Spain is a renowned tourist destination for a plethora of reasons: its stunningly well-preserved architecture and historical landmarks Mediterranean atmosphere diverse landscape tasty food and passionate culture.
Millions of people flock to Spain every year to experience its many charms for themselves.
If you’re planning a trip to Spain or even if you’re just curious here are ten of the most stunning sights to see in this beautiful country:
1.
The Alhambra – Granada
The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain.
This magnificent palace and fortress complex was built by the Moorish rulers of Granada in the 13th century and is a stunning example of Moorish architecture.
The Alhambra is definitely a must-see for anyone visiting Spain.
2.
La Sagrada Familia – Barcelona
La Sagrada Familia is a large Catholic church in Barcelona designed by the world-famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.
Construction of the church began in 1882 and is still ongoing – it’s not expected to be finished until 2026! Even in its unfinished state La Sagrada Familia is an incredible sight to behold and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona.
3.
The Mezquita – Córdoba
The Mezquita is a mosque-cathedral in Córdoba Andalusia.
It was built in the 8th century as a mosque but was later converted into a cathedral after the city was reconquered by the Christians in the 13th century.
The Mezquita is a beautiful and unique building with its forest of Columns Mihrab (prayer niche) and Minaret and is definitely worth a visit.
4.
The Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family but it is also open to the public.
The palace is absolutely massive with over 3000 rooms and is one of the largest royal palaces in Europe.
The interior of the palace is just as impressive as the exterior with lavishly decorated rooms containing works of art by some of the most famous painters in history such as Velázquez Goya and Caravaggio.
5.
The Generalife – Granada
The Generalife is a beautiful palace and garden complex located just outside the walls of the Alhambra in Granada.
The gardens are particularly stunning with their terraces fountains and views of the city and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
The Generalife is a great place to relax and escape the crowds of the Alhambra for a while.
6.
The Great Mosque of Sevilla
The Great Mosque of Sevilla is another former mosque that was converted into a cathedral after the city was reconquered by the Christians.
It is the largest mosque in Spain and the third-largest mosque in the world.
The mosque was originally built in the 12th century and is a beautiful example of Moorish architecture.
7.
The Cathedral of Toledo
The Cathedral of Toledo is one of the most important Gothic cathedrals in Spain.
It was built in the 13th century and is the seat of the Archbishop of Toledo.
The cathedral is renowned for its beautiful architecture as well as for its many works of art including a painting by El Greco.
8.
The Aqueduct of Segovia
The Aqueduct of Segovia is a Roman aqueduct that was built in the 1st century AD.
It is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Spain and is a truly impressive sight.
The aqueduct is over 20 meters high and spans almost 800 meters.
It is definitely worth a visit if you’re in Segovia.
9.
The Cave of Altamira
The Cave of Altamira is a cave in the province of Cantabria northern Spain.
The cave is famous for its Paleolithic cave paintings which were created between 13000 and 25000 years ago.
The cave was closed to the public for many years in order to protect the paintings but reopened in 2014.
If you’re interested in prehistoric art the Cave of Altamira is definitely worth a visit.
10.
The Valley of the Fallen
The Valley of the Fallen is a large memorial and basilica located in the Sierra de Guadarrama northwest of Madrid.
The memorial was built by Francisco Franco to honor the fallen of the Spanish Civil War.
It is a controversial site but is nonetheless an impressive sight.
If you’re interested in Spanish history the Valley of the Fallen is definitely worth a visit.