45 Most Famous Landmarks in Spain to Visit

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The breathtaking Plaza de España is one of the most famous landmarks in Spain

Spain is well known worldwide for its landmarks and sporting activities that bring tourists into the country every year. When it comes to sports, Spain boasts an incredible football league with several historic clubs, like Real Madrid C. F. and FC Barcelona.

People also travel to Spain for its large selection of famous European landmarks. There are many famous landmarks in Spain to visit, including football stadiums, cathedrals, and art centres built by various well-known architects.

Travelling to Spain and leaving without visiting any landmarks is impossible to do. Below, you will find an extensive list of Spanish landmarks you can see when in Spain. Continue reading to learn more!

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45 Famous Spanish Landmarks

Spain Landmarks Map

A map of Spain landmarks. Use the map to explore all of the points of interest.

Spain Landmarks Map

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Modern structures by a pool and various plants against a blue sky
The famous Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias was designed by Santiago Calatrava

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

Translated from Spanish to English, the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias becomes the City of Arts and Sciences. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the City of Arts and Sciences is the largest of its kind in Europe and an example of modern architecture - making it a famous landmark of Spain.

The city has six buildings that each focus on a particular topic area. The buildings are:

  • Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe (the Prince Felipe Science Museum)
  • El Ágora (a recreational centre for holding events)
  • El Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofía (an arts and performance centre)
  • L'Umbracle (a garden and walkway)
  • L'Oceanogràfic (an aquarium)
  • L'Hemisfèric (contains an IMAX and digital projections)

You can visit any or all of these buildings depending on your interests. It is one of the best things to do in Valencia when visiting.

☂️ Visit the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias with an experience

Boats and beach umbrellas on sand, houses on a cliff, and mountains at the back
Costa del Sol is famous for its beaches and an array of activities it offers

Costa del Sol

Costa del Sol is a region famous for having some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. But the beaches are not the only reason to travel to the province of Málaga in Andalusia!

As well as the beaches, Costa del Sol has many activities for you to enjoy. These include water sports, cruises, walking, golf, and hiking.

Costa del Sol has mountains as well protecting its coastline, which means that excellent hiking opportunities are available, like the Pico de Mijas in Sierra de Mijas. It can easily be reached from the popular white village, Mijas Pueblo.

Museo Picasso Málaga

The Picasso Museum is an integral part of the culture of Málaga. Málaga locals adore it. Málaga is the city where Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born, so it is no surprise that a museum was named after him.

The museum was opened in 2003 with 285 works, all from Picasso. When you visit the museum, you get a free audio guide that will guide you through it. The museum has 233 paintings that are exhibited across 11 rooms.

☂️ Experience the Picasso Museum in Málaga with a tour

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Aerial view of a football stadium surrounded by trees and buildings
Completed in 1957, Spotify Camp Nou is Spain and Europe's biggest stadium

Spotify Camp Nou

Spotify Camp Nou has been the official home stadium of the FC Barcelona football club since 1957, when it was completed. If you enjoy football, you probably know that FC Barcelona is one of the best football clubs globally.

The stadium has played an essential role in sports, from hosting the Olympics to the World Cup and even the European Cup Finals. With a seating capacity of 99,354, it's the biggest stadium in Spain and Europe. It's also the fourth-largest football stadium in the world.

To make the most of your visit, book a guided tour to access the changing rooms and the tunnel leading to the pitch. You can also learn about the football club's history and stadium when here.

☂️ Join a tour to see the Camp Nou Stadium

A Neo-Gothic church with a bronze statue on top, overlooking greenery on a nice day
Templo del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús sits atop Tibidabo overlooking Barcelona

Templo del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús

The Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the English translation of Templo del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús. It is a Catholic church situated atop Mount Tibidabo in Barcelona. Spanish architect Sagnier designed the building, but his son Josep Maria Sagnier finished it

A statue of Jesus Christ made with bronze can be found at the top of the church. The church also has an elevator that takes you to the top of the building for amazing views of Barcelona.

