Blanca Espiagares Rooney

Insrtuctor, The Architecture & Cuisine of Andalusia

Blanca Espigares Rooney is a native of Granada, born into a family deeply connected to the Alhambra—her father, grandmother, and great-grandmother were all raised within its storied walls. Her personal ties to Andalusia’s rich history have shaped her lifelong dedication to preserving and interpreting the region’s cultural heritage.

Blanca is an architect specializing in heritage, urban studies, and Andalusian architecture. She holds a Master’s degree in Architecture and Historic Heritage and earned her PhD from the University of Granada, where her research focused on urban cartography throughout history. She has been involved in numerous restoration projects, including at the Alhambra, and served as a lecturer and researcher at the University of Granada. An expert as well on the local cuisine, Blanca has written on the cultural history of gazpacho, showcasing her interdisciplinary approach to understanding Andalusia’s rich traditions.