UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Northern 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 northern Spain.
Questions This Article Answers
What are some examples of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain?
What are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Barcelona?
What are the most important sites to see in Northern Spain?
Where can I find archeological sites in Spain?
Is there cave art in Spain?
We’ll take a trip from west to east, touring northern Spain’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Let’s go!
World Heritage Sites in Galicia
These World Heritage Sites are located in Galicia, an autonomía(autonomous region) in north-west Spain.
Tower of Hercules
Standing watch over La Coruñaharbor since the 1st century, this impressive lighthouse was originally built by the Romans.
Santiago de Compostela (Old Town)
Santiago de Compostelais the terminus of the pilgrimage route the Camino de Santiago(Way of Saint James). The catedral(cathedral) is one of the most important buildings in the city, but the Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture of the buildings in the ciudad vieja(Old Town) are very much worth seeing!
Learn more about the Camino de Santiago with this article!
Roman Walls of Lugo
The Roman Walls of Lugo were built in the 3rd and 4th centuries, and have protected the city ever since. They represent the best surviving example of Roman military architecture!
World Heritage Sites in Asturias
Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias
In the 9th century, much of the Península Ibérica(Iberian Peninsula) had been taken by the Moors. At that time, Asturiaswas one of the last Christian strongholds on the peninsula, and the monuments of Oviedo(the capital of Asturias) reflect that. Included among the monuments of Oviedo are the Santa María del Naranco, San Miguel de Lillo, Santa Cristina de Lena, the Cámara Santaand San Julián de los Pradoschurches.
World Heritage Sites in León
Las Médulas
While, at first glance, Las Médulasmay seem like a natural monument, they’re not! They are also the result of humankind’s work. In the 1st century A.D., the Romans used Las Médulas as a gold mine. However, it’s not just the dramatic landscape that is impressive. The Romans used water to mine, and they used canals and dams to move the water around.
World Heritage Sites in País Vasco
Vizcaya Bridge
The Puente Vizcayaor Puente Colganteis a hanging bridge that allows both pedestrians and vehicles to cross the river. A large góndola(gondola) hangs from the bridge, and still moves people and cars between Getxoand Portugalete.
World Heritage Sites in Burgos
Burgos Cathedral
Built between the 13th and 16th centuries, this cathedral is an impressive example of Gothic architecture.
Archaeological Site of Atapuerca
Located just outside of Burgos, the Atapuercaarchaeological site contains fossils from the earliest humans in Europe, with some fossils dating to nearly one million years ago!
World Heritage Sites in La Rioja
San Millán Yuso and Suso Monasteries
Apart from its architectural beauty, this site is unique because the first known example of written Spanish was produced at the San Millán Yusoand SusoMonasteries. This site has been occupied by monks since the 6th century, and is still used today.
World Heritage Sites in Cataluña
Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí
Located in the high Pyrenees, the Vall de Boí(Boí Valley) contains multiple Romanesque churches that were built between the 11th and 12th centuries. This valley represents Europe’s largest concentration of Romanesque architecture!
Poblet Monastery
The PobletMonastery is a large Cistercian abbey, considered one of the largest in Spain. It also includes a royal residence and the pantheon for kings and queens of Cataluña(Catalonia) and Aragón(Aragon).
Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco
Located in present-day Tarragonathe archaeological ensemble of Tarracocontains the remains of one of the first and most important Roman settlements on the Iberian Penninsula! It was founded in the 3rd century B.C.
Works of Antoni Gaudí
Famed architect Antoni Gaudíbuilt properties in other locations in Spain, but the largest concentration of his work—seven properties—is located in the Barcelonaarea. They are all worth visiting!
Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona
The Palau de la Música Catalana(Palace of Catalan Music) and the Hospital de Sant Pau(Saint Paul’s Hospital), located in Barcelona, were built by Catalan art nouveau architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
Shared World Heritage Sites in Northern Spain
Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe (Aragón)
This World Heritage Site spans 18 countries! In Spain, the beech forest is located in the Pyrenees region.
Pyrenees - Mont Perdu (Aragón)
Mont Perdu or Monte Perdido(Lost Mount) in Spanish, is a nearly 11,000 foot tall peak located in the Pyrenees. It is unique due to its impressive canyons and cirque walls.
The Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain
This shared World Heritage Site is actually a network of pilgrimage trails throughout northern Spain, with their terminus in Santiago de Compostela. This World Heritage Site includes the coastal, interior of the Basque Country–La Rioja, Liébanaand primitive pilgrimage routes.
Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
A total of 18 caves with Paleolithic cave art are included in this World Heritage Site! The caves of Altamira, Peña de Candamo, Tito Bustillo, Covaciella, Llonín, El Pindal, Chufín, Hornos de la Peña, Las Monedas, La Pasiega, Las Chimeneas, El Castillo, El Pendo, La Garma, Covalanas, Santimamiñe, Ekain, and Altxerriare all located on the cornisa Cantábrica(Cantabrian Corniche). Each cave is unique, and presents its own style of paintings. For example, in Covalanas, located in eastern Cantabria, you can see paintings of deer. However, in El Castillo, located just about an hour’s drive away, you can see outlines of human hands!
Looking for more travel destinations? Check these articles out!
