Welcome to Spain

The ten most visited monuments in Spain

Spain is history, as you'll see from its monuments. Many have been awarded the World Heritage designation.

Here are the visitors’ top ten:


The Alhambra in Granada

As you wander round its fabulous pal­aces and gardens with their lovely foun­tains and pools you’ll be transported back in time to another era. And if you visit by night, you’ll understand the true meaning of the word magic. The ancient citadel, fortress and place of residence of the Nasrid sultans, the Alhambra is Granada’s supreme cultural treasure.


The Sagrada Familia Basilica

This cathedral, an icon of the city and the foremost example of modernism, stands in the very heart of Barcelona. The work of the genius Gaudí, its most spectacular features are its pointed towers. You can climb up to the top to see Barcelona from the heights and take a closer look at some of the details on the building’s exterior.

Foto: by Brian Rinney | 123rf 
Photo: by Brian Rinney | 123rf

The Great Mosque of Cordoba

Stroll through a forest of columns and superimposed arches, domes, carved marble, mosaics, drawings… And in the centre, a surprising Christian cathedral. This architectural treasure in the lovely historic centre of the city of Cordoba is a symbol of the Muslim legacy in Spain.


The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela 

This will be your final destination if you’re setting out on the Way of Saint James, just as it has been for the thousands of pil­grims who have travelled this route since the 13th century. It is the finest example of Romanesque art in Spain, although its numerous extensions have left the im­print of other styles, like the Baroque of the Obradoiro and its imposing facade.


Burgos Cathedral

You’ll be amazed by the elegance and beauty of its soaring towers with their Germanesque fretwork spires. This is a must for lovers of Gothic art, and is also home to the mortal remains of El Cid, the hero of the Reconquest in the 11th century. It has been declared part of our World Heritage by the UNESCO.


The Alcázar in Segovia

Its interior will make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale: a moat with a drawbridge, a tower that resembles a ship’s prow, geminate windows, luxurious halls dec­orated by Mudejar artists, the weapons museum… Built at the confluence of two rivers, this fortified palace was once the residence of Castilian monarchs.


Mallorca Cathedral

A treasure of Gothic art, it is built atop the city walls in Palma de Mallorca’s historic quarter. This is a chance to see one of the most spectacular rose windows in the world, known as the “eye of the Gothic”. It was re­formed by Antonio Gaudí and contains a spectacular mural by the Majorcan painter Miquel Barceló.


The Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar

In the interior of this Baroque cathedral in Zaragoza, one of the most important centres of Marian worship in the world, you’ll find genuine treasures including two frescoes by the painter Francisco de Goya. Another highlight is the Santa Capilla chapel, containing the image of the  Virgin of El Pilar.


The Roman Theatre in Merida 

During the Mérida International Classical Theatre Festival you’ll have the chance to attend an open-air perfor­mance exactly like the Romans did over 2,000 years ago. This theatre is part of an archaeological site that includes an amphitheatre and a Roman circus.

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The Giralda Tower 

Climb up its ramps to the belltower of the cathedral of Santa María de la Sede in Seville and you’ll be rewarded by some unforgettable views over the city from the former minaret of the Arab mosque. For centuries it was the tallest structure in Spain and one of the high­est in Europe.