When you think about Spanish culture and history, one key thing that probably comes to your mind is the country's architecture. If you appreciate the history and architecture of the places you visit, or simply like to admire beautiful buildings around, Spain is a special place to go.
Over the centuries and with different cultural influences, Spanish architecture has come to be today's wonderful mixture of styles. In fact, in Spain you can still see some magnificent architectural creations inspired by Romans, Visigoths, Muslim Umayyad, Christian Kingdoms, Latin America etc. So, imagine how unique the architecture of the country is today; especially when you think about the major modernism movement that Spain is into currently.
Interestingly enough all these creations of different years and styles are somehow able to exist in perfect harmony. So, this perfect contrasts with one another never make the country in any way chaotic. In different parts and cities of Spain, you will be able to literally see specific influences of certain styles. This means that in this one single country there are so many different architectural styles to explore. It's a melting pot of architectures!
For example, in the medieval city of Seville, you will find the cutest narrow streets and tastefully coloured buildings with iron balconies, in addition to some of the most stunning gothic churches in the country. While if you travel to Barcelona, you will come across impressive modern Gaudí buildings and wide plazas of the city. Visit historic Granada to check out the heritage of Alhambra and explore unique caves where some people actually still live in. Meanwhile, a perfect mixture of Baroque and Renaissance styles is waiting for you in Salamanca.
The list can go on and on…No wonder why Spain has the 3rd largest number of World Heritage Sites after Italy and China, including not only for specific buildings but also entire parts of different cities.
This great harmony of architecture styles and amazing creatures has been mainly possible to achieve due to many brilliant world-known architects of different years including such famous names as Antoni Gaudí, Josep Lluís Sert, Santiago Calatrava, Juan de Villanueva etc.
In order to picture the key architecture wonders of Spain, we offer exploring some of the major cultural influences of different eras that shaped the rich and fascinating structure of the country.
Arrival of Romans brought the true development of Spanish architecture. They built some of the most magnificent structures and monuments in the country. Romans have always been known as talented builders many of whose creations are still standing. You can see the tasteful touches of Romans in Segovia and Mérida with a great number of buildings featuring white pillars, still strong standing historical walls, and incredible statues.
During 10th and 11th centuries, Spain embraced Romanesque style filling the country with minimalistic churches and simple buildings. The peak of Romanesque architecture in Spain meanwhile is considered to be 12th century when some amazing buildings such as Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela were built.
As the Christian Kingdoms started to move towards the south, the style was slowly spread in the whole country and eventually altered with Gothic style. Some of the most beautiful samples Gothic architecture are still standing in Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, and Barcelona. Rich and beautiful Gothic architecture eventually went through transition to Renaissance leaving some true architectural wonders in Toledo and Granada.
Modernism in Spain started to take over in the 20th century introducing such world-famous architects as Gaudí, Moneo, Calatrava, Bofill etc. What is so special about modern architecture in Spain is that there has been a great experiment with building material going on here including an elegant mixture of glass, colors, iron, and concrete which is very hard to find anywhere else in the world.
Meanwhile, Gaudi still remains one of the most famous and talented Spanish architects who is known for his impressive and standing out creations. His buildings are located mainly in Barcelona. Gaudi buildings are colourful and different while full of light and taste. They shape a very specific architecture style of the city of Barcelona and the entire country. Gaudi creations have become a must-see architecture wonder in Europe.
With all the unique and interesting architectural styles in Spain, there are several must-see signature buildings which totally complete the entire picture of the country.
One of them is the Andalusia pavilion which was built in 1992 for Expo´92 international trade fair. The spectacular building in Seville which is leaning to one side is something unique with its blue tower and a lot of small cute windows.
Then there is the stunning building of Guggenheim Museum located in the northern city of Bilbao. The art gallery has a unique mechanical style that looks like a human heart from outside. It was built back in 1997. This is a magical creation you definitely need to visit. You can go through incredible glass elevators and narrow walkways made of metal which connect different chambers of the heart.
One of the best creations of Gaudi, Sagrada Familia in the heart of Barcelona is another special place to see. The constructions of the major church started in 1882, and since then many world-famous architects have been working on it. It is still under construction, with completion anticipated in 2026.
It is actually challenging to try and list all the most important spots in Spain. There are many places worth visiting in case you are looking to learn all about the country’s architecture. Exploring some of the major cultural influences that Spain had over the centuries is one of the ways. Meanwhile, only by mapping a thoughtful list of the areas to visit, and going through the most important pieces of history, will you be able to feel the entire magic from the inside.
I hope you enjoyed this quick guide to the Spain's incredible architecture. If you come to Barcelona, I recommend the Barcelona Pass Modernista. This gives you admission to 14 different modernista landmarks in Barcelona and its surrounding area. You can save 10 % on the pass by buying it online here.
