When you think of art destinations in the Mediterranean you might think of the Vatican in Rome or the Uffizi in Florence. While these wonderful cities are certainly must-see destinations for art lovers, there are plenty of other places in the Mediterranean for art buffs. Take these five for example:
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is located in southern Croatia on the shores of the Adriatic. Famous for its distinctive terracotta roofs and formidable city walls, this is also a city perfect for lovers of modern art. You’ll find boutique galleries and museums dotted around the city, as well as the truly inspiring Museum of Modern Art, located a short walk from the Old Town and boasting nine rooms of exhibition space. If you go in the summer months, you’ll be able to enjoy the museum’s excellent annual summer exhibition.
Valletta, Malta
Malta is truly one of those holiday destinations that has it all. Its capital Valletta is a particularly awe-inspiring (if tiny) city, situated on a peninsula on the main island’s eastern coast. Home to historic sites such as the much-photographed Grand Master’s Palace, it’s also a fantastic city for exploring your artistic side. Particularly fascinating is the National Museum of Fine Arts, where you’ll find a collection which spans from the late medieval period to the modern day. Also known as Casa Miasi, the museum is notable for its large collection of Italian Baroque paintings as well as many excellent Maltese sculptures and landscapes.
Malaga, Spain
Situated on the Costa del Sol, Malaga is a popular stop for Mediterranean cruise providers (as are all of the destinations on this list) bringing in thousands of beach-hungry tourists every summer. But though this area of Spain is excellent for unwinding on the beach, it’s also the place to be for arty experiences. There’s a wide variety of galleries and museums in the city, but the best has to be the Museo Picasso. Celebrated painter Pablo Picasso was born in this city and Malaga’s popular museum is the perfect tribute to his works, housing over 200 of his paintings.
Barcelona, Spain
If there’s one world-famous person who successfully straddled the mediums of architecture and art it’s Antoni Gaudi. Originally born in the Spanish town of Reus, Gaudi is most closely associated with the city of Barcelona, where he built numerous sculptures and buildings, including the famously unfinished Sagrada Familia. For a totally unique experience head to Park Guell, Gaudi’s most unusual creation. The park is filled with stunning mosaics, unusual colourful buildings, and countless opportunities for photo-taking. What’s more, it’s open every single day and can be toured for only a few Euros.
Casablanca, Morocco
When you hear the name Casablanca, you tend to think of the Humphrey Bogart film. But did you know that this Moroccan city is a cultural hotspot bursting with architectural gems, historical curiosities and some of the finest art galleries and museums in the country? If you’re planning a trip to this fascinating place, make sure you give yourself time to tour the Villa des Arts. This converted 1930s art deco building is surrounded by some beautiful grounds and houses exhibitions of contemporary art, offering an exquisite selection from Morocco and around the world. A must-see if you have a passion for modern art.
Whether you’re taking a cruise around the Mediterranean or simply planning a short city break, you’ll find all the artistic inspiration you could want in these five wonderful cities.
Photo Credits
Valletta, Malta – by Tobias von der Haar on flickr – some rights reserved
Malaga – by kevinpoh on flickr – some rights reserved
Casablanc by inkomega on flickr – some rights reserved
Dubrovnik – wikimedia Creative Commons
Barcelona Spain – wikimedia Creative Commons
Guest Author Bio
Chrysty Miles
Chrysty Miles is a travel enthusiast who loves exploring the world. She had been to different countries tasting the goodness of the world.
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Really Superb cities..:-)