Spain is a country of rich cultural history and significance. The influence of Roman, Iberic, and Greek culture is prevalent here as well. Spain has the third-highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites after Italy and China, with a total of 47 sites. Even though the cultural places in Spain can be visited at any time, the best time to visit Spain is in late spring between April and May and in the early autumn between September and October. The temperature is pleasant here in those months.
1. The Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
The Sagrada Familia is a 135-year-old structure located in Barcelona. The temple is still under construction even after over a century of work and is expected to be completed by the year 2026. The architect of this structure, Antony Gaudi, worked on this project till his death. Just looking at it will make you realise that there is a visual representation of Christian beliefs through the designs. After completion, it will have 18 towers from any strategic point. The central tower will stand 72 metres tall, and will be symbolising Christ. The central tower will be surrounded by four towers representing the Evangelists, making it a significant religious structure. The construction is backed by private investments. Unfortunately, Gaudi’s workshop was left damaged by the Spanish Civil War, which includes the documented plan by him as well. The project is continued through the remaining drawings and plaster models by architects and craftsmen.
2. The Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe
The Royal Monastery was created back in 1337. Villuerca Mountains of southwestern central Spain at an altitude of 660 meters. This is among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Monastery provides a beautiful view of a valley surrounded by picturesque mountains. It used to be a cultural center for workshops and scientific activities. It also helped in the spread of education on botany and medicine through the Medical School of Guadalupe. It was used for experiments in the luxury goods and music industries as well. It has never been abandoned and has been in constant use. A lot of the parts have been reconstructed and renovated as well, but the authenticity remains.
3. Segovia Roman Aqueduct
Segovia Aqueduct literally translated means “The Bridge” in Spanish. It carries water for 16 kms or 10 miles from the Frío River to the city of Segovia, Spain. It is built of about 24,000 dark-coloured Guadarrama granite blocks without the use of mortar. The structure is from Roman times. It was built in the second half of the 1st century and is still among the most intact and well kept structures in Europe. It represents the growth of the Roman Empire. Until 2006, there was no proper management system in place for it, but a technical workshop was held in 2009 in Segovia in collaboration with the UNESCO World Heritage Center. The conclusion derived from the workshop was that there was an urgent need to put a management plan together to protect the Segovia Roman Aqueduct.
4. Toledo
Located in south-western Madrid, Toledo is among the best places to visit if you’re on a cultural visit to Spain. It is surrounded by the Tajo River. The historic center of Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage site as well. In 193 BCE, it became an important Roman colony. It is rocky and has narrow streets. The slopes are steep and the surfaces are rough. There are well- preserved Gateways. Some parts of the walls of Toledo are of Visigothic origin. Bib-al-Mardom is a church with Islamic influence. The Toledo Cathedral is another must-visit.
5. The City of Arts and Science, Valencia
The City of Arts and Science is an entertainment-based cultural and architectural complex. It has three main locations that have a water theme. It has the largest aquarium park in Europe. There is also an Oceanographic center, most of which lies underground and has mangrove swamps and wetlands. The Dolphinarium here is one of the largest in Europe and has a seating capacity for over 2,000 people. The entrance charge starts at €8 per person and is open for most days.
6. El Prado Museum – Madrid
You will find some of the finest collections of fine European art here. The El Prado Museum is located in Central Madrid and has a collection of about 8,000 drawings, 7,500 paintings, and 5,000 prints. The arts include work by Goya, Rubens, Velazquez and El Greco. This is now among the most visited sites in the world. It is open on most days between 10 am and 8 pm. There is free entry between 6 pm and 8 pm.
7. Mount Teide, Tenerife
Mount Teide is an active volcano on the Canary Island of Tenerife. It has a moonlike landscape and the admiring beauty is unmissable even if you are not very close. It is the highest mountain in Spain with its peak reaching 3718 meters. The area around the Teide National Park has fossilized lava flowing along the hillsides. Scientists also often come here to check space vehicles.
8. The Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao
The Guggenheim Museum was created by Frank Gehry. He used blocks of limestone and sheets of titanium to build this structure. A lot of his buildings, including his place of a private residence. The selection of contemporary art and architecture is an important attraction. There are traveling exhibitions and rotating displays of its collection of art. Frank Gehry wanted it to have a modern touch to it. A lot of tourism in the city of Bilbao is solely because of the Guggenheim museum. The museum is open between 10 am and 8 pm.
9. Seville Cathedral and Alcazar
This is a part of a UNESCO World Heritage site as well. According to UNESCO, this is a masterpiece of Almohad architecture. The carved statues in the interior are covered with gold and are on the 37-meter main altar. La Giralda tower, Seville Cathedral, and the Alcazar combined make the complete UNESCO World Heritage site.
