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    Tourist Attractions in Spain

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Spain. Photos and a brief description.

    About Spain

    Spain is a paradise for travelers. It is a country with an ancient history, with many well-preserved medieval quarters and squares. The magnificent architecture of Antonio Gaudi and kilometers of luxurious beaches of the Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean. Spain is also rich in natural attractions, Sierra de Tramontana and Garajonay Park are protected by UNESCO. In total, there are 48 sites in the country (2019) included in the World Heritage List.

    This is the most famous building of the great Antonio Gaudi. Also known as Sagrada Familia. It is noteworthy that the construction of the temple, which began in 1882, has not been completed until now. The grandiose building is a symbol of the whole of Barcelona and Catalonia. The majestic and imposing building began to be built in the Gothic style, but Gaudi brought the originality of modernity to its appearance, adding lightness and openwork to the temple.

    Top Cities to Visit in Spain

    Top Tourist Attractions in Spain

    Sagrada Familia Church

    Mila House is an architectural monument and a residential building that is included in the UNESCO Heritage List. The house with an extravagant facade was built according to the project of Antonio Gaudi. Part of the facade are wrought iron grilles of balconies of unusual shape. Now the building houses a museum of Gaudi's works. The unusual facade is interesting for another creation of Gaudi – the house of Baglio. The facade is called "dancing" because of the curved lines in its design.

    Sagrada Familia Church
    The House of Baglio and the House of Mila

    The House of Baglio and the House of Mila

    In the maze of narrow streets of the quarter, many ancient buildings from the Middle Ages and the Roman Empire have been preserved. In the chaotic layout of the quarter, it is easy to get lost or get into a dead end, but this does not confuse tourists from all over the world who come here to appreciate the beauty of historical monuments. In this incredibly beautiful place, Gothic is harmoniously combined with Renaissance and Neoclassical.

    Gothic Quarter (Barcelona)

    The semicircular square is located in Seville near the Maria Luisa Park and is one of the brightest in Europe. It is separated by a channel, through which elegant bridges are thrown. The square is surrounded by an architectural ensemble of structures in the Neo-Moorish style. A large fountain adorns the center of the square. The pavilion on the edge of the square often hosts interesting exhibitions, and its design traces the features of the Art Deco style.

    Gothic Quarter (Barcelona)

    Plaza de Espana (Seville)

    Located on the outskirts of Barcelona. Its construction began in 1901. Antonio Gaudi was also involved in the project of the park. The most famous attraction of the park is a huge winding bench made of fragments of ceramic products, broken glass and other colorful construction debris. The park is decorated with other intricate compositions – fairy-tale houses at the entrance to the park, a mosaic Salamander and the "hall of 100 columns".

    Park Guell (Barcelona)

    A pedestrian street with a length of just over a kilometer. It has a special spiritual atmosphere of real Spain. The picturesque Pla del Os square with a Joan Miro mosaic on the sidewalk, the Boqueria market, the Canaletes fountain with drinking water, churches, palaces and monuments – the street is full of many attractions. By the Olympic Games in 1992, a modern Marine Boulevard was added to the street.

    Park Guell (Barcelona)
    Rambla Street (Barcelona)

    Rambla Street (Barcelona)

    Opened in 1819 in Madrid. It is located in a building of magnificent architecture in the classical style. The museum has one of the best collections of paintings in Europe. About 7000 paintings are stored in the funds. Paintings by artists from different countries – Flemish, English, German, Spanish - are presented. A number of exhibitions are devoted to other types of art – about 1000 sculptures and almost 5000 engravings. There are halls with arts and crafts and decorations.

    Prado National Museum (Madrid)

    Despite the fact that the palace is officially the residence of the kings of Spain, it is open to tourists. You can see 50 rooms out of 2000. Visitors will not be left indifferent by the interior of halls and rooms. Marble, mahogany, stucco are used in their decoration. Several frescoes were painted by Caravaggio and Rubens. Unique collections have been collected – from weapons and armor to Stradivarius instruments.

    Prado National Museum (Madrid)
    Royal Palace (Madrid)

    Royal Palace (Madrid)

    An architectural complex of five structures of different purposes in the city of Valencia. The modern buildings include a cinema, a planetarium, a theater, a greenhouse, a science museum, a concert hall, and an open-air oceanographic park. The composition is complemented by a grandiose suspension bridge. Its length is 180 meters, and the height of the mast is 125 meters. On the territory around the complex there is a beautiful park with streams and pools.

