The Place of Spain are famous not only for hot bullfighting, incendiary dances and magnificent beaches. The ancient age of this country allowed it to form a rich distinctive culture, which found its expression in amazing architecture. What to see in Spain if you came here for the first time? Let's get acquainted with the main attractions of the country, which cannot be passed by.
What to see in Spain first
Before diving into the study of descriptions and photographs of the main miracles, we advise you to make a decision on how your vacation will be organized. When studying local beauties in the company of only friends and relatives, you will spend less money, but you will not learn about the history and traditions of the Spaniards. In turn, guides in Spain will allow you to join the culture and think through the route so that you can see the maximum number of memos.
1. National Prado Museum (Madrid)
The museum is located on the Boulevard of Arts - a popular tourist route. His most valuable collection includes more than 8.5 thousand paintings and about 700 sculptures. Built at the end of the 18th century, this building became a museum only during the reign of the grandson of King Charles III - Ferdinand VII. It was he who decided to establish the Royal Museum of Painting and Sculpture. The first gallery opened in 1819 and exhibited 311 paintings.
In 1936, the museum was closed due to the outbreak of civil war in Spain. The collection was moved to Switzerland. After stabilization of the political situation, the exposition was returned to its former place.
Art connoisseurs of different eras will find what to see in Spain, in particular, in the Prado Museum. He greets visitors with canvases of great Spanish masters, including paintings by Goya and Velazquez. The Italian art school is represented here by the works of Tintoretto, Botticelli, Titian, Raphael , Veronese, Fra Angelico, Mantegna. And as part of Flemish painting, the museum exhibits paintings by Vander Weiden, Peter Brueghel the Elder, Jerome Bosch, Jacob Jordaens, Peter Paul Rubens.
In the exposition you can see the masterpieces of masters from the UK, Holland, France, Germany.
Official website : https://www.museodelprado.es/en
2. Temple of the Holy Family (Barcelona)
The place of this attraction of Spain is included in the list of UNESCO sites. The Holy Family Temple or Sagrada Familia, as it is also called, gives rise to various feelings among tourists. The first associations evoke the old church building, but the unusual structure suggests the idea of its creation by an alien mind.
The creator of the original temple project is Anthony Gaudi. You do not know what to see in Spain so that you remember forever? Visit Sagrada Familia. According to Gaudi, the temple was destined to play the role of the Bible, embodied in architecture. The magnificent facades were supposed to symbolize the main stages of the life of Christ: Birth, Torment of Christ, Resurrection.
The amazing acoustics in the temple are due to the ideal bell system, and the columns, approaching the arches, form a fantastic likeness of interwoven tree branches.
The construction of the temple continues only through individual donations. Fabulous splendor makes it the most popular European monument.
Official website : http://www.sagradafamilia.org/en/
3. Cave of Altamira (Santadera)
In this attraction of Spain, historians see a primitive analogue of the Sistine Chapel. The walls of this unique cave with a length of 270 m are decorated with cave paintings. Seven corridors and a 6-meter-high hall cover these ancient murals, which tell about the life of primitive people.
The cave was discovered by the little daughter of an archaeologist - a lover of ancient artifacts. Her attention was attracted by huge bulls painted on the ceiling with bright colors, and drawings covering the low cave vaults.
The most famous part of the cave painting is the ceiling with a total area of about 100 square meters. m. Pictures in a limestone cave depict various animals, reliably conveying their habits and temperament. The smallest drawing of details in the form of eyes, hooves, protruding tongues amazes with specificity and credibility. The texture of animal hair, created using various shades of paint, makes the images even more reliable.
Official website : http://en.museodealtamira.mcu.es/
4. Park Guell (Barcelona)
The great architect Antonio Gaudi had his hand in creating another attraction of Spain, famous throughout the world. Park Guell is not just a cluster of green spaces. On this site, gardens and residential areas are harmoniously combined - an analogue of the fashionable at the beginning of the 20th century. Garden City concepts.
He initiated the construction of Uesebi Guell, choosing the outskirts of Barcelona for this purpose. A talented architect Gaudi was invited, who did not recognize monotony and straightforwardness. Gaudi diversified the architecture of the park, decorating it with a fantastic combination of colors and bends of lines, giving this object a sense of external harmony and naturalness.
What to visit in Spain for a sophisticated tourist? Park Guell! At the entrance to the park, tourists are greeted by a couple of gingerbread houses decorated with bright ceramics. All park pavilions look like large cake decorations, but they look very realistic. Painted animals froze in the flights of stairs.
