Discovering Spain: Exploring History through Architecture

Whether you are a first-time traveler to Spain or are going back for more, Spain’s history holds intrigue for visitors. Luckily for us, Spain is like a living museum - where history, art, and culture are etched in plain sight within its cities and monuments.

Many visitors start with Barcelona, and we agree that it's a great city to begin your exploration. Walking through the city surrounded by Gaudi's architecture - from La Sagrada Familia to Casa Batlló - the Modernism style particular to this city is as vibrant as the spirit of Barcelona. If you want to delve into Gaudi and the more recent history of Modernism of the 19th century, then visit the Gaudí House Museum in Park Güell to explore his stomping ground and learn how his style came to be. 

A deeper look back in history while in Barcelona, would be a trip to the Gothic Quarter. What once was the ancient Roman city of Barcino, now holds ancient ruins left behind of a culture that once thrived over 2,000 years ago. Wander alongside medieval Roman walls and towers that have stood since the 4th century, and lose yourself in the winding stone alleys of the old Jewish Quarter - once home to thriving Jewish culture and life during the Middle Ages. Wander the narrow streets to step into history at Plaça de Sant Jaume, the heart of political life in the city for centuries.

Ávila - “The City of Saints and Stones”

If you're intrigued by medieval history, stop at the walled-city of Ávila, “the city of saints and stones.” This 11th to 14th-century city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, housing the largest walled area within Spain - complete with 88 watch towers. Once built to protect the city from invasion of the Moors, the 2.5 kilometer wall now stands as a testament to the past. Spend the afternoon walking along the ramparts and exploring the city's rich history. Inside the walled city, the first Gothic cathedral, Ávila Cathedral, remains an impressive testament to the Romanesque and Gothic architectural traditions and is considered, along with the Cathedral of Cuenca, as one of the original examples of Gothic architecture in Spain.

Learn about the Catholic Saint Teresa by visiting her childhood home and the convent she attended, now named after her, and how her legacy remains important to the Old City. The Old City is riddled with medieval architecture - from basilicas to convents, and even the plazas and palaces - you can see the profound influence religion had on the construction of the city. At the end of your day, make your way to Los Cuatros Postes, a San Sebastián Shrine, for a gorgeous panoramic view which is beautifully illuminated at sunset.

The Fairytale-like City of Córdoba

Last, a visit to the fairytale-like city of Córdoba is a great stop. This was once a major Roman city, leaving structures of ancient Roman ruins for you to explore. Later when Rome fell, Córdoba came under the Umayyad Caliphate rule as a powerful economic capital until it was conquered by Christians and became a military base. Exploring this city, brings to life this ancient history where city streets remained a bystander to historic conquests and rule.  

Your first stop will be the Mezquita, a mosque turned cathedral, to learn the history of how religions have passed through this city throughout the ages - including a time when Islam, Judaism, and Christianity existed together prior to Christian rule. Walk the picturesque Roman Bridge and Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos - especially beautiful at sunset. Stroll through the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter with courtyards and patios lined with flowers in bloom before making your way to a 14th century medieval Synagogue. The bright colors of nature, architecture as old as the 8th century, and the winding Guadalquivir River make this city - both its history and present day - come alive.

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