UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Central Spain
Spain is home to an impressive forty-nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In this article, we’ll talk about the UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in central Spain.
Questions This Article Answers
What are some UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain?
Does Madrid have UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
What are some famous places in central Spain?
What to see in Salamanca?
What is Segovia famous for?
We’ll take a trip from west to east, touring central Spain’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Let’s go!
World Heritage Sites in Cáceres
Old Town of Cáceres
Throughout history, Cácereshas been home to pre-Roman peoples, Romans, Arabs, Jews, and Christians. Each civilization has left its mark on the city, which is home to multiple architectural styles.
Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe
Built starting in the 14th century, the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupeincludes arquitectura mudéjar(Mudejar architecture), as well as other styles such as Baroque.
World Heritage Sites in Badajoz
Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida
Méridawas founded in the 25 B.C. and was the capital of Lusitania. To this day, the city still contains well-preserved Roman ruins. Could you imagine seeing a play in a Roman amphitheater? It's still possible to do that in Mérida!
World Heritage Sites in Salamanca
Old City of Salamanca
Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, Salamancahas been an important cultural hub for centuries. In the old city, you can see examples of Romanesque, Gothic, Moorish, Renaissance and Baroque architecture!
Learn more about Salamanca in this article!
World Heritage Sites in Ávila
Old Town of Ávila with its Extra-Muros (outside the walls) Churches
Ávilais home to one of the most well-preserved walls in Spain. You can stroll on top of the walls and admire the views of the city. Ávila was home to Santa Teresa(Saint Teresa). Its many churches and convents, both inside and outside the city walls, are open to visitors.
World Heritage Sites in Segovia
Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct
The Acueducto de Segovia(Segovia's Aqueduct) greets you as you drive into town. It’s nearly impossible to miss! Built in 50 A.D., it is still well-preserved. You can also visit the city’s cathedral and the Alcázar, an impressive castle that has had many different uses.
World Heritage Sites in Madrid
Monastery and Site of El Escorial
Set at the foot of the Guadarramamountains, El Escorialis an enormous monastery complex, including a palace, school, and library surrounded by a charming town. It also contains the pantheon for Spanish royals from Charles V onward. Visitors can actually walk through the royal pantheon!
Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of Arts and Sciences
The Paseo del Pradoalameda and the Jardines del Buen Retiro(Garden of Pleasant Retreat) are located in the heart of Madrid. They are unique due to their fountains as well as the arts and sciences buildings in the area.
University and Historic Precinct of Alcalá de Henares
Alcalá de Henareswas the world’s first planned university city. It was built in the 16th century, and has served as an example for other universities around the world.
Aranjuez Cultural Landscape
Aranjuezwas an important site for royals in the past. Many spent their springs in the city. It is unique because of its extensive collection of trees from around the world and its famous gardens.
World Heritage Sites in Toledo
Historic City of Toledo
Toledohas been an important site throughout Spain’s history. The three major religions in Spain, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, coexisted peacefully in the city for many years. The city dates back to Roman times.
World Heritage Sites in Cuenca
Historic Walled Town of Cuenca
Cuencawas originally built by the Moors, but conquered by the Castilians in the 12th century. One of the most characteristic features of Cuenca are its casas colgantes(hanging houses) that are located on sheer cliffs.
World Heritage Sites in Aragón
Mudejar Architecture of Aragón
Mudejar art and architecture are a reflection of the coexistence of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism in Spain after the Reconquista(Reconquest). It is unique because of its use of brick as a building material. There are a number of mudéjar monuments throughout Aragón(Aragon).
World Heritage Sites in Valencia
La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia(Silk Exchange of Valencia), built in a Gothic style in the 15th century, was an important silk trading spot. It’s a unique building, of great artistic value.
Shared World Heritage Sites in Central Spain
Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde
Located in Portugal and Spain this Heritage Site includes thousands of rock carvings depicting animals. These carvings are from the Paleolitic Era, like the cave paintings in northern Spain. However, unlike the paintings in northern Spain, many of these engravings are located in the open-air (not in caves)!
Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula
Cave art in Spain is not limited to northern Spain. You can also find impressive rock art in Andalucía(Andalusia), Aragón, Castilla-La Mancha, Cataluña(Catalonia), Murcia, and Valencia! The works in these cave depict both animal and human figures.
Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija
Located in Spain and Slovenia, this Heritage Site refers to Europe’s mercury mining past. Both represent two of the world’s largest mercury mines!
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