Objects of natural and cultural heritage of spain. Unesco heritage in spain

List world heritage UNESCO in Spain (44)
Cultural
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzin, Granada (1984)

Alhambra, Generalife and Albaicín in Granada
Towering over the present-day Lower Town, the Alhambra and Albacín, perched on two neighboring hills, form the medieval part of Granada. To the east of the fortress and residence of the Alhambra are the magnificent Generalife Gardens, the former country residence of the emirs who ruled this region of Spain in the 13th-14th centuries. The residential area of ​​Albacín is a rich repository of Moorish vernacular architecture, with which the traditional architecture of Andalusia is harmoniously combined.

Aranjuez cultural landscape (2001)

The cultural landscape of the Aranjuez palace and park complex
This cultural landscape, where the royal residence was located for 300 years, demonstrates a whole complex of interconnections: between nature and human activities, between winding natural watercourses and geometrically planned park landscapes, between rural and urban environments, between a forest landscape and the carefully designed architecture of palace buildings.

Archaeological Site of Merida (1993)

Archaeological site in the city of Mérida
The ancient Roman colony of Augusta Emerita, which is now the city of Merida in Extremadura, was founded in 25 BC at the end of the Spanish campaign and was the capital of the province of Lusitania. Well-preserved remains ancient city include big bridge across the Guadiana River, an amphitheater, a theater, a large arena and a unique water supply system. This is an excellent example of an ancient Roman provincial capital.

Archaeological Site of Tarraco (2000)

Archaeological site of Tarraco
The city of Tarraco (modern Tarragona) was the main administrative and shopping center in ancient Roman Spain and the center of the cult of the emperor for all Iberian provinces. The city has been built up with many beautiful buildings, some of which have been unearthed in a series of successful excavations. Although most of the finds are fragmentary, a large number of monuments have survived under later buildings. The finds give a clear idea of ​​the greatness of this capital of the ancient Roman province.

Archaeological sites of Atapuerca (2000)

Archaeological finds in the Atapuerca caves
The caves in the Sierra de Atapuerca contain rich fossil evidence of the earliest human presence in Europe, dating from about 1 million years ago and up to our era. They represent a unique source of information, the scientific study of which provides invaluable information about the appearance and way of life of these our distant ancestors.

Burgos Cathedral (1984)

Cathedral in the city of Burgos (Catedral de Burgos)
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Burgos was founded in the 13th century, simultaneously with the great cathedrals of Ile-de-France, and completed in the 15th-16th centuries. The entire history of Gothic art was reflected in its beautiful architecture and a unique art collection including paintings, carved choir benches, altar reliefs, tombstones and stained glass windows.

Catalan Romanesque church Val de Boi (2000)

Romanesque churches in Vall de Boí, Catalonia
Narrow, surrounded by steep mountains, the Val de Boi is located in the highlands of the Pyrenees, in the Alta Ribagorza region. Each village in this valley has a Romanesque church and is surrounded by a network of fenced fields. On the higher slopes, there are extensive seasonal pastures.

Cathedral, Alcazar and Archivo de Indias in Seville (1987)

Together, these three buildings (Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville)
make up a remarkable group of monuments located in the very center of Seville. The Cathedral and Alcazar date back to the period from 1248 to the 16th century reconquest and reflect the influence of the Moorish style, being an important testament to both the civilization of the Almohads and Christian Andalusia. The Giralda Minaret is a masterpiece of Almohad architecture. It stands next to the five-nave cathedral, which is the largest Gothic building in Europe. Here is the sarcophagus of Christopher Columbus. Ancient Lonja (stock exchange) became the "Archive of the Indies" containing valuable documents from all the archives of the Spanish colonies in America.

Altamira Cave and Paleolithic Rock Art of Northern Spain (1985)

Altamira Cave (Cuevas de Altamira)
and rock art of the Paleolithic period in northern Spain
this new name was given to the site “Altamira Cave”, which was inscribed in 1985. Seventeen caves with rock carvings dating back to the Paleolithic period were added to the original site. This ensemble is the apogee of the rock art of the Paleolithic, which spread throughout Europe - from the Urals to the Iberian Peninsula - in the period from 35,000 to 11,000 BC. These caves are excellently preserved due to their deep bedding, which protected them from climatic changes. The caves are listed as unique evidence of the creative being of primitive man and existence cultural tradition... These are a kind of masterpieces of the first type of creative activity, fully mastered by man, contributing to a better understanding of an important period of human history.

Serra de Tramuntana Cultural Landscape (2011)

Serra de Tramuntana cultural landscape
is located on a steep ridge that runs parallel to the northwestern coast of the island of Mallorca. Millennia of agriculture with limited resources have transformed the area. A developed system of water management has developed here, circulating along the borders of the former fiefdoms. The landscape is remarkable for its agricultural terraces and interconnected water supply system, including watermills, as well as dry stone structures and farms.

Mercury deposits in Spain and Slovenia (2012)

Idrija and Almaden (Almaden and Idrija), province: Ciudad Real - world heritage of mercury. They are one of the largest deposits of mercury in the world, which has been mined here from the time of the Roman Empire to the present day.
Over the entire period of operation of the mines, more than 250,000 tons of mercury have been mined.

Historic Center of Cordoba (1984)

Historic center of the city of Córdoba
Cordoba's greatest heyday began in the 8th century, after the Muslim conquest, when about 300 mosques, innumerable palaces and public buildings were built, the city rivaled the splendor of Constantinople, Damascus and Baghdad. In the 13th century, under Ferdinand III Saint, the Grand Mosque of Cordoba was converted into a cathedral, new defensive structures were erected, and above all the Alcazar de los Reyos Cristianos and Torre Fortaleza de la Calahorra (el Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos and Torre Fortaleza de la Calahorra).