La Pedrera - Casa Milà

Casa Milà is usually seen as a stone quarry and is one of the most modern buildings in Barcelona. It was the last private building designed by the famous Antoni Gaudí between 1906 and 1912.

This must-see site in Spain gives you a glimpse of the original purpose of the building, which was a condominium building. It displays the lifestyle of a Barcelona Bourgeois family during the 20th century.

The modern building has an attic that is used as a museum. You can learn about Gaudí's architectural skills in the museum and what inspired him.

There is also an exhibition on the main floor of the apartment. Casa Milà is the place to visit if you want to see how a residence can be used as a multi-purpose building.

☂️ Explore Casa Milà on a tour

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A Gothic cathedral with greenery and a pond in front on a nice day
La Sagrada Familia, one of Gaudí's masterpieces, is estimated to be finished by 2026

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is one of the most popular landmarks in Spain and is usually on a tourist's Spain bucket list. It is one of Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces. The architect commenced work on it in 1883 in Barcelona, but he did not live to complete it.

To this day, this historic landmark in Spain has not been completed. Jordi Faulí i Oller, the current architect working on this project, estimates they might finish it by 2026.

Even though the building has not been completed, the church's managers opened it to visitors on November 7, 2010. This is because parts of the building had already been completed. For example, the door of El Nacimiento, the crypt, and the chapel of San José can all be explored today.

You can go on a tour around Sagrada Familia's interior and exterior to explore and learn more about its unique architecture.

☂️ Visit the Sagrada Familia on a tour

A multi-level fountain below a Spanish Renaissance structure
Font Màgica, or The Magic Fountain, sits at the bottom of Palau Nacional on Montjuïc

Font Màgica de Montjuïc

Montjuïc is a well-known hill in Barcelona that used to provide the city with natural protection against invaders. Today, it does not offer protection, but it is a natural landmark in Spain that attracts many visitors daily.

Montjuïc contains many other attractions as well. There is the Magic Fountain situated under Palau Nacional on the hill, near Poble Espanyol. Font Màgica de Montjuïc also has several fantastic viewing spots - perfect for photo taking!

La Rambla

La Rambla is a street easily recognizable in the centre of Barcelona. Unfortunately, today, Las Ramblas is filled with too many tourists. Nonetheless, there are countless tourist shops to buy souvenirs at and restaurants to stop at for food, but do note, they're often tourist traps.

There is an art gallery at Centre d'Art Santa Mònica on La Rambla to check out as well if you love art. You can also take a walking tour around the busy city to enjoy the view.

☂️ Discover La Rambla on a tour

A fountain in front of a monument with various sculptures and stairs on either side
Cascada Monumental is one of the main attractions in Parc de la Ciutadella

Parc de la Ciutadella

The Parc de la Ciutadella is one of Barcelona's oldest and biggest parks. It is located in the district of El Born, a green refuge in Barcelona. Ciutadella Park used to be a military fortress during the 18th century.

As time passed, Barcelona began to develop, and they needed something to attract investors and visitors with. Because of this, in 1869, it was approved for the fortress to be used as a public park. The park's main attraction is the zoo, which is located within the park.

There is also a lake, which is an excellent place to take a stroll or have a picnic. You can hire a boat as well if you want to go rowing. The park also has a Geology and Zoology museum. It educates people on nature and the animal kingdom.

☂️ Join a tour to see Ciutadella Park

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The interior of an intricate concert hall lit up with natural lighting
Completed in 1908, The Palace of Catalan Music was designed by architect Montaner

Palau de la Música Catalana

Another landmark that attracts many visitors to Spain, and especially Barcelona, is the Palace of Catalan Music. It is a historic music hall designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner in Catalan modernista style.

The construction of this historic landmark was between 1905 and 1908. It was built then due to the Orfeó Català, a choral society formed in 1891.

The Concert Hall is the largest space in Palau de la Música, having a seating capacity of 2,146. One impressive fact to know is that the whole music hall is illuminated by natural light during the day.

If you love classical music, you can pay to attend a concert to experience the music hall in full effect. You can also pay for a guided tour if you want to explore the music hall and its features.

