Spain’ most beautiful medieval village: cobblestoned lanes and a World Heritage Site
There was a time before modernity when life was primarily framed by walled towns of stone paved squares and watchtowers keeping an ever-vigilant eye on the horizon.
The Middle Ages left a profound impression on Spain, whose visible reminders still persist centuries later. Retaining a sense of the past, there are some medieval villages that narrate bygone days to those who walk their time-worn streets.
The travel community’s verdict
This online vote raises the simple yet burning question of which medieval village may be considered Spain’s fairest. A number of participants share the memories and insights associated with those medieval places where time seems to stand still.
The results speak not only to aesthetics and conservation, but to shared history, cultural pride and townsfolk’s affinity for welcoming visitors.
Spain’s foremost medieval villages
Although there can be but one winner, here is a worthwhile look at the other contenders for Spain’s most breathtaking medieval village. In fifth place is the picturesque village of La Alberca. Located in the province of Salamanca, La Alberca appeals for its tangible splendour, enduring ancient traditions and extraordinary natural surroundings.
Fourth place leads to Aínsa, high in the mountains of Huesca, whose main square boasts an eleventh-century castle. As a backdrop to the legendary atmosphere of Aínsa stand the captivating might of the Pyrenees.
The bronze-medal winner belongs to the gorgeous village of Pedraza, in the province of Segovia. With pristinely conserved medieval streets and a castle nestled on a hilltop, Pedraza truly kindles the imagination.
The runner-up in the ranking results in an interesting draw. Albarracín, previously voted Spain’s most beautiful village, shares the title with Besalú, in the province of Girona. The reddish hues of Albarracín’s stone walls elicit a rich history, while the magical panorama surrounding Besalú’s famed bridge conjures tales of medieval romances.
Spain’s most beautiful medieval village
The most oft-repeated name in the ranking evokes cobblestoned lanes and robust stone homes whose wooden balconies display heraldic coats of arms. Santillana del Mar in the province of Cantabria is a stunning medieval village offering endless picture-perfect opportunities.
Santillana del Mar’s remarkable beauty includes the Collegiate Church and Cloister of Santa Juliana. However, the town is also famously associated with the unique World Heritage Site at the Cave of Altamira. The cave has prehistoric cave paintings and it's located a mere two kilometres from Santillana del Mar. Some even call this place the "Sistine Chapel of cave art".
You can also read this article in Spanish.
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