The number of landmarks in Spain is extremely astounding, ranging from majestic medieval castles to enchanting mosques and cutting-edge museums.
These magnificent Spain landmarks, from Barcelona to Madrid and beyond, tell tales of the nation’s lengthy past.
The famous monuments and famous landmarks in Spain range from the Gothic to the Gaudi to the Gehry.
With no less than 41 cultural structures recognised by UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Spain has a lot to offer visitors seeking out historical and cultural discoveries all year long.
Spain is a traveler’s paradise, to put it simply!
25 Famous Landmarks in Spain You Should Visit in 2022
To cross some of these off your bucket list, here are 25 famous landmarks in Spain.
1. Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao
Well-known site in Spain that draws countless tourists each year is the Guggenheim Museum. The museum is so remarkable that visiting it should be at the top of everyone’s list of things to do in Bilbao, a city in Spain’s Basque Country.
It is a wonder to see and was opened in 1997. Visitors can enter the museum building through an exhibition hall, where they can admire the titanium and glass, before ascending to a courtyard with falling waterfalls. It boasts a domed skylight and a spiral ramp that let natural light enrich the museum’s artworks.
The Guggenheim Museum, which has 20 galleries split across three floors, is a great spot to spend the day studying art. To make it easier to examine modern art, the galleries are shaped differently.
Visitors can take in a number of exhibitions all year long, including those including important global works of contemporary art as well as works by Spanish and Basque local artists. Additionally, there are activities at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, including kid-friendly workshops and staff-led tours.
2. Plaza de España
A famous Spanish monument in Seville called Plaza de Espana (Spanish Steps) is situated in Maria Luisa Park. One of Andalusia’s most iconic landmarks is Plaza de Espana.
Plaza de España ( Seville Plaza de Espana), a famous example of a fusion of Renaissance, Baroque, and Moorish architecture, was constructed in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition. Government offices are located there, and beautiful grounds surround it.
The form of this one of the most famous landmarks, which is shaped like a half-circle with a moat and buildings connected by bridges to represent Spain’s four previous kingdoms, is distinctive.
The Vicente Traver fountain is a striking landmark inside a landmark that blends in with the blue-tiled walls of the plaza. Seville’s Prado de San Sebastian metro station connects to Plaza de España (Plaza de Espana).
3. Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Valencia
Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) is another modern Spanish landmark. Valencia, Spain is home to an impressive collection of modern structures designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
While the Hemisferic Cinema, with its spherical canopy, is the location to view exciting 3D presentations, the Principe Felipe Science Museum features interactive displays and demonstrations of scientific ideas.
Here is also where you may find the lovely modern opera house, one of the highlights! Additionally, the integrated waterscapes are exceptionally beautiful and add to the attraction of this landmark.
Europe’s largest aquarium, Oceanografic, which resembles a water lily, is home to more than 500 different types of marine life.
The Science Center, L’Oceanogràfic, L’Umbracle, and the Opera are the attractions in the City of Arts and Sciences that are most worthwhile visiting. You are welcome to rent a paddleboat and explore the surrounding aquatic scenery.
4. Museo Nacional del Prado
The National Art Museum of Spain is called Museo Nacional Del Prado, or the Prado Museum. It is situated in the “Paseo del Prado” in the heart of Madrid, close to many significant and well-known attractions.
It is regarded as one of the most significant museums in the world and the most significant museum in Spain. The Prado Museum or Museo Nacional del Prado exhibits a priceless collection of more than 8000 paintings and 700 sculptures.
Anyone would be tempted to visit the Prado Museum due to the abundance of excellent artwork on show. It features works by Velazquez, El Greco, Goya, and El Bosco in particular. Attempt to allow at least two hours to peruse the collections, though you might easily spend days doing so.
The Spanish monument in Madrid is a famous landmark in Spain and one of the largest art galleries in the world as well as one of the top 10 greatest museums in the world. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
5. Plaza Mayor
Sipping on a café solo, a shot of strong black coffee, while sitting in one of the outdoor cafes of Plaza Mayor, it’s simple to picture the thriving market that once existed in the ancient city center.