Historic City of Toledo (1986)

Historic center of Toledo
A successively ancient Roman settlement, the capital of the Visigoth kingdom, a fortress of the Emirate of Cordoba, an outpost of the Christian kingdoms in the fight against the Moors, and in the 16th century - the temporary residence of the great power Charles V, Toledo is a repository of evidence of more than two thousand years of history. His masterpieces are a synthesis of a wide variety of cultures that developed under the influence of three world religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Fortified part of the city of Cuenca (1996)

Fortified part of the city of Cuenca (Ciudad histórica fortificada de Cuenca)
Founded by the Moors as a fortress in the heart of the Caliphate of Cordoba, Cuenca is a rare example of a well-preserved medieval fortified city. Conquered by the Castilians in the 12th century, it became a royal city and the center of a diocese, rich in important structures, such as the first Gothic cathedral in Spain and the famous “casas colgadas” (hanging houses), which really seem to be suspended on a steep cliff above the Huécar River. The advantageous location of the city is also manifested in the dominance of its fortress towers over the entire picturesque area.

Lonja de la Seda complex of buildings in Valencia (1996)

The complex of buildings Lonja de la Seda in Valencia (La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia)
Built between 1482 and 1533, this group of buildings was originally used for the silk trade (hence its name - Silk Exchange). Also, these buildings are a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture. The grandiose premises of the Sala de Contratacion (Hall of Transactions) best reflect the power and wealth of this large trading city in the Mediterranean during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Ancient gold mining area Las Medulas (1997)

Ancient gold mining area Las Médulas
In the 1st century. AD the authorities of the Roman Empire, using the hydraulic method, began to exploit gold deposits in northwestern Spain. After 200 years, the Romans who developed the deposits left, leaving the inclined adits on the slopes of the mountains, as well as the vast dumps now used for agricultural needs.

Architectural Ensemble of El Escorial (1984)

Architectural ensemble of Escurial
In plan, this monastery, built at the end of the 16th century in Castile, is exclusively beautiful place, resembles a brazier grate, on which, according to legend, St. Lawrence was martyred. Its austere architecture, in contrast to previous styles, had a significant impact on Spanish architecture over the next half century. It was a refuge for the mystic king, and in the last years of the reign of Philip II, it became the place from which political leadership was carried out for a large part of the world.

Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of Asturias (1985)

Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of Asturias (Oviedo y del reino de Asturias)
In the 9th century, throughout the Iberian Peninsula, the center of the Christian religion glimmered only in the tiny kingdom of Asturias. The proto-Romanesque architectural style was formed here, which played a significant role in the development of religious architecture throughout the region. The highest manifestations of this style can be seen in the example of the churches of Santa María del Naranco, San Miguel de Lillo, Santa Cristina de Lena. , Camara Santa and San Julián de los Prados in and around the ancient capital city of Oviedo. Near them is an outstanding modern building hydraulic engineering known as La Foncalada.

Mudejar Monuments in Aragon (1986)

Monuments of the Mudejar style in Aragon (Arquitectura mudéjar de Aragón)
The development of Mudejar art in Aragon in the 12th century was the result of the political, social and cultural conditions prevailing in Spain after the Reconquista. This art, nourished by Islamic traditions, also reflected the influence of various modern European styles, primarily the Gothic. Existing until the beginning of the 17th century, this art is characterized by an extremely refined and inventive use of bricks and glazed tiles in architecture, especially in the construction of bell towers.

Old city in Salamanca (1988)

Old town in Salamanca (Salamanca)
This old university town northwest of Madrid was in the 3rd century BC. conquered by the Carthaginians. Then it was an ancient Roman settlement, and later, until the XI century, was under the rule of the Moors. One of the oldest European universities, it flourished during the “golden age” of Salamanca. In the historical center of the city there are important monuments of the Romanesque and Moorish styles, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. The Plaza Mayor Square with galleries and arcades is especially impressive.

The old town of Avila and churches outside its walls (1985)

The old town of Ávila and churches outside its walls
Founded in the 11th century to protect Spanish territories from the Moors, this “city of saints and stones”, which is the birthplace of St. Teresa and the burial place of the Grand Inquisitor of Torquemada, has retained its harsh medieval appearance. The restraint of form can be seen in the Gothic cathedral, and in the fortifications with 82 semicircular towers and nine gates, which are the most complete in all of Spain.

Old Town in Caceres (1986)

Old town in Cáceres
The history of the city, which took place in the battles of the Moors with Christians, is reflected in its architecture, where a variety of styles are mixed - ancient Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance. Among the 30 towers that have survived from Muslim times, the most famous tower is Torre del Bujaco (Bujaco).

The old town of Segovia and the aqueduct (1985)

The old town of Segovia and the ancient Roman aqueduct
The ancient Roman aqueduct in Segovia, built around AD 50, is perfectly preserved. This impressive structure with two tiers of arches is an integral part of the appearance of the magnificent historic city Segovia. Other important monuments are the 11th century Alcazar and the 16th century Gothic cathedral.

Palace of Catalan Music and Hospital Sant Pau in Barcelona (1997)

Palace of Catalan Music and Hospital Sant Pau in Barcelona (Palau de la Música Catalana y hospital de Sant Pau).
These two beautiful buildings in Barcelona were erected by the architect of the Catalan Art Nouveau (Art Nouveau) Luis Domenech y Montaner. The Palais des Music de Catalunya is a magnificent steel-framed building full of light and space, decorated by many famous artists of the time. San Po Hospital is also distinguished by its bold architectural solutions and finishing, but at the same time it is fully adapted to the needs of patients.

Palmeral - palm groves around the city of Elche (2000)

Palmeral Elche - the date palm landscape, including an elaborate irrigation system, was formed by the end of the 10th century, i.e. at a time when the Arabs still dominated most of the Iberian Peninsula, and when the Muslim city of Elche was under construction. Palmeral is an oasis and agricultural production system in an arid climate. It is also a unique example of Arab farming technology in Europe. The cultivation of date palms in Elche has been known at least since the time of the Iberians, i.e. from about the 5th century BC

Poblet Monastery (1991)

Poblet Monastery
This Cistercian monastery in Catalonia is one of the largest in Spain. In its center is a 12th century church. The austere, majestic monastery, containing the fortified royal residence and the pantheon of the kings of Catalonia and Aragon, is an impressive sight.

