Equities in Europe and on Wall Street advanced overnight and so did commodities, as data showed China's import growth last month eased to the lowest level in two years.

Investors are becoming so averse to risk that for the first time they have paid more for German securities than they will get on maturity.

Spanish forces drove the Moors from this medieval frontier, leaving a enticing fusion of both cultures.

Awe-inspiring scenery and beautiful architecture are in store for anyone journeying through southern Spain's Andalucia region.

Printed media still offers the opportunity to read on a whim, writes Peter Preston.

While foreigners can quote every word of The Sound of Music in their sleep, most Austrians have never even seen it, finds Ellen Creager.

The Finnish capital has been named 2012's World Design Capital.

Adrian Mourby visits Maribor, one of two European Capitals of Culture for 2012.