    City of Arts and Sciences (Valencia)

    The Museum of Modern Art in Bilbao. It houses exhibitions of both local and foreign artists. The main theme of the works is the avant–garde. There are more installations and electronic works in the museum than traditional canvases and sculptures. There are works by Gerhard Richter and Andy Warhol. The futuristic museum building on the banks of the Nervyon River, with its abstract form, evokes many associations among visitors – a spaceship, an airplane or a rosebud.

    City of Arts and Sciences (Valencia)
    Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao

    Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao

    The museum, which houses paintings of modern art and about 40,000 books. Most of the collections of paintings are the works of Spanish surrealists and avant-gardists in the period from the XX century to the present. The pearl of the art center is the painting "Guernica" by Pablo Picasso. One of the activities of the center is research activity. Lectures on art history are given for students.

    Queen Sofia Art Center (Madrid)

    A concert hall in the Art Nouveau style. A feature of its architecture is the natural lighting of the hall. The glass ceiling made of multicolored mosaics looks like a dome. The combination of blue and gold colors prevails, which resembles a real sky with the sun. The facade is decorated with frescoes. Inside the hall there are many sculptures – valkyries from Wagner's opera and Greek muses. The palace hosts world-class performances.

    Queen Sofia Art Center (Madrid)
    Palace of Catalan Music (Barcelona)

    Palace of Catalan Music (Barcelona)

    It was built on the site of the ruins of an Arab fortress. The construction of the palace began in the XIV century. It is one of the few well-preserved Mudekhar style palaces. For a long time the palace was the residence of the Spanish kings. The elegance and luxury of the interior design can best be appreciated in the Embassy Hall of the palace and in the room of Charles V. Stucco and decorative compositions are presented in the Maiden Patio.

    The Alcazar of Seville

    One of the most popular places in Spain. It is located on a high rock at the confluence of small rivers. The structure was built in the IX century as a fortress, later it was rebuilt into a palace. Now there is a museum in the palace. Ancient interiors have been recreated, collections of weapons, furniture and portraits of kings have been exhibited. Especially popular among tourists are the throne room, the fireplace room and the hall with Venetian stained glass windows.

    The Alcazar of Seville
    Alcazar in Segovia

    Alcazar in Segovia

    A grandiose architectural ensemble in Granada, the main buildings were erected in the XII-XV centuries during the reign of the Muslim dynasty. Behind the fortress walls there are mosques, baths, residential buildings. The beautiful gardens are in harmony with the buildings of Islamic architecture. Among the cypresses and orange trees there are several small ponds and fountains. The bubbling water creates a special mood.

    Alhambra (Granada)

    The first defensive structures on this site were built by the ancient Romans. The fortress changed hands several times, until in 1486 Pedro I decided to rebuild the castle, and Charles V completed its conversion, making a palace out of the fortress. Tourists like to visit the historical monument. Walks on the thick walls of the fortress are allowed. The alcazar houses a military museum and a large library.

    Alhambra (Granada)
    Toledo Alcazar

    Toledo Alcazar

    Cathedral of Catalonia. Built in the Gothic style. Catalan elegant motifs are given to it by an ornate rosette above the main entrance, turrets pointing to the sky and columns. It was founded in 1221, but the cathedral was not built for 200 years. It was completed only in 1567. It is an architectural monument and is included in the UNESCO Heritage List. There is a lush garden in the courtyard of the cathedral.

    Burgos Cathedral

    One of the largest cathedrals in Europe in the Gothic style. The length is 116 meters, and the width is 76 meters. Its construction was completed in the XVI century. It is believed that it contains the burial of Christopher Columbus, and the cathedral cross is cast from gold, which the navigator brought from America. Among the many treasures of the cathedral there are paintings by great painters – Goya, Velasquez, Murillo. The cathedral is also famous for its organ concerts.

    Burgos Cathedral
    Seville Cathedral

    Seville Cathedral

    In the past it was a mosque – the most magnificent in the city. Thousands of tourists travel to Cordoba to see the masterpiece of architecture with their own eyes. Giant double arches inside the building, connected by hundreds of columns. Marble, onyx, granite, and jasper were used to make the columns. The blue dome is decorated with golden tiles in the form of stars. The prayer hall consists of five zones, each with its own architectural features.