The royal celebrations, the ritual burning of heretics, and the bloody bullfights were all held in this bustling city center ‘ Plaza Mayor ‘. King Felipe III riding his magnificent stallion is shown in a statue in the Plaza’s centre.
Enter the lovely Hapsburg neighbourhood, also referred to as the Austrian region, through Plaza Mayor.
Plaza Mayor can be found in Plaza Mayor, Madrid, Spain 28012. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
6. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
Spain, one of the biggest countries in Europe, offers a wide variety of great cities and towns to explore, as well as a number of well-known attractions.
Despite not being a very well-known tourist destination, Santiago de Compostela is one of the most significant cities in the nation because it is the location of the famed Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims travel the Camino de Santiago from a variety of beginning sites in nearby nations, frequently walking hundreds of kilometers, to Santiago de Compostela, where it is believed that the remains of the Apostle St. James are interred inside the Cathedral.
The destination of their pilgrimage, where a special mass is celebrated and pilgrims can acquire a plenary indulgence, is known for the tall, distantly visible gothic spires of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
7. La Sagrada Família
The most popular tourist attraction in Spain and the most recognizable landmark in Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia.
When you visit the basilica, it is clear why: the structure is magnificent with its distinctive architectural style, which combines Gothic and Art Nouveau, as well as all the Catholic decorations adorning its exterior.
The basilica was created by the renowned architect Gaud and is perhaps the most famous landmark in Spain. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
Its construction began in 1882, however, it has not yet been completed. The Sagrada Familia is expected to be finished 145 years from now, in 2027.
8. Park Güell
One of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona, and typically all of Spain, is Park Güell! This magnificent piece was also created by Antoni Gaudi, as were many other of his masterpieces in and around Barcelona, including the Sagrada Familia and the Casa Battlo.
The lavish artistic landmark in Barcelona that was constructed between 1904 and 1906 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site was initially intended to be a garden.
On the outside of the city, on El Carmel hill, is where you’ll find Park Güell. The park system is made up of beautiful gardens, magnificent structures with colorful ceramic tile decorations, walkways, sculptures, and architectural components that all work together to create an amazing ambiance.
Eusebi Guell, who wanted to design a chic park for Barcelona’s aristocracy, commissioned Park Güell. In 1924, the project was completed, and the park was made accessible to the general public. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
9. Catedral de Burgos or Burgos Cathedral
This cathedral, which is one of the biggest in the nation after those in Toledo and Seville, is situated in the city of Burgos, some two hours and thirty minutes journey north of Madrid.
Burgos Cathedral, like most of the places on this list, is unique for its Gothic design and is included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It was constructed between 1221 and 1765 and is where El Cid and his wife Doa Jimena, a famous medieval Castilian knight, Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, reside.
Its various sculptures, particularly the one on the Sarmental door, turn it into a true museum for travellers travelling through Burgos’ lovely city. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
10. Temple of Debod
Unbelievably, one of the most famous landmarks in Spain is the ancient Egyptian Temple of Debod.
The temple was initially built in Egypt in the year 200 BC as a memorial to the god Amun. Due to the construction of a dam that might have flooded it in the 1960s, its location along the Nile was in danger.
Egypt gave the temple to Spain as a token of gratitude for the assistance it had provided at the time in a number of repair initiatives. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
The temple was relocated to Madrid, Spain in 1968 with UNESCO’s assistance, and now it is one of the few Egyptian temples that may be visited outside of Egypt.
11. Royal Palace
One of Spain’s most famous landmarks is Madrid’s Royal Palace, which is a must-see while traveling to the country’s capital.
The Royal palace can get fairly congested because it is a very famous tourist destination. It’s advised to purchase your tickets online in advance because there can be very big waits to enter the palace during the day. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
You may find ancient relics, amazing artwork, and stunning architecture inside the Royal palace. Due to the size of the Royal Palace, you might easily spend several hours here. The palace has different hours during the winter and the summer.
