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Spain is the country with the second largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Discover the wealth of buildings and monuments to be found in our heritage Cities. Visiting Spain is not only about sun, great cuisine, and a warm welcome, but also its rich monumental heritage and dazzling natural environment. There is a perfect destination for everyone: Choose yours. | World Heritage Cities: art, history and much more. Spain's World Heritage Cities comprise 13 urban destinations whose centres and monuments figure on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The association was created in 1993 and includes: Alcalá de Henares, Ávila, Cáceres, Cordoba, Cuenca, Eivissa, Salamanca, San Cristóbal de la Laguna, Santiago de Compostela, Segovia and Toledo. The valuable historic legacy of these destinations is just one part of their attraction. Come and discover all the rest. | | | |  | Spanish World Heritage Cities – the privilege of history
Spain has a lot to offer, and this is something backed up by UNESCO: Spain is the world's nation with the second most designated World Heritage Sites. In order to receive this privileged designation, a site must form a unique artistic achievement, have influenced a specific period in history or constitute an exceptional testimony to a culture no longer in existence. These are just some of the requisites. These universally important sites belong to all of us, you included. Come and discover some of our World Heritage Cities.
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| | | | | var preload = new Image(); preload.src = "/TurSpainWeb/Images/Recursos/V1norm/Reports/CP_H_R3.jpg"; Unique cities
They are an important part of Spain’s contribution to universal culture. They are World Heritage Cities. A tour of these cities is a good way to discover Spain’s history, artistic wealth and popular traditions. Each and every stop on this route will reveal a unique and stunning urban location. Fancy coming along?
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Spanish World Heritage Cities – the privilege of history
Spain has a lot to offer, and this is something backed up by UNESCO: Spain is the world's nation with the second most designated World Heritage Sites. In order to receive this privileged designation, a site must form a unique artistic achievement, have influenced a specific period in history or constitute an exceptional testimony to a culture no longer in existence. These are just some of the requisites. These universally important sites belong to all of us, you included. Come and discover some of our World Heritage Cities.
var preload = new Image(); preload.src = '/TurSpainWeb/Images/Recursos/V1norm/Reports/RE400025JPG0.jpg'; Spain’s cultural inheritance is incalculable, for its tradition, history, wealth and diversity. This is backed up by UNESCO’s recognition and by the fact that Spain is one of the countries with most World Heritage Sites. The approval of this international body is a privilege because it implies that these sites are a reference point, the best example of the world’s cultural diversity. However, it also requires a deep commitment: to guarantee their protection and conservation for the enjoyment of future generations.
If Spain appeals to you as a cultural destination, then exploring its World Heritage Cities is the best option. You can experience their cultural wealth from close to, given that many historic buildings have been restored and are now used for a range of different functions: exhibition centres and craft sales centres, art galleries, markets, and first-rate accommodations such as the luxury “Parador” hotels. You will find that they are also dynamic cities, full of life. The majority of them are home to universities, and their student populations imbue them with a special atmosphere and vitality.
| var preload = new Image(); preload.src = '/TurSpainWeb/Images/Recursos/V1norm/Reports/RE050317JPG.jpg'; These places are jewels of immense cultural value for a variety of reasons. Cities like Cordoba, Toledo and Salamanca reflect Spain’s urban history, displaying the transformations and influences they have undergone over the ages. An important element is the way the urban landscape is integrated into its natural surroundings: rivers, mountains and narrow passes are part of the personality of cities such as Segovia, Cuenca and Toledo. Not forgetting, of course, the fact that these cities also possess some of the world’s most important monuments: the Great Mosque in Cordoba, City Walls of Ávila and the Cathedral in Santiago are just three examples.
Spain’s World Heritage Cities come together to offer the chance to discover an outstanding, heterogeneous and extremely valuable universal heritage. Each one of these cities stands out for one particular element or characteristic, but they all have much, much more to offer. Whichever you choose to visit, you will be pleased with result:
| var preload = new Image(); preload.src = '/TurSpainWeb/Images/Recursos/V1norm/Reports/RE140012JPG.jpg'; Alcalá de Henares
This is the birthplace of Cervantes, author of Don Quixote. His house is an excellent example of the typical 16th century Castilian home. Here you can also see the corral de comedias, Europe’s oldest comedy theatre. The university and the historic centre receive the UNESCO designation.