Paleolithic rock art of Siega Verde (1998)

Rock art of the Paleolithic era Ciega Verde (Valle del Côa, Siega Verde)
Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1998, the prehistoric cave paintings of the Koa Valley represent a unique collection of rock carvings from the Upper Paleolithic period (22,000-10,000 BC). She is the most striking example illustrating the birth of human artistic creativity. The archaeological site of Ciega Verde, located in the Castilla e Leon region, complements this monument. There are 645 engravings carved on the walls of water-eroded caves. These prints are mostly symbolic and depict animals. However, some of them are also geometrical figures and schematic representations. The prehistoric ensemble of rock art of the Coa Valley and Ciega Verde forms the most significant rock art of the Paleolithic period under open air located on the Iberian Peninsula.

Monumental Renaissance Ensembles in Ubeda and Baeza (2003)

Monumental ensembles of the Renaissance in the towns of Ubeda and Baeza (Úbeda y Baeza)
The urban morphology of two small towns, Ubeda and Baeza, located in southern Spain, developed during the Moors in the 9th century and the Reconquista in the 13th century. The cities developed actively in the 16th century in accordance with the style of the Renaissance. These innovations were due to the arrival of new humanistic ideals from Italy to Spain, which later had a great influence on the architecture of Latin America.

Rock painting in the Mediterranean part of the Iberian Peninsula (1998)

Rock painting in the Mediterranean part of the Iberian Peninsula (Basin)
In the Mediterranean part of the Iberian Peninsula, a very large number of rock art objects attributed to the late prehistoric period are concentrated. The paintings, the style and content of which are recognized as unique, clearly and convincingly reflect the lifestyle of a person of that transitional era.

Roman Walls of the City of Lugo (2000)

Roman walls of the city of Lugo (Lugo)
These fortress walls were built at the end of the 3rd century to protect the ancient Roman city of Lucus. They have survived intact along the entire perimeter, providing an excellent example of ancient Roman fortifications in Western Europe.

Road to Santiago de Compostela (1993)

The road to Santiago de Compostela
in 1987 it was declared the first European cultural route by the Council of Europe. The road starts from the Franco-Spanish border, was used and continues to be used by pilgrims. About 1.8 thousand historical buildings along the road, both religious and secular, are of great historical interest. The road played a decisive role in establishing cultural links between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Europe in the Middle Ages. It remains a testament to the strength of the Christian faith among people of all social strata throughout Europe.

Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe (1993)

Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe (Real Monasterio de Santa María de Guadalupe). The monastery clearly illustrates four centuries in the development of Spanish religious architecture. It is a symbol of two significant events in world history that took place in 1492: the reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula by Catholic kings and the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. The famous statuette of the Virgin Mary has become a significant symbol of the Christianization of much of the New World.

City of San Cristobal de la Laguna ( Canary Islands) (1999)

The city of San Cristóbal de la Laguna is located on
The Canary Islands and has two centers: the more ancient Upper Town, which has a spontaneously formed layout; and the Lower City, the first ideal “city-territory”, organized according to certain scientific concepts. Its wide streets and squares are home to many beautiful churches, public and private buildings erected in the 16th-18th centuries.

Monasteries of San Millán in Yuso and in Suso (1997)

Monasteries of San Millán in Yuso and in Suso (San Millán de Yuso y de Suso).
The monastic community, founded by Saint Emilian in the middle of the 6th century, became a place of pilgrimage. A beautiful Romanesque church dedicated to this saint still stands in Suso. It was here that the first literary texts in the Castilian language were created, on the basis of which one of the most widespread languages ​​in the modern world, Spanish, was later formed. At the beginning of the 16th century, the community received a lovely new monastery at Yuso, below the old complex; this monastery is still flourishing.

Santiago de Compostela (1985)

Old town in Santiago de Compostela
it famous place pilgrimages in northwest Spain have become a symbol in the struggle of Spanish Christians against Islam. Destroyed by Muslims at the end of the 10th century, the city was completely rebuilt in the next century. With its buildings in a wide variety of styles (Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque), the Old Town of Santiago is considered one of the most beautiful urban areas in the world. The most ancient monuments are concentrated in the area of ​​the tomb of St. James and near the cathedral with the famous Portico de la Gloria (Portico of Glory).

Tower of Hercules (2009)

The Tower of Hercules (Torre de Hércules) is an active lighthouse in the northern part of the city of A Coruña (Galicia). Built during the Roman Empire, it is considered the oldest lighthouse in the world. The structure is 55 meters high and stands above the waters of the Betanzos Bay of the Atlantic Ocean.

University and Historic Precinct of Alcala de Henares (1998)

University and the historic city of Alcalá de Henares
Founded by Cardinal Jimenez de Cisneros in the early 16th century, Alcala de Henares was the world's first specially planned university town. She was the original model for Civitas Dei (City of the Lord), the ideal urban community that Spanish missionaries brought to America. It has also served as a model for universities in Europe and other parts of the world.

Bridge of Biscay (2006)

Bridge of Biscay (Puente de Vizcaya),
connects the banks of the Ibaizabal, the estuary of the Nervion River northwest of Bilbao. It was designed by the Basque architect Alberto de Palacio and was completed in 1893. The metal bridge, 45 meters high, with a span of 160 meters, was the world's first bridge designed to move people and crews in a highly suspended gondola. The bridge became a model for many similar bridges in Europe, Africa and America, only a few of which have survived to this day in a very small number. Thanks to the pioneering use of lightweight twisted steel ropes, this bridge is recognized as one of the most outstanding architectural metal structures of the industrial revolution era.

Works by Antoni Gaudi (1984)

Works by Antoni Gaudí (Barcelona and surroundings)
Four buildings built by the architect Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926) in and around Barcelona are an addition to his Park Guell, Palace Guell and Casa Milà in Barcelona, ​​inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1984. The buildings confirm the exceptional creative contribution of Gaudí to the development of architecture and building technology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These monuments represent an eclectic and, at the same time, very individual style, which is expressed in the design of parks, sculpture and all kinds of decorative arts, as well as in architecture. These four buildings are: Casa Vicens (1883-1885); part of Gaudi's works on the Sagrada Familia church (1884-1926 - the facade of the Nativity and the crypt); Casa Batlo (1904-1906) and the crypt in Colonia Güell (1898-1905).

