Manuel Bottazzo – Guida turistica privata locale a Cádiz, Spain

I have always believed that history is not something distant or confined to books — it’s alive, breathing in the streets we walk, the monuments we visit, and even the landscapes that surround us. My passion for history began very early in life, growing up in Italy surrounded by ancient ruins, art, and the legacy of Rome. Over the years, that passion evolved into both a career and a calling: sharing the stories of the past with others, bringing them to life in a way that’s meaningful, memorable, and real.

Today, I am a fully licensed official tour guide in Spain, with more than ten years of professional experience guiding visitors through this country’s remarkable cultural and historical heritage. I specialise particularly in the history of Spain, with a strong focus on the Roman period and the fascinating layers of civilisations that shaped the Iberian Peninsula — from the Phoenicians and Romans to the Moors and the Christian kingdoms of the Middle Ages.

Between Italy and Spain

Although I was born and raised in Italy, Spain has truly become my second home — a place where I not only live but where I’ve found a deep professional and personal connection. My studies and professional development have always revolved around the humanities. I pursued my historical education between Italy and Spain, deepening my knowledge through continuous research and specialised courses. Among these, one of the most enriching experiences was completing a course in Egyptology through the University of Barcelona. This allowed me to expand my understanding of ancient civilisations and refine my approach to interpreting archaeological and historical contexts — something that I’ve been able to apply directly in my tours across Andalusia.

My formation has never stopped at formal study. Over the years, I’ve continued to learn from fieldwork, from local historians, from archaeologists, and above all from the many people I’ve guided — because every visitor brings their own curiosity, perspective, and questions that make me see the past in a new light.

A Decade of Guiding Experience

For more than a decade, I’ve worked as a professional tour guide in Spain, officially accredited at the national level. I hold guiding licences issued by several Spanish regions, including Aragón and the Basque Country, which recognise my qualification to operate throughout the country. This official status allows me to conduct tours not only in museums and monuments, but also in archaeological sites, historic centres, and open-air heritage areas.

My career began in the early 2010s, working for various tour operators and cultural agencies. Over time, I’ve collaborated with companies such as Andalsur, Naturanda, Liberty, Vandalia Tours, Amsterdam Guías y Tours, and Sevilla Guías y Tours — experiences that helped me refine my skills, adapt to different audiences, and manage groups of every size and nationality.

Guiding has taken me across much of Spain, but I feel particularly at home in Andalusia — a region where every city, town, and village tells a different story. From the vibrant streets of Seville, with its mix of Gothic and Mudéjar splendour, to the golden stone of Córdoba and the mesmerising beauty of the Alhambra in Granada, Andalusia offers a tapestry of cultures unlike anywhere else in Europe. I also have a deep affection for Cádiz, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Western world, where the Phoenician and Roman footprints still mark the coastline.

In my tours, I aim to give visitors not only the essential historical context but also the human side of each place — the anecdotes, local legends, and details that make a monument more than just stone and date.

International Experience and Cultural Perspective

Before settling permanently in Spain, my life and career took me across several countries. Since 2008, I have lived in the United Kingdom, Morocco, Australia, and the Netherlands, each experience leaving a profound mark on how I see the world and communicate with people. Living abroad taught me the importance of empathy, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity — qualities that I consider essential for any good guide.

In the United Kingdom, I strengthened my English language skills and immersed myself in a culture that deeply values heritage interpretation. My time in Morocco gave me a direct connection with the Islamic and North African roots that have profoundly influenced Andalusia. Australia taught me how to engage with multicultural audiences and large international groups, while my years in the Netherlands refined my sense of organisation and efficiency — traits that now define my working method as a guide in Spain.

These years abroad not only enriched my communication skills but also deepened my understanding of what travellers expect when they explore a new culture: authenticity, connection, and clarity. I try to provide all three in every tour I lead.

Specialisation: Spanish and Roman History

My greatest area of expertise lies in the history of Spain, especially during the Roman period and the transitions that followed. I’ve always been fascinated by how the Roman legacy continues to shape the landscape, language, and identity of modern Spain. Sites like Italica, near Seville, or Baelo Claudia, along the coast of Cádiz, are not just archaeological ruins to me — they are living witnesses of an empire that once connected the Mediterranean world.

When I guide through these places, my goal is to help visitors visualise not just the structures, but the lives that once filled them: the merchants, soldiers, craftsmen, and families who made those cities thrive. I often blend archaeological information with storytelling, giving context that makes the stones speak.

