Historical and cultural heritage of Spain. III.Historical and cultural heritage of Spain Musical World Heritage Site from Spain

16.01.202427.05.2017

Sunny Spain is rich in both clear days and unique attractions that have grown out of its amazing history and combine 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, from the Middle Ages.

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

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

Hotels: Avila city

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

Hotels: 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. Its historical monuments are of a religious nature. These include the first church of Tenerife - Iglesia de la Concepción (XV century), a convent of the 17th century and the Cathedral, rebuilt from a small church of the 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, Cáceres has retained to this day the medieval charm of its architecture, combining elements of Roman, Islamic and Gothic culture. The old town with majestic fortress walls and towers, the Cathedral of Our Lady and medieval mansions of the nobility coexist in Caceres with the unique Jewish quarter of San Antonio, formed in the 13th-15th centuries.

Hotels: Caceres city

Salamanca, located in western Spain, got its name after its conquest by Hannibal. During its existence, the city managed to be under both Roman and Arab rule. In the 11th-12th 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: 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 attractions 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 square and the Cervantes House, the College Street and the Martyrs' Gate.

Hotels: Alcala de Henares

The ancient capital of Spain was founded in 192 BC. as a Roman outpost "Toletum". Today, the ancient city contains architectural traces of different eras and cultures: the ruins of an ancient amphitheater and a Roman aqueduct, the former Cristo de la Luz mosque (10th century) and the oldest European synagogue Santa Maria la Blanca (12th century), the Cathedral St. Mary's (XIII-XV centuries) and numerous Catholic churches and monasteries.

Hotels: 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 Cordoba Caliphate. Along with Arab architectural monuments, the main one of which is the Cathedral Mosque (Mezquita), Cordoba has a unique Roman bridge, built under Octavian Augustus, and the largest Synagogue in the country of the 14th century.

Hotels: Cordoba city

The legendary city is known throughout the Christian world as the burial place of the relics of the Apostle James. The Santiago Cathedral (it is where the sacred remains are kept), built in the 11th-13th centuries, combines in its façade the features of Spanish Romanesque and Baroque architecture. It is the end point of the pilgrimage road “The Way of St. James” that runs through the entire country and is included in the UNESCO List.

Hotels: city of Santiago de Compostela

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UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage Sites in Spain

On the UNESCO World Heritage List in the Kingdom
Spain lists 45 names (as of 2016), this amounts to 4.3%
of the total (1052 as of 2016). 40 objects are included in the list by
cultural criteria, with 17 of them recognized as masterpieces
human genius (criterion i), 3 objects included according to natural
criteria, each of which is recognized as a natural phenomenon
exceptional beauty and aesthetic importance (criterion vii), and
also 2 mixed objects, one of which also falls under
criterion vii. In addition, as of 2016, 32 objects in
Spanish territories are among the candidates for inclusion in
World Heritage List. Kingdom of Spain ratified
Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage
heritage May 4, 1982. The first five objects located on
Spanish territories were listed in 1984 at the 8th session
UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

Cultural heritage

Ibiza is famous not only
with its clubs and parties, but
and historically significant
monuments included
to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The most important monument in
island - a castle located on
the highest point of the island. First
the castle is mentioned in the 12th century.
It is believed that it was built during the reign of
Muslims, and was originally used for military purposes. IN
our time the castle is one of the most
attractive tourist sites of the island. In the castle
an archaeological museum has been created, where various
artifacts discovered in Ibiza itself

Merida is located in
central part of the province
Extremadura, capital
which it is. City
got its name from
similar to the Latin term
Emerita, which applied to
soldiers who died with dignity
resignation.
The city was founded by Publius Carisio
decree of Octavius Augustus in the distant year 25 BC
AD and was called Colonia Lulia
Augusta Emerita, while in status
capital of the province of Lusitania.

In our time, the archaeological sites of Merida are listed
protected UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Of the most
surviving of them, one can highlight the impressive stone bridge across
the Guadiana River, a luxurious theater, a large circus arena, a majestic
an amphitheater and a unique water supply system with
a grand aqueduct.

Third World Heritage Site: Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe

Third World Heritage Site:
Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe
Majestic
monastery, which
clearly illustrates
represents four centuries
development of religious
architecture of Spain.

Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe,
located in the Spanish province of Caceres, was founded
by King Alfonso XI in 1340 on the site of a chapel in which,
according to legend, a figurine of the Virgin of Guadalupe was found.
Virgin Mary of Guadalupe, considered the patroness
Extremadura was especially revered among the conquistadors,
who glorified her name in the New World.

The monastery is unique in that
connects all known
Spanish directions
religious architecture
directions that existed on
for four hundred years since
the moment of its foundation. He
symbolizes two grandiose
events that happened in the world
stories.
In 1993, the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe was included in the list
protected sites of the World Cultural
UNESCO heritage for its unique
cultural and historical value.

UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage Sites in India

In the list of objects of the World
UNESCO heritage in India includes 35 items (as of 2016
year), this represents 3.3% of the total (1052 for 2016).
27 objects are included in the list according to cultural criteria, 7
object - natural, 1 object - cultural and
natural. 12 objects are recognized as masterpieces of humanity
creative genius (criterion i), 3 objects recognized
natural phenomena or spaces of exceptional
natural beauty and aesthetic importance (criterion vii).
In addition, as of 2016, 44 objects in the territory
states are among the candidates for inclusion in the list
world heritage.

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal - mausoleum-mosque,
located in Agra, India, on
bank of the Jamna River (architects,
probably Ustad-Isa and others). Built
by order of a descendant of Tamerlane -
padishah of the Great Empire
Mughal Shah Jahan in memory of
wife of Mumtaz Mahal, who died during
birth of the fourteenth child
(later he was buried here himself
Shah Jahan).
Taj Mahal (also "Taj")
considered the best example
Mughal style architecture, which
combines elements
Indian, Persian and
Arabic architectural styles.
In 1983, the Taj Mahal was named a World Heritage Site
UNESCO heritage: "a pearl of Muslim art"
in India, one of the universally recognized masterpieces of heritage,
admired all over the world."

Present tense

Recently within the walls of the Taj Mahal
cracks were found. By
According to scientists, the appearance of cracks
may be associated with shallowing
the river Jumna flowing nearby.
The disappearance of the river will lead to
changes in soil structure and
subsidence of the mausoleum, and maybe
even to its destruction. He also
began to lose its legendary
whiteness due to contaminated
air. Despite
expanding park area
around the Taj Mahal and closure
a number of particularly dirty
industries in Agra, mausoleum everything
turns yellow anyway. He has to
clean regularly with
special white clay.

Daily Taj Mahal
visited by tens of thousands
people, at the expense of tourists
"Indian pearl"
brings the country's treasury
a lot of money. In a year
Taj Mahal visits from
3 to 5 million
visitors, of which
more than 200,000 - from abroad. Majority
tourists come to
cool months
years - October, November and
February

Red Fort (Agra)

Red Fort - serf
building in Indian mountains
ode of Agra, who served in
era of the Great Empire
Mughal residence
rulers. Located above
Yamuna River just 2.5 km
from the Taj Mahal. Together with
nim red fort
in 1983 was included in
list of world
UNESCO heritage. Part
Red Fort area
today used in
military purposes and not available
for visitors.

Agra is famous
many tourists
thanks to
the famous Taj Mahal. However, on
territory of this
cities
still located
some
interesting
awns, among
which
stands out Krasny
th fort.
This amazing building began to be built in the middle of the 16th century, when
Akbar the Great decided to change the capital of the state and move it
from Delhi to Agra. A beautiful palace was built on the territory
fort and surrounded by a fence whose height reached 21 meters.

Agra, Red Fort consists of several palaces, which were intended for recreation, residence and government needs. Located around

Agra, Red Fort consists of
Of several palaces, which were intended for recreation, residence and government
needs. There were beautiful gardens and magnificent mosques all around. The fort combined two
style - Hindu and Muslim, this happened with all large buildings of that
era.

Ajanta Caves - a World Heritage Site

The Ajanta temple complex is located in
Indian state of Maharashtra. Cliff, in
in which caves are hollowed out, resembles
horseshoe The entire complex includes 29
caves that are connected by one path.
Ajanta temples are square halls,
surrounded by monastery cells. Necessary
to say that previously there was a lead from each temple
the road to the embankment, but now they are all
connected by a wide platform.
Buddhist monks used the caves
for prayers for many centuries, but later
suddenly left them. Reopened
cave temples existed only in 1819.

What does the cave complex look like?