☂️ Visit the Palau de la Música Catalana with an experience

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Looking over a mosaic-decorated parapet at houses and buildings on a clear day
Park Güell is a public park designed by Antoni Gaudí and named after Eusebi Güell

Park Güell

Built between 1900 and 1914, Park Güell is undoubtedly one of the most famous Spanish landmarks. It is located in Barcelona and is a must-visit if in the city for a couple of days.

Antoni Gaudí designed Park Güell, but it was named after its sponsor, Eusebi Güell. The park was built to be the family home of Eusebi Güell, but it was converted into a public site after his passing in 1926.

Park Güell has many attractions for visitors, like Serpentine Bench, Austria Gardens, the Gaudí House Museum, and much more.

☂️ Discover Park Güell on a tour

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Aerial view of an amusement park with colourful rides, like a carousel
Built in 1899, Tibidabo Amusement Park is Spain's oldest and longest-running park

Parc d'Atraccions Tibidabo

Tibidabo Amusement Park is the best place to be if you have kids with you in Barcelona. Salvador Andreu, an entrepreneur in 1899, built the park and opened it in 1905.

Parc d'Atraccions Tibidabo is one of the oldest and still-functioning parks in the world. Specifically, it is the oldest and longest-running amusement park in Spain. You can also visit the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which is located on Mount Tibidabo as well.

☂️ Explore Parc datraccions Tibidabo with a tour

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Chimneys decorated with mosaics using colourful broken ceramic tiles
Palau Güell is a 19th-century mansion in Barcelona designed by Antoni Gaudí

Palau Güell

Palau Güell is a breathtaking 19th-century mansion designed by Antoni Gaudí for Eusebi Güell. Notably, this was the first building designed by Gaudí in Barcelona.

Compared to some of Gaudí's other designs, this building is more minimalist and features medieval castle details. However, you'll still find colourful details and one of the architect's signatures on Palau Güell's roof.

While in Barcelona, you can view the building from the outside or take a tour of the interior to fully appreciate this fantastic piece of Spanish architecture.

☂️ Join a tour to see the Güell Palace

Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló is another of the famous Spanish places found in Barcelona. Architect Antoni Gaudí also designed the building, but in 1904. It's thought to be one of his best pieces of work!

The stunning building features various colours, magnificent stained glass, and unique shapes. The building's roof alone is covered with thousands of vibrant tiles that many say resemble a dragon's back, and it's also why it's sometimes called "The House of the Dragon."

☂️ Join a tour to see Casa Batlló

Aerial view of a building complex with buildings in front and greenery at the back
San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a major Spanish landmark, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

San Lorenzo de El Escorial

San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a royal town located in the Guadarrama Mountains near Madrid. There are several buildings in the city, making it stand out as one of the major landmarks in Spain.

You can find a library, museum, monastery, church, garden, fountains and even a grand palace here. The library is so ancient to the extent that it contains manuscripts dating back to as early as the 5th century.

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The facade of a building with two elevators enclosed in glass columns
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is an art museum dedicated to Queen Sofía

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is a 20th-century art museum in Madrid. The museum was opened in the 1990s and was dedicated to Queen Sofía. It is located in Madrid's Golden Art Triangle near the city's centre.

Museo Reina Sofía focuses on displaying contemporary artworks, especially those by Spanish artists. This includes a range of exhibits featuring paintings, sculptures, and other works by artists, including Picasso and José Gutiérrez Solana.

The museum hosts temporary exhibitions with various permanent exhibits that change throughout the year. Check the museum's website before planning your visit to see what will be on display.

☂️ Explore the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía with a tour

Estadio Santiago Bernabéu

Real Madrid is one of the most well-known clubs in the world, and it is not surprising that their stadium is considered one of the most famous buildings in Spain and Madrid.

The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium has a seating capacity of 81,044 and has existed since 1947. It is the second-largest stadium in Spain after Spotify Camp Nou.

If you love football and you will be in Madrid for a few days, experiencing a football match at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium should be on your to-do list!