    Mesquita (Cordova)

    Built in the XVI century by King Philip II. The construction lasted more than 20 years. The result was an architectural complex in the Renaissance style, consisting of churches, a palace and cozy courtyards. The monastery has museums telling about the history of the Escorial and storing a collection of works by artists of the XV-XVII centuries. Members of the royal family of Spain are buried in the pantheon at the church.

    Mesquita (Cordova)
    Escorial Monastery

    Escorial Monastery

    Translated, the name of the cathedral means the Cathedral of the Virgin Pilar. It is an ancient basilica built in the Baroque style. The first Christian chapel was built on this site in the II century BC, the domes of the modern church were completed in 1961. The church has 11 domes in total. In the center of the church there is a jasper column topped with a statue of Mary of the XV century. The frescoes of the dome were made in the XVIII century. Several vaults are painted by the great Goya.

    Nuestra Senhora del Pilar (Zaragoza)

    Nuestra Senhora del Pilar (Zaragoza)

    The relics of St. James the Apostle are buried in the cathedral in the north of the country. They are considered one of the great shrines of Spain. Another shrine is the thorn thorn from the wreath of Jesus. The cathedral began to be built in 1211, and it was built for another 400 years. The cathedral does not have a single architectural style, but an impressive Baroque facade stands out. Inside there is one of the largest censers in the world – the size of a human height and weighing 80 kg.

    Cathedral of St. James (Santiago de Compostela)

    A small beautiful city, the historical center of which is included in the UNESCO list. It is located on a rocky picturesque cliff above the gorge. Old houses from the outside seem to grow out of rocks, they are called "hanging houses". The atmosphere of antiquity is created by architectural monuments – the Gothic cathedral, monasteries and churches, the bishop's palace, many museums. In September, the feast of St. Mateo takes place here, which is celebrated by the whole city.

    Cathedral of St. James (Santiago de Compostela)
    Cuenca City

    Cuenca City

    The ground segment of the ancient Roman water pipeline. The date of foundation is not exactly known, but most scientists are inclined to believe that it was built in the I century. It is included in the UNESCO Heritage List. Its length is 728 meters, its height above the ground is 28 meters. A structure made of granite blocks, which are not bonded to each other in any way, has been erected. It is a stone bridge with many arched spans.

    Aqueduct in Segovia

    The theater of ancient times, built before BC, is part of the architectural ensemble of the city of Merida, which is a UNESCO heritage site. Several fragments have survived to this day, which many tourists come to see. The theater is designed in the form of a semicircular amphitheater, some of the seats are located on the hillside. The Festival of Classical Theater is held annually on the stage of the theater.

    Aqueduct in Segovia
    Roman Theater (Merida)

    Roman Theater (Merida)

    An ancient Roman lighthouse located on a rock more than 50 meters high in La Coruna. The height of the tower itself is 55 meters. The lighthouse is a UNESCO protected site. It was built approximately in the II century and is still in use. The walls of the tower are made of granite and are 2 meters thick. The name is derived in honor of one of the exploits of Hercules. According to legend, Hercules himself built the tower after defeating the giant Geryon.

    Hercules Tower (La Coruna)

    The bridge is a transporter, which is called a "flying ferry". Two towers with a height of 60 meters are installed on the banks of the river. A gondola moves along the central span between them. It can accommodate up to 6 cars and several dozen people. The gondola departs every 8 minutes, and the road from one shore to the other takes 1.5 minutes. The bridge was built in 1893 and was a great engineering achievement for that time.

    Hercules Tower (La Coruna)
    Biscay Bridge (Portugalete)

    Biscay Bridge (Portugalete)

    It was built in the XVIII century through the gorge of the Guadalevin River. The depth of the El Tahoe Gorge is 120 meters. The three-arch bridge with a height of 98 meters was built of stone. It was built instead of the collapsed one-arch bridge. More than 50 people died in that disaster. The observation deck on the bridge is a popular place for tourists. It offers a magnificent view of the river valley and almost the entire city of Ronda – its historical and new part.