Ávila
Medieval cities were like this. Its city wall is the best conserved in Europe. The old town and the churches to be found outside the walls are on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Cáceres
Fortresses, Renaissance palaces and medieval town squares… All in all, an indescribable catalogue of different monuments. Its old town is designated World Heritage. A night time visit is also highly recommended on account of the beautiful illumination.
Cordoba
Its historic centre is designated World Heritage. This city, which was a major centre of world power and culture under Moorish rule, is home to one of the Caliphate’s most spectacular works of art: the Great Mosque.
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| var preload = new Image(); preload.src = '/TurSpainWeb/Images/Recursos/V1norm/Reports/RE150650JPG.jpg'; Cuenca
This city seems to be suspended in mid air. Its unusual “casas colgadas” (hanging houses) are an example of man’s capacity to transform his surroundings in perfect integration with nature. Its historic fortified centre has the UNESCO distinction.
Ibiza
This island is a treasure that was coveted by all the peoples of the Mediterranean Sea over the ages. Its valuable archaeological deposits stand out especially in this wonderful heritage site. UNESCO makes special mention of the island for its biodiversity and culture.
Mérida
This city inherited all the splendour of the ancient Roman Empire. Its emblematic buildings, such as the Roman theatre and the Amphitheatre, make its archaeological site, which has the UNESCO World Heritage designation, one of the best conserved in Spain.
| | var preload = new Image(); preload.src = '/TurSpainWeb/Images/Recursos/V1norm/Reports/RE370179JPG.jpg'; Salamanca
Its University was founded in 1254 and is one of the world’s oldest. Since then it has been at the centre of the life of this city, along with another of its monumental jewels: the Plaza Mayor (Main Square). Its historic centre is catalogued on the UNESCO list.
San Cristóbal de la Laguna
The origins of Latin American urban architecture are to be found in this city in the Canary Islands. The frugal beauty of its buildings speak of its past as a link between cultures.
Santiago de Compostela
This is the final destination for thousands of pilgrims who do the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) every year. It is said that the remains of the apostle St. James are inside the cathedral, a splendid example of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. Its old town is designated World Heritage. var preload = new Image(); preload.src = '/TurSpainWeb/Images/Recursos/V1norm/Reports/RE070020JPG.jpg'; Segovia
This old city and its Roman aqueduct have also received the prestigious UNESCO designation. The aqueduct, especially, is a marvel of engineering. It is built using only blocks of stone, without mortar, held together simply by a perfect, ingenious balance of forces.
Tarragona
The city, known as Tarraco in the ancient Roman Empire, now has an impressive archaeological site with the UNESCO World Heritage designation. Its Circus and Amphitheatre are an example of the importance of its monuments.
Toledo
Moors, Jews and Christians lived together in harmony here for centuries, leaving their indelible mark on Toledo’s streets, monuments and buildings. Its historic centre has the UNESCO distinction.
Unique cities
They are an important part of Spain’s contribution to universal culture. They are World Heritage Cities. A tour of these cities is a good way to discover Spain’s history, artistic wealth and popular traditions. Each and every stop on this route will reveal a unique and stunning urban location. Fancy coming along?
var preload = new Image(); preload.src = '/TurSpainWeb/Images/Recursos/V1norm/Reports/RE_CP280825JPG.jpg'; Centuries of history reflected in a priceless cultural inheritance. Magnificent, unique monuments. Streets that carry you back in time. History, art and architecture come together in a unique fashion, giving rise to locations of unequalled beauty: Spanish World Heritage Cities. Discover them and you will find Spain’s prime urban contribution to universal culture. This is something not to be missed.
Come and join us on this wonderful journey: these heritage cities are an excellent example of Spain’s cultural diversity. You will admire stunning buildings and a broad range of artistic styles, but this is just one of many things to do in these places. You can also take part in their traditional fiestas and customs, when the city itself takes on a special role, and no one is a stranger. You can also experience the vitality of their historic old towns, with shops, markets, and all kinds of typical establishments. Not forgetting, of course, the local gastronomy.