Alternatively, if you are not a football fan, you can also wait for the stadium to open for tours and explore it with a guide. The stadium also has a trophy room showcasing all of the trophies they have won in the past.

☂️ See the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on a tour

A square in front of a Baroque-style palace with many columns in its facade
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the biggest in Europe, with 3,418 rooms

Palacio Real de Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest palace in Europe. Even though the Spanish royals do not live in the palace, it is still one of the most historical sites in Spain that attracts many visitors.

Today, the building is mainly used for state ceremonies. The palace has about 3,418 rooms across six floors covering 135,000 square metres.

One feature of the palace is the main staircase designed by the famous Francesco Sabatini. Unlike some other parts of the palace, you are permitted to take photos of this location. The palace also has a Hall of Columns, which is where the most important ceremonies are held.

☂️ Join a tour to see the Royal Palace of Madrid

A bronze statue on a pedestal in front of a building with 6 columns and a flag on top
Museo Nacional del Prado, a famous Spanish landmark, houses more than 8600 paintings

Museo Nacional del Prado

Museo Nacional del Prado, translated from Spanish, means the Prado National Museum. This museum is one of the most visited landmarks in Spain and is located in central Madrid.

The Prado National Museum is home to more than 8600 paintings from Spain and other countries around the world. The number of paintings on display at the museum, and the artists responsible for them, is quite impressive. Names such as Rogier van der Weyden, Hieronymus Bosch, and Fra Angelico can all be found here.

A bronze statue of an equestrian on a pedestal in front of a building on a nice day
Plaza Mayor, previously named Plaza del Arrabal, is a famous landmark in Madrid

Plaza Mayor

If you are visiting Madrid for the first time, then going to Plaza Mayor is one of the famous places in Spain you must see. It is an arcaded square located in Madrid's city centre.

Plaza Mayor was formerly known as Plaza del Arrabal. It was built during the Habsburg period in the 16th century, and it measures about 129 metres in length and 94 metres in width. Wandering around Plaza Mayor is a memorable Madrid experience.

☂️ Visit the Plaza Mayor on a tour

The facade of a bullring with three flags on top against a partly cloudy sky
Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, the largest bullring in Spain, was designed by Espeliú

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas

Simply known as Las Ventas, the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is the largest bullfighting ring in Spain. It is located in the Salamanca district in Madrid, and it was inaugurated in June 1931. Even though bullfighting is controversial in sports today, it is still part of the history of Spain.

The bullfighting ring was designed by the architect Espeliú in a Neo-Mudéjar style. This style of architecture involves building with red bricks and ceramic tiles. Nowadays, bullfights only occur during festivals like San Isidro, which takes place from mid-May to June.

☂️ Explore the Las Ventas Bullring with a tour

Stone monuments reflected over an artificial pool surrounded by greenery
Templo of Debod is an ancient temple gifted by Egypt to Spain in 1968

Templo de Debod

The Temple of Debod is a historical Egyptian temple and landmark that was dismantled and rebuilt in Madrid, and it is one of the most famous monuments in Spain. Many local people visit the temple to relax and enjoy themselves in the sun.

The temple was a gift to Spain from Egypt in 1968, when Spain helped Egypt in the preservation of other temples along the Nile. Its interior contains several chapels, a small museum, a hall and other attractions.

This is not just an excellent area to find peace among the busy streets with Plaza de España close by, but it is also one of the best places to watch the sunset in Madrid.

☂️ Visit the Temple of Debod with a tour

A massive station made of brick, steel, and glass with a grassy field in front
Launched in 1851, Estación de Atocha is Madrid's first and largest railway station

Estación de Atocha

The first and largest railway station found in Madrid is the Atocha Railway Station. This is just one reason why it is a famous landmark in Spain.

Atocha Railway Station receives trains from across the country; for example, intercity trains from Huelva and Navarre use this station. It is also the central station for commuter trains in the city.

The station was initially designed by Rafael Moneo and inaugurated in 1851. It was later redesigned by Eiffel Gustave and Alberto de Palacio Elissagne after a fire outbreak destroyed it.

