World Heritage Sites of Spain

Spain is well known for its vibrant, almost exotic culture. The nation possesses a rich and deep history, a proud history which is displayed through its various ancient monuments and landmarks and the country contains a number of significant sites, the second most out of any country after Italy, that are often travelled to, admired and shown the respect they deserve.

Alhambra
The Alhambra is a royal palace and a fortress set in the very heart of Granada. It includes a number of attractive palaces within its grounds such as Generalife and the famed Albayzín district. The site showcases the Moorish history and influence of this area of Spain and was built by the rulers of the Emirate of Granada.

The site is the most popular tourist destination in Granada, and the entire region of Andalusia, so it’s highly recommended that those wishing to visit purchase tickets beforehand. For those seeking more information on the site, have a look here.

Santiago De Compostela
The cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia is considered one of the most important buildings associated with Catholicism. Said to be the final resting place of James, one of the Apostles, it is a Mecca for those taking the pilgrimage across northern Spain.

The city has been rebuilt many times since the 10th century and features a selection of Baroque and Gothic buildings, looming high over one of the world’s most beautiful city districts. The stunning monuments draped around the tomb of St. James are renowned and many travel miles just to be in their spiritual presence.

Old Town Of Ávila
This is an 11th century establishment built to ward off attacks from the Moors and is the birth place of St. Teresa. It’s a pure fortification and a wonderful trip out for anyone. Hire a car and drive down to this glorious site, with its 82 semi-circular towers, one of the most refined sites in Spain. The site has kept a rich history and influence as well; the cathedral and old walls surrounding it have become spiritual locations for many and even the food served within the town of Ávila is named after figures such as St. Teresa.

Poblet Monastery
Found in the renowned region of Catalonia, the Poblet Monastery is one of the largest in Spain and sprawls across the vast plains, with its fortified walls, places of royal residence and, of course, the stunning monastery at the very centre.

It is an eclectic Cistercian building, famed for the way it has incorporated a unique blend of different architectural styles into one complete building. The abbey on the site is said to contain a ‘masterpiece’ from every century and much of Spain’s history is said to exist, in some form or another, within this extraordinarily impressive site.

Town Of Cuenca
The Historic Walled Town of Cuenca is a magnificent site, a tall, vast and expansive construction that sits high over Cordoba. It was built as a fortress for the Moors, as a means of defence, and after it was conquered in the 12th century, it became a royal residence, suspended on cliffs, high above the Huécar River.

Set away from the city surroundings, it has blended well into the rural landscape of its area and has been excellently preserved throughout the centuries. Inside is a collection of towns with a newer model constructed to parallel the original creation.

Atapuerca
This prehistoric archaeological site is famed for its deep caves, where fossils have been discovered of the earliest recorded human beings found in the entire continent of Europe. There is little there nowadays save for a few hills and distant remains but its history is unparalleled.

Located on the site, there is a cave entitled the Pit Of Bones, which is said to contain the single largest collection of hominid fossils in the entire world, casting an impressive aura over the site as well as making it one of the most scientifically important locations on Earth.