The Spanish Golden Age

Around the 17th century, an influential period for prosperity, trade science and culture took place in Spain. The Spanish Golden Age is also known as El Siglo de Oro.

Spanish culture 

In the 16th century, Spain conquered the New World and this brought the country great prestige and wealth. This marked the beginning of the Spanish Golden Age, El Siglo de Oro. At that time, Seville was the richest city in the country, partly because Seville was the port for all trade to the Americas. During the Golden Age, Spain was ruled by the Habsburgs and until 1645 by King Philip II, Philip III and Philip IV, among others. Under the rule of the Habsburgs, all peoples had to learn the Spanish language. However, when Philip III came to power, the Habsburg Empire began to show its cracks and the Netherlands and England, among others, showed their dislike. Nevertheless, Spain was still one of the most powerful countries in the world during this period.

Spanish culture, on the other hand, underwent a great heyday in the 16th and 17th centuries. Spaniards produced so many great works of art and literature that this period is known as the Golden Age. This was also the time of Baroque literature. It was a dark period where pessimism prevailed and it was believed that only death could deliver you from this period. Velázquez, among others, painted masterpieces during the Spanish Golden Age.

Drama began to gain popularity during the Golden Age. Well-known playwrights of this era include Félix Lope de Vega and Pedro Calderón de la Barca. Félix wrote 2000 plays that were mainly about honor and love. After his death, Pedro became one of the most famous playwrights. His works are known for his religious drama about Catholic beliefs.
The death of Pedro Calderón de la Barca in 1681 is often seen as the end of the Spanish Golden Age. The Spanish Golden Age was also a successful period for the famous Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes. Among other things, he wrote the modern novel "Don Quixote," one of the most famous novels in Spanish history. In addition to novels, Cervantes also wrote several plays. Miguel Cervantes played a major role in Spanish history and this can still be seen today on the Spanish 10, 20 and 50 cent euro coins.