Natural
National park Doñana (1994)

Doñana National Park
Doñana National Park in Andalusia occupies the right bank of the estuary of the Guadalquivir River near its confluence with Atlantic Ocean... This area is famous for the variety of its landscapes, among which are lagoons, swamps, mobile and fixed dunes, shrubs and forests, maquis. Representatives of five rare and endangered bird species live here, one of the largest heron colonies in the Mediterranean has settled, and over 500 thousand water birds fly here for the winter.

Garajonay National Park (1986)

Garajonay National Park in the Canary Islands.
Virgin laurel forests cover about 70% of the territory of this park, located in the heart of the island of Gomera, which is part of the Canary archipelago. The presence of water sources led to the development of lush vegetation on the island - like that which existed here in the Tertiary time and which in Southern Europe has almost disappeared as a result of climate change

Teide National Park (2007)

Teide National Park
Delightful in its beauty nature reserve Teide is also a treasure trove of information about the geological processes that determine evolution. ocean islands... Its main attraction is the highest peak in Spain, the Teide-Pico Viejo stratovolcano with a height of 3,718 meters. Reaching an altitude of 7,500 meters in relation to the level of the seabed, it is listed as the third highest volcanic formations in the world. Teide National Park is of worldwide importance: traces of the geological processes that determine the evolution of the oceanic islands have been preserved here.

Mixed
Ibiza, biodiversity and culture (1999)

Ibiza Island: Biodiversity and Culture (Ibiza)
Ibiza (Ibiza, Ibiza), part of the Balearic Islands, perfectly illustrates the interaction between marine and coastal ecosystems. Dense thickets of Posidonia (oceanic algae), one of the main endemics Mediterranean Sea, - an important condition for maintaining the species diversity of marine organisms in the coastal zone. Ibis keeps the testimonies of his rich history... Archaeological excavations in the area of ​​the Sa Caleta settlement and at the Puig des Molins necropolis confirm that the island played a large role in economic development Mediterranean even in prehistoric times, especially during the times of Phenicia and Carthage. The fortified Upper City (Alta Vila) is an outstanding example of military architecture of the Renaissance, which greatly influenced the construction of Spanish fortified settlements in the New World.

Mont Perdue region in the Pyrenees (1997)

Monte Perdido region in the Pyrenees
In the center of this remarkable alpine massif, covering the border region between France and Spain in the Pyrenees, rises the limestone mountain of Mont Perdu, reaching 3352 meters. The heritage site with an area of ​​30.6 thousand hectares includes two of the deepest canyons in Europe (on the Spanish side) and three large glacial circuses (in France). The pastoral landscapes here illustrate the agricultural practices previously very typical for mountainous areas Europe, however, to date, preserved only in this part of the Pyrenees. Villages, fields and farms, mountain pastures and roads remind of past times.

On the territory of Spain there is a huge number of objects recognized as World Heritage. A total of 42 monuments located in Spain - as natural phenomena and entire cities - were included in the list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The first to appear on the list in 1984 were the Alhambra (la Alhambra) and the Burgos Cathedral (la catedral de Burgos), and since then it has only been replenished. This recognition provides these sites with international protection. In addition, such monuments are favorite place pilgrimages of tourists, many of whom travel with their children. In order for the kids not to get bored on the way, it is worth taking some toys with you: a bratz doll for a girl and a construction set for a boy.

According to UNESCO, unique natural sites Spain include: National Park Garajonay (el Parque Nacional de Garajonay) on the island of La Gomera (1986); (Parque Nacional de Doñana) (1994); Mount Monte Perdido in Huesca (1997); coastal and marine ecosystems of Ibiza (Ibiza) (1999); (el Palmeral de Elche) (2000); and Teide National Park (el Parque Nacional de Teide) (2007).

In all of these cases, were assessed as unique natural characteristics objects, and their relationship with history. In Garajonay, even today, you can find vegetation that survived the ice age. In addition to biodiversity, traces of tartes can be found in Doñana, and Phoenicians and Carthaginians in Ibiza. The palm forest in Elche is the result of an irrigation system established by the Romans, Phoenicians and Arabs.

Prehistoric testament
Among other things, Spain's World Heritage Sites include treasures from the prehistoric era, preserved on the Iberian Peninsula, and also received international recognition. The first on the list was the cave Altamira (la cueva de Altamira) in Cantabria and the preserved rock art of the Paleolithic era (1985). Especially worth noting is the vaults of the cave, with bison painted on them. After that, in 1998, the list was replenished with rock paintings of the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Traces of cave painting can be found in Andalucía, Aragón, Castilla-La Mancha, Cataluña, Murcia and Valenciana. In 2000, the Atapuerca Caves in Burgos were added to the World Heritage Sites. The latest on the UNESCO list, in 2010, to include rock art in Siega Verde in Salamanca.

Memory of the Romans and Visigoths
400 years of Roman rule were left in the territory where the modern Spain, a huge number of architectural and artistic monuments. Six of them have been included in the UNESCO list: the archaeological site of Tarraco in Tarragona (2000); Emérita Augusta in modern Mérida (1993); the Las Médulas gold mines in León (1997); aqueduct in Segovia (1995); the fortress wall in Lugo (2000) and the Tower of Hercules (Torre de Hércules) (2009).
The Visigothic period dates back to the construction of the monastery of San Millán de Suso in La Rioja, where the first texts were written in the Castilian language. A thousand years later, the monastery of San Millán de Yuso was added to this 5th century building. In 1997, both monasteries were declared World Heritage Sites. The city of Toledo, the capital of Spain at the time of the Goths, was also included in the UNESCO list in 1986. In the history of Toledo, the era of coexistence of Jews, Christians and Muslims stands out.

