The Journal

The Giants of La Mancha

The windmills of Consuegra, Toledo: working heritage on Cerro Calderico, the literary world of Don Quixote and the colours and textures of La Mancha.

A Morning in Valencia

A morning around Valencia’s Plaça de l’Ajuntament: the City Hall, flowers and everyday rituals that inspire Macarena de Alba’s eye for colour and detail.

The Art of Ornament: The Real Alcázar of Seville

The Real Alcázar of Seville: Mudéjar architecture, the Patio de las Doncellas and the ceramic patterns, water and gardens that inspire Macarena de Alba.

The Journey To Sóller

Sóller, Mallorca: the historic railway from Palma, the wooden tram to the port and the colours and textures gathered along the journey.

A Landscape Transformed: Cabárceno

Cabárceno, Cantabria: a former iron mine transformed into a wildlife park, seen through its elephants, cable-car views and the colours of the landscape.

Bilbao After the Guggenheim

Titanium, flowers and a river transformed. From Frank Gehry's Guggenheim to Jeff Koons's Puppy, a closer look at the architecture, art and changing urban landscape of Bilbao.

Madrid in Brick and Ceramic

Brick, ceramic, arches, sunlight and shadow. A closer look at Madrid's Las Ventas and the Neo-Mudéjar architectural language behind one of the city's most recognisable landmarks.

Cudillero, Built into the Hillside

Cudillero, Asturias: discover the hillside fishing village, its colourful harbour, pixueto traditions and the quiet details that inspire Macarena de Alba.

A Garden for Madrid: El Retiro

Once a royal retreat, El Retiro became one of Madrid's great public spaces. A story of gardens, the paseo and the changing relationship between nature and the city.

The River That Shaped Seville

Read Seville through the Guadalquivir, the Torre del Oro and El Arenal: maritime history, riverside walks and the colours that inspire Macarena de Alba.