"I learned so much about the social and economic history of this part of Spain and how the architectural styles developed and were implemented using existing buildings over the centuries. Karla brought it all to life. I loved Karla's talks because they are so animated and enthusiastic and full of interesting and amusing anecdotes. I definitely recommend her."
"It was a nice and sunny Saturday in March when we set off with Fine Arts Historican Karla Darocas for a field trip to Grandia as a group of adult education students.
As always, Karla thoroughly prepared for this excursion with a lecture on Gandía first.
A group ride share was organised and after picking up several members ‘en route’ we arrived in Gandia, a town in th southern part of the Valencian province, which was buzzing with the preparations for the Falla Fiestas on March 19th.
We visited the Santa Clara museum, where we were the only visitors. We strolled around enjoying the explanations by Karla about the religious works of art roughly from the 15th till the 17th centuries. There was Gregorian music playing in the atmosphere that made the visit extra special. All this heritage had been kept by the nuns of Santa Clara’s Monastery since the 1400's and only shared with the public in 1915 in this museum, which was the medieval hospital.
Needless to say, the famous Spanish Borja family who were patrons of the arts, were presented in paintings and murals as well.
Gandía sits on the shores of the Serpis river, now dry as a bone, but still a grand sight to view from the mirador.
After a quick cafe con leche accompanied by the parade of children, men and women dressed in the traditional Valencian costumes with bands playing the typical music that many of us have heard in these regions when fiestas are celebrated, we went on a pleasant walk to the Palau Ducal dels Borja.
This is where Francisco de Borja, the great grandson of Pope Alexandre VI, was born and raised. Long after his death, he became Saint Francisco de Borja and his great grandson Pascual de Borja brought the beauty of Italian baroque to the palace by building a series of rooms that celebrated in art and design the canonization of Francisco.
Our group lunch was catered by friendly couple at their charming Restaurant called EL GUSTO. It was a great end to an uplifting and educational day. Great stuff!"
"Steve and I joined Karla on her Javea Walk on 1st March. Having been to many of Karla's lectures and so very familiar with her wide ranging knowledge, we were still amazed at how much there was to learn about this small area of Javea.
Karla's delivery as always tempered with humour and small details.
We highly recommend these walks to anyone interested in where we are living or just staying on holiday."
"Karla brought to life the Old Town of Jávea, areas that I have been to many times but knew little about. I learned a lot about the history and culture of Javea and I will return to some of the places she introduced me to. Karla has a very unique way of explaining things and I love her relaxed style. I can highly recommend this walk. Karla's teaching style involves paying attention to detail and her ability to explain things in an informative way."
"Wonderful to learn how a series of races such as Celts, Romans, Visigoths, Muslims, Jews and Christians became the dominant culture with each lasting for a few centuries. Each having their own style for religious buildings often based on religious mythology, often adapting and extending existing buildings using roman materials. Very interested to hear that Christians did not wash (for some reason) whereas for Arabs and Romans it was an important ritual.
Attended presentation because we are planning to visit Toledo. I like Karla's visual aids and relatively small group."
"Extremely interesting talk - made sense of a lot of the places I had visited in Toledo last year. Clarified and contextualised in Karla's usual enthusiastic and informative way. Karla's talks are always accessible and enjoyable. Can't wait to re-visit Toledo with the deeper understanding of the history of the city and it's buildings gained from this talk. Karla's teaching is enthusiastic and packed with information."
"Having lived in Javea for a number of years, I wanted to learn about the old town of Javea. I now walk the streets looking up not just eye level. Karla has opened my eyes to the beautiful buildings and history of the lovely town I live in.
I have already sent neighbours on the walk, who loved it as much as me. Karla’s treaching is filled with extensive knowledge and passion about Spain. Also she injects humour. Most definitely I would recommend Karla.
"Today's lecture on Toledo was really good. I went to Madrid last year but today's lecture makes me want to visit Toledo. Mum wants to go with my dad too.
Mum gets nervous if she thinks information will be too high Brow!! But we like the way Karla gives the information in normal terms. We find it very light hearted but really interesting."
"I am very keen to learn more about all aspects of this beautiful country that I live in. Karla's inimitable style (which I love) inspires me to look more into the subjects. I have also learnt how to interpret visual details of buildings, paintings, architecture and the historical progress of development through the ages.
Karla's teaching style is so easy to understand and relate to."
"We did Karla's Javea walk today. She peeled away the skins of the town and took it back to exploring the history of the architecture, religious art and social and economic history. Every stone tells a story. I was swept away by her talk....and because it was SO packed with colourful history and information I would LOVE to hear it again. She has just 5 people in the group....the history and architectural stories come spilling out. The talk was mesmerizing and her stories really came alive .. particularly the expulsion of the Moors. I just wish I had taken some notes. Absolutely fascinating. So lucky to have her doing this with passion. Certainly NOT a standard " Tour".
