Spain is a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. In my opinion, it has something to offer absolutely everyone. Based on my recent trip, here are my top 5 recommendations for unique places to experience which will stay with you forever:
1) Parc Güell, Barcelona
Situated on Carmel Hill overlooking the city of Barcelona, Parc Güell is one of Antoní Gaudí‘s most loved and best known projects. And it’s no wonder as it’s incredibly unique. Initially posited as a housing development project to offer the upper-class of Barcelona the opportunity to live in an area without the overcrowding and unsanitary conditions present in the 19th century city centre, it is now a municipal garden situated over 17 hectares. The enormous park offers fantastic panoramas of the city and showcases so much of Gaudí’s genius. My favourite parts were the quaint and fairytale-like Porter’s lodge, the multitude of colourful mosaics, and the naturalistic stone structures. It’s a truly magical place.
My tips: Book your guided tour ticket in advance. Grab a takeaway bocadillo (sandwich) and a coffee from a nearby store and sit in the park to soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
2) Palau de la Mùsica Catalana, Barcelona
This is another of my favourite places to visit in Barcelona and in my opinion, should not be missed! Designed by Modernista architect, Montaner, and completed in 1908, it was built to revitalise the Catalan cultural movement.
The Concert Auditorium is breathtakingly beautiful, with its intricately and brightly coloured stained glass windows and ceiling, ceramic roses (there are more than 2,000 of them!), and statues of marble. I was lucky enough to visit while a rehearsal of Monteverdi’s “L’Incoronazione di Poppea” was taking place. It was really special.
My tips: I strongly recommend you get a guided tour to get the most of out this spectacular place. The other option would be to attend a concert, which would be a really unique experience. The café on the ground floor is also a lovely place to have a drink or meal.
3) Alhambra, Granada
The Alhambra (meaning “red fort” in Arabic) is renowned for being the best-preserved medieval Arab palace and fortress in the world. The Alhambra was built by the Nasrid dynasty, who were the last Muslims to rule Spain. The 10 hectare complex truly highlights the advanced and sophisticated techniques used by the Moors. It also showcases some beautiful gardens, particularly those in the Generalife (the summer palace). I learned a lot about Islamic beliefs through the symbolism evident in architecture and gardens. With the advent of the unification of Spain under a Catholic monarchy in 1492, came the end of the Islamic rule. As with many Moorish complexes of the time, the Spanish then added their own structures from that time onwards. Indeed, the Alhambra showcases an extraordinary Renaissance architecture example in the Palacio de Carlos V. Built up high on the Sabika Hill, you get some superb views of the city of Granada from Alhambra. In particular, the neighbourhood of Albaicín with its multitude of white-washed buildings is quite beautiful to observe from such an elevation.
My tips: You must carry an official ID (e.g. Passport) upon visiting the Alhambra as you will be asked at several checkpoints to verify your identity. Also, make sure you book your guided tour well in advance.
4) Real Alcazar, Seville
The Real Alcazar (“real” meaning “royal ” in Spanish, and “alcazar” meaning “palace” in Arabic) is another spectacular palace-citadel with Moorish origins that then were given their own . It features a mixture of Mudejar, Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements. It’s a complex with an incredible history. Indeed, it was here that Christopher Columbus received his commission by King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile to venture to the New World.
Highlights for me included the Salón de Embajadores (Salon of the Ambassadors), Patio de las Doncellas (The Courtyards of the Maidens), and Los Banos de Doña Maria de Padilla (The Baths of Lady Maria of Padilla). The gardens here are also truly magnificent.
My tips: Book a guided tour in advance. Afterwards, walk through the nearby Santa Cruz neighbourhood (the Jewish quarter). The orange-tree lined streets and squares are just stunning. There are a number of great bars, restaurants and shops there to while your time away.
5) Plaza de España, Seville
Designed as the main attraction for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, this enormous semi-circular plaza is a monument to Spain and its fascinating history. It is breathtakingly beautiful and is almost completely covered with hand-painted glazed ceramic tiles. Its design is a mix of Renaissance, Baroque and Moorish Revival architectural styles, showcasing the region’s architectural history. Make sure you pay attention to the different alcoves which represent the history of each of Spain’s many provinces as well as the four bridges which represent the first four kingdoms of Spain (Castilla, Léon, Aragon and Navarra). You’ll also find beautiful sculptures of some of Spain’s most well-renowned figures, including Velasquez and Cervantes. In my opinion, a visit here could be seen as a bit of an architectural, historical, geographical and artistic lesson all in one!
My tips: Make sure you don’t miss the free Flamenco performances which take place there (usually in the afternoon). Also, take some time to stroll through the spectacularly large and beautiful grounds of Parque de Maria Luisa which is just adjacent.