Every object in the park breathes life. The columns supporting the gallery of the walking path can easily be mistaken for trees, they are so elegantly and subtly curved. Balancing on the verge of fictional and real, the park amazes tourists.
Official website : https://www.parkguell.cat/en/
5. Castle of Colomares (Benalmadena)
Some places of interest in Spain wear a touch of futurism. Such objects include the Castle of Colomares, located in a small resort town. He is called a legend carved in stone and vividly tells the story of the discovery of America. Built in 1994 in honor of the 500th anniversary of the event, it impresses tourists with a mixture of styles, creating a resemblance to lace weaving.
Along with the part of the Columbus ship’s replica protruding from the wall, three more ships are imprinted in stone, accompanying the navigator’s expedition - Nina, Santa Maria and Pinta.
In the castle you can find the smallest chapel in the world with an area of less than 2 square meters. m. When creating the objects of the castle used concrete, brick, stone, glass and wood. The architecture of the towers, the palace and the fountains symbolizes the events that played an important role in the history of Spain.
Feel the atmosphere of Spain in this beautiful video!
6. Alcazar of the Christian kings (Cordoba)
What to see in Spain for exploring the architectural styles of different eras? Of course, the Alcazar of Christian Kings, which is a worthy part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Thanks to magnificent gardens, an impregnable citadel, ancient Mudejar-style architecture and rich history, it is the second monarchical residence in the world, after Seville.
Time did not spare many sights of Spain. However, despite repeated restoration, Alcazar appears today in its former glory. In its original form, the main and the Lion towers, towering on the main facade, reached us. In the XV century. the Inquisition Tower (the highest here) was added, and in the XX century, during the reconstruction, the Pigeon Tower was built.
According to the principles of Arabian architecture, the palace has the shape of an almost regular square. Symbolizing the victory of the Christian religion over the Muslim, the palace has signs of European Gothic. Thus, the Tower of Respect with its carved floral ornaments and soaring arches contains elements of French architecture.
In the palace you can see a collection of ancient objects: carpets, tapestries, antique furniture, paintings. It hosts exhibitions, ceremonies, presentations.
The work of art is the gardens of Alcazar, spread over an area of about 55 thousand square meters. m. The territory is decorated with flower beds, fountains, artificial ponds, statues of Spanish monarchs.
7. La Rioja - the country of vineyards (Rioja)
There is something to visit in Spain and connoisseurs of real Spanish wines. The Rioja region in northern Spain is famous for its vineyards. The wines produced here are full-bodied and vivid in taste. Due to the unique composition of the soil and microclimate, each zone is characterized by its own type of wine.
What attracts tourists here? A sea of vineyards with wineries, excellent gastronomy, the hospitality of local residents and the possibility of tasting great drinks. The number and level of wineries is different. There are both traditional and the most modern, owned by large companies and small family, compact and huge.
If you want to get acquainted with the technology of wine production , guides will certainly offer a tour in La Rioja. In addition to visiting wineries, you can visit a number of restaurants, wine spas, spend the night in a cozy hotel. When visiting the wine capital of La Rioja - the fortress of Laguardia - you should see the museum of wine culture with an exhibition of items related to the wine theme.
8. The old town of Cuenca (Cuenca)
This pearl of the Middle Ages is located high above sea level, at an altitude of 956 m. If you do not know what to see in Spain, try to get into the ancient Spanish city on a rock surrounded by deep gorges.
The territory of the city is divided into two districts. The new city is separated from the historic center by the Huécar River. The ancient spirit of the Middle Ages is especially felt in the old part. In the central square is the Gothic cathedral. Once here, you should visit the Tesoro Catedralicio Museum of Art with a collection of El Greco paintings.
In the Old Town, there is the watchtower of Manyana - the remains of the ruined ramparts once erected by the Moors. The ancient convent offers tourists to visit the Museum of Science located there. The Museum of History will tell about the interesting fate of the city.
The symbol of Cuenca was the "hanging houses", "stuck" to the Gothic cathedral from the south. It is also worth visiting the Mermaid House, the Royal Houses, in the St. Julian's Park.
9. National Park of Ordesa y Monte Perdido (Spain)
The famous sights of Spain are in its most remote corners. One of the first national parks - the reserve of Ordesa y Monte Perdido - is still considered the most beautiful in the country.
Ordesa Park was created in 1918, and in 1977 it was merged with Monte Perdido Park. Of all the parks that make up the natural complex of the Pyrenees, this park is considered the most striking.