12. Palma Cathedral, Mallorca
If you visit the Balearic island of Mallorca and its capital city Palma, you probably notice the enormous cathedral that looks out over the magnificent port immediately. The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, popularly known as La Seu, is a remarkable structure.
The most iconic structure in Palma was constructed in the 14th century and is a stunning structure made of sandstone. Not only is it one of the most famous landmarks in Spain, but it’s also one of the highest Gothic buildings in all of Europe.
There is an excellent reason why the church is frequently referred to as “the Cathedral of Light.” You’ll realise why as soon as you step inside the structure. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
There are 61 stained-glass windows in total at La Seu, with the central rose window being the most impressive since it allows the morning sun to stream through on sunny days, lighting up the entire nave.
13. Niemeyer Centre
One of the most famous Spanish landmarks of the modern era is the Niemeyer Center in Asturias.
The centre, which Oscar Niemeyer, a renowned architect who created many famous buildings in Brazil, designed, is a cultural hub with a calendar of performances, exhibitions, plays, dances, films, and other cultural events.
The building’s design includes an auditorium, a dome, a 20-meter tower, as well as a café with stunning city views. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
14. Alcazaba de Malaga
One of those major landmarks you simply must see while in Andalusia is the Alcazaba de Malaga.
Located in the city center, this magnificent fortress-palace was built by the Moors and is rich in fascinating history and architectural styles. Due to its advantageous location close to the sea, the structure, which was constructed between 1057 and 1063, had previously served as a military outpost.
As soon as you step inside the palace, you’ll feel as though you’ve entered a wonderful maze filled with surprises, like Andalusian patios, fragrant jasmine flowers, and stunning fountains. The panoramic view of the city is one of the outstanding features of this palace, but every little nook will surprise you.
There is nothing better than eating at El Pimpi, a bodega bar where you can enjoy traditional food with a beautiful view of the Alcazaba and Roman Theatre, after visiting the Alcazaba. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
15. Castillo de Colomares
Esteban Martin constructed the Colomares Monument ‘ Castillo de Colomares ‘ between 1987 and 1994 as a monument to Christopher Columbus, and it is situated on the Costa del Sol in the province of Málaga.
The castle tells the tale of Columbus and his discovery of America by fusing Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, and Mudejar styles. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
The castle is also renowned for housing the tiniest church in the entire world, a chapel that is 1.96 meters square and devoted to St. Elizabeth of Hungary.
16. Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona
The oldest and largest park in Barcelona, Parc de la Ciutadella, is situated in the El Born neighborhood, a haven of nature.
An 18th-century military fortification once stood in Ciutadella Park. Barcelona started to grow through time, and they needed something to draw in investors and tourists.
The park’s zoo, which is situated inside the park, is its main draw. There is a lake as well, which is a great location for a stroll or maybe a picnic. Ifto you wish to go rowing, you can also rent a boat.
The park also features a Geology and Zoology museum, which instructs visitors about the natural world and animal life. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
17. Alcázar de Toledo, Toledo
The former palace known as Alcázar de Toledo is situated on Toledo, Spain’s highest point.
The fortification serves as a military museum in modern times. It also attracts people who want to admire its magnificent architecture.
The palace was reconstructed in the middle of the 20th century after being damaged during the Spanish Civil War, despite having been erected in the 1500s.
Despite this, the structure still has stunning 16th-century elements, making it a must-see for anybody who enjoys history and architecture. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
18. Bárdenas Reales
The largest desert in Europe is this 42,000-hectare stretch, which is found in the province of Navarra in northern Spain.
This location, which also has a military base in it, is categorized as a natural reserve because of the endemic species that dwell there.
There are four main sections to the Bárdenas Reales desert, and each is so distinct that it seems to be in a different location. A few of the scenes bear a striking resemblance to Monument Valley.
And for those who enjoy television, you should know that some of the Game of Thrones sequences were filmed there! It is a natural landmark. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
19. Alcázar de Segovia
The Alcazar of Segovia, a castle in the historic city of Segovia, is thought to have served as the model for the story of Sleeping Beauty.