Spain is known to the whole world as a country famous for the unique sights given to us, thanks to its amazing history, as a result of which, in the architecture of Spanish cities, features of various cultures are combined, ranging from the ancient, which came here during the time of the Holy Roman Empire, including the Islamic, remaining from the period of Arab rule, ending - European, including Christian and Jewish, since the Middle Ages. This is why many cities in Spain are protected by UNESCO. They are ready to offer tourists a lot of interesting excursion programs, during which one can appreciate the medieval beauty of Spain, the rarest ancient monuments included in the "List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites". Today we will tell you about eight small but incredibly beautiful Spanish cities-UNESCO monuments, with their Catholic churches, monasteries, Arab mosques and baths, Roman bridges and aqueducts, old mansions of the nobility and powerful fortress walls.

- the oldest settlement in the country, founded by the ancient Romans in the ninetieth year BC. Today, Segovia is one of the three ancient cities-museums located near the Spanish capital - Madrid. The most recognizable landmarks of this city in Spain are the Aqueduct and the Alcazar.

Or "El Acueducto de Segovia" - an absolutely amazing architectural monument, included, along with the historical center of the city, on the UNESCO list. This is the longest antique aqueduct in Western Europe, preserved here from Roman times. The length of the structure is eight hundred and eighteen meters, the height is about thirty meters. The aqueduct consists of twenty thousand granite slabs, which are not fastened with cement mortars. It is divided into one hundred and sixty-seven huge arches. The aqueduct was built at the end of the first century AD and regularly performed its functions for many centuries, to this day it has been preserved in excellent condition, continuing until recently, constantly delivering water to the city of Segovia, mainly to the Alcazar castle. This Roman building was named in 1884 - "Monument national treasure”, And in 1985 was awarded the status -“ World Heritage Site under the protection of UNESCO ”.

Or "El Alcazar de Segovia" - another no less amazing and charming city landmark. The Alcazar castle was built in Roman times, but the first written records of it are found only in the twelfth century. The Alcazar is located on a cliff between the rivers Eresma and Clamores. The fortress was built in the Roman-Gothic style, and the interiors were designed in the Mudejar style. The castle complex has a couple of courtyards, two towers: "del Homenaje" and "de Juan II". In addition, the Alcazar in Segovia has a lot of underground rooms, secret passages, some of which go to the river, others to other palaces in the city. Even today, scientists continue to study the secrets of the Alcazar Castle. Now it houses the military archive and the Museum of Artillery - «museo del Real Colegio de Artilleria ".

- a huge building was erected in the sixteenth century in the Gothic style, with some elements of Renaissance architecture. Temple complex consists of a cathedral, a covered gallery adjacent to it, and a bell tower - one of the highest in Spain.

Of course, in Segovia, tourists will be able to see a lot of other interesting sights: the ruins of the ancient fortress wall, the Monastery of Santa Maria del Parral, the Church of Saint Stephen, the Church of Vera Cruz, the Church of Saint Millena, "House of Peak", stroll through the local gardens and parks: La Merced Garden , Garden of the Alcazar, Garden of Huertos.

- a settlement, high in the mountains, was founded in the fifth century AD by the Veton tribe. Today, this city in Spain is under the protection of UNESCO, and its main attractions are the Avila Cathedral, fortress walls, churches and monasteries.

- the construction of which began in the twelfth century in the Romanesque style, was completed in the fourteenth - already in the Gothic style. At the moment, this is the oldest Spanish gothic cathedral... It has an unusual structure: as it was built as part of the city's defensive structures, and one of the apses of the building is built right into the fortified city wall. The cathedral was erected in honor of Saint Salvador. Inside the temple is the tombstone of the famous Bishop Alonso de Madrigal. At the cathedral there is the Cathedral Museum, which has a rich collection of exhibits: sculptures, books, silver items, paintings, silver monstrances for processions.

Or "Las Murallas de Avila" - main character the city, the medieval wall that surrounded the old part of the city of Avila, two and a half kilometers long. This ancient fortification is one of the finest examples of Spanish military engineering. The wall, three meters thick and twelve meters high, is equipped with nine city gates, there are eighty-eight towers and two and a half thousand small shelter-towers. This structure is in excellent condition to this day, and it is under the protection of UNESCO.

Or "Convento Santa Teresa" - was built in the seventeenth century, after the canonization of Teresa, on the site of the house where she was born. Today it is an active nunnery, and most of it is closed to tourists, but pilgrims have the opportunity to get to the church chapel, decorated with scenes where the saint levitates. In the Hall of Relics there is a part of the relics of Saint Teresa - the finger of her right hand, the sole of her sandal, and a rosary. But the rest of the relics of Saint Teresa are in the Carmelite monastery of Alba de Tormes, it was there that she died.

Or "Basilica de San Vicente" - a Romanesque temple, is the second largest in Avila, second only to the Cathedral. It is a "National Heritage Site of Spain". It began to be built in the twelfth century on the burial site of Catholic saints: Deacon Vincent de Huesca, who died in 304, his sister Sabina and sister Cristeta. It is clear why the main relic of this basilica is the “Cenotafio de los santos Vicente, Sabina y Cristeta” - a stunning tombstone built in the twelfth century.

Or "Real Monasterio de Santo Tomas" - was built in 1493, where the main Spanish "Catholic kings" planned to build their own palace, but the death of their son Juan forced them to reconsider their plans, and he was buried there. And later, the "Grand Inquisitor" of Spain, Thomas de Torquemada, was also buried.

- this is an ancient Celtic settlement, at one time, which was under the rule of the Romans, Moors, Arabs, then it became a Spanish city, small, but with a lot of interesting historical sights and medieval monuments of different cultures: the Cathedral, the Moorish watchtower, The Church of San Miguel, with Arabic and Gothic features.

Or "Catedral de Santa María y San Julián de Cuenca" - the main city cathedral, which houses the Diocese of Cuenca, belonging to the Archbishopric of Toledo. This cathedral was built in the 12th century in the Norman Gothic style.