All caves are numbered from 1 to 29. Quite justifiably the most
The first and second caves are considered beautiful. If you are visiting for the first time
complex in Ajanta, you will be surprised by the size of the first cave,
where the ceiling height reaches 6 meters and the width is 12 meters.

Scientists cannot explain how, in the twilight of the caves, the monks painted the walls with the finest designs using several colors. Existence

Scientists cannot explain how the monks painted the walls in the twilight of caves
the finest drawings using several colors. Exists
version that ancient painters caught the sun with mirrors and sent it into
darkness, as they did in Egypt. It is possible that the monks developed their own way
cave lighting. Unfortunately, this question remains open for now.

One way or another, Ajanta has become a cult place for thousands of people who come every day to see the famous caves with their own eyes.

Caves attract tourists for various reasons: some are attracted
the splendor of the frescoes, others - the secrets associated with this place,
some find peace of mind in these majestic halls,
some people just can't resist the views
terrace near the caves.
Anyway, Ajanta
became a cult
place for thousands
people daily
coming to see
with my own eyes
famous caves.

UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage Sites in the USA

Total in the complete World Heritage List for 2016
there are 1052 objects, that is, the share of US objects in the world -
2,1 %.
Of the 22 World Heritage Sites in the United States: 10 cultural and 13
natural objects. 2 cultural sites recognized as masterpieces
human genius (criterion i) and 10 objects - natural
phenomena of exceptional beauty and aesthetic importance
(criterion vii). Everglades National Park is on the List
world heritage under threat.

Statue of Liberty

Statue of Liberty -
colossal sculpture in
neoclassical style in ost
Liberty Ditch approximately
3 km southwest of southern
tip of Manhattan Island
Ten, USA.
Since 1984, the Statue of Liberty
included in the World List
UNESCO heritage.

The sculpture is a gift from France for the World Exhibition of 1876 and
centenary of American independence. The statue holds a torch in his right hand
and the tablet on the left. Visitors walk 356 steps up to the statue's crown.
freedom or 192 steps to the top of the pedestal. The crown contains 25
windows that symbolize earthly gems and heavenly rays,
illuminating the world. The seven rays on the crown of the statue symbolize the seven seas and
seven continents.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National
a park -
international biosphere
reserve, World Heritage Site
UNESCO heritage, first in
world national
park (founded March 1, 1872).
Located in the USA, in the territory
states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho
xo. The park is famous
numerous geysers and
other geothermal
objects rich in living
nature, picturesque
landscapes. Park area -
898.3 thousand hectares.
On the vast territory of the park
there are lakes, rivers, canyons and
caves.
About two thousand species of plants grow in the park,
there are several hundred
species of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish, in
including those under threat of destruction.

The park is one of the most
visited in the USA. Since the 1960s it
visit at least two annually
millions of tourists. In 2006 the park
visited by 2,870,295 people
In the national park
are 9
information
centers and museums,
some of which
attributed to
historical
monuments.

Great Smoky Mountains (national park)

National park, part of a biosphere reserve and
natural UNESCO World Heritage Site located in
the central part of the ridge of the same name (the name of which can be
literally translated as Great Smoky Mountains) mountain
Appalachian systems. Administrative location of the park -
American states of North Carolina and Tennessee, the border between
which runs along the middle part of the ridge. According to
Federal National Park Service, the Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park on
territory of this country - for example, in 2007 it was visited by 9.4
million people, more than double the number
visitors to the second most popular Grand Canyon.

The national park has more than 150 hiking trails
trails of varying degrees of difficulty, total length
which exceeds 1,300 km (800 miles), as well as about 885 km (550
miles) of riding routes. Most of them were
laid by workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps
environment during the Great Depression

UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage Sites in Russia

On the UNESCO World Heritage List in Russia
The Federation has 26 names (as of 2016), this is
makes up 2.5% of the total (1052 as of 2016). 16 objects
included in the list according to cultural criteria, and 6 of them
recognized as a masterpiece of human genius (criterion i), and 10
objects are included according to natural criteria, and 4 of them
recognized as natural phenomena of exceptional beauty and
aesthetic importance (criterion vii). In 2016 Russia
ranked 9th in the world in terms of total number of objects
world heritage, and in terms of the number of natural sites - 4th
(after China, USA and Australia).

