Spain offers visitors many historical landmarks. From vast temples to exquisite aqueducts, these monuments showcase Spain’s long and rich history.
Antoni Gaudi is one of Spain’s foremost architects, known for designing the magnificent Sagrada Familia church. Construction on it began in 1882 and continues today.
1. La Sagrada Familia Church
La Sagrada Familia Church is one of Spain’s most visited attractions and architect Antoni Gaudi is widely considered its mastermind. With 18 spires that represent Apostles, Evangelists, Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ adorning its facade – it stands as one of his crowning achievements.
Gaudi initially planned for his cathedral to be constructed as a Neo-Gothic structure, yet, through cultural diffusion or perhaps as an act of genius, altered its design significantly and wanted the church to symbolize an abandonment from classical architectural styles.
Gaudi dedicated nearly all his energy and work toward this cathedral project, spending hours crafting models of various parts of the church to test his new designs and brainstorm his thoughts for building.
2. Roman Aqueduct in Segovia
Segovia’s iconic landmark, the Aqueduct is one of the town’s signature attractions, towering majestically over its surroundings and drawing visitors into its captivating setting. Many climb to its summit and walk between its arches while others admire it from river or hot-air balloon.
Though most Roman aqueducts have fallen into disrepair over time, Segovia’s has managed to remain virtually pristine for nearly 2000 years – becoming one of the longest and most iconic features in Roman history.
The Aqueduct Channel now hidden by buildings was constructed of granite blocks weighing two tons each, as well as cleaning basins to filter and sift water for sediment removal. Water for this aqueduct came from river Frio; traditionally Roman aqueducts used springs instead as they provided cleaner, fresher sources of freshwater.
3. Alcazaba in Malaga
Malaga offers much more than sun and beach, art, culture, gastronomy and gastronomy; it boasts an incredible history as well. One of its most prominent monuments is Alcazaba; an Arab fortress which currently receives over 500,000 visitors each year!
Built atop Gibralfaro Hill to protect Granada from potential attackers, its main function quickly evolved into that of palace-fortress for rulers of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada.
Juan Temboury Alvarez of Malaga dedicated much of his life during the 1940s to restoring the Alcazaba, becoming responsible for its stylistic transformation into what it is today. Visit and be mesmerised by its beauty!
4. Valley of the Fallen in Sierra de Guadarrama
Near Madrid in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range lies one of Spain’s most contentious monuments, built between 1940 and 1958 as a memorial to victims of Spain’s Civil War – it includes a basilica, Benedictine abbey and large cross.
Though controversial, it’s well worth visiting to understand Spain’s past and experience this remarkable monument firsthand. Additionally, your visit can easily be combined with trips to other historic locations like El Escorial (Spanish King Monastery-Palace) and Royal Site of Aranjuez.
Sierra de Guadarrama offers more than just Valley of the Fallen; Sierra also hosts Parque Natural de la Cumbre, Circos y Lagunas de Penalara – an intimate natural park containing three cirques and two glacial lakes that is famed for its biodiversity with over 58 different kinds of exotic wildlife creatures found within.
5. Catedral de Sevilla
Catedral de Sevilla stands as an icon of Christian triumph over defeated Moorish kings; constructed over more than 100 years by Catholic monarchs on what was originally an open mosque site, its immense Gothic cathedral remains the world’s largest Gothic monument and an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Most elements from the mosque were preserved, such as its courtyard and Giralda bell tower, while at the same time incorporating new features resulting in a complex structure that blends various architectural styles.
This cathedral is best-known for housing the tomb of Christopher Columbus, brought here from Havana after Cuba achieved independence. His casket is carried by four Kings of Arms dressed ceremoniously, representing Castile, leon, navarra and aragon kingdoms respectively.