Or "Convento de la Merced" - was built in the period from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century. Today it houses the Theological Seminary of St. Julian and the "Society of Slaves of Holy Communion and the Immaculate Virgin" In 2003, the monastery received the title of "National Monument of History and Culture of Spain".

Or "Palacio Episcopal de Cuenca y Museo Diocesano" - a single building was erected in 1250 from several Muslim houses, here you can still see Arabic inscriptions, a portal with Arabic patterns. From the end of the fifteenth century to 1530, the "Court of the Inquisition" worked here. Today the "Diocesan Cathedral Museum" - "Museo Diocesano Catedralicio" is located, with a huge collection of provincial religious art: tapestries, jewelry, art objects, paintings, sculptures.

Or "Casas Colgadas" - the symbol of the city of Cuenca. "Hanging houses", built over the river cliff, were previously a typical element of the city's architecture, but only three such structures have survived to this day: "The House of the Siren" - "Casa de la Sirena", Royal houses - "Casas de Rey", decorated with wooden balconies. They are located: a restaurant, the "Museum of Abstract Art of Spain".
Apart from these interesting places cities you can visit the Church of St. Michael, Church of St. Nicholas, Church of St. Andrew, Mangana Tower, Cuenca Consistory - thanks to their presence, the Spanish city of Cuenca is under the protection of UNESCO.

- located on the island of Tenerife. The city was founded in 1496 and was the capital of the Canary Islands until 1723. Since its inception, La Laguna has become the religious center of Tenerife, where the bishop's residence was located, numerous churches and monasteries arose. There is a unique colonial atmosphere in the historical center of the city, here the old quarters and streets, mansions of aristocrats have been preserved almost unchanged. In 1999, this Spanish city is under the protection of UNESCO.

Or "Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Laguna" - the temple where the bishopric of Tenerife is located, built in 1511 on the site of an old monastery. But the building acquired its modern neoclassical appearance in 1825. His founding father, Alonso Fernandez Lugo, is buried in the cathedral.

Or "Parroquia Matriz de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción" - the very first church on the island of Tenerife, built in the fifteenth century. The building features a mixture of several styles of architecture. It was in this temple that the indigenous local residents of Tenerife, the Guanches, were baptized.

Or "Real Santuario de Santísimo Cristo de La Laguna" - this Catholic Franciscan cathedral began to be built in 1506, and the title - "Royal", the temple received from the Spanish king Alfonso the Twelfth in 1906. Outwardly, this is a very modest church, but it is incredibly popular among believers: pilgrims flock here even from mainland Spain... Inside the temple, on the main altar, stands the miraculous crucifixion Cristo de La Laguna - this is the real symbol of the city of San Cristobal de La Laguna. Thousands of believers come here in September to worship the Holy Cross - an ebony crucifix that Governor de Lugo brought back in 1520, and it is famous for its ability to heal the sick and perform other miracles.

- was founded in the twenty-ninth year of our era, but experienced its heyday under the rule of the Moors. To this day, the city retains the charm of the Middle Ages, striking tourists with a combination of Roman, Islamic, gothic architecture... The historic center of Caceres with its sights is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main attractions of Caceres are: Cathedral of St. Mary, Main square, St. Paul Monastery, St. John the Baptist Church, St. Matthew Church, Arch of the Star, Bukhako Tower, Stork Palace.

Or "Concatedral de Santa Maria de Caceres" - the main Christian temple of Caceres. Its construction began in the thirteenth century, but it was not completed until the sixteenth century. The cathedral has a transitional Roman-Gothic style. In 1931, it was included in the "List of Historical and Cultural Heritage of Spain", in 1957, made the center of the diocese of Coria Caceres.

Or "Iglesia de Santiago" - an old knightly Christian church, built in the thirteenth century and completely rebuilt in the sixteenth century. It has Roman-Gothic features and is located near the fortress wall. The main temple relic is the statue of Jesus Christ, by Thomas de la Huerta, as well as a retablo with illustrations of the life of Christ and his saints.

Or "Iglesia de San Mateo" - a very significant religious building of the city, since 1982, included in the "List of Historical and Cultural Heritage of Spain". The church began to be built in the sixteenth century on the site of a mosque, which was erected on the foundations of another, earlier Christian temple. The noble inhabitants of Caceres are buried in the chapels. In the Chapel of St. John you can see the painting "Christ de la Ensina", which tells about a miracle that happened in America.

- a settlement in the western part of Spain, which was in the possession of the Romans and Arabs, but conquered by Hannibal. The richest city in the cultural and historical sense of the Spanish region of Castile and Leon, famous for its many attractions. The historical center of the city has been under the protection of UNESCO since 1988.

Or "Plaza Mayor" - in the Baroque style, considered one of the most beautiful in Spain, it was designed in the eighteenth century by architects Alberto and Nicholas Churriguera on the orders of King Philip the Fifth, in gratitude local residents for their support as a contender for the throne during the War of the Spanish Succession. The square is surrounded by amazing buildings decorated with arcades. It can accommodate twenty thousand people. Previously, bullfights were held on the square, and now there are concerts.

Old cathedral or "La Vieja Catedral de Salamanca" - the cathedral was founded in the twelfth century in the Romanesque style, but was completed in the fourteenth century, already in the Gothic style. In the sixteenth century, there was no longer a place for the numerous students of the University of Salamanca and a new cathedral began to be built nearby. Today, the covered gallery of this cathedral, built in 1526, houses the Cathedral Museum, with a rich collection of paintings. Another very interesting attraction in the building of the cathedral is an old organ dating back to the fourteenth century.

The university or "La Universidad" - a beautiful structure in the "plateresque" style, there is an old university library, which contains one hundred and sixty thousand volumes of literary works. The University of Salamanca acquired its current luxurious appearance in 1534, and since then it has been considered an unsurpassed masterpiece of Spain in this style.