Western Caucasus

Western Caucasus is part of the Greater Caucasus mountain system, located
west of the meridional line passing through Mount Elbrus. Part
The Western Caucasus from Anapa to Mount Fisht is characterized by low-mountain and
mid-mountain relief (the so-called North-Western, or
Black Sea Caucasus), further east to Elbrus mountain system
takes on a typical alpine appearance with numerous glaciers and
highland landforms.
In a narrower understanding, which is followed in mountaineering and tourism literature, only the Western Caucasus is considered
part of the Main Caucasian Ridge from Mount Fisht to Elbrus. In the territory
Western Caucasus - Sochi National Park, Caucasian
state reserve, Ritsa reserve,
Pskhu Nature Reserve, Bolshoy Tkhach Nature Park, Ridge
Buiny", natural monument "Upper reaches of the Tsitsa River", natural monument
“The upper reaches of the rivers Pshekha and Pshekhashkha”, Teberda Nature Reserve, located
protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The most popular for climbers and tourists
districts: Arkhyz, Dombay, Uzunkol

They played a major role in the formation of the relief of the Western Caucasus
ancient and modern mountain glaciers. Common here
trough valleys, tarns, moraines. In limestone massifs
northern part of the territory, subject to karst processes,
Numerous caves and cavities formed, including some
one of the longest and deepest in Russia (up to 600 meters depth and 15
kilometers in length). They form complex underground systems with
rivers, lakes and waterfalls.
On rock outcrops you can find the most interesting
remains of extinct organisms. So, the valley of the Belaya River (left
tributary of the Kuban) thanks to numerous finds of giant
ammonite shells (sometimes more than 1 m in diameter) acquired
worldwide fame.
The territory is rich in picturesque objects: powerful waterfalls,
pointed mountain peaks (up to 3360 meters), rugged
rivers with clear water, clean lakes, huge trees
(fir trees up to 70 meters high and more than 2 meters in diameter), rare
plants (orchids) and much more.

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

The influence of different 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 desirable prey for invaders - from the Phoenicians to the Romans. In the Middle Ages, most of the country was ruled 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 unified it. All generations of rulers tried to achieve unity in culture, but the cultural traditions of Spain are as varied as before. And some regions are still proud of their identity and independence.

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

Madrid's cultural heritage sets it apart from many cities in the world, thanks to its incredible number of artistic, architectural and historical attractions.

ABOUT
One 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 moved into the present building as the Royal Museum. The museum building was commissioned by King Charles III in 1785 and designed by the architect Juan de Villanueva.

D
Two other major museums in Madrid - the Reina Sofia Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum - together with the Prado Museum form the so-called “golden triangle of art”. The first contains paintings of contemporary art. In particular, the Reina Sofia Museum houses Pablo Picasso's most famous painting, Guernica, as well as works by Salvador Dalia and 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 contains 1,300 paintings, including works by Velazquez, Rubens and Goya.

IV.Organization and conduct of shopping tours in Madrid

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

Z and it’s better to go shopping in Madrid in the summer. At this time, the sales season begins here. The windows begin to be full of bright inscriptions Rebajas (rebajas) - indicating seasonal discounts. And 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, Argüelles, Fuencarral and Chueca, Gran Via, Ourense and Asca, Preciados and Sol. Each district deserves special attention; it has its own individuality and is completely different from the others.

Salamanca is the most fashionable area of Madrid. The bright shop windows of Salamanca are replete with a variety of products from prestigious brands. Boutiques of famous fashion houses, shops with exclusive clothes and shoes, antique salons, jewelry shops and elegant restaurants are concentrated here. The main shopping streets are: Jorge Juan, Claudio Coelho, Goya, Serrano, Ortega y Gasset and Velazquez. Here you will find famous boutiques of Armani, Versace, Adolfo Dominiguez, Antonio Pernas and many other famous fashion designers.

The Arguelles area will offer you more affordable prices. It is close to the Egyptian Temple of Debod and the Parque del Oeste green area. In this area, on both sides of Princes Street, you can find many fashion boutiques. In addition, the Zara building and the huge El Corte Inglés department store are also located here. The endless areas of the department store contain hundreds of stores of famous European brands. At an affordable price, here you can buy clothes, accessories and shoes from such brands as Springfield, Zara, Mango, Pepe Jeans, Stradivarius, Massimo Dutti, and many others.

