In 2015, Spain topped the list of the most common tourist destination in the EU for those travelling abroad for their holidays. With so much culture and history, not to mention the temperate climate, it’s easy to see why Spain is a popular destination for tourists. But where are the best places to visit?
With so much choice in this rich and diverse country, we’ve decided to handpick our favourite three historically and culturally significant spots in Spain:
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La Sagrada Família, Barcelona
La Sagrada Família is the most-visited monument in Spain, with architect Antoni Gaudí devoting the final years of his life to completing the project. His intention was to express his Christian beliefs through the beautiful architecture of the building, which is why each of its 18 towers has special significance – the middle tower is dedicated to Jesus Christ, which is surrounded by four towers representing the Gospels. The tower crowned by the star represents the Virgin Mary and the remaining 12 represent the 12 apostles.
With the ambitious construction still yet to be completed, five generations have witnessed the temple’s progress over 130 years. Its Gothic and Byzantine influences make the temple a breath-taking sight, whether you are religious or not.
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El Escorial, San Lorenzo de El Escorial
A site with UNESCO World Heritage status, El Escorial is an exceptionally beautiful monastery located in a town just northwest of Madrid. Visitors can marvel in the beautiful architecture of the church, monastery, royal palace, college and library, which was where the King of Spain once resided.
The royal site is an iconic symbol of the Spanish Renaissance, with many notable artists contributing to the opulent decoration inside the buildings and an incredibly important collection of Renaissance and Baroque paintings housed in the complex.
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Lugo Roman Walls
Incredibly well-preserved, the Lugo Roman Walls are a late military fortification built in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD to protect the Roman City of Lucus Augusti. Stretching over 2117m and rising to a height of between eight and 10 metres, the wall contains 85 external towers, 10 gates, 4 staircases and 2 ramps providing access to the walkway along the top of the walls.
Despite renovation work, the walls conserve their original layout and all the features that were used for defensive purposes, such as the battlements, towers and moat. History buffs will love a visit to this best preserved example of Roman military architecture.
With so much to see in the wonderful country of Spain, tourists are spoilt for choice when it comes to historical monuments and beautiful architecture. If you’d like to experience the country in a unique way, you could consider staying in a luxury mobile home with Eurocamp, with sites close to many of the country’s must-see attractions. If you want a holiday that combines rich history as well as pristine beaches, take a look at their holiday homes in Spain.