Atocha Railway Station has an unconventional botanical garden that covers an area of 4,000 square metres. The garden is home to more than 5,000 plants of 400 different species. You can go to the train station to explore some of the plants on display.

A fortified medieval castle atop a hill, surrounded by greenery, on a nice day
Alcázar de Segovia, a 12th-century castle, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Alcázar de Segovia

The Alcázar of Segovia is a historic UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Segovia. Christian monarchs constructed it in the 12th century.

The landmark is not as big as others in Spain, but it attracts many visitors from around the world every year. Due to its age and grandeur, the Alcázar of Segovia is one of the most famous historical landmarks in Spain.

The Alcázar of Segovia also has the Aqueduct, probably the most iconic section of the attraction. The Romans built the Aqueduct to help them transport water from the River Acebeda to the city.

When you study the structure, you realize that no cement or mortar was used, but the building is still stable today. You can walk under or around the place to enjoy the view.

☂️ Visit the Alcázar of Segovia with an excursion

A bridge surrounded by greenery, leading up to a church, on a partly cloudy day
The Mosque of Córdoba, now a Cathedral, is a famous Spanish landmark in Andalucia

Mezquita Cathedral de Córdoba

The Mosque of Córdoba is located in Andalucia, and it is one of the most famous landmarks of Spain! It is a must-see when you're in Córdoba, even if you're just in the city for a day.

This structure became a church when Córdoba was retaken in 1236. You can go on a tour during the day or at night to explore the building and its features. You can also climb up the Bell Tower, which is 54 metres tall, to view the town from a bird's-eye perspective.

☂️ Explore the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba on a tour

The facade of a cathedral in Gothic and Baroque style against a partly cloudy sky
Catedral de Santiago de Compostela is located in Galicia, Spain

Catedral de Santiago de Compostela

Catedral de Santiago de Compostela is a main part of the Santiago de Compostela UNESCO World Heritage Site in Galicia, Spain. The cathedral is also part of the city's Roman Catholic Archdiocese. This landmark is found in Plaza del Obradoiro in Santiago de Compostela.

Cathedral Santiago has been in the city since the 1200s and is a popular tourist attraction today. People from across the world come to appreciate the church's stunning Romanesque design.

It is an important religious pilgrimage location, too. Many Catholics walk hundreds of miles to the cathedral each year to visit the tomb of Apostle Saint James the Elder. The whole city was built around the cathedral, and it is believed that this is the final resting place of St James.

Visitors need more than a couple of hours to view the religious artworks and statues throughout Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.

There is additionally a unique museum located on the cathedral site. The museum also houses artworks and sculptures, as well as some information on the cathedral's background.

☂️ Visit the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela with an excursion

Siam Park

With more than 20 rides and attractions for tourists to visit, Siam Park is a water park located in Tenerife, Canary Islands. It is one of the highly-rated water parks in Spain and Europe at large. The Princess of Thailand opened the park, and it has been named one of the best waterparks in the world.

Siam Park covers an area of 46 acres, with some of the tallest, fastest, and craziest waterslides you can find globally. This waterpark is the best place to take your family to escape from a busy year.

☂️ Explore Siam Park with a tour

Rock formation surrounded by greenery in the foreground of a mountain on a clear day
Rising at 3,715 metres, the active volcano Mount Teide is Spain's highest point

El Teide

El Teide, in Teide National Park, Tenerife, is one of the naturally occurring famous Spanish places you must see. This mountain is actually a volcano and is also the highest peak in Spain.

If you're interested in reaching the summit, there is a convenient cable car that you can take to the top. The ride takes just eight minutes, and you'll enjoy stunning views of the park as you go up. If you get a guide, you can also climb parts of the mountain.

Looking across to the Alhambra from Mirador de San Nicolas in Granada

Alhambra

Granada is one of the cities where you can find a lot of Moorish heritage spanning over 700 years. Alhambra is evidence of the rule of the [Dynasty in the 12th century. It was the location for the Emirs of Granada when they wanted to relax and escape from the summer heat.