The main attraction of the park is Ordesa Canyon. It impresses with huge cliffs hanging on both sides of the mountain trail. The river of the same name flows along the bottom of the canyon. Its waters are replenished by streams flowing down the slopes. The lower part of the park is represented by a dense forest, in which you can meet many representatives of the forest fauna.
There are many waterfalls that line up in cascades one after another. Among them, the most powerful, perhaps, is the Cola de Caballo waterfall, from which the Ordesa River begins. Cows graze on the spacious meadows of the park, and dense poplar and beech forests are located at the foot of the mountains.
It is difficult to describe in words the beauty of the park. This magnificence of the nature reigning here needs to be seen at least once!
10. Ibiza (Spain)
Europe is rich in beach resorts, among which the Spanish resort of Ibiza is especially popular. Tourists rush to this sunny island in the Mediterranean Sea, which is part of the Balearic archipelago, waiting for the sea and around-the-clock fun.
The bulk of vacationers are young people. A network of nightclubs with regular show programs is open for them on the island. The main city of Ibiza with the same name is known for its excellent infrastructure, pleasant friendly atmosphere and is aimed at the most demanding tourist.
The old part of the city is surrounded by an ancient fortress wall. Walking along the winding streets, you can visit souvenir shops, plain cafes or good restaurants. Young people tend to the old fishing district, where the center of nightlife is concentrated. Two embankments with a lot of entertainment facilities are provided for vacationers.
The island impresses with its nature, which even makes the hot months comfortable thanks to the sea breeze.
Official website : http://www.ibiza.travel
Sights of Spain: what else to visit while in Spain
The most popular excursions in Spain to Barcelona are leading, but this does not mean that you need to be limited only to this city (although it is definitely worth a trip for a day or two!), Because there are many other amazing places. Now you will know where you can go while relaxing in the Spanish resorts.
11. Santiago de Compostelo (Galicia)
Those who are interested in religious attractions in Spain should visit Santiago de Compostelo. After Jerusalem and Rome, it is considered the third center of Christianity.
At the entrance to the city, tourists are greeted by a huge figure of a pilgrim made of bronze. It seems that he is looking at the cathedral building, surrounded by multi-story monasteries. The building is built in the Baroque-Neoclassical style and has four different facades of amazing beauty. Built in the shape of a cross 75X57, it has a richly decorated altar, on the pedestal of which stands the wooden figure of St. Jacob. Pilgrims are allowed to climb the pedestal to kiss this figure on the shoulder or touch it with a hand.
In the city center, you can watch stray mime artists and listen to the music of student orchestras. Art lovers should visit the Pobo Galego Museum with an excellent ethnographic exposition.
This religious city does not stop developing, offering tourists the perfect communication infrastructure.
12. City of Segovia (Segovia)
Due to its historical significance and unique atmosphere, the city of Segovia has become part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. The tiny province of Segovia is adjacent to Madrid. On its old streets you can hear echoes of mixed eras - Westgod, Arab, Spanish, Roman.
Arriving here, tourists immediately go to the most famous place - the Roman aqueduct. It was built from 20,400 granite blocks without the use of cement. It consists of 166 arches and has a length of 18 km.
Attention is drawn to the cathedral of Segovia, built in the Gothic style, and the fortress of Alcazar, which at different times was the residence of the King of Castile, and military fortifications, and state prison, and artillery school. The city has many cathedrals and fortresses that can be seen walking around the city.
13. Costa Brava in Catalonia (Catalonia)
What to visit in Spain for beach lovers? The picturesque resort of Costa Brava is famous for its sandy beaches, fenced from the sea winds by mighty cliffs with slopes, densely covered with olive and pine groves.
Nature has created a true paradise here. The coastline is generously cut by small bays, and the economic unattractiveness of the area left untouched landscapes, preventing the formation of ports and moorings there. The resort has many cozy small towns that are smoothly located one after another.
Each town is able to offer its own: in Lloret de Mar you can visit theatrical shows in a medieval castle, in Tossa de Mar you should visit the museum with the works of Marc Chagall, and Cadaques can boast of the Perro Mura Art Center with the works of Salvador Dali, you need to see in Pubol Dali’s castle. The city of Blanes will provide an opportunity to visit the old church, the castle of San Juan and the Botanical Garden, and in Palafrugell you can go to the Cork Museum. Each of the resort towns has its own history and traditions.
14. The old city of Toledo (Toledo)
The significance of this landmark of Spain lies in the uniqueness of its cultures and eras. The ancient capital of the country today has preserved its original appearance.
