Travel
Historic Sites in Spain That You Must Visit When You Travel
Have you ever considered taking a holiday in Spain? Spain is widely known and highly esteemed for its crystal blue waters, sunny beaches, and aesthetic architecture. These breathtaking places attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
But what makes Spain such a unique, must-see place? Spain is currently on nearly every tourist’s bucket list because it is home to some of the biggest historical sites and landmarks. These include the Mezquita of Cordoba, the Alhambra Palace in Granada, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma de Mallorca, to name a few.
This article will highlight some renowned historical sites in Spain that you must visit when you travel.
Must-see historical sites in Spain
Here are some of the must-see historical sites you should consider visiting in Spain:
1. Alhambra Palace in Granada
If you don’t visit the Alhambra Palace in Granada, consider your visit to Spain incomplete. This sprawling complex is planted at a vantage position overlooking the lovely city of Granada.
The Alhambra Palace was once a small fortress the first time it became known in 899 BC. But it was rebuilt around the mid-eleventh century as more and more buildings were added. It was eventually transformed over the years from a small fortress into a palace of immense beauty after it was utilized as a “medina.”
The elegant Alcazaba, the Lions Patio, and the Royal Manor are some of the best places to visit within Alhambra Palace.
You should book your tickets well in advance since hundreds of visitors throng the impressive complex every year.
2. Cordoba Roman Bridge
The Romans constructed the Roman Bridge in Cordoba in the first century BC. According to Muhammad al-Idrisi, an Arab photographer in 1140, the Roman Bridge “surpasses every other bridge in solidity and beauty.” The bridge has 16 arches heavily supported by several irregular semi-cylindrical buttresses.
The Roman Bridge is not just an object of beauty. It was a key player in many battles that ravaged the city of Cordoba. The most notable of these battles was that of Peter the Cruel in the 14th century.
This bridge spans the 657-kilometer Guadalquivir River. It is approximately 247 meters long and about 9 meters wide.
3. Seville Cathedral
Seville Cathedral is still the third largest cathedral in the world. It is the final resting place of the Italian navigator, Christopher Columbus.
This highly impressive gothic structure was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1987. It covers a total area of about 11,520 square meters. Seville Cathedral is only surpassed by St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and St. Peter’s in Rome. It is still being argued in many quarters that Seville Cathedral takes the lead in volume.
Seville Cathedral, with the tomb of the colonial explorer, is a big draw to thousands of tourists every year. The sheer scale of this impressive building can be felt and appreciated from the inside. Its central nave stands at an extraordinary 40 meters high. The gold-laden, ornate interiors as well as 80 chapels and architectural influences – ranging from Baroque to Gothic to Mudejar – make this site a must-see location.
4. Toledo Sephardic Museum
The Museo Sefardi (Toledo Sephardic Museum) is a national museum devoted to the culture, history, and legacy of Spain’s Jewish population.
This museum covers a long Jewish history in the European country, ranging from the Roman era to the 15th-century Jewish expulsion. The museum’s building is also part of this remarkable heritage as it was once a synagogue in the 1300s.
However, Samuel ha-Levi eventually fell out of the king’s favor. He was killed in 1360, but the synagogue remains a testament to former times to this day.
It is said that Peter of Castile permitted the construction of this synagogue in the 14th century to show profound appreciation for Samuel ha-Levi’s service as a royal treasurer and counselor.
Conclusion
There are many more historical sites to visit in Spain. That is why thousands of tourists from every part of the world flock to this popular European country yearly.
Therefore, consider visiting Spain the next time you have time for a short vacation, and you will always come back again and again!