    Puente Nuevo (Ronda)

    The cave is formed naturally. Its length is 270 meters. The height of the main halls reaches 6 meters. Stone paintings from the Paleolithic era have been preserved in the caves – experts in paleontology from all over the world come to explore them. They believe the cave was used by humans about 35,000 years ago. The unique painting of the vaults amazes many scientists. Many people call the cave painting "the Sistine chapel of primitive art."

    Puente Nuevo (Ronda)
    Altamira Cave

    Altamira Cave

    Located on the popular tourist island of Tenerife. Its territory is located on a volcanic basis. The height of the volcanic formation is 7,500 meters. The base of the volcano is located at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. The highest point of the park is the eponymous Mount Teide – 3718 meters. The desert landscape of the park is interesting with rocks of frozen lava of a bizarre shape. A third of the park's flora grows only in this place.

    Teide National Park

    The name is associated with the tragic story of Prince Honai and the girl Horus. The princes' parents were against their wedding, and the lovers took their own lives. The territory of the park is included in the UNESCO Heritage list. Most of it is covered by subtropical evergreen forest. Many plant species grow only on the territory of this national park. The park is open to visitors, there are trails for hikers along it.

    Teide National Park
    Garahonai National Park

    Garahonai National Park

    A 90 km long mountain range in Majorca. It stretches from Cape Sa-Mola to Cape Formentor. There are many cultural and ethnic values in this area. The territory of the mountains and historical monuments on them is a UNESCO site. The natural landscape is harmoniously complemented by man–made buildings - terraces made of stone for growing olives, "snow" houses for storing blocks of snow and ice. Excursions to mountain gorges and peaks are interesting.

    Sierra de Tramuntana

    Sand dunes on the ocean. Their appearance reminds many travelers of a corner of the Sahara desert. Under the influence of the east wind, the dunes are constantly in motion. The protected area occupies 404 hectares. The marine lagoon of La Charca is also included in the ecosystem of the park. It is separated from the ocean by a sandbar. The flora and fauna of the territory is unique. Some insect species are found only here or in Africa.

    Sierra de Tramuntana
    Maspalomas Dunes

    Maspalomas Dunes

    The name of the beach translates as "shell" – this is the shape of the bay at this beach. The length of the beach is about one and a half kilometers. It consists of sand dunes with golden soft sand. The bay of the beach is protected from the wind. There are practically no waves, so La Concha beach is ideal for families with children. The beach infrastructure is well developed. Not far from the beach area there are interesting attractions – palaces and fortresses.

    La Concha Beach (San Sebastian)

    A zoo located on the island of Tenerife. Since its opening in 1972, it has been visited by more than 40 million people. It is popular with an extensive collection of parrots. The number of individuals reaches 4000. Other inhabitants include different species of primates, reptiles, fish and birds. The show of sea lions and killer whales takes place in one of the largest dolphinariums in Europe. An interesting place is the "Thai Village" at the entrance to the park.

    La Concha Beach (San Sebastian)
    Loro Park

    Loro Park

    The picturesque natural area on the coast of Catalonia is popular for tourists and locals. It has many resorts for beach holidays and active recreation areas. Popular walks along the gorges and spurs of the Pyrenees among the dense coniferous forest, overlooking the bays and bays. There are many monuments of ancient culture in the city. In the evening, entertainment parties are held on the beaches.

    Costa Brava

    It is known all over the world for parties and discos, to which thousands of people come from all over the world. There are many electronic music clubs open on the island and they are never empty in the summer. In the north there are secluded resorts, more suitable for the peaceful enjoyment of the sea and the sun. There are also historical attractions in Ibiza – a 12th-century castle and Renaissance buildings.

    Costa Brava
    Ibiza Island

    Ibiza Island

    An archipelago beloved by tourists for its mild climate all year round and picturesque nature. 7 islands conquer the hearts of vacationers with a tropical landscape, rich blue ocean waves and excellent tourist service. Snow–white, golden and even black volcanic - sand of different colors on each island. Diving is popular among the entertainment – the underwater world of the islands is incredibly interesting.

    Canary Islands

    An archipelago beloved by tourists for its mild climate all year round and picturesque nature. 7 islands conquer the hearts of vacationers with a tropical landscape, rich blue ocean waves and excellent tourist service. Snow–white, golden and even black volcanic - sand of different colors on each island. Diving is popular among the entertainment – the underwater world of the islands is incredibly interesting.

    Canary Islands