Among its famous masterpieces of world significance is the Cathedral. Representatives of many nationalities had a hand in its construction, which lasted three centuries. The three-meter tower in the center of the cathedral is made of gold and silver. The walls of the cathedral are decorated with the originals of Goya, Rubens, Raphael, Titian and other world-famous artists.
The Arab fortress Alcazar rises above the city, within the walls of which is now the Museum of the Armed Forces.
A notable place is the huge bridge of San Martin, built in the Gothic style. On both sides it is protected by powerful towers and consists of five arched spans.
The attention of tourists is also attracted by the building of the Tavera hospital in the Renaissance style. Inside the hospital there is a museum with the works of El Greco, Zurbaran, Tintoretto, Ribera.
15. Monastery of Escorial (Madrid)
After an hour from Madrid, you find yourself in a monastery and the ancient palace of Escorial, which immediately stuns you with its impressive appearance. Escorial is a major museum and architectural heritage.
On the territory measuring 208x162 m there are 9 towers, 13 chapels, 15 galleries, 16 patios, 300 cells. The building has 86 stairs, 1200 doors, 2673 windows. One of the two museums located here houses exhibits related to its construction. The second museum is a world-class art gallery and holds works by Titian, Bosch, Veronese, El Greco.
The walls of the palace are decorated with carpets, woven according to the designs of Rubens and Goya. In the courtyards there are more than 200 statues. In the treasury you can see a collection of silver and gold jewelry with precious stones. The most outstanding exhibit is a unique gospel with pages of pure gold.
The library of the palace is inferior only to the Vatican. Books are placed here with roots in order to preserve them longer. Noteworthy is the ceiling painting, symbolizing the seven sciences, and the end walls dedicated to theology and philosophy.
16. Burgos Cathedral (Burgos)
To cover Spain's attractions for the week, travelers need to plan ahead in advance based on this overview. Here is the Cathedral of Our Lady in the city of Burgos - a bewitching architectural creation with a lace Gothic facade. The construction of this masterpiece began in the distant 13th century on the site where the Romanesque cathedral was once located, and only by the middle of the 16th century its construction was finally completed. The interior of the cathedral is grandiose with rich stone carvings, gilded decor, stone sculptures and other valuables. In the courtyard in front of the cathedral two beautiful medieval fountains beat and a sculpture rises - a monument to a pilgrim dedicated to all wandering in holy places.
17. Plaza of Spain (Seville)
If you give an example of the best architectural sights of Spain, Barcelona, Seville and Cordoba occupy the first positions among the Spanish cities with a rich historical heritage. In Seville, the area that was built just over a century ago specifically for the Ibero-American exhibition deserves attention. It was decorated in antique style in the beautiful Mudejar style, with an abundance of elements of delicate blue-white painting. Today, the square has become a favorite place for walks of residents and guests of Seville. The space of the square has the shape of an oval framed by the waters of the canal - by the way, you can take a boat ride along the canal. From the oval island of the square, 4 bridges are laid across the canal leading to the surrounding buildings - these buildings during the exhibition served as exhibition pavilions.
Official website: https: //www.visitasevilla
18. Royal Palace (Madrid)
When you need to give an example of evidence of the former greatness of a nation and mention the historical sights of Spain, Madrid -the first city that deserves attention. This is where one of the most beautiful palaces in all of Europe is located. The Royal Palace was built in the 18th century, and since then until recently it was the residence of the Spanish royal family, and later began to be used only for official ceremonies, receptions and other special occasions. The rich baroque interiors of the palace halls, which house rare and valuable works of art, are impressive. Today, the palace is open to visitors, and you can see a lot of interesting things in it - for example, visit the royal library, the Armory, royal kitchens, walk along the main staircase or look into the luxurious palace halls.
Official website: https: //www.patrimonionacional
19. La Concha Beach (Donostia San Sebastian)
Spanish beaches have already become a national symbol of the country, and along with such popular Spanish resorts as Malaga on the Costa del Sol or Cadiz in Costa de la Luz, the city of San Sebastian in the Basque Country is one of the most fashionable resorts . The main beach of the city - La Concha, is one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in Europe. It stretched along the coast of the bay of the same name for about 1.5 kilometers. The shape of the beach resembles a giant shell, and from any point it offers beautiful views of the beautiful places of its opposite part. The finest white sand and a very gentle entrance to the sea create ideal conditions for relaxing under the warm Spanish sun. In addition to swimming, you can engage in various sports, including beach soccer, surfing and windsurfing.
