds are
covered with
flowers (below).

30. GRANADA,SPAIN
Inner courtyard of
palace of Alhambra
(left). The harmony
of the architecture
is breathtaking.
Detail from interior
(below).

31. GRANADA,SPAIN
The innermost rooms
of palace of Alhambra
have the most
elaborate carvings
(left). The state of
preservation is
exquisite.
The throne room is
especially beautiful
(below).

32. GRANADA,SPAIN
View of old town
Granada from the
Alhambra. The
uniformity of colors
and building
materials has
persisted
throughout the
centuries (left).
Ivy growing in the
gardens (below).

33. CORDOBA,SPAIN
The bell tower of
the outer wall of the
Mosque-Cathedral
complex (left).
Exterior motifs of
the same complex
with the Moorish
era remnants
(below).

34. CORDOBA,SPAIN
The UNESCO
Mosque-Cathedral
site is one of the
wonders of the
modern world. The
mosque was built
from the 8th to the
10th centuries
during the reign of
the Moorish sultans
(left).
It was built on the
foundation of a
Visigoth Basilica
from the 6th
Century A.D.

35. CORDOBA,SPAIN
More detail of the
inner chambers of
the ancient Mosque
(left).
Everywhere a
visitor looks he
sees eye candy.

36. CORDOBA,SPAIN
Here you see the
blending of the
Christian and
Islamic motifs at
the transition zone
(left).
Detail from a portal
in the inner
courtyard (below).

37. CORDOBA,SPAIN
This image gives
the viewer a sense
of the
expansiveness of
the Mosque (left).

38. CORDOBA,SPAIN
As stunning as the
expansive columns
and arches are,
they do not
compare to the
intricacy of the
Cathedral once the
visitor enters this
chamber of the
complex (left).
Interior motifs of
the pregnant Mary
(below).

39. CORDOBA,SPAIN
Since the Cathedral
was built inside of the
ancient Mosque its
taller sections allow
natural light to pass
into this part of the
complex (left).

40. CORDOBA,SPAIN
The intricate organ
is still in use for
regular worship at
the Cathedral. The
literature from the
complex noted that
mass has been
held here
continuously since
the 13th Century
without missing a
single day (left).

41. CORDOBA,SPAIN
Another view of the
grand organ inside
the Mosque-
Cathedral of
Cordoba (left).

42. CORDOBA,SPAIN
Choir chamber in
Cathedral (left).
Note the difference
in style from the
Malaga Cathedral
Choir stalls.
Bell tower (below).

43. MOSAIC WINDOWS IN THE CORDOBA
MOSQUE-CATHEDRAL

44. CORDOBA,SPAIN
The Roman era
bridge extends across
the Guadalquivir river
(left).
The statue of an
angel on the Roman
bridge (below).

45. FRANCE

46. CHATEAUNEUF,FRANCE
Winemaking is
considered to be
both a lifestyle and
fine art in this
region of France.
This winery was
considered to be
the wine of the
French Popes from
the 14th Century
onward (left).
The sun on the
grapes show they
are maturing nicely
(below).

47. AVIGNON,FRANCE
The Papal Palace is
the historic center of
Avignon. It was
designated as the
center of the Catholic
Church in the 14th
Century when a
French Pope
(Benedict XII) moved
the seat of the papacy
to Avignon (left).
A wooden carving
from the medieval era
(below).

48. AVIGNON,FRANCE
The bell tower above
a large courtyard
inside the papal
palace (left).
Marble statutes of
important figures from
the 14th Century
(below).

49. AJACCIO,CORSICA,FRANCE
The rugged
coastline of Corsica
shows the
sequence of
Genoese
Watchtowers along
the Sanguinaires
islands in the bay
(left).
In the foreground,
the clarity of the
sea.

50. AJACCIO,CORSICA,FRANCE
Spectacular tall and
rugged mountains
in the Alta Monte
area of Corsica;
only an hour from
the coastal city of
Ajaccio (left).

51. EZE,FRANCE
Eze was an ancient
hill town that has
maintained its
original charm. It is
now a collection of
boutiques, café’s
and art galleries
perched
precariously on top
of a mountain.
Lavender (below) is
one of the common
products sold.

52. EZE,FRANCE
The stone
structures built on a
hilltop and covered
with ivy as we walk
through the ancient
town of Eze (left).

53. EZE,FRANCE
Unique alleys and
walkways through
the ancient town of
Eze (left).

54. EZE,FRANCE
Arts and crafts from
local artists in the
shops along the
walkways through
the ancient town of
Eze (left).

55. EZE,FRANCE
A typical modern
art gallery in Eze,
just a short drive
from Monte Carlo,
the home of the
rich and famous
(left & below).

56. AIXENPROVINCE,FRANCE
This cathedral in
Aix en Province
combines Roman
elements with
gothic and baroque
showing the effects
of changing
architectural styles
through time (left).

57. AIXENPROVINCE,FRANCE
The Farmer’s
Market is alive with
color in the town
square (left).
Fresh bread is
always not too far
away (below).

58. AIXENPROVINCE,FRANCE
The Tribunal of
Commerce – a
centuries old
building on the
promenade with
unique statues
(left).
Shops were filled
with local soaps
and herbs (below).