Beyond the Roman period, I also have a deep appreciation for Andalusia’s Islamic heritage — from the great Caliphate of Córdoba to the Nasrid splendour of Granada — and the Christian reconquest that followed. I believe the strength of Spanish history lies in its diversity, in how so many civilisations left their mark and somehow blended into the rich cultural identity we know today.

My Philosophy as a Guide

Over the years, I’ve come to understand that guiding is not merely about transmitting knowledge — it’s about creating an experience. Every group is different: some visitors want to dive deep into history, others prefer a lighter approach full of anecdotes and visual imagination. My job is to sense that rhythm and adapt to it.

I see myself as a bridge between past and present, helping people connect the beauty they see with the meaning behind it. My tours combine academic accuracy with a friendly, approachable tone. I always encourage questions, conversation, and interaction, because I believe history should be shared, not lectured.

Whether I’m guiding a family discovering Andalusia for the first time, a group of students visiting Roman ruins, or travellers passionate about art and architecture, I strive to make every tour unique and personal. My explanations are always adapted to the audience — clear and accessible for beginners, yet detailed and precise for those with prior knowledge.

Working in Andalusia: Cities, Villages and Hidden Corners

Most of my work today focuses on Andalusia, a land that never ceases to inspire me. I conduct guided tours in Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Cádiz, Ronda, and other towns across the region. Each destination offers something distinctive:

Seville, where Christian and Islamic legacies intertwine in monuments like the Cathedral, the Alcázar and the Giralda.

Córdoba, the city of philosophers and poets, home to one of the most extraordinary buildings in the world — the Great Mosque–Cathedral.

Granada, where the Alhambra stands as a poetic testimony to the final days of Al-Andalus.

Cádiz, with its Phoenician roots, Roman theatre, and its role in Spain’s modern history as the cradle of the 1812 Constitution.

Ronda and the White Villages of the Sierra, where time seems to slow down and the views tell stories of centuries of coexistence between nature and culture.


I also love guiding through archaeological sites and lesser-known heritage areas, offering my visitors the chance to step off the beaten path and discover the authentic Andalusia — the one that still feels intimate and alive.

Professional Ethics and Personal Values

As a professional, I believe in honesty, respect and continuous improvement. Being an official guide in Spain means being part of a regulated profession with high standards of quality and responsibility. I take that seriously, ensuring that every tour I offer meets both the legal and ethical criteria of my trade.

I prepare every route carefully, researching sources, verifying historical data, and keeping up to date with the latest findings and academic debates. At the same time, I never forget that a guide’s work is also about hospitality. Visitors often remember how you made them feel more than what you said — so I aim to create tours that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally warm.

My Approach to Cultural Tourism

Cultural tourism, when done well, is one of the most rewarding forms of travel. It connects people with identity, heritage, and place. My goal is always to make visitors fall a little in love with what they see — to leave them not only with beautiful photos, but with understanding.

That’s why my tours are always flexible and tailored to each visitor’s interests. Some prefer a general introduction to the city, others want a full-day historical immersion or even thematic routes focused on architecture, religion, or daily life in the past. I adapt to all these preferences, planning itineraries that combine must-see highlights with hidden gems.

I also believe accessibility is key. My explanations are adapted for all audiences — adults, children, schools, mixed groups — so that everyone can enjoy and understand the stories of the places they visit.

From Passion to Profession

People often ask me what made me choose this career. The truth is, I didn’t exactly choose it — it chose me. I’ve always been drawn to the way the past shapes who we are, and guiding became the most natural way to share that fascination with others. Over time, I realised that I enjoy not just the history itself, but the communication: translating complex ideas into clear and vivid images that anyone can grasp.

I still feel a deep sense of wonder every time I walk through a Roman amphitheatre, a medieval cathedral, or a narrow Andalusian alley that hasn’t changed for centuries. That sense of wonder is what I try to transmit.

After so many years abroad, I’ve found in Andalusia a perfect balance between my Italian roots and my love for Mediterranean culture. The warmth of its people, the richness of its landscapes, and the diversity of its history make it a privilege to work here.

Every day, I get to do what I love most: tell stories — real stories, human stories — in the very places where they happened.

If you decide to explore Andalusia or any other part of Spain with me, my goal will be simple: to help you not just see the sites, but feel them — to walk through history, understand it, and carry a part of it with you.

As an official, professional guide in Spain with over ten years of experience, trained between Italy and Spain and shaped by years of living abroad, I bring a global perspective to every tour. My work is built on three principles: historical accuracy, engaging communication, and respect for both heritage and visitors.

I invite you to discover Spain — and especially Andalusia — through my eyes: its monuments, its hidden corners, its stories and its people.
Because in the end, guiding is not just about the past — it’s about creating unforgettable experiences in the present.