Whichever your route of choice, we recommend you take your time. Each Heritage City is outstanding for one particular element or characteristic. Nevertheless, they all offer much, much more. Put aside eight days to stroll unhurriedly through their streets and enjoy all they have to offer. If possible, you should also explore them by night, when they are illuminated and the exceptional beauty of their monuments is intensified. A journey through history
We begin our journey in the centre of Spain, in Madrid. Our first stop is just 30 kilometres from the capital: Alcalá de Henares. This was the first university town as such in the world, and became the model for other colleges in Europe and America. You will think you have travelled back to the 16th century as you explore its Calle Mayor Street, the Renaissance patios of its historic University (designated UNESCO World Heritage along with the city's historic centre), and its old palaces and convents. Another site not to be missed is writer, Miguel de Cervantes’ house: the birthplace of Don Quixote’s author is an excellent example of the homes of that period.
In the afternoon we set out from Alcalá de Henares and, 124 km later, we arrive in Segovia. This city has some of the best-conserved Romanesque monuments in Europe. The first thing to see is its Roman Aqueduct: this unique work of engineering, with the UNESCO World Heritage designation, is sure to leave you speechless. The following day, taking your time, discover the charms of its old town, its ancestral houses, its elegant Cathedral and the Alcázar, a castle that looks like something out of a fairy tale. At lunchtime one thing is for sure: you simply must sample the famous roast suckling pig.
We then set off towards our next destination: Ávila, just 67 kilometres from Segovia. Here you can discover what it felt like to be a knight in the Middle Ages – this is the finest example of a medieval fortified city. Its city walls are the best conserved in Europe, and within them you will find monasteries, convents, busy street-markets, 15th and 16th century palaces, and Spain’s oldest Gothic Cathedral. Be sure not to miss the stunning panorama from the Cuatro Postes viewpoint either.
| var preload = new Image(); preload.src = '/TurSpainWeb/Images/Recursos/V1norm/Reports/RE_CP160017JPG.jpg'; After spending the night in the walled city, the next day we cover the 97 kilometres to Salamanca. Feel all the magnitude of its monuments – buildings, mansions and cathedrals. Not to be missed are its emblematic Plaza Mayor Square, and the University, one of the oldest in the world. Search for the famous frog, hidden amongst the sculptures on the façade, which, legend has it, brings good luck to the students.
The next morning we have a 370-kilometre trip to the town of Cuenca. Architecture and nature come together in perfect harmony in this city. The city is built between two gorges and seems to float in the air. It has many attractions. Not to be missed are its Norman Gothic Cathedral and the unusual hanging houses.
From here it is just over two and a half hours to Toledo, a real urban museum in itself, with more than 2,000 years of history on display. For centuries, Muslims, Jews and Christians lived together in harmony here, leaving a priceless cultural legacy in its narrow streets and small squares, well worth taking the time to discover. The next day we cover the 270 kilometres from Toledo to Cáceres. Its old town is made up of a varied catalogue of monuments – fortresses, Renaissance palaces and medieval squares. | | var preload = new Image(); preload.src = '/TurSpainWeb/Images/Recursos/V1norm/Reports/RE_CP070527JPG.jpg'; From this city we now set out on an 80-kilometre journey to Mérida, where the mark of the ancient Roman Empire can be felt in the streets. Strolling through them you will discover monuments such as the Roman Theatre, Amphitheatre and Trajan's Arch. A wonderful archaeological site, magnificently conserved, that will take you back in time.
From Mérida you can continue to Cordoba, some 300 kilometres away. There is also a high-speed train (AVE) that will take you from Madrid to Cordoba in just 1 hour 40 minutes. It is well worth staying a day or two in this city, a fine example of the splendour of Moorish culture. As you wander through its winding streets, squares and gardens, you will discover the Judería (old Jewish quarter), its beautiful Great Mosque (considered to be the most important Islamic monument in the Western World), and other gems such as the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (Fortress of the Catholic Monarchs).
This is not the last of Spain’s World Heritage Cities, however. If you have a little more time, you can also visit: Santiago de Compostela, in northwestern Spain; Tarragona, in the northeast, Ibiza in the Balearic Islands and San Cristóbal de la Laguna, in the Canary Islands.
| Come to Spain and discover the joy of history in these universally important locations. You won't regret it.
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