In Salamanca, tourists should visit a lot of other interesting sights: the Jesuit College of Cleresia, the Duenius Monastery, the Church and Monastery of San Esteban, the Monterey Palace, the Salina Palace, the Urusulino Monastery, the Roman Bridge, the Salamanca Cave - the place where the Devil taught.

- the settlement appeared on a consecrated place, a century after the execution of two children, which happened here by order of the emperor Diocletian in 306. And at the time when Madrid was a small village, the city of Alcala de Henares was considered the religious center of Spain. Since ancient times, there have been monasteries, castles, churches, and in 1998 the city was included in the "List of Cities of World Cultural Heritage".

Or "Palacio de Laredo" - the most beautiful landmark of the city, an eclectic building, built at the end of the nineteenth century by the artist, architect, designer Manuel José de Laredo. In his brainchild, he combined elements of several architectural styles: Neo-Gothic, Neo-Mudejar, Neo-Moorish.

The university- the building is a real hallmark of the city, it was created by the architect Rodrigo Gil. It is possible to get inside the university only as part of excursion group... Today there are twelve humanities faculties in the following specialties: pharmaceuticals, biology, chemistry, history, economics, philosophy, literature, librarianship, Spanish philology, English philology, history, architecture, sports, tourism and so on.

The city has a lot of attractions: the House-Museum of Cervantes, the Town Hall, the "Gate of the Martyrs", the Cathedral of the Holy Children, the Madrede Dios Monastery - and they are protected by UNESCO.

- a famous pilgrimage point located in the north-west of Spain. The city is included in the UNESCO list.

Or "Catedral de Santiago de Compostela" - located on Platerias Square, and is notable for the fact that the relics of the Apostle James are buried here, which made the city the main center of European pilgrimage along the "Way of St. James". Thousands of believers pass along this path today. The grave with the remains of St. James was discovered in the ninth century by Bishop Theodomir. It is located in the main altar of the cathedral's presbytery. The Ark Chapel, built in the sixteenth century, houses the relics of royalty. The museum at the cathedral has a rich collection of Spanish art from the ninth to the nineteenth centuries, including tapestries based on sketches by Rubens and Goya.

Or "Universidad de Santiago de Compostela" - the oldest in Europe, founded in 1495 as the "School of Grammar" by Lope Gomez de Marzoa.

Other monuments and sights of Santiago de Compostela that are no less worth exploring: Cappela Animas, the Rajoy Palace, the Monastery of St. Martin Pinario, also amaze with the beauty of their architecture and interesting history.

We talked about eight stunningly beautiful small Spanish cities that are protected by UNESCO, and are famous throughout the world for their magnificent architecture. And no wonder that more than fifty million tourists from different parts of the world come to Spain every year.

Sunny Spain is rich both on clear days and unique sights that grew out of its amazing history and combines the features of many diverse cultures - ancient, which has come down to us since the times of the Holy Roman Empire; Islamic, left over from Arab rule; European - Christian and Jewish, during the Middle Ages.

One of the warmest Western European countries can offer tourists both beach vacation on chic Mediterranean coasts and numerous excursion programs in ancient cities, each of which contains its own set of attractions.

Alpine Avila was founded by the Veton tribe in the 5th century. BC. The main attractions of the city are the Avila Cathedral, built at the beginning in the Romanesque, then in the Gothic and only in the 18th century in the Baroque style. And the ancient fortress wall, consisting of eighty-eight towers and nine gates, is more than two and a half kilometers long. There are also two important religious monuments in Avila: the church of San Juan Bautista, in which St. Teresa, and the monastery of Encarnacion, in which she spent twenty-seven years of her life.

Hotels in Avila

Founded as a Celtic settlement, Cuenca did not immediately become a Spanish city. At one time it belonged to the Romans, then the Moors, then the Arabs. Today Cuenca boasts a unique collection of medieval monuments from different cultures: the Gothic Cathedral of the 12th century, the Moorish watchtower of Magnana, the unusual Church of San Miguel, combining Arabic and Gothic motives.

Hotels in Cuenca city

Located on the island of Tenerife, the city was founded in 1496. At one time it functioned as the capital of the Canary Islands. San Cristobal de la Laguna is known for its vernacular architecture. His historical monuments are of a religious nature. These include the first church in Tenerife - Iglesia de la Concepción (15th century), a 17th century convent and the Cathedral, rebuilt from a small church Blessed virgin Mary in the 18th century.

Hotels: City of San Cristobal de la Laguna

Founded at the beginning of the new era (29-34) and flourishing under the Moors, Caceres has preserved the medieval charm of architecture, combining elements of Roman, Islamic and Gothic culture. The old city with its majestic walls and towers, the Cathedral of Our Lady and medieval mansions of the nobility in Caceres are adjacent to the unique Jewish quarter of San Antonio, formed in the 13th-15th centuries.

Hotels in the city of Caceres

Salamanca, located in the west of Spain, got its name after the conquest by Hannibal. During its existence, the city managed to visit both Roman and Arab rule. In the XI-XII centuries, the Christian population returned to Salamanca. The historic city center with its baroque Plaza Mayor, Roman bridge and numerous medieval cathedrals has been a UNESCO site since 1988.

Hotels in Salamanca City

The birthplace of Cervantes and the seat of the oldest Spanish University, founded in the 15th century by Cardinal Cisneros, is 35 km away. from. The main sights of the city, protected by UNESCO, are located in the historical center - the Gothic cathedral church of the 12th century, the Cathedral of the Holy Children, the Archbishop's Palace, the Cervantes square and house, the street of the Colleges and the Martyrs' Gate.

Hotels in Alcala de Henares

The ancient capital of Spain was founded in 192 BC. as a Roman outpost "Toletum". Today, the ancient city preserves architectural traces of different eras and cultures: the ruins of an ancient amphitheater and a Roman aqueduct, the former Cristo de la Luz Mosque (X century) and the oldest European synagogue Santa Maria la Blanca (XII century), the Cathedral St. Mary (XIII-XV centuries) and numerous Catholic churches and monasteries.