The palace, which was created in the medieval style beginning in 1130, began life as a stronghold. Later, it changed into a state prison first, then a royal residence, and lastly a military academy.
The Alcazar of Segovia, one of Spain’s most spectacular structures, is shaped like the bow of a ship. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
20. Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba
One of the most well-known landmarks in Spain is the Mosque of Cordoba, which is in the region of Andalucia. Even if you’re only in Cordoba for the day, you must do it.
When Córdoba was retaken in 1236, this building was converted into a church. To learn more about the building and its characteristics, take a tour during the day or at night.
To get a bird’s-eye view of the town, you can also ascend to the 54-meter-tall Bell Tower. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
21. Tarragona Romana, Tarragona
On the Costa Daurada, Tarragona can be found in Spain’s Catalonia area (Costa Dorada). The distance from Barcelona to the city is around one hour. Roman ruins in Tarragona are well-known and bring lots of visitors each year.
One of the most well-known attractions in this area is the Roman Amphitheatre. 12,000 spectators could fit in this huge stadium, which dates back to the second century AD. Among other things, gladiator fights took place in the amphitheater.
The cost of touring the amphitheater today is just 3.30 euros. Once inside, visitors may admire the stunning ruins of the arena and take in views of the Mediterranean Sea.
You can climb the historic Praetorium to get a panoramic perspective of Tarragona in addition to seeing the remnants of the Roman Circus. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
22. Casas Colgadas, Cuenca
The Cuenca neighbourhood of Las Casas Colgadas, which translates to “Hanging Houses,” is known for its cliff-side construction.
The 15th and 16th centuries saw the construction of these intriguing structures. Despite repairs, very few still exist today.
The hanging houses are an incredible sight to see, even though there are only a handful left. If you go to Casas Colgadas, you can be amazed by this unusual structure.
You can admire the architecture while taking in the breathtaking views because it is built into the mountains. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
23. Antequera
In the centre of Andalusia in Southern Spain, Antequera is another archaeological treasure listed on the Unesco World Heritage sites.
Its spectacular megalithic tombs (Viera, El Romeral, and Menga) are among the best-preserved dolmens in all of Europe and date to the Neolithic and Bronze Age.
La Pea de los Enamorados (Lover’s Rock) and El Torcal, two distinctively sculpted rocks in Antequera, are among the outstanding natural landmarks in Spain.
Malaga Airport is the closest airport to Antequera. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
24. Santa Maria de Montserrat, Montserrat
Even though Santa Maria de Montserrat (Abadia de Montserrat) is one of Spain’s less well-known tourist attractions, it is nevertheless worthwhile to see.
This abbey from the eleventh century is located in the Montserrat highlands and provides stunning views of the surroundings.
Since monks still reside there, you cannot access the real monastery. You can, however, visit the lovely cathedral and see the magnificent gardens.
The Our Lady of Montserrat statue, which is open for public sight, is also housed in the monastery. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
25. Camp Nou, Barcelona
Since its completion in 1957, Camp Nou has served as the official home field of the FC Barcelona football club. With a capacity of 99,354, it is the fourth largest football stadium in the world and by far the largest in Spain and Europe.
From hosting the Olympics, World Cup, and even the European Cup Finals, the stadium has been crucial to the world of sports.
You probably already know that FC Barcelona is one of the world’s top football clubs if you’re a fan of the game. You may find out more about the stadium’s and football team’s past here.
Book a guided tour to get access to the locker rooms and even the tunnel leading to the field of play to make the most of your visit. It is one of the famous landmarks in Spain.
Final Remark
In conclusion, Spain has many famous landmarks that are worth visiting. These include the Alhambra, the Great Mosque of Cordoba, the Cathedral of Toledo, the Royal Palace of Madrid, and many more. Each of these landmarks is unique and has a rich history.
If you are interested in learning more about Spanish culture, be sure to visit one of these famous landmarks in Spain.