59. AIXENPROVENCE,FRANCE
A carousel in the
public square in the
village (left).
Families traveling
with children have
a challenge getting
around in many
European cities.
But there are
festivals and
colorful distractions
to keep the children
occupied (below).

60. MONTECARLO,MONACO

61. MONTECARLO,MONACO
The second smallest
country in the world,
famed for its lavish
casino, richly
appointed villas and
beautiful crystalline
harbor (left).
Throughout the
harbor you see luxury
yachts (below).

62. MONTECARLO,MONACO
The Rothschild Museum
is decorated in 18th
Century artefacts (left).
The exterior requires
constant maintenance.
Nonetheless, from a
distance the contrast of
the pink exterior against
the blue sky is picture
perfect (below).

63. MONTECARLO,MONACO
The fountains at the
Rothschild museum
are timed to dance
with water in rhythm
to classical music
from the 18th
Century (left).
Beautiful water lilies
in the extensive
gardens and ponds
(below).

64. MONTECARLO,MONACO
The lavish interiors
of the Rothschild
Museum are
decorated in 18th
Century artefacts
(left).
Oversized floral
arrangements are
visible throughout
the museum (below).

65. MONTECARLO,MONACO
The Rolling Stones
rented this home in
Monte Carlo for a
month and recorded
one of their most
famous record labels
while there (left).
A photo of the group
as young men
(below).

66. ITALY

67. PORTOVENERE,ITALY
An ancient Roman
town with a 13th
Century Chapel,
and the Castello
Doria provides an
excellent viewpoint
over the quaint
seaside village of
Portovenere, Italy
(left).
The Seabourn ship
is visible in the bay.
The entrance ticket
to the castle
(below).

68. PORTOVENERE,ITALY
The 13th Century
church in
Portovenere is a
tourist attraction
(left).
The cemeteries on
this rocky outcrop
are above ground
and feature photos
of the deceased
(below).

69. PORTOVENERE,ITALY
The 17th Century
church in
Portovenere is the
functional church
used by the locals
for worship (left).
A harpist plays
enchanting music
for the visitors
(below).

70. PORTOVENERE,ITALY
The Grotto where
Lord Byron used to
go for a daily swim
(left).
Detail of a painting
of Lord Byron
(below).

71. ROME,ITALY
A baroque
Cathedral in Rome
with lavish
paintings on its
ceiling (left).
A peaceful image of
the Saint that this
Dominican
Cathedral is
dedicated to
(below). She was
believed to be a
healer.

72. ROME,ITALY
A baroque
Cathedral in Rome
with exquisite
stained glass
windows (left).
Detail from a
painting of Joseph
and Mary with baby
Jesus (below).

73. ROME,ITALY
The oldest building
with a free-standing
oculus in the world;
the Parthenon
(left).
Renowned artist
Rafael is entombed
within the
Parthenon. A statue
dedicated to his
body of work is
below.

74. ROME,ITALY
Constantinople’s
Arch just outside of
the Coliseum (left).
Carving detail from
Arch (below).

75. ROME,ITALY
Partial view of
Rome skyline (left).
Statue of Roman
god Poseidon in
elaborate fountain
complex (below).

76. ROME,ITALY
The famous Trevi
fountain, an
example of a wall
fountain from the
17th century (left).

77. VATICAN,ITALY
The top of St.
Peter’s Basilica
(left) in the Vatican.
Detail from a
baroque church in
Rome (below).

78. VATICAN,ITALY
A row of saints and
holy men in the
Vatican in St.
Peter’s square
(left).
Another view of St.
Peter’s Basilica
(below).

79. FLORENCE,ITALY
The Arno River
running through the
old section of
Florence (left).
One of the many
exquisite classical
statues in Florence
(below).

80. FLORENCE,ITALY
The grand
Cathedral in
Florence (left).
The larger-than-life
statue of David
(below).

81. FLORENCE,ITALY
The original bridge
once used by the
butchers in
Florence (left).
After the Medici’s
came to power they
built a private
walkway above and
converted all of the
shops to jewelry
shops.
Officers on the beat
(below).

82. SANTAMARGHARITELIGURE
Beautifully restored
and well maintained
edifices are
plentiful throughout
this seaside city on
the Italian Riviera
(left).
Three dimensional
paintings give
building a sense of
depth and beauty
(below).

83. SANTAMARGHARITELIGURE,ITALY
This harbor
provides a safe
haven for sail boats
and fishing boats
alike (left).
The façade of the
Cathedral
dominates the city
skyline (below).

84. PHOTOCREDITS
Tom and Jane Ginn
in front of the
Alhambra in
Granada, Spain,
October, 2018.
Photos by:
Tom Ginn
Camera: Panasonic
Lumix camera, Model
No. DMC-G6.
Lens:
• Panasonic G Vario
1:4/7-14 ASPH
• Panasonic H-
HS35100 35:100
HD
______________
Jane Ginn
Camera: Panasonic
Lumix camera, Model
No. DMC-G6.
Lens:
H-FS100300 100:300
1.5m/4.9ft-∞