F Huencarral and Chueca are an area in the center of Madrid. This iconic place today is the cultural and creative center of the modern youth of the capital. Here you can find hundreds of boutiques, brand stores, 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 will offer avant-garde clothing for every taste. The market constantly hosts unusual performances, film screenings and various performances.

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

Gran Via is one of the main arteries of the city. This street can be called the sister of American Broadway. Gran Via in Spanish means big or wide street. On this street there are majestic buildings built at the beginning of the twentieth century, huge multiplex cinemas and many different shops and retail stalls. From Plaza de España to Callao you can find rows of luxury shoe stores. Callao is lined with fashion boutiques, and there are also two large specialty stores - Madrid Rock and the house of the book La Cassa del Libro. There are many prestigious jewelry stores located near Alcalá Street. Shopping in Madrid

P Reciados and Sol are the tourist center of the city, and the most visited part of Madrid. In this area, in Puerta del Sol, you can find the zero mark of all highways in Spain. Even just strolling through the crowded streets of Preciados and Sol will be a real treat. When going shopping in this area, be sure that here you will find everything: clothing and shoe stores, fashion stores and boutiques, souvenirs, fabrics and electrical appliances, jewelry stores, boutiques with wedding dresses and accessories, restaurants, bars, shopping centers and much more.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places of special cultural or natural significance. In total, there are 44 such sites in Spain, of which 39 are cultural, 3 are natural, and another 2 are mixed.

It is worth noting that only a few of them are described here, since there is simply not enough space to describe all such significant monuments. So let's look at some UNESCO heritage sites in Spain.

The heart of the historical center of Cordoba is the Cordoba Cathedral Mosque -
Catholic church built in the 7th century, converted into a mosque after the conquest of Cordoba by the Moors in the 8th century and converted back into a church in the 13th century after the recapture of Cordoba by the Christians. During Cordoba's Moorish rule, Cordoba had approximately 300 mosques and its architecture was compared to Constantinople, Baghdad and Damascus.

Cathedral of Burgos

This Gothic cathedral was built between the 13th and 16th centuries. The national hero of Spain, the famous El Cid, is buried here.

Works by Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona, Catalonia

Gaudí's architectural style is usually described as "modernism", but it is a very distinctive modernism. Initially, Park Güell, Palau Güell and Casa Mila were included in the World Heritage List, and in 2005 Casa Vicens, one of the façades of the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlo and the Chapel of Colonia Güell were added to the list.

Altamira Cave and Paleolithic art in northern Spain

The Altamira Cave contains images from the Upper Paleolithic era from 35,000 to 11,000 BC. A total of seventeen caves are included in the list. The drawings are well preserved due to the isolation of the caves from climate change.

Old town of Segovia and its aqueduct

The Roman aqueduct in Segovia was built in the 1st century AD, the medieval Alcazar in the 11th century, and the cathedral in the 16th century.

Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of Asturias

The Kingdom of Asturias remained the only Christian region in Spain in the 9th century. A special style of pre-Romanesque architecture was formed here, in which churches and other historical buildings of that time were built. Initially, only Asturian churches were included in the World Heritage List, but later other historical monuments were also included in it, such as La Foncalada, an ancient drinking water fountain.

Old town of Santiago de Compostela

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is considered the burial place of St. James, it is also the end point of the Way of St. James pilgrimage, which runs through northern Spain. The old city was destroyed by Muslims in the 10th century and rebuilt in the 11th century.

Old town of Avila, Castile and Leon

The defensive wall surrounding the old city was built in the 11th century. With its 82 semicircular towers and 9 gates, it is one of the best preserved defensive walls in Spain.

Architecture of Aragon in the Mudejar style

The list includes ten buildings built between the 12th and 17th centuries in the Mudejar style, a mixture of traditional Islamic and modern European architecture.

Historic center of Toledo

Toledo was founded by the Romans, was the capital of the Visigothic Kingdom, was an important city in Islamic Spain and during the Reconquista, and at one time was even the capital of Spain. The city's architecture displays Christian, Islamic and Jewish influences.

Garajonay National Park, La Gomera, Canary Islands

The territory of the national park is 70% covered with laurel forests - vegetation characteristic of the Tertiary period and disappeared in Europe due to climate change, although such forests once covered the entire territory of southern Europe.

Old town of Caceres, Extremadura

The architecture of the old city shows the influence of Roman, Muslim, Northern Gothic and Renaissance architecture. There are thirty well-preserved Moorish-style towers here.

