by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:28th May 2024
Another selection of Spain’s top historical locations
So, this is part two of my UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit in Spain. I just felt to squeeze all of these fantastic places into one post didn’t quite do them justice. As mentioned in part one, Spain has such a rich history, that it just brims with UNESCO sites.
Prior to Gary and I setting out on any trip we usually look out for UNESCO World Heritage Sites in local regions.
These are the ones we have found when we have previously visited Portugal and France.
There are some locations here that people often flock to, and there’s sound reasoning for this. Hopefully, there are a couple that you may never have heard of or not visited yet. Leave me a comment if you have some recommendations yourself.
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The bridge to the town, Cuenca
Our second selection
We'll be discovering the following;
- The Historic walled town of Cuenca
- Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida
- Burgos Cathedral
- Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
- Historic City of Toledo
- Renaissance Monumental Ensembles of Úbeda and Baeza
- Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct
- Routes of Santiago de Compostela
- Mudejar Architecture of Aragon – Teruel
You can click on the link to jump to the section, and to return, just click on the title.
Cuenca is an ancient town located high on an outcrop in the Castile-La Mancha region of Spain. Built by the Moors, there are some fascinating buildings within the city walls, notably Spain’s first Gothic Cathedral, and the remains of the medieval fortress.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace, Cuenca
Although what is unique about Cuenca is the Casas Colgadas, the Hanging Houses.
They are marvellous to look at; they appear to be clinging to the edge of the rockface, I really don’t think I could live in one of these. Cuenca was inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996.
Where to stay in Cuenca
Parador de Cuenca
Our accommodation for the 2 nights we were in Cuenca, was at the Parador de Cuenca. This hotel (once a convent) is in a wonderful location with views across the Huécar gorge.
If you suffer from acrophobia, then this hotel is probably not for you, as you have to cross the San Pablo bridge to get into town (or a very long walk around).
Casas Colgadas, Cuenca
Tempted to visit Cuenca and observe the Hanging Houses for yourself, why not take a day trip with a tour guide from Madrid?
If you are in the Extremadura region of Spain, I would highly recommend visiting the archaeological site at Mérida. What I loved about the ancient ruins other than the fact that this was an incredible piece of Roman history, was that you were free to roam anywhere.
The Roman theatre, Mérida
You can climb the steps around the huge semi-circular theatre, that once entertained 6,000 people and imagine how it would have looked in its full glory. Just next to the theatre is an Amphitheatre built in 8 BC and where gladiators fought and entertained crowds of 16,000. This incredible site was added to the UNESCO List in 1993.
The gladiator's arena, Mérida
There are so many incredible places to discover in Spain and I love planning road trips. I often use the DK Guides,
I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into searching for more
We are now heading to northern Spain, to the region of Castile and León, to the attractive city of Burgos to be exact. Our first visit to Burgos was a fleeting trip, although this certainly made us decide that we wanted to return one day.
The Cathedral in Burgos
Fast forward, and we are in Burgos once more, and this time, we are going to explore the inside of the magnificent Burgos Cathedral.
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos is a 13th-century Gothic cathedral that stands proud and prominent in the city’s heart. Construction began in 1221, but it wasn’t completed until 1567.
The towers of Burgos Cathedral
Inside the Major Chapel of Burgos Cathedral
Burgos Cathedral is stunning inside and out; and the attention to detail throughout the chapels is extraordinary. While strolling around the cathedral, keep a lookout for the tomb of El Cid, a Castilian knight and ruler of medieval Spain.
The beautiful cathedral was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.
Where to stay in Burgos
Abba Burgos
A large bright hotel in the centre of Burgos, close to the Cathedral & Castle, and best of all has onsite parking for those on a road trip.
A little bit of trivia
Did you know that UNESCO stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation?
Ahhh, Seville, this is one of my favourite cities that I have ever visited, and I do think I bore people a bit when I reminisce about the place, and here I go again.
Inside the Real Alcazar, Seville
A view of the gardens of the Alcázar
The architecture in Seville is beautiful, I just love the Moorish style, and the three buildings that are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site are incredible.
I know there are queues, but they are really worth the time and effort. The detail and opulence inside the Alcázar are magnificent, and the gardens are stunning to wander around.
Where to stay In Seville
El Rey Moro Hotel Boutique
A fabulous boutique hotel in the heart of the Santa Cruz district of Seville. Set amongst the narrow lanes, close to the heart of Seville.
Inside the Cathedral, Seville
La Giralda - The Cathedral Tower, Seville
If the Alcázar wasn’t enough, then head over to the equally magnificent Seville Cathedral. It is huge, and particularly when you walk inside, you really get a sense of the enormity of the church. There are lovely cloisters and gardens within the grounds, and also the cathedral houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
This is an ideal package; not only do you skip the long queues at the Alcázar and Seville’s Cathedral, you also get a 3-hour guided tour.
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We love Seville, and it's a great base to explore Andalucía, I love nothing more than planning a trip and so often I use the DK Eyewitness books. I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our southern Spanish road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.
Toledo in the heart of Castile–La Mancha region is a beautiful city, full of such incredible history. We loved strolling around the ancient streets, amongst the winding lanes trying not to get lost. The 13th-century Gothic cathedral stands prominent within the city along with the beautiful Alcázar.
A view over the city of Toledo
Our first visit to Toledo was far too short; this ancient city has so much to discover. Therefore, we returned again last year to unearth more of Toledo’s fascinating past.