Hotels in Toledo city

The ancient Andalusian city, founded during the Phoenician colonization, reached its cultural and scientific heyday in the tenth century, when it became the capital of the Muslim state - the Caliphate of Cordoba. Along with Arab monuments of architecture, the main of which is Cathedral Mosque(Mesquita), Cordoba has a unique Roman bridge, built under Octavian Augustus, and the country's largest Synagogue of the 14th century.

Hotels in Cordoba city

The legendary city is known throughout the Christian world as the burial place of the relics of the Apostle James. The Cathedral of Santiago (this is where the sacred remains are kept), erected in the XI-XIII centuries, combines features of Spanish Romanesque and Baroque architecture in its facade. It is the end point of the “Way of St. James” pilgrimage route, which runs through the whole country and is included in the UNESCO List.

Hotels: City of Santiago de Compostela

Historical and cultural heritage of Spain is rich and varied. The color of this country, its unique beauty inspired Picasso, Goya, Velazquez, Dali.

The influence of various peoples, religions and cultures, the border position between Europe and Africa, the isolation of the Mediterranean and the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean - all this is reflected in the majestic monuments and interesting traditions of Spain. Already in ancient times, Spain was a welcome prey for invaders - from the Phoenicians to the Romans. In the Middle Ages, most of the country was owned by the Arabs, who invaded here in the 8th century from North Africa. By the end of the 15th century, Christians had conquered Spain and united it. All generations of rulers have tried to achieve cultural unity, but the cultural traditions of Spain are variegated, as before. And some regions are still proud of their originality and independence.

Almost the entire country is one huge historical Museum in the open air, surrounded by a ring of beautiful seashores and resort areas, many of which are considered the best in Europe.

The cultural heritage of Madrid distinguishes it from many cities in the world, thanks to an incredible number of artistic, architectural and historical sights.

O
the bottom of the main cultural attractions of the city is the Prado Museum, founded by Maria Isabella Braganza, the second wife of Ferdinand VII. In 1819 the museum was housed in the present building as the Royal Museum. The museum building was commissioned by King Charles III in 1785, designed by the architect Juan de Villanueva.

D
in other major museums in Madrid, the Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, together with the Prado Museum, they form the so-called "golden triangle of arts". The first contains paintings of contemporary art. In particular, the Reina Sofia Museum houses the most famous painting by Pablo Picasso "Guernica", as well as the works of Salvador Dalia by Joan Miró. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum houses paintings from different eras, from the Renaissance to the works of the Impressionists, Surrealists and Cubists.

Also of interest is the collection of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, which has 1,300 paintings, including works by Velazquez, Rubens and Goya.

IV. Organizing and conducting shopping tours in Madrid

In accordance with the individual goal of the practice: the organization of shopping tours in Madrid, the main locations for such tours were identified.

Z and shopping in Madrid is better to go in the summer. At this time, the sales season begins here. Showcases begin to dazzle with bright inscriptions Rebajas (rebahas) - denoting seasonal discounts. And the excellent weather will accompany you during long walks through the numerous shops of the city.

Shopping in Madrid is concentrated in eight main areas: Salamanca, Arguelles, Fuencarral and Chueca, Gran Via, Ourense and Asca, Preciados and Sol. Each area deserves special attention, it has its own personality and is not at all like the others.

Salamanca is the most fashionable area of ​​Madrid. Salamanca's bright shop windows are full of a variety of prestigious brands. Here are concentrated boutiques of famous fashion houses, shops with exclusive clothing and footwear, antique salons, jewelry stores and elegant restaurants. The main shopping streets are Jorge Juan, Claudio Coelho, Goya, Serrano, Ortega y Gasset and Velazquez. Here you will find the famous boutiques of Armani, Versace, Adolfo Dominiguez, Antonio Pernas and many other famous fashion designers.

The Arguels region will offer you more affordable prices. It is close to the Egyptian Temple of Debod and the green area of ​​Parque del Oeste. In this area, on both sides of Princesa Street, you can find many fashion boutiques. In addition, there is also the Zara building and the huge El Corte Inglés department store. The endless area of ​​the department store houses hundreds of stores of famous European brands. For an affordable price, here you can buy clothes, accessories and footwear of such brands as Springfield, Zara, Mango, Pepe Jeans, Stradivarius, Massimo Dutti, and many others.

F Huencarral and Chueca is an area in the center of Madrid. This iconic place is today the cultural and creative center of the modern youth of the capital. Here you can find hundreds of boutiques, brand shops, souvenir shops, restaurants and bars. In this area there is a market created as an alternative to shopping centers (Calle Fuencarral 45. Metro Fuencarral). More than 45 stores offer avant-garde clothing for all tastes. The market constantly hosts unusual performances, film screenings and various performances.

Ourense and Asca is the business center of Madrid. There are many shopping malls and commercial stores around it. Most of the trade is concentrated on Concha Espina Avenue, Ourense Street, and Paseo de la Abana Boulevard. In this area, you can find various fashion boutiques and expensive clothing stores on every corner. It also houses the city's largest department store El Corte Inglés and two large commercial centers - Fashion Shopping and La Esquina del Bernabeu.

Gran Vía is one of the main arteries of the city. This street can be called the sister of American Broadway. Gran Via in Spanish means large or wide street. This street is home to stately buildings dating back to the early twentieth century, huge multiplex cinemas and many different shops and stalls. From Plaza de Espana to Callao, you can find rows of luxury shoe shops. Callao is home to rows of fashion boutiques, as well as two large specialized stores - Madrid Rock and the book house La Cassa del Libro. There are many prestigious jewelry stores near Alcala Street. Shopping in Madrid

NS Resiados and Sol is the tourist center of the city and the most visited part of Madrid. In this area, on the Puerta del Sol, you can find the zero mark of all roads in Spain. Even just walking along the crowded streets of Preciados and Sol will be a real pleasure. When shopping in this area, be sure that you will find anything here: clothing and footwear stores, fashion stores and boutiques, souvenirs, fabrics and electrical appliances, jewelry stores, boutiques with wedding dresses and accessories, restaurants, bars, commercial centers, etc. much more.