Sights of Spain

Sights of Spain

Prado National Museum: The collection of the Museo del Prado was founded during the time of Charles V. Today, it comprises around 8,600 paintings. Not all masterpieces can be exhibited at the same time, as exhibition space is limited. In addition to paintings, the museum also displays decorative art, the Dauphin’s Treasure, and a collection of Italian sculptures.

Burgos Cathedral: The Cathedral of Burgos is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is decorated with intricate Gothic reliefs and is considered the third-largest cathedral in Spain. Inside, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles unite. There is abundant gilding, stone and wood carvings, and impressive stained-glass windows. The national hero El Cid Campeador is buried on the grounds.

Cave of Altamira: About 30 km from Santander, unique prehistoric rock paintings from the Paleolithic era were discovered. The ceiling of the Cave of Altamira is covered with depictions of bulls, wild boars, and horses. The prehistoric artist skillfully used the natural rock curvatures to create a three-dimensional effect. The cave is open to visitors and features large halls and double corridors.

Plaza de España (Seville): The semi-circular town hall building of Seville encompasses one of the most beautiful squares in the world – the Plaza de España. In the niches of the building are tile panels that symbolize the unity of the Spanish provinces. In the center, a magnificent fountain shines. The mosaic patterns made of pebbles and tiles are also impressive. A canal runs around the square, on which one can go boating.

Canary Islands: The volcanic archipelago consists of seven islands. The pleasant climate attracts visitors from all over the world – the Canaries are considered the land of eternal spring. There are numerous nature parks, amusement parks, and beaches with black, golden, and white sand. Visitors can visit an active volcano, the thousand-year-old Dragon Tree, the Pyramids of Güímar, and many other sights.

Park Güell: The park was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí on behalf of his friend, the industrialist Eusebi Güell. Here, one feels like they are in a fairy-tale world of gingerbread houses and wavy shapes. Numerous figures, benches, and vaults in colonnades are made of thousands of blue, yellow, and pink mosaic pieces and impress with their curved lines.

La Concha Beach: The beautiful bay of La Concha in San Sebastián is considered the most beautiful beach in Spain. It resembles a shell with a golden rim. The beach is famous for exquisite restaurants and cozy cafés. Thanks to the fine sand and shallow depth, it is ideal for families with children. Due to the hills in the west, it remains sheltered from the wind and quiet here.

Old Town of Cuenca: Cuenca is located 956 m above sea level. Eroded rocks seem to make the houses and towers grow upwards. The buildings have defied the abyss for centuries. Cuenca was founded as a Celtic settlement at the beginning of our era and survived Roman, Arab, and Moorish eras. The city bears traces of many cultures and religions. A camera is a must to capture the unique views.

Mezquita of Córdoba: The Mosque-Cathedral of Mezquita was built during Moorish rule. In 1236, King Ferdinand III reconquered the city and transformed the mosque into a Christian cathedral. The chapel was built directly in the former prayer hall. Numerous columns made of jasper, granite, and onyx have been preserved, as well as Arabic Quranic inscriptions on the walls.

El Escorial Monastery: El Escorial is a monastery-palace that King Philip II had built after a victory over the French. It became a spiritual, historical, and cultural center of Spain. On the grounds is a museum with works by Titian, van Dyck, Bosch, Tintoretto, Veronese, and others. The huge library is one of the most significant in the world. Almost all Spanish monarchs are buried in El Escorial.

Sagrada Família: Construction of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona began in 1882 and is still not finished today, as it is financed exclusively by donations. Antoni Gaudí’s design was intended to translate the New Testament into stone. Twelve of the towers symbolize the apostles, four large towers the evangelists, and the central tower, at 170 m high, represents Christ.

Island of Ibiza: Ibiza is a luxurious party destination and famous for its exclusive clubs and discotheques. The island offers a mild Mediterranean climate and magnificent beaches, but can just as easily be combined with cultural sightseeing. In the center of the island stands a well-preserved Moorish fortress, and there is also an archaeological museum.

Alhambra: The Alhambra, the museum of Islamic culture, also called the “Red Castle,” is located in Granada. Tickets must be booked in advance, as only a limited number of visitors are allowed. The complex includes several palaces, gardens, and numerous towers, many of which have their own names and legends. Courtyards, fountains, and intricate stone ornaments create a fairy-tale oriental atmosphere.

Costa Brava: The 162 km long stretch of coast begins at the French border and is called the Coast of Boldness. Pristine rocks stretch for kilometers along the sea. The Costa Brava is famous for picturesque beaches and bays and is popular with divers, climbers, and lovers of cultural excursions.

Royal Palace of Madrid: The Royal Palace was built in the 18th century by the famous architects Sabatini and Sachetti. The building, in the Italian Baroque style, appears majestic and elegant. It is surrounded by well-kept gardens with fountains and flower beds. In the park, there is a carriage museum, and in the palace itself, a large collection of historical weapons, Stradivari violins, and paintings.

Alcázar of Seville: The Moorish palace has served as a residence for Spanish monarchs in Seville for over 700 years. On free days, the palace is open to visitors. In addition to the magnificent Arab architecture, one can stroll through gardens with orange and lemon trees, roses, and ponds with goldfish. Peacocks are the special ornament of the garden.

Dunes of Maspalomas: Tides and eastern winds have turned a 3 km long section of Spain into a small Sahara. The dunes resemble their African model in flora and fauna. The shifting sand hills constantly change the face of the Maspalomas Nature Park on Gran Canaria. Visitors can ride camels or cross the desert on foot in about 40 minutes.

Loro Parque: The zoo on Tenerife is famous for the largest parrot collection in the world – about 500 species. There is even a “parrot theater.” In addition, dolphin shows take place here, and visitors can see penguins and many other animals. An extraordinary orchid collection grows in the botanical garden.

Aqueduct of Segovia: The Roman aqueduct of Segovia is 28 m high and, at 728 m, is one of the longest ancient water structures in Europe. It was presumably built during the time of Emperor Vespasian. For the construction, the Romans used granite blocks without mortar, which were placed precisely on top of each other. The aqueduct was still in operation until 1997.

Roman Theater of Mérida: The theater in Mérida once formed a single complex with the amphitheater and a park. Today’s archaeological remains provide a good picture of what the facility looked like in antiquity. The theater probably offered space for around 6,000 spectators. Today, the Festival of Classical Theater takes place here every summer.