Spain’s most breathtaking World Heritage Site: it's not the Sagrada Familia
Spain is among the countries with the most UNESCO declared World Heritage Sites in the world. Throughout the country, monuments, sites and cultural traditions meriting recognition are counted in the dozens, reaching an extraordinary total of fifty such declared sites.
Spain’s rich history and artistic ingenuity have endowed the world with countless glorious wonders. As a consequence, España Fascinante wishes to know from our insightful readers which sites they believe tower above the rest.
Travel enthusiasts’ perspectives
Our followers share a passion for traveling and discovering Spain. And most have firsthand knowledge of many of the wonders within Spain that captivate people the world over. As a result, readers’ viewpoints are invaluable when assessing these extraordinary World Heritage Sites.
Beyond a simple classification, this ranking provides an insight into the allure of each place and why Spain’s most fascinating World Heritage Sites deserve such acclaim.
Tallying the votes
Some World Heritage Sites recognise monuments, while others commemorate entire cities. Case in point for the two cities opening the ranking. The fifth place belongs to Córdoba, a place synonymous with history and splendour.
The fourth is Toledo, whose historic old quarter, as one reader comments, is home to an abundance of artistic heritage that includes the city's cathedral, the Royal Alcázar, the Monastery of Saint John of the Monarchs, the artwork of El Greco and so much more.
Although Segovia itself is another officially declared World Heritage Site, it is the city’s most eminent monument that takes third place in the ranking. A true wonder of the world, the Aqueduct of Segovia still majestically stands two millennia after its construction, overlooking a city that never fails to dazzle.
The second-place winner, the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, is a natural choice for most people. Córdoba manages to appear twice in the ranking, this time for the city’s extraordinary temple embodying Spain’s Moorish cultural legacy.
The Alhambra, Spain’s most remarkable World Heritage Site
It is hardly surprising that Spain’s most voted World Heritage Site is none other than Granada’s famous palatial complex. Spain’s Moorish culture continues to fascinate the rest of the world and the Alhambra may very well represent its culmination.
Readers note the unique architectural style, exquisitely coffered ceilings, myriad-shaped capitals and perfect geometric designs, as well as the incomparable charm of its water-themed gardens. The Alhambra captures the magic of Spain and is the number one choice according to voters.
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