Puerta Nueva de Bisagra
Toledo offers some unusual souvenirs for its visitors. The city has a long history in the production of swords, so you can imagine what you can take home as a keepsake. The Historic City of Toledo was added to the UNESCO List in 1986.
You won’t want to miss Toledo’s historical sites, join a 3-hour tour to visit three of the monuments and you are then free to discover the other three at your leisure.
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Where to stay in Toledo
Sercotel Pintor El Greco
During our visit to Toledo we stayed at the stylish Sercotel Pintor El Greco hotel. Located in the heart of the Old Town in a renovated 17th-centruy bakery. It was a delightful stay and would visit again.
Úbeda and Baeza are two delightful little cities nestled in the Andalusian hills surrounded by olive groves. There are still a few traces of the Moorish influences around the two places; however, it is the Renaissance architecture that is now prominent around the towns, particularly in Úbeda.
The courtyard in front of the El Salvador Chapel, Úbeda
Take a stroll around the Vázquez de Molina Square, and you’ll see the Deán Ortega Palace, the Vázquez de Molina Palace, the beautiful Basílica de Santa María de Los Reales Alcázares and the funeral chapel of El Salvador. It’s such a charming square.
Saint Mary of the Royal Alcázares, Úbeda
The Renaissance buildings of Úbeda and Baeza were inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2003.
Take a wander throughout the two little cities as they are a real pleasure and why not get yourself some olive oil while your there.
Where to stay in Úbeda
Palacio de la Rambla
Our accommodation for the 2 nights we were in Úbeda, was at the Palacio de la Rambla. This hotel has a wonderful inner courtyard which is attributed to Andrés de Vandelvira, the Renaissance architect.
It is just on the outskirts of the Old Town, so very central.
Fuente de Santa Maria, Baeza
Create your own Spanish Road Trip
If you live in the UK like us and wish to embark on your own Spanish Road Trip, then we'd recommend Brittany Ferries to deliver you to the Spanish ports of Bilbao or Santander from Portsmouth & Plymouth.
Alternatively, you could fly to your favourite destination (check our ebooker.com for price comparison) and pick up a hire car. We'd recommend RentalCars.com to find the best deal with well-known brands.
Once you have visited Segovia and observed its Roman aqueduct which was built in A.D. 50, there will be no doubt in your mind why Segovia is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Climb up high for the best views, Segovia
The aqueduct located in Plaza del Azoguejo is an astonishing feat of engineering like no other, and what is incredible is that not one piece of mortar was used to secure it. The Romans certainly wanted to leave their mark.
The Cathedral at night, Segovia
Segovia has such a rich depth of history throughout the old town.
Not only does it have the ancient aqueduct, but it also has 11th-century Alcázar and a 16th-century Gothic Cathedral, which was the last Gothic-style cathedral to be built in Spain.
Where to stay in Segovia
Hotel Real Sirenas
Our accommodation for the 3 nights we were in Segovia, was at Hotel Real Sirenas. This hotel is in a very central location in a pedestrian area, in the heart of the old town.
The Alcazar of Segovia
If you are staying in the bustling city of Madrid, why not head out for a day and visit the historic cities of Segovia and Toledo.
An 11-hour guided tour will escort you to both towns and allow you to skip the lines.
This UNESCO Site is slightly different as it takes in the routes of Santiago de Compostela, originally inscribed on the UNESCO list in 1993. If you have ever travelled through the north-west of Spain, you will have seen many people with their hiking boots on and rucksacks on their backs, walking the Christian pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
Resting against the cross, León
Highlighting the way, Santillana del Mar
It’s quite inspiring to see the dedicated pilgrims heading off early in the morning through town squares. They are armed with their maps and the obligatory scallop shell that symbolises the Camino de Santiago.
There are so many incredible places to discover in Spain and I love planning road trips. I often use the DK Eyewitness books, I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into searching for more.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our Spanish road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.
Our incredible journey now takes us to eastern Spain to the little-known hilltop city of Teruel in the Spanish region of Aragon.
The charming city of Teruel sits high within the Aragon mountains and was once a walled city, of which some remains can still be seen today. The historic old town has had a rich and turbulent past dating back millennia. Its journey spans from ancient Iberian settlements to Roman conquests, with Moorish influences and the brutal scars of the Spanish Civil War.
The church tower of San Martín de Teruel
The church tower of El Salvador de Teruel
Teruel was inscribed onto the UNESCO List in 1986 for its historic Mudejar Architecture of Aragon.
The iconic examples of Mudéjar architecture to be found in Teruel are the tower, roof, and cimborio of the Cathedral of Santa María de Mediavilla de Teruel; the tower and church of San Pedro de Teruel; the church tower of San Martín de Teruel; and the church tower of Salvador de Teruel.
The four historic towers dotted around Teruel are stunning. Their intricate façades are exquisite, adorned with eye-catching glazed ceramic tiles and colourful bricks.
Where to stay in Teruel
Gran Hotel Botánicos
Our accommodation in Teruel was at the Gran Hotel Botánicos, just a short hop to the Plaza El Torico in the heart of the Old Town and nearby the Escalinata del Óvalo. The room was extremely comfortable and clean, perfect for a couple of nights’ stay.
Gran Hotel Botánicos has onsite parking with direct access to the hotel; a daily charge is applied.
More of UNESCO Spain
Did you catch our earlier post; we had another eight locations for you to explore in Spain in a post entitled - 'UNESCO World Heritage sites to visit in Spain – Part 1'. Why not check it out if?
Of course, we also listen - what other UNESCO sites in Spain should we include on our next visit to Spain? why not leave us a comment below?
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