Spain’s secret art and music scenes: A hidden cultural journey

Spain is a place where it’s easy to stumble upon a deserted church whose walls are adorned with frescoes that are hundreds of years old, a tiny village that hosts a music festival featuring big international names, or a little-known art gallery that holds a world-class collection. The best way to discover Spain’s art and music is to venture off the well-trodden path. In the small town of Villanueva de los Infantes, in the heart of La Mancha, the Convento de Santo Domingo houses the tomb of Francisco de Quevedo, the 17th-century writer who famously clashed with his rival, the poet Luis de Góngora. The convent’s simple yet elegant architecture provides a fitting backdrop for Quevedo’s final resting place, and the town’s quiet charm makes it a rewarding detour for those exploring Cervantes’ land. Further north, in the Basque Country, the little village of Elciego is home to the modernist masterpiece that is the Marques de Riscal winery, designed by Frank Gehry. This stunning building, with its undulating titanium roof that reflects the colors of the vineyards, is a work of art in itself. Visitors can take a tour of the winery and enjoy a tasting of its famous Rioja wines. In the nearby city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Museo de Bellas Artes holds a small but exquisite collection of Spanish art, including works by El Greco and Goya. In the region of Extremadura, the town of Coria is known for its impressive Roman bridge, but it also hides a fascinating secret: the Museo de la Cárcel Real, a small museum housed in the town’s former prison. The museum’s collection includes a range of objects related to crime and punishment, from medieval torture devices to modern forensic equipment. It offers a unique insight into the darker side of Spanish history. For those interested in contemporary art, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo in Alicante is a must-visit. Housed in a former granary, this cutting-edge museum features works by some of Spain’s most important modern artists, including Picasso, Miró, and Dalí. The building itself is a striking example of avant-garde architecture, with its bold lines and innovative use of space. In the town of Olot, in the volcanic region of La Garrotxa, the Museu Comarcal de la Garrotxa is a hidden gem of Catalan art. The museum’s collection includes works by the 19th-century landscape painter Joaquim Vayreda, who was inspired by the region’s dramatic scenery, as well as pieces by the modernist sculptor Josep Clarà. Visitors can also explore the nearby Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa, a stunning natural park with over 40 dormant volcanoes. In the heart of Andalusia, the tiny village of Genalguacil is known as the Pueblo Museo, or Museum Village. Every two years, the village hosts an art festival that attracts artists from all over the world. The artists create works inspired by the village’s surroundings, which are then left on display throughout the village, turning Genalguacil into an open-air museum. The village’s narrow streets are filled with sculptures, murals, and installations, making it a unique and ever-changing art destination. The town of Úbeda, in the province of Jaén, is famous for its Renaissance architecture, but it also holds a lesser-known treasure: the Sinagoga del Agua, a beautifully restored medieval synagogue that was discovered by chance during renovation work. The synagogue’s simple yet elegant design, with its stone arches and wooden beams, provides a glimpse into the rich Jewish heritage of the region. Nearby, in the town of Baeza, the Centro de Interpretación del Renacimiento offers a fascinating insight into the cultural and artistic achievements of the Renaissance in Spain. In the region of Asturias, the small village of Cangas de Onís is best known for its Roman bridge, but it also hosts the annual Festival Internacional de Música de Cangas de Onís, a music festival that attracts some of the biggest names in classical and folk music. The festival’s intimate venues, including the medieval church of Santa María de la Oliva, provide a stunning setting for world-class performances. The nearby Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring the region’s natural beauty. In the town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, in the province of Cádiz, the Fundación Casa Medina Sidonia is a little-known gem of Spanish history. Housed in a 16th-century palace, the foundation holds one of the largest private archives in Europe, with documents dating back to the 13th century. Visitors can explore the palace’s beautiful gardens and learn about the history of the powerful Medina Sidonia family, who played a key role in the Spanish Armada. The town is also famous for its manzanilla sherry and its annual horse races on the beach. Finally, in the region of Galicia, the town of Lugo is home to the Arde Lucus festival, a lively celebration of the town’s Roman heritage. Every June, the town’s streets are filled with people dressed in Roman costumes, and visitors can enjoy reenactments of gladiator fights, chariot races, and Roman banquets. The town’s well-preserved Roman walls, which date back to the 3rd century, provide a stunning backdrop for the festivities. These are just a few examples of the many hidden treasures that Spain has to offer. Whether you’re a fan of history, art, music, or simply enjoy exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, there’s something for everyone in this diverse and fascinating country.