Today, Alhambra is a national landmark that attracts a lot of visitors to the city of Granada. Make sure to include it on your Granada itinerary if spending a couple of days in the city.

Alhambra, when translated into Arabic, is Medina Al-Hambra, which means the "Red One" or the "Red Fort." This is because of the red coloured buildings.

Some of the highlights you can look for in Alhambra are the three palaces built for Mohammed ben Al-Hamar. These include the Royal Palace, the Palace of Ceremonial Rooms, and the Palace of the Lions.

☂️ Join a tour to see the Alhambra

Centro Niemeyer

The Oscar Niemeyer Cultural Centre was designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. You can locate the landmark on the estuary of Avilés in northwest Spain.

The Oscar Niemeyer International Cultural Centre was inaugurated in March 2011, with Oscar himself seeing the inauguration of his building when he was 103 years old! The first stone for the educational centre was laid in April 2008.

The Centre is open to people of all ages. There is a children's centre where kids can learn about Oscar Niemeyer's works and legacies. The Centre also offers guided tours for those who want to learn more about Oscar Niemeyer and his ideas.

A circular Gothic castle on a hill surrounded by trees against a partly cloudy sky
Castell de Bellver served as a royal residence and prison before it became a museum

Castell de Bellver

The Bellver Castle, popularly known as the Castell de Bellver in Spanish, got its name from Catalan, which means lovely view. It is located on a hilltop west of Palma on the island of Mallorca, and it is a family-friendly activity to do in Palma.

The castle was built for King Jaume II of Mallorca in the 14th century. It is sometimes hard to believe that the castle is more than 700 years old because of how well it has been maintained!

Castell de Bellver served as the royal residence but was later converted into a prison from 1717-1915. It has three defence towers, a moat, and a drawbridge, all linked to the main castle. You can get one of the best views of Palma from the defence towers.

☂️ Visit the Castell de Bellver with an excursion

Cuevas del Drach

The Drach Caves, or Dragon Caves in English, are four historic caves located in Mallorca. The caves extend to a depth of 25 metres and are about 4 kilometres long.

One of the biggest underground lakes in the world, Lake Martel, can also be found here. Concerts are held occasionally by classical musicians as well to lure visitors to this famous place in Spain.

Even though taking photographs is not allowed here, this does not mean that you cannot have a good time! You can also combine your visit to the Drach Caves with a stop at the fishing village of Porto Cristo.

☂️ See the Drach Caves on a tour

A view of Seville from the La Giralda (bell tower) at the Seville Cathedral

Catedral de Sevilla

Catedral de Sevilla is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Seville in Spain's Andalusia region. The cathedral was built in 1507 and exemplifies Gothic-style architecture. At least two days in Seville is needed to appreciate the history of this attraction and others.

The cathedral is one of the world's largest churches and was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the 1980s. The Seville Cathedral is one of the most important landmarks in Spain and is one of the top things to do in Seville.

Notably, the cathedral is often thought to be the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. The regal tomb of Columbus, found inside the cathedral, is one of the most popular attractions.

You can also appreciate the stunning architecture and intricate details of the cathedral. This includes many carvings, sculptures, paintings, and stained glass.

Plaza de España

Plaza de España is a historic landmark found in Parque de María Luisa in Seville. The plaza was built in 1928 as part of preparations for the 1929 Ibero-American Expo.

Today, visitors head to the area to enjoy the beautiful scenery and surrounding gardens. The plaza is designed in an interesting half-moon shape and has four bridges representing Spain's four ancient kingdoms. A picturesque canal also runs under the bridges, separating the square in two.

Plaza de España is additionally set against a backdrop of architecturally-stunning government buildings. While visiting, you may even be able to see flamenco dancers that frequently perform in the square.

Having wandered around Plaza de España, be sure to take a look around María Luisa Park. The peaceful park features many fountains and pretty gardens.

☂️ Explore the Plaza de España on a tour

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A modern structure made of glass, limestone, and titanium by a river on a clear day
The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is one of the four Guggenheim museums in the world

Museo Guggenheim Bilbao

This famous Spanish landmark in Bilbao in Basque Country is one of just four Guggenheim Museum locations in the world. The other three are in New York, Venice, and Abu Dhabi.

