Spanish Cultural Sites You Can Explore From Home

Granada's world-famous hilltop palace and gardens is an abundant complex of buildings and passages from several different periods of history, from the Ancient Romans to the Muslim leaders of the Mahgreb.

All roads lead to this marvellous Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, the culmination of the fabled St James' Way pilgrimage which has brought visitors from across Europe and the world for centuries.

Built between 1580 and 1619, during the reign of Philip III, Plaza Mayor was once the centre of Old Madrid. It's still a bustling locus of tourists and residents, and is architecturally resplendent. Fit for a Spanish King.

Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece is the still-unfinished basilica in the heart of Barcelona. It's a strange, hybrid marvel of Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture. It's still under construction, following Gaudí's original designs.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Royal Alcázar of Seville is the oldest royal palace in Europe that is still in use today. It dates back to the 11th century, when the Muslim authorities decided to build a fortress in a strategic location to protect the city.

The Roman city Augusta Emérita was founded in 25 BCE. by Emperor Augustus to give land to soldiers fighting in wars. As a site of undeniable strategic value, it soon grew, becoming one of the most significant architectural ensembles of Roman art in the world.

Suso monastery was a hermitage in the 6th century. Later, in the 10th century, its monks founded another monastery further down the hill, called Yuso monastery. They housed the Glosas Emilianenses on which the first words of Castilian Spanish were written.

It is a transporter bridge found between the cities of Portugalete and Guetxo, stretching across the Bilbao estuary. It was built in between 1887 and 1893. It was the first to be built using suspension bridge technology. It is 525 feet (160 m) long and 200 feet (61 m) high.

It is a transporter bridge found between the cities of Portugalete and Guetxo, stretching across the Bilbao estuary. It was built in between 1887 and 1893. It was the first to be built using suspension bridge technology. It is 525 feet (160 m) long and 200 feet (61 m) high.

A lighthouse of Roman origin which was built in the 1st century. Measuring 180 feet (55 m) high, it is the oldest functioning lighthouse. It was originally 120 feet (36 m) high and was raised 60 feet (19 m) when it underwent remodeling work in the 18th century.

Originally of Roman origin, then Muslim, Salamanca soon became one of the most important and oldest Universities in Europe. It grew under protection of military and religious orders and became Spain's major cultural hub for centuries.