Best Historic Places To Visit In Spain
Spain is a beautiful Mediterranean country full of attractive places to visit and enjoy your holiday. But do you know exactly where to visit in the country? Don’t worry. In this article, I will share some of the most beautiful historical places to spend your time in Spain. Keep on reading. Get our free Travel Checklist
Now, here are the best places to visit in Spain.
ALHAMBRA
No matter how much you have read or how many pictures you have seen of Granada, your breath will surely be taken away again and again
A short history of Alhambra
When planning a visit to Spain, make sure you keep Alhambra as one of the best historical sites to visit. It is a powerful symbol of Spain’s multicultural past. Alhambra is known for its beautiful red walls and is located on Al- Sabika hilltop, the western part of Granada in Andalusia.
Alhambra is filled with different palaces, towers, mosques, stone cravings, gardens, passageways, serene courtyards, and even fortresses. It is a powerful and beautiful sight to behold in Spain. It is the only Muslim citadel that is still standing almost as perfectly as it was since the beginning.
It was originally constructed as a fortress in 889 AD and later rebuilt in renaissance style in the 14th century. In the beginning, it was designed and conceived as a military zone and later became the royal residence and court of Granada in the 13th century. Alhambra provides a glimpse of the grandeur and glamour of the Muslim empire.
Places to visit in Alhambra
The historical culture of Alhambra is that words are engraved all over the walls, and these walls can speak to you. When you arrive at Alhambra, never forget to take note of the carved walls, it’s magical. The inscriptions describe poems and parts of the Quran, you don’t want to miss this. Don`t worry if you don’t know Arabic, the Alhambra guides will explain the beauty and meaning of the inscribed phrase to you.
Also, like I said before Alhambra is full of beautiful things to see, the entire citadel is perfectly designed to function as a giant sundial which means half of the citadel will have light at noon while the other half won`t. This is one of Alhambra’s secrets, so choose your visit time wisely.
Another place you must visit is the Whispering gallery, it is made up of thick ceilings and walls which makes sound travel from one corner to another, enjoy the view.
If you are visiting Alhambra, you can stay at the luxury hotel `Hopes de los Patos` which is located in the heart of Granada and is just 20 minutes away from Alhambra. Alhambra has a limit of visitors per day, it`s advisable to reserve your ticket at least a day before so you won`t get disappointed.
How to locate the place
Alhambra can be reached by foot from Plaza Nueva and Cuesta de Gomerez, it can also be reached by car taking Ronda Sur and by bus from the city center. Most people take about 4-5 hours touring around Alhambra while some spend less time and others spend the whole day just taking in the beautiful sight.
Alhambra opens from March – October at exactly 8:30 am-2 pm and 8 pm, tickets to the palace and gardens are available on a limited basis. Be sure to get yours when you make up your mind.
SAGRADA FAMILIA
a Short History of La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia is known as the largest unfinished Roman Catholic Church in the world. It is located in the Right district of Barcelona and is famous for its beautiful spires each of which represents a biblical figure. It has a public park that is composed of gardens and stunning mosaic architecture.
The works in La Sagrada Familia began in 1882 by Architect Francisco de Paula del Villar and were continued by Barcelona`s most famous son, Anthoni Gaudi.
Gaudi spent his last few years dedicating his time to the project and died in 1926. It was clear that the building would not be finished during his lifetime. The project is believed to have entered the final stage of construction, with 2026 as the estimated completion date.
The fanciful and outrageous buildings created by Anthoni Gaudi in Barcelona have become landmarks and the signature of attraction in Catalan city.
Rumors have it that when construction began in the 1800s, there was no digital device like a computer which made the construction process slow. However, computers came in the mid-20th century which leads to a speed-up in the construction process.
Research has it that La Sagrada Familia was understood to be a simple Roman Catholic Church which was later designed in 2010 as a cathedral and Pope Benedict XVI then declared it as a basilica which turns out to be a great honor for the building.
Places to visit in La Sagrada Familia
When Sagrada Familia is completed, it will have 18 towers, 12 towers will represent the apostles, 4 will represent the evangelists, 1 will represent Virgin Mary and the last will represent Jesus which will stand as the highest and middle tower.
Currently, there are eight towers. Visiting the Sagrada Familia is an opportunity to observe the towers, know what each represents and enjoy. The tower stand is a must-visit in La Sagrada Familia.
