Spain boasts some truly remarkable historic places. From stunning cathedrals to grand Moorish fortress palaces, Spain has something special for every traveller!
Here are our picks for some of Spain’s most incredible UNESCO World Heritage sites – be sure to visit them on your next trip!
1. La Sagrada Familia
Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia church stands as an iconic example of architectural wonder. Built between 1882 and 1926 by Antoni Gaudi – who dedicated his entire life to it – but unfortunately died before seeing its completion – and thus it remains incomplete today.
Beginning in 1874, local bookseller Josep Maria Bocabella established an association to construct an expiatory temple dedicated to the Holy Family. On Saint Joseph’s feast day – March 18, 1882 – the foundation stone was laid and then removed two years later after Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano left and 29 year-old Gaudi took over as architect for this project.
Gaudi imbued his church with his signature style – an appealing blend of neo-Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms – ensuring its spires were functional while also featuring organic tree-like shapes and tubular bells, carrying tubular bells with tubular bell clappers to produce the desired sound output. Furthermore, acoustic studies were performed to ensure they would produce desired sounds from bells.
2. Roman Aqueduct in Segovia
Segovia boasts one of Europe’s best preserved Roman aqueducts – it features 167 arches and has been recognized by UNESCO since 1985 as a World Heritage Site.
Local folklore holds that the aqueduct was constructed by none other than Satan himself. A young girl carrying water from Frio River up to city was so exhausted from carrying that she made a deal with Satan to construct an aqueduct in exchange for her soul, and so it happened.
The Aqueduct still delivers water into the city and has become a tourist attraction. To experience it fully, we suggest taking a guided tour that encompasses both it and Alcazar Palace – two truly spectacular landmarks!
It is an engineering marvel and, no surprise, has been included on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list. If you visit during sunny conditions, head over to Postigo del Consuelo for the best view of this remarkable structure.
3. The Mosque of Cordoba
The magnificent Great Mosque of Cordoba (La Mezquita-Catedral de Cordoba), is one of the premier examples of Islamic architecture in Spain and an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. This monument also represents a time when Jews, Muslims and Christians shared Andalusia together.
Today it is a cathedral, yet its interior still reflects Muslim design. At the heart of its prayer hall is an arched niche known as a mihrab which marks Mecca and can be used for praying recitation. Decorated with colorful gold tesserae in dark blues, reddish browns, and yellow hues; its archway also contains beautiful golden tesserae that indicate directionality of Mecca.
The mosque stands in the midst of an intricate medieval city and dominates it with its massive rectangle and delicate columns. Its many doors lead to an expansive courtyard where worshipers would wash themselves before prayers began; some original gates have since been replaced with poorer reproductions while the most striking change occurred when Renaissance cathedral nave was added within its walls in 15th century.
4. The Niemeyer Centre
The Oscar Niemeyer Centre in Spain marks his inaugural work and cultural activity centre, featuring an open space of cultural activities with features including an auditorium, hemispherical dome used for exhibitions, tower with breathtaking views over city and estuary as well as multipurpose building.
As its white concrete stands out against the background, this spot provides the ideal setting to watch locals hangout or go for a stroll. Furthermore, couples and teenagers frequently come here looking to spend some quality time together.
If you are an admirer of Gaudi, consider purchasing a day pass for Barcelona’s hop-on hop-off bus service to see some of his iconic works in person. From Plaza Catalunya you can view iconic sites such as La Sagrada Familia and Casa Batllo; for an immersive experience there are guided tours available that teach more about his architecture.
