For many tourists traveling around the world, the sights of Spain were and still are the most attractive and alluring. That’s why nothing is impossible for those wishing to travel to this country, even from small towns. The large number of different possibilities and options makes such a trip is not just fun, but also very convenient.
Top 15 attractions in Spain
The sights of Spain vividly depict the tumultuous events, the richness of cultural values and the naturalness of nature. The sunlit exhibitions at the Guggenheim Museum, the bustling life on the streets of La Rambla and the arched Moorish-style compositions near Cordoba’s Grand Mosque are all filled with sensual energy, where the past is mixed with the present.
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
For a vivid presentation of the architecture, you can visit the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and enjoy its splendor. As the embodiment of the pilgrims’ desire to worship the Camino de Santiago, it was created over two centuries until 1211. The mixed baroque styles of the 16th and 18th centuries on the facade and the Romanesque interior are striking in their majestic beauty and opulence.
Such structures are rightly ranked as historical monuments. The central part of the throne, created in the 13th century, is richly decorated with jasper and silver. On it is the figure of the Apostle, skillfully carved out of wood. Noble metals and precious stones adorn the symbol of the deity. Pilgrims are given the opportunity to touch the cloak with their lips, reaching their destination.
Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
The unusual shape of the Guggenheim Museum building, seen with your own eyes, will amaze you with its striving upward. American architect Frank Gehry’s architectural creation, created from limestone rock and wave-shaped titanium plates, provides a glimpse of a miraculous return to origins. The feeling of the “Bilbao Effect” draws tourists to the city to enjoy the contemplation of a miracle. Contemporary creations of interest to both the younger generation and people of mature age are exhibited here.
Seville Cathedral
It is impossible to imagine the sights of Spain without a visit to the Seville Cathedral and Fortress. This association is the most significant for tourists. It is protected by UNESCO. The minaret is ranked among the masterpieces of the Almohad architectural style.
Aqueduct in Segovia
For an insight into the historical past of the country, you can visit the structures of the Aqueduct in Segovia. Such a tour will long be remembered, because it is a legacy of the formidable Romans. Its construction in A.D. 50. of block granite, a total of 24,000, was carried out by craftsmen without any mortar. It is one of the oldest monuments of ancient architecture, which attracts tourists from all over the world.
City Beach La Concha
The best beach area La Concha for vacationers and tourists San Sebastiano is located in Spain. It is perfectly sheltered from strong winds and surrounded by rock barriers on one side and La Concha islets on the other. Surfing, coastal walks, great restaurants with the beauty of the sea will make the vacation extremely enjoyable.
City of Cuenca
The best attractions in Spain include the city of Cuenca, which is on the way from Madrid to Valencia. This is an example of medieval architecture. It spreads out on the slopes of steep mountains, with a large number of houses standing right on the edge of the cliff. The beauty of this area works impressively, so it will be a great place to visit more than once to see and admire the surroundings.
Ibiza
The bright spots and monuments of the country are not limited to the magnificent structures of architecture. For example, Ibiza, one of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, is the most famous tourist resort in Europe. That’s why the population here doubles in the summer. Tempting night pubs, a variety of beach activities, entertainment centers bring it first place among the attractions of Spain every year.
Escorial in Madrid
The majestic buildings of Escorial, sprawling in the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarram, are astonishing in their brilliance. The former site is now home to a temple, royal palace chambers, and school and museum buildings. Territorially, the Escorial is located on the side of Madrid at a distance of forty-five kilometers. It began to be built in 1563. Now one can only enjoy the stunning collection of all its attractions. Not to mention the sixteen vast courtyards, from the inside, there are a huge number of different rooms and structural structures, which are connected by many kilometers of passageways.
The masterpieces of Tibaldi’s paintings under the vaults can be stared at for hours. The basement is occupied by the Pantheon and the extensive repository of ancient manuscripts with paintings by Tibaldi.
The decoration of the rooms of Charles 4 with the rarest species of trees and tapestries, amazes with its luxury.
Escorial Monastery
The religious community of the Escorial is the greatest monument of architecture. It is ambiguously perceived by all who see it for the first time, causing some to admire it, while others identify it with “nightmarish architecture. A verbal description of the attraction will do little. One way or another – it is a significant part of the cultural heritage of the country, the largest repository of antiquities and a masterpiece of architectural architecture.
From here you can see wonderful views of the surrounding areas of Madrid. The total number of components of the monastery that can be visited by tourists include thirteen chapels, unique towers, patios, galleries, about three hundred cells. Of particular interest to visitors is the music played on the nine organs.
Two museums are no less significant objects for tourists. In one of them there is an exhibition on the historical milestones of construction. The second contains the most valuable works of art of the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries.
By all accounts, the most attractive place is the library. It is almost as good as the Vatican’s collection of literature. The handwritten texts of the thinkers and creators of those eras are of genuine interest to visitors. But the arrangement of the books is unusual – the spines are inside. This way the valuable binding is better preserved.