Another nice place to visit is the historical tomb of Arch. Antoni Gaudi, the tomb is located in the basement of the building. The tomb is surrounded by four chapels, each dedicated to a different figure and the El- Carmen Virgin.
Another grand place to visit is the La Sagrada Familia School building. In 1909, Gaudi built a school on-site for the children of construction workers to attend while their parents work day and night building one of the most magnificent structures in Europe.
The school is now known as an exhibition site where so many people want to pay and see for themselves.
Another nice place to visit are the Elevators. The elevators are not made of magic glass, but visitors are allowed to see the lowest and highest part of the elevator, and when you finish, you will have to go down the stairs to get to the tower that offers you a perfect view of the city.
How to locate the place
It takes over 45 minutes to an hour to walk from La Rambla to Sagrada Familia. We recommend you take a bus, metro or taxi to take you to the Sagrada Familia. It will save you time and energy.
When visiting the Sagrada Familia, you can stay at the Landmark Hotel Arts Barcelona, which is just 10 minutes away from the Sagrada Familia.
MOSQUE OF CORDOBA
a Short History of Mosque of Cordoba
The Western Muslim Mosque of Cordoba is one of the best historical sites in Spain and was originally a Roman temple built in the 8th century. It was once the largest roman Diocese in Spain and an important Moorish caliphate.
The Diocese of Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral was dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, officially known by its name, “Cathedral of Our Lady of Assumption”, and is located in the Spanish region of Andalusia.
In 711, the Moors seized Andalusia from the Christians, and the Catholic Basilica of San Vicente was divided into two parts and used as a place of worship by both Muslims and Christians.
Apparently, the rule of religious pluralism did not last in Cordoba and ended in 784. Emir Abd al-Rahman ordered the demolition of the church and they began to build a great Mosque. The Mosque took more than two centuries to build and was completed in 987. It was known to be the largest Mosque in the Islamic kingdom.
In 1236, Cordoba was recaptured by the Christians on the order of King Ferdinand III who immediately ordered that the mosque`s lanterns be transported back to Santiago de Compostela, where they were converted into bells for the city`s cathedral.
Today, at the original Cordoba Mosque in Spain, there is no call to prayer, only the ringing of church bells. That’s because the former mosque is now a functioning Catholic cathedral, performing a daily mass.
Place to visit in Mosque of Cordoba
There are historical and pleasant places to visit in the Cordoba Mosque, one of which includes the Patio de los Naranjos commonly called the (Court of the Oranges), popularly known as the main hall and they are surrounded by cloisters on the north, east, and west, their roofs are made of porphyry, jaspers and colored marbles.
Also don’t miss out on the 850 pillars that divide the interior into (19 north-to-south), and (29 east-to-west aisles). Each pillar forms an open horseshoe arch.
Also, the most exquisite decoration in the entire building is found in the third Mihrab, it is a small octagonal ceiling embedded with a single block of white marble carved in the shape of a shell and filled with golden Mosaics and Byzantine-style.
You can also visit the bell tower which is basically the tallest structure in the city, as well as orange trees which promote agriculture, and the inner courtyard of the mosque.
How to locate the place
Taking a bus to the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba is the most convenient way to reach the site if you are in the city. Puerta Del Puente is the nearest bus stop and just a few minutes away. You can also take a taxi and a train which is also a few minutes away from the Cordoba railway station.
When you visit the Cordoba Mosque, you can stay at the Historic Manor house known as Hosepes Palacio Del Bailio and can easily be reached on foot.
MUSEO NACIONAL DEL PRADO
A shot History of Museo Nacional Del Prado
It is the most important art museum in Spain, which houses the most wonderful collections of European art from the 12th – 20th century and is also considered the heart of Madrid. A visit to this historical museum will make you familiar with the Spanish monarchs.
The Prado Museum was designed by architect Juan de Villanueva in 1785 as a royal museum of painting and sculptures In the orders of King Charles III. The Prado Museum sculpture work comprises about 1,000 works, 7,600 paintings, 8,200 drawings, and 4,800 prints as of today.
Place to visit in Museo Nacional Del Prado
The Prado Museum is definitely worth a visit for anyone. One major painting you must not miss is the Las Meninas painting by Velazquez. The painting consists of characters like a princess, a nun, a dwarf, and the artist himself.