Even before entering the museum, visitors can appreciate the stunning architectural design of the museum. The modern chrome design was created by the architect Frank Gehry.

Once inside, you can view a range of exhibits showcasing artworks by contemporary artists. Works on display include those by Kandinsky, Mark Rothko, and Jeff Koons.

Along with its permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibits featuring many well-known artists. Additionally, there may be other events during your visit. These include talks with artists and the museum's Art After Dark event.

Before Guggenheim was built, Bilbao was not the most popular tourist destination. However, it is now a modern city well worth a visit, with a stop at the Guggenheim needing to be at the top of your itinerary!

☂️ Join a tour to see the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Medieval stone wall and watch towers with a partly cloudy sky in the background
The Wall of Ávila is a national monument in Spain

Muralla de Ávila

The Wall of Ávila, or Muralla de Ávila, was constructed between the 11th and 14th centuries in Ávila, Spain. The old city wall acted as Ávila's main defence and has seen little damage over the hundreds of years it has been standing.

The wall covers approximately 2,500 metres, with the enclosed area of the wall being 31 hectares. It also features 88 towers placed at intervals which would have been used as watchtowers.

The Wall of Ávila was declared a national monument in the 1980s, and the entire ancient city of Ávila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the area surrounding the walls, there are churches and quaint streets to explore, too, many of which date back to the medieval city of Ávila. You will find some newer restaurants and shops as well housed in the city's old buildings.

☂️ Experience the Muralla de Ávila with a tour

View from the top of ruins of a Roman amphitheatre overlooking a nearby sea
The popular Roman Amphitheater was the site of various events like gladiator fights

Tarragona Romana

Tarragona is found in Spain's Catalonia region on the Costa Daurada (Costa Dorada). The city is about an hour outside of Barcelona. Tarragona is well-known for its Roman ruins that draw many tourists each year.

The Roman Amphitheatre is one of the most popular attractions here. This large arena was built in the 2nd century AD and accommodated 15,000 spectators.

The amphitheatre was used for gladiator fighting, among other events. Once inside, you can take in the arena's breathtaking remains and enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Next, you can visit the Roman Circus and Praetorium. The Roman Circus was constructed to host horse and chariot races, theatre performances and circus shows. It was built in the 1st century AD and accommodated 30,000 spectators.

Along with viewing the Roman Circus remains, you can go up the ancient Praetorium to enjoy panoramic views of Tarragona.

Other famous Spanish monuments to see in Tarragona include the Tarragona Cathedral and the Pont del Diable Bridge. There is also the Torre del Pretorio Romana, a local history museum, and an Archaeological Museum to check out, along with many other ruins.

☂️ Explore Tarragona with a tour

Museo Nacional y Centro de Investigación de Altamira

Santillana del Mar is not only a historic town in Cantabria, but it is home to the Cave of Altamira as well. The cave showcases some of the Paleolithic art in the world. It has charcoal drawings and polychrome paintings of contemporary local fauna and human hands.

The cave also contains many ancient European artworks, some dating back 40,000 years and possibly created by the Neanderthals. Aside from the caves, you can enjoy beautiful landscapes, fantastic food, and the unique cultures of the people of Northern Spain.

One interesting thing about the artwork in the cave is that, at first, it was dismissed as fake. The art that features in the cave was so realistic that scientists did not believe it was ancient!

An ancient lighthouse sitting on a grassy hill overlooking an ocean on a clear day
Torre de Hércules, the world's oldest functioning lighthouse, stands 55 metres tall

Torre de Hércules

The Tower of Hércules, or Torre de Hércules, is found in La Coruña in Galicia. The tower is an ancient lighthouse built by the Romans between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD.

It is said to have been modelled on the Lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt and was constructed as an offering to the Roman god of war, Mars. The tower stands 55 metres tall and is one of Spain's oldest landmarks. It is also the world's oldest functioning lighthouse and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will have to follow a short trail to get to the lighthouse. Once there, you can enjoy the historic building and learn more about its history through a series of informational placards located in the area. You can also go to the top terrace to get views of the Atlantic Ocean and the town of La Coruña.

