People have inhabited the area we know as Spain today since around the year second millennium BC. That leaves Spain with one of the longest continuous building histories in the world.
In Spain, architecture is a highly respected profession. So there are numerous architectural masterpieces still standing today – both historical and new – that attract thousands of tourists to the country.
Read on to find out which buildings to add to your Spanish design travel bucket list.
La Sagrada Familia
Antoni Gaudí’s La Sagrada Familia is probably the most iconic buildings in the world. From its wild towers to its unbelievably detailed finishes, it takes the viewer on a journey inside the architect’s creative genius.
This unsurpassed example of Spanish architecture is one of them frequented place in Spain. It’s often under renovation, so try to book your trip around that period if you want an unobstructed view of the building by scaffolding.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Canadian-American Frank Gehry is probably probably the most famous architects in the world. He made buildings all over the world and also left his mark on Spain.
The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is one of nine commissioned by the Guggenheim Foundation. It houses an impressive collection of international and Spanish artworks.
This museum spurred local architects to push boundaries. Contemporary residential architecture like this Marbella luxury villa for sale is an example.
Toledo Cathedral
The history of Toledo Cathedral dates back to the 1200s, even though it has been renovated and improved over the centuries.
The building boasts more than 750 handcrafted stained glass windows, five enormous doorways and a gigantic basilica. Be sure to look at the altar in the Main Chapel, commissioned by Cardinal Cisneros in the late 1400s.
There are only a handful of Spanish High Gothic buildings remaining today. So this cathedral is a must visit for anyone interested in that religious movement or architecture.
Hotel Marques de Riscal
Spanish construction has provided us with some excellent accommodations, such as the Hotel Marques de Riscal.
The hotel’s risqué exterior contains a dramatic corrugated steel roof. It was designed by the one and only Frank Gehry, who used the same method he used when creating the Guggenheim Bilbao concept.
Staying at this five star hotel will provide you with lots of changes. If you do not want to spend money on a bed, book a table at the 1 Michelin-star restaurant inside.
Visit Spain for Stunning Architecture
Whether you prefer Frank Gehry’s modern masterpieces or the mystique of buildings handcrafted by our ancestors, Spanish architecture has something for you. Sure, you can see all of these buildings online, but there’s nothing quite like stepping inside a brilliantly constructed structure in real life.
For more interesting travel tips, browse other articles on our blog.