20. Alhambra (Granada)
Granada is the heart of southern Spain, a beautiful city at the foot of the majestic Sierra Nevada, at an altitude of more than 700 meters above the sea. One of the most important architectural creations of this city is the Alhambra palace complex, an ancient building of the rulers of the Granada emirate, an invaluable monument of Moorish architecture. Surrounded by mountains, amidst landscaped gardens, this complex began to be built in the mid-13th century. The main entrance to it is the Gate of Justice in the form of a powerful vaulted arch. The entrance is followed by the Wine Gate, then overlooks Piazza de Los Aljibes, and only after the square is the entrance to the palace. One of the courtyards of the castle, Mirtovy Dvor, to this day has retained its solemn appearance. Magnificent gardens grow inside the walls of the Alhambara, and around the walls lies a picturesque park called the Alhambra Forest.
Official website: http: //www.alhambra-patronato
21. Mesquita (Cordoba)
Having wondered what to see in Spain for a week, be sure to include the city of Cordoba in your route. After all, the incredible Cathedral of Cordoba, which during the time of the Cordoba Caliphate was the largest mosque in the Islamic world, is really worth attention. It occupies vast territories - 175 meters in length and 128 in width, and it can only be viewed from afar. Once in the narrow streets surrounding the mosque, one can only be amazed at the size and monumentality of the structure. It is noteworthy that in the heart of the mosque, replete with elements of elegant Arabic script, is located the Christian Cathedral. Thus, in the process of its history, going from the mosque of the Cordoba Caliphate to the Cathedral of Christian Cordoba, this attraction, like aged wine, only acquired its unique “taste”.
Official website: https: // mezquita-catedral
22. Seville Alcazar (Seville)
Choosing what to see in Spain in spring, it is ideal to opt for Seville. It is a city for all seasons, but spring is a time of significant religious and national holidays. At this time, one can observe the mournful processions of Semana Santa (Holy Week), and the solemn events of the April Fair, which honors everything that the nation values. Studying the sights of Spain on the map, you can also see that in Seville is an important historical site - the magnificent palaces of the Seville Alcázar. In the architecture of this complex, several cultures and eras left their mark, but despite this, it surprises with its integrity and filigree ornaments in the Mudejar style. Most of the buildings were erected in the 14th century, and some of them are the best surviving examples of Mudejar architecture,
Official website: https: //www.alcazarsevilla
23. Canary Islands (Atlantic Ocean)
To explore the interesting places in Spain, you can also draw up a not quite standard route - say, in one trip, cover the sights of Italy and Spain by flying to the Italian coast from Madrid, Alicante or Barcelona. Or take a rest in the Canary Islands by moving there from the mainland by ferry. Moreover, on the distant volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean there is a wonderful warm climate and magnificent nature - for example, there are 4 completely different in content national parks included in the World Heritage List. On Tenerife, the largest of the islands of the archipelago, the best seaside resorts with wide sandy beaches are concentrated, and here you can also climb the highest peak of Spain - Mount Teide with a height of more than 3700 meters.
24. Loro Park (Puerto de la Cruz)
Continuing the review of the Canary Islands, it does not hurt to mention one fascinating place on the island of Tenerife. This is the largest amusement park Loro Park, which should be given the status of the best attractions in Spain for children. This place of serene family vacations combines a zoo, a dolphinarium, a penguinarium, a botanical garden, an aquarium, children's entertainment venues, various shows and many more interesting things. The park has restaurants, cafes and even hotels, so many people come here for several days at once - because the park is truly huge, and one day is not enough to go everywhere. Its territories occupy more than 13 hectares, and once in the 70s it all started with 1.3 hectares and a small collection of parrots of 150 species. Now the collection of these colorful birds has grown to 4 thousand species and is the largest in the world.
Official website: https: //www.loroparque
25. Dunes of Maspalomas (Gran Canaria Island)
The natural attractions of Spain, the presentation of which must certainly end with something interesting and unusual, can surprise with the edge of the sand dunes, as in a real desert. These are the dunes of Maspalomas on one of the Canary Islands - Gran Canaria. These natural creations look almost alive - their shape is constantly changing under the influence of the wind. Dunes are part of the Maspalomas Nature Reserve, an area of a thousand hectares that includes two ecosystems - sand dunes and a lagoon. In view of the protection of this territory by the mountain range, dry and warm weather is here all year round. Therefore, you can relax on local beaches, especially since the territories here are equipped for a comfortable stay - there are bungalows, hotels, shops and restaurants.
Spain's neighbor on the Iberian Peninsula is Portugal, a country of mariners and pioneers. Be sure to check out this country if you are already in Spain. Read about the sights of Portugal and be inspired to continue your journey through Europe!
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