One of Europe’s most diverse and culturally unique countries, Spain offers adventurers a wide variety of historical sites and tourist destinations. From sunny beaches, to grandiose cathedrals and castles, Spain has something to entice everyone. Our Top Ten Spain Attractions list will help our wandering travelers to choose the best sites, and the most unique adventures for their wants and needs!
10. Royal Palace of Madrid
flickr/Dmitriy Fomenko
Built in 1760, the majestic Royal Palace of Madrid is used today by the heads of state for a variety of special occasions and ceremonies. Visitors are allowed into 50 of the 2800 rooms, diversity in styles and intricacies in design makes each section of this palace truly fit for a king.
9. Plaza de Espana
flickr/Ignacio García
At the end of the bustling street of Gran Via lies the lovely Plaza de Espana. Take a stroll on a sunny day and enjoy the classic architecture, mouth-watering street food and a fountain shooting water high into the sky. Visit monuments depicting Don Quixote with his trusty sidekick and author Miguel de Cervantes, paying respects to this timeless story.
8. Loro Park
flickr/***Images***
Loro Park is located just outside Puerto de la Cruz on the island of Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. Loro Park, translated as Parrot park, is over 30 acres of habitat for an estimated 4000 birds, representing over 350 different species of parrots! A visit to this large reserve is sure to steal any nature lover’s heart.
7. Segovia Aqueduct
flickr/C. Mario del Río
The 2000 year old aqueduct dissects the old city of Segovia, located an hour’s drive from Madrid. A functional masterpiece, the Segovia Aqueduct is a testament to the great accomplishments of the Roman Empire. Known as the “Devil’s Bridge”, the local legend is that the structure was built by Lucifer himself in hopes of winning a young woman’s heart.
6. Guell Park
flickr/Dan in Mars
Visitors flock to the hill of el’ Carmel in Barcelona, where a delightfully unique housing complex, turned park, quietly rests above the busy city. Designed in the early 20th century by Antoni Gaudí, these houses were a relief from the dirty streets and factories of an industrializing nation.
5. Prado Museum
flickr/hhesterr
Located in central Madrid, the Prado Museum holds one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of European art. With pieces dating back to the 12th century, Europe’s history and culture throughout the last millennium is on full display for anyone who has a free afternoon.
4. Alcazar
flickr/Leticia Ayuso
The Alcazar of Seville has been a tried and true witness to the diverse history of Seville. With a variety of cultures influencing the city, the palace is an architectural and historical hodgepodge. Originally a Moorish fort, the Alcazar houses a cathedral, a palace and several courtyards that have historical relevance to much of the world.
3. The Cordoba Mezquita
flickr/Javier Martin Espartosa
The history of the Mezquita of Cordoba, shows the major shifts in power the southern Spanish city has bared witness to over the years. Originally the site of a Roman temple, the Mosque of Cordoba was constructed during 8th century Islamic conquest. Now a cathedral, Middle-eastern architecture and art are still the main feature to this exquisite attraction.
2. Alhambra
flickr/cpcmollet
A 9th century fortress built within the forested hills of Granada, this legendary complex is sometimes referred to as a pearl set amongst emeralds. As empires rose and fell, additions to the palace were slowly added, a true mosaic of culture and tradition. Marvel at the large halls of the palace and stroll the park to hear the faint trickle of water throughout.
1. Basilica of the Sacred Family
flickr/Victor Wong
The influential Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi spent most of his professional life trying to finish the breathtaking Catholic basilica. The complexities of the exterior are only a taste of the architectural wonders found within. Built solely from donations, this magnificent place of worship attracts millions every year.
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