Royal Palace in Aranjuez
Another famous name of the royal palace is Versailles of Spain. For many years it has served as a beautiful country retreat for the highest royals; it spreads very close to the Madrid suburbs to the south, and is presented as one of the finest palaces.
The design of the royal palace was completed by the end of the 16th century. The total construction period took almost a hundred years. Like many structures of the time, it was built and modified by several generations. That’s why the original project is almost unknown to anyone. And in the 18th century there was also a major fire that damaged much of the building. It was therefore rebuilt much later.
Around the majestic royal palace there is a beautiful garden that protects the royal family from the dusty winds and exhausting heat. It is located on the Tahoe River, where it is nice to spend time outdoors.
The most interesting attraction is the island, created by human hands with a beautiful royal garden.
Since 2001, this unique complex, a palace surrounded by parks in Aranjuez, has been considered a World Heritage Site and a must-see.
University Campus in Alcala de Henares
Alcala de Henares has been called the student town of the Middle Ages. Its population is only two hundred thousand, and it is located very close to Madrid. It is not only the birthplace of Miguel Cervantes, but also many other famous talented people.
Spanish grammar was invented within these walls. Alcala de Henares witnessed the births of such notables as Ferdinand I and Catherine of Aragon. Columbus’ famous meeting with Isabella and Ferdinand took place at this historic site. And back in the day, a university known to the general public was organized.
Palma de Mallorca Cathedral
The location of the cathedral on Holy Children’s Square. The name is associated with the painful death by decree of Emperor Diocletian of children who had converted to Christianity.
This Gothic-style temple is famous for holding baptismal ceremonies for the greatest noble rulers. The cathedral is now undergoing restoration to give it an appropriate look and status. It is one of the attractions of Palma de Mallorca of interest to the Christian world.
San Servando Fortress in Toledo
The fortress of San Servando is located opposite the Alcázar in Toledo. It occupies the eastern shore of the Tahoe River and is rectangular in shape. Its three towers at the corners, and the one on the south side of the wall, allow a view of the surrounding area. A real fighting spirit hangs within its walls. The narrow windows and embrasures speak of the battles that were constantly taking place, while the beautifully embossed decoration indicates the owners’ desire for luxury.
Archaeological evidence points to the original location of a Roman fortress and later an Arab bastion.
Reconstructed more than once. The last time was in 1959. Now there is an additional tower and entrance from the roadway. Consecutively the building served as a college, a university dormitory, and a residence.
Toledo Cathedral
Toledo Cathedral, named for St. Mary, is the main cathedral in the country. This is a historic part in the central area of the city. It is recognized as a monument of architecture and the epitome of Gothic in the Spanish style. For tourists tour of the cathedral is possible during the free time from the services, because it is also a museum.
There are artworks by El Greco, Caravaggio, Titian, and outstanding examples of art by the masters of jewelry of the period.
Church of the Holy Family
One of the most notable architectural monuments in Spain is the Sagrada Familia, or Redeeming Church of the Holy Family. The creator of this beautiful place is an architect from Catalonia – Gaudi. The design and construction lasted just under forty years.
Beginning in the 1970s of the 20th century and ending in 2000, the main nave, vaults, and facade were erected here. Construction is ongoing and is expected to be completed by 2026. However, this does not diminish the interest of tourists to this grandiose construction.
Features of the trip to Spain
Spain is one of the countries with a rich collection of monuments of ancient architecture, which perfectly reflects the turbulent history of the state. Of the most popular attractions in Spain, there are many familiar from television shows, movies and literature, fans of Spanish culture.
First and foremost, of course, is Barcelona – the city of unusual houses, once designed by Gaudi, which never cease to amaze and amaze even the locals. And the streets themselves, their relaxed nature makes you forget about everything, enjoying the cozy aura of one of the most beautiful European cities.
You can enjoy authentic masterpieces of Spanish cuisine in almost any restaurant. It offers tourists all kinds of dishes, from which you get a real pleasure. The home of blue-molded cheeses, paella and hamas will give your little trip a true Spanish flavor.
A cultural center of many directions in art, Spain generously shares true works created in different eras in different styles. This is how you can immerse yourself in the work of the Surrealist master Salvador Dali by visiting museums with his exhibition.
The bullfight is a must-see. For those who have been to this unforgettable spectacle, bullfighting will long remain one of life’s most vivid memories. This is the national competitive spirit of the country, with its amazing culture and values.
Video overview of the sights of Spain
For tourists who are going to plunge into the unknown diversity of this country can present the most famous sights of Spain. The splendor of the palaces, the turquoise and gold of the sun-drenched beaches of the Mediterranean, the passion of the performance of flamenco in the vast squares, Santiago de Compostela and its pilgrims, shining with divine enlightenment, cannot help but marvel.