"From murder holes, bullet ridden buildings, the pouring of burning oil onto attacking marauders and the Christian Conquest to the economic expansion due to the production of raisins, the attraction of this area to royalty and artists with their palaces and lush courtyards, we set forth with Karla in search of all the clues that still exist.
Our small group strode through the narrow streets searching for these remains of a bygone era like a small army with Karla at our helm. She kept us spellbound with her tales and knowledge.
Wow, what a morning!
Karla has a friendly and casual teaching style. Without a doubt I recommend her to all my friends."
"Really enjoyed the JAVEA WALK with Karla on Friday. I definitely learned lots as I’ve walked around these streets numerous times without knowing the history. Really informative and Karla is a wonderful guide. She definitely tried to keep us on schedule!! I know Anna really enjoyed it as well. I don’t know how Karla retains all the knowledge that she has. Anyway if I can come back from a tour and take and remember a few historical points I’m happy. Karla is an inspiration. Here are some photos that I took." * Patricia... Canadian snowbird in Moraira
"I did not know that "Sultana" was actually a brand name invented in Jávea nor did I know what those Christmas shortbread sweets you see in all the shops in December are really made of. These were just two of the fascinating facts about Jávea's history and culture I learnt on Karla's fantastic historical walk of Jávea old town. Buildings I have walked past for years and not really looked at - all had interesting stories to tell. Jávea has been prized as a jewel by different sections of Spain and even different countries for centuries. If you look down at the floor in the tourist office you are actually looking into open graves that are hundreds of years old. It was interesting also hearing about the various wealthy families that had their palaces and businesses in Jávea hundreds of years ago - names that you still hear locally today. The walk finally settled the question of what caused the damage to the outside walls of the church - cannon fire in the 1800's and gunfire from the civil war. If you live in Jávea or are just passing through you really have to go on this walk."
El Greco lecture. Loved it!! I could really sense the " mystery" behind some of the paintings. Loved the colours! I had forgotten that blue stood for purity and red associated with christ. Also, I was fascinated at the "boyish" quality of the youth and of some of the men El Greco painted, even Jesus. There were a LOT of surprises. I Love Karla's lectures!!!
* Christa
"Great walk with Karla this morning. I learned so much about the old town and its history. The fact that I've been in the tourist office many times but never noticed the glass floor really impressed me. I didn't bring it up at the time but wondered why the statue of Loreta by Franco's monument was facing towards the church and not out to sea, if it was there for protection. Thoroughly recommend it"
"I have been visiting Jávea and surrounding areas as a tourist for a decade. I moved to Gata De Gorgos permanently 2 months ago & wanted to find out about my new home & surrounding areas. Jávea is a favourite place of mine & I would recommend Karla’s Javea Walk to anyone new to the area or anyone who wants to find out more. The tour was informative, engaging & has inspired me to return/find out more. Karla is passionate & this shone through in this tour & was much appreciated. She is informative, engaging & made whatever being discussed come to life.
Yes, yes & yes I recommend Karla."
We examined in depth the unique and intriguing compositions of Velazquez’s paintings. Looked at the methods and techniques used. Talked about the contextual Spanish history of the period. A truly fascinating lecture.
Karla’s enthusiasm for her subject is infectious and leaves you wanting to visit galleries and see the paintings as soon as you can.
Karla's teaching style is enthusiastic and easy to understand. I recommend her events.
Another interesting and informative lecture. Outlining his life and working through his paintings, looking at style, use of different elements ie. portraiture, still life, positioning of characters etc. Excellent explanations of many of his works.
Karla has a style I find very easy to relate to. She certainly opens my appreciation of the paintings.
I definitely recommend her events.
I am always completely absorbed in what Karla says. I love the way she brings her presentations alive with anecdotes so that we get a feel for the artist as a person.
Her teaching style feels very casual and natural but in fact you learn a huge amount.
I absolutely recommend her events.
"I learned so much!! I have lived in Jávea for many years, had heard about the famous painter Sorolla, met people who took painting classes about Sorolla's pieces, and saw paintings by him. In Karla's lecture, I learned so many details about Sorolla's life, works, where he lived, and saw the beautiful colours in many of his paintings. What stood out to me was to realise how much Sorolla must have loved Jávea - with all its beautiful beaches, the light, people, and landscapes. Karla's knowledge is huge, and I just love her teaching in every way. I absolutely recommend her!"