A castle made of bricks and stone surrounded by greenery with a mountain at the back
Castillo de Colomares is a castle monument devoted to explorer Christopher Columbus

Castillo de Colomares

Castillo de Colomares is a famous Spanish monument found in Benalmádena on the Costa del Sol. This stunning castle was built to honour Christopher Columbus. Despite looking as though it was built hundreds of years ago, the castle was constructed between 1987 and 1994.

The castle is one of the world's largest monuments to Columbus, covering an area of 1,500 metres. It interestingly contains one of the smallest churches in the world, too. This magical castle is a must-visit for anyone interested in unique architecture and Christopher Columbus' life and legacy.

Along with admiring the castle's exterior and interior design, you can see many statues and sculptures. There are also beautiful gardens to wander around.

The facade of a Gothic cathedral made of limestone against a clear blue sky
Catedral de Burgos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary

Catedral de Burgos

Also known simply as Burgos Cathedral, Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de Santa María de Burgos is a Catholic church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church is found in Burgos and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The cathedral was constructed in the early 1200s in a French-gothic style, inspired by the cathedrals of Paris and Reims. Today, visitors come to the city specifically to see this incredible piece of architecture.

Both the interior and exterior of the building feature intricate details. Inside, you will find multiple artworks, statues and sculptures by famous artists and sculptors.

There are beautifully painted ceilings and stained glass windows as well to admire. Guided tours are available too if you want to learn more about the cathedral's history.

A monastery surrounded by greenery, sitting in a mountain, on a sunny day
Santa Maria de Montserrat, an 11th-century abbey, sits in the hills of Montserrat

Santa Maria de Montserrat

Despite being one of the lesser-known monuments of Spain, a trip to Santa Maria de Montserrat (Abadia de Montserrat) is well worth it! This 11th-century abbey sits in the hills of Montserrat and offers impressive views of the surrounding area.

You cannot enter the actual monastery as monks still live there. However, you can enter the beautiful church and explore the impressive grounds. The monastery is also home to the Our Lady of Montserrat statue, which is available for public viewing.

Houses built on a rocky cliff, trees below, and mountains at the back on a clear day
Today, only a few of the Hanging Houses built in the 15th and 16th centuries remain

Casas Colgadas

Translated as "Hanging Houses," Las Casas Colgadas are found in Cuenca and hang off the side of the cliffs they're built into. These interesting buildings were constructed during the 15th and 16th centuries. Despite renovations occurring, only a few remain today.

While only a few are left, the hanging houses are an amazing sight! Visiting Casas Colgadas will allow you to marvel at this unique design. Being built into the mountains, you'll also enjoy incredible views while appreciating the architecture.

A bridge in the foreground of a fortress sitting atop a hill surrounded by greenery
Alcázar de Toledo, now a military museum, sits on the highest point of Toledo

Alcázar de Toledo

Alcázar de Toledo is a former palace located at the highest point of the Spanish city of Toledo. Today, the fortification acts as a military museum. It also draws in those who want to appreciate its incredible architecture.

Although originally constructed in the 1500s, the palace was rebuilt in the mid-1900s after being damaged during the Spanish Civil War. Despite this, the building still boasts beautiful 16th-century details and is a must-see for both history and architecture lovers.

☂️ Explore the Alcázar de Toledo with a tour

In Summary

Spain is a beautiful country to explore, and there are many notable landmarks in Spain to visit. The list provided above simply serves as a guide for planning your trip to Spain.

Including at least one of the famous Spain landmarks mentioned above on your Spain itinerary will make your vacation memorable. Have the best time!

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Written by Loredana Elena

loredanaelena STAFF Loredana has travelled to dozens of countries and has been living overseas for almost a decade. She previously taught English in South Korea and Singapore, and completed a Master of Science in Global Mental Health while living in London, UK. She is also passionate about fitness and photography.

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