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzin, Granada, Andalusia

These three sites resulted from Muslim ownership of southern Spain.
The Alhambra Fortress and the Generalife Palace were built by the rulers of the Emirate of Granada. The Albayzin district of Granada contains outstanding examples of characteristic Moorish architecture.

Cathedral, Alcazar and Archive of the Indies, Seville, Spain

The Alcazar is a royal palace built during the rule of Seville by the Moorish Almohad dynasty. The cathedral was built in the 15th century and is where Ferdinand III and Christopher Columbus are buried. The Archives contains documents detailing the colonization of America.

Old town of Salamanca

Salamanca has a reputation as a student city, as the local university was founded in 1218 and is the oldest in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe. The city was first conquered by the Carthaginians in the 3rd century and was later controlled by the Romans and Moors. The city center of Salamanca is a mixture of Romanesque, Gothic, Moorish, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

Monastery of Poblet, Vimbodi, Catalonia

The monastery was founded by the Cistercians in 1151 and is one of the oldest in Spain. It was the residence of many medieval royal families of Spain, especially the kings of Aragon. The monarchs of Aragon are buried here - Alfonso II, Joan I, Joan II, James I, Ferdinand I and Pere IV.

Archaeological Ensemble of Merida

Merida was founded in 25 BC and was the capital of the province of Lusitania. An aqueduct, a bridge, an amphitheater, a theatre, a circus and a forum remain from the Roman era.

Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe, Extremadura

The monastery houses a shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe, discovered in the 13th century after she was buried by Muslims in 714. The monastery and shrine served as an important symbol during the Reconquest, which ended in 1492. The shrine was also a symbol of the conversion of Indians to Christianity in America.

Way of Saint James

This pilgrimage route runs from the French-Spanish border to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where according to legend the Apostle James is buried.

Historic city of Cuenca

The Moors built a fortified city in the 8th century. In the 12th century it was captured by Christians. Cuenca Cathedral is the first Gothic cathedral in all of Spain. The city is also famous for houses that seem to hang from cliffs.

Silk Exchange of Valencia

The Silk Exchange is a group of Gothic buildings in the center of Valencia, highlighting its power and wealth during the Middle Ages.

Palace of Catalan Music and Sant Pau Hospital, Barcelona

Both buildings were built at the beginning of the 20th century by Lluis Domenech i Montaner in the Art Nouveau style that was very common in Barcelona at that time.

Monastery of Escorial, Autonomous Community of Madrid

El Escorial is one of the historical residences of the Spanish royal family. The palace was designed by King Felipe II and the architect Juan Bautista de Toledo. The main idea of El Escorial is to indicate the central place of Spain in the Christian world.

Among the country's many cultural and historical attractions, there are even entire islands included in the World Heritage Site. Thus, Spanish Ibiza is almost entirely included in this list. All thanks to the amazing nature and unique architectural monuments. Rare marine organisms live off the coast of the island. They feed on posidonia. This is a species of algae considered endemic, that is, very rare. But not only this fact makes him famous throughout the world. Posidonia is the longest type of algae, reaching up to 8 m. In addition, Mediterranean pine grows on the island. Like olive bushes, these trees have formed the landscape of Ibiza for seven thousand years.

As for the architectural attractions that constitute the UNESCO heritage in Spain, among them it is worth noting the Cathedral in the city of Burgos. This is one of the oldest Catholic sanctuaries in the country, built in the Gothic style. Its history goes back over eight hundred years. Not only the exterior, but also the interior of the cathedral is an object of admiration. Inside you can see a gilded staircase, sculptures and altars, as well as relief images of gospel scenes. In addition, the cathedral is decorated with beautiful stained glass windows.

A real miracle of engineering, protected by UNESCO in Spain, is the Biscay Transport Bridge. It was built at the end of the 19th century. The bridge was the first such structure in the world. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it allows cargo to be transported across the river, which does not become an obstacle for ships passing along it.

Speaking about the natural heritage of Spain, it is worth mentioning the Garajonay National Park on the island of La Gomera. There are virgin forests with laurel trees. In addition to them, you can find over five hundred different species of plants and trees here. There are many sources of water in the park, which gives rise to lush vegetation. This ecosystem is truly unique, which determined the inclusion of this reserve in the World Heritage Site.