Architectural Marvels: 7 Places To Visit In Spain

August 16, 2021

A view of La Alhambra fortress, Granada, Spain.

After 135 years of construction, La Sagrada Familia remains unfinished though immensely breathtaking. Its multiple spires are a hallmark of Barcelona and it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Another UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Antoni Gaudí, the Casa Battló sits at one of the most populated areas of Barcelona. Much of the façade is eye-catching due to the mosaic design made from ceramic tiles. There are few (if any) straight lines incorporated into the entire design.

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao houses various artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jeff Koons, and Yoko Ono.

Hotel Marques de Riscal Bodega, futuristic design by architect Frank O Gehry, at Elciego in Rioja-Alavesa area of Spain

Planning a visit to Spain's "City of Wine"? Consider staying at this fantastic hotel designed by Frank Gehry. It offers five-star amenities including spas, restaurants, and spacious suites—not to mention this amazing, avant-garde façade.

Spain, Valencia, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, City of Arts and Sciences, Santiago Calatrava, architecture, L'Hemisferic planetarium laserium, PrÃncipe Felipe Prince Philip Science Museum, Assut de l'Or Bridge, L'Agora concert venue, exteriors, water pool, Spanish Europe EU Eurozone,

The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias took almost a decade to build and cost close to 1 billion euro. The result? This fantastic modern marvel that's also considered one of the 12 Treasures of Spain.

Travel back in time at La Alhambra, a fortress originally built for the Moorish monarchs of Granada. It's named such in honour of the reddish colour of the palace's outer walls.

SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, TENERIFE ISLAND, SPAIN - 2020/03/03: The Auditorio de Tenerife AdÃ¡n MartÃn, home of the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra. (Photo by Frank Bienewald/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The Auditorio de Tenerife is an auditorium located in the Canary Islands of Spain. It holds a 1,800 seat auditorium and a 400-seat hall for chamber music.

Cover Photo: A view of La Alhambra fortress, Granada, Spain. (Getty Images)

Whimsical, modern, historical or industrial? Architectural styles in Spain are among the most versatile and dynamic. Having been designed by some of the world's most sought after names, these man-made marvels are among the top reasons why Spain serves to be a bucket-list staple. Check some of the world's most interesting buildings (and UNESCO World Heritage sites) below!

Photo: La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona by Antoni Gaudí (Brandon Gurney on Unsplash)

Photo: Casa Batlló in Barcelona by Antoni Gaudí (Seftan Roks on Unsplash)

Photo: Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao by Frank Gehry (Edoardo Cuoghi on Unsplash)

Photo: Hotel Marqués de Riscal in Elciego by Frank Gehry (Getty Images)

Photo: Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Valencia by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela (Getty Images)

Photo: La Alhambra in Granada (Getty Images)

Photo: The Auditorio de Tenerife in Canary Islands by Santiago Calatrava (Getty Images)