A Tour Through Spanish Architecture
based on 5 votes
Throughout history, Spain's proximity to Arabic North Africa and its ties to the Moors has greatly influenced its culture, and nowhere is this seen more than in the architecture of the country. Spanish architecture can be adventurous and breathtaking in its merging of Islamic and Gothic influences. From Roman ruins to medieval castles and Gothic churches to amazing mosques, Spain is a dream come true for an architecture lover. We start in the North, with one of the newest additions to Spain's history of electic beauty.
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Explore locations featured in this Traveler List:
Bilbao, Barcelona, Zaragoza, Segovia, Burgos, Toledo, Palma de Mallorca, Granada
- Category: Other
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Traveler type:
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Appeals to: Couples/romantics, Honeymooners, Singles, Families with small children, Families with teenagers, Large groups, Students, Budget travelers, Active/adventure, Tourists
- Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
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1. Bilbao: Guggenheim Museum
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| Love it or hate it, American architect Frank Gehry's controversial design for this contemporary art museum must be seen. In a way, the design follows in the historical footsteps of Spain's unique architectural styles. |
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2. Barcelona: La Sagrada Familia
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| Barcelona has rightly become synonymous with Antoni Gaudi, the architect whose style has defined the modern city. It's extremely difficult to pick one building to represent Guadi's unbelievable contributions to architecture, but this mondo-Gothic church is, rightly so, one of his most popular. |
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| Surprise! I can't leave well enough alone--here's another example of Gaudi architecture--an apartment building that sometimes seems to defy the laws of gravity. |
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4. Aragon: Castillo de Loarre
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| The Castillo de Loarre is one of the best preserved medieval castles in Europe. From the heights of this Romanesque fortress you get incredible, breathtaking views of the Pyrenees |
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5. Zaragoza, Aragon: Palacio de la Aljaferia
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| The entire region of Aragon is rife with beautiful examples of Mudejar architecture--if you are adventurous, you could set out on a walking or driving tour of the area to explore all that Aragon has to offer. In the meantime, this Moorish palace is an outstanding example of the style in the area. |
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6. Segovia: Roman Aqueduct
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| It's not every day you get the chance to see a Roman aqueduct--even if you're in Italy. So even if ancient ruins is not your thing, go see this if you get the chance! |
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7. Burgos: Burgos Cathedral
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| A classic example of Spanish Gothic at its best. |
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8. Toledo: Cathedral of Toledo
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| Along with the Burgos Cathedral, this is also the most widely known example of Spanish Gothic architecture. |
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9. Palma, Mallorca: Banys Arabs
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| This tenth-century structure is the oldest surviving bit of Moorish architecture in Palma, the ancient walled city (I.e., a casbah) on the Spanish island of Mallorca. |
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10. Granada: The Alhambra
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| There is no doubt whatsoever that the Alhambra is a tourist trap: It is one of the most popular sites on the entire European continent. But there is also no doubt whatsoever that it must be seen. With its stunningly beautiful marriage of Islamic and Western architectural styles, it is the very epitome of the Spain's rich and diverse cultural history. |
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Compliment viviandarkbloom
viviandarkbloom
architecture lover
