Tourist Attractions in Spain
LA ALHAMBRA (Granada)
The lavish palaces and intricate gardens of La Alhambra, parts of which dates as far back as the 9th century, represent the very pinnacle of Islamic splendor in Spain. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Spain's most visited atraction... it's not difficult to see why!
BEACHES
From the intimate coves of the north to the golden Mediterranean stretches of the south, beach goers have no shortage of options to lay their towel and soak up the famous Spanish sunshine.
SAGRADA FAMILIA (Barcelona)
The funky nature-inspired architecture comes from the mind of famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, who led the creative Modernista architectural movement based in Barcelona. He spent a huge chunk of his life dedicated solely to the massive construction which, believe it or not, is still underway today following his plans!
ROMAN AQUEDUCT (Segovia)
Running right through the center of Segovia is the city's famous Roman aqueduct, which dates as far back as the first century, A.D. Romans had such a grasp on proportions that no a single ounce of mortar was used to hold the structure together; thousands of years later, it continues to rely entirely upon the weight of the stone to hold it together.
CITY OF ARTS & SCIENCES (Valencia)
Situated at the end of Valencia's Turia riverbed park is the massive arts and sciences complex designed by world-famous architect Santiago Calatrava. Among the bright-white and ultra-modern structures you'll find a planetarium and IMAX theater, an interactive science museum, Europe's biggest aquarium and a huge opera and performing arts center.
MEDIEVAL WALLS OF ÁVILA
While many of Spain's cities were once protected by defensive walls, modern-day Ávila is still entirely enclosed within what has become one of the symbols of Spain. Constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries, the medieval walls boast 88 watchtowers and several monumental gateways to the city.
CATHEDRAL OF SEVILLA
The grandiose Gothic cathedral of Sevilla, which was built between 1402 and 1506, is one of the world's largest cathedrals in the world. The belltower, named La Giralda, once served as the minaret of the mosque that once stood where the cathedral stands today and still boasts the elaborate decoration typical of Islamic architecture. Today, it fills the air with chiming bells and provides visitors with incredible panoramic views of the city.
PLAZA MAYOR (Madrid)
Back in the 15th century, the Plaza Mayor was once Madrid's main market square and, over the years, went on to host bullfights, festivals, official ceremonies and much more. Today, the emblematic square is a constant hub of activity and one of Spain's most elegant spots for people watching, strolling or having a tapa at any of the cafes set out in the plaza.
LA MEZQUITA (Córdoba)
Córdoba, which was once the capital of the Islamic caliphate during Spain's centuries under Islamic rule, boasts the spectacular Mezquita, a sprawling edifice known for its candy cane-striped arches, ornate Mihrabs and sea of columns. When the city succumbed to the Reconquest, the newly-instated Catholic rules went ahead and plopped an entire cathedral right smack in the middle of the city's massive mosque, thereby creating one of the world's most peculiar and historically symbolic religious complexes.
UNIVERSITY OF SALAMANCA
The university of Salamanca is one of the world's oldest learning institutions and was once considered one of the "four leading lights", along with the universities of Bologna, Paris and Oxford. The building dates back centuries and is a stunning example of Salamanca's elaborate golden architecture. Don't forget to find the famous frog hidden in the ornate façade... it's said to bring good luck!