Another painting not to be missed is arguably the best known of all El Greco`s paintings, and one of the earliest of his work to be painted in Spain. It contrasts between black and white draws attention to the nobleman`s delicate hand and fingers, while his dress emphasizes his status as a gentleman.
Another painting not to be missed is the garden of Earthly Delight. The painting is believed to be weird and full of wonderful creatures imagined over 500 years ago. The Triptych shows the progression of humanity from its first creation to its eventual destruction.
How to locate the place
El Prado Museum is located in Central Madrid at Calle de Ruiz de Alarcon. It is easily accessible by bus and metro.
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA CATHEDRAL
a short History Santiago de compostela cathedral
The Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Santiago, which was an important pilgrimage for the Spaniards during the Early Middle Ages. The building consists of different styles which are; Baroque, Gothic, and Roman styles.
The Cathedral of Santiago was built to house and honor the relics of the saints and was built between 1060 and 1211. The interior of the Cathedral is considered the purest early Romanesque style.
Research shows that the building can accommodate 1,200 visitors at the same time.
Place to visit
The Santiago Cathedral is a great place to visit and visiting Apostle St. James’ tomb is a must because it`s the main history of the cathedral. The tomb is beneath the Main Altar, and the remains of St. James are kept in a silver urn with that of his disciples Saint Theodore and Saint Athanasius.
Another place to visit is the Holy Door. It was built in the 16th century, also known as the Forgiveness Door (Puerta Del Perdon). The Holy Door only opens on Holy Year.
Also, if you want to visit the cathedral on a special date and occasion, check out the famous Botafumeiro. Botafumeiro is an incense that swings impressively across the Main Altar on special dates and special occasions which date back to the 19th century. It is also nice if you attend the mass and make a confession.
In addition, you can visit the elaborately decorated Capilla Mayor, the structure is built on the Apostle`s tomb. You can also visit the high altar which is made up of jaspers, alabaster, and silver, and also a 13th-century wooden figure of an Apostle which is richly adorned in precious metals and gems.
How to locate the place in Santiago de compostela cathedral
The French Way (Spanish: Camino Francés) is the most popular route. It extends from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the French side of the Pyrenees to Roncesvalles on the Spanish side before making its way through to Santiago de Compostela through the major cities of Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos, and León.
The Railroad is also a major route to locate Santiago De Compostela which is centrally located in Rua De Horreo, off Avenida De Lugo.
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM
A short History of Guggenheim Museum
The Museum was designed by a Canadian-American architect known as Frank Gehry, and was founded in 1937 in the city of Bilbao. The Guggenheim Museum is one of the largest museums in Spain, it contained famous works by Spanish and internationally renowned artists. A tour of Spain’s historic places is something you have to experience once in a lifetime.
You really have to see this building to believe it – no photograph has ever done justice to this symphony of shapes, so alive that they seem ready to take wing. The American architect Frank Gehry used blocks of wavy limestone and titanium undulating sheets of titanium to turn the notion of modern architecture on its ear.
Artistic works to see in Guggenheim Museum
When you visit the Guggenheim Museum one artistic work you must never miss to see is the Edgar Degas Spanish Dance artwork. Degas loved dancers, which made his artwork more expressive, lively, and vivid.
Also, check out Douard Manet Before the mirror artwork, he was known for painting the working class and the underclass prostitutes using large loose brushstrokes which were his signature style. The artwork depicts openness and freedom of paint.
The Pablo Picasso Woman ironing painting should not be left out, he was known to paint peasants, laborers, beggars, and other downtrodden folks in shades of blue. The artwork is a metaphor for the poor in general.
Other artworks to see are Henri Rousseau Football players art work, Paul Czanne Bibmus popularly known as a landscape painter, Paul Gauguin Vanilla Grove, man and horse painting, Georges Seurat Farm women at work, etc.
How to locate the place
By Road, you can locate the museum from Santander (A8) / Donostia-San Sebastián or Vitoria-Gasteiz (A68 and A8): from the city bypass motorway, take the Bilbao San Mamés exit.
At the end of the avenue that enters the city (Avenida Sabino Arana) you’ll come to a roundabout and large statue of the Sacred Heart, where you’ll see the first signs for the Museum.
The signs will direct you to Avenida Abandoibarra, which follows the river and leads straight to the Museum.
With Bus, there are different routes to take you directly from the Museo 1, Alda Recalde, and La Salve area. By train, you can use the Abando, Santander Line, and the Atxuri railway station.
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