World Heritage Sites on the St. James Way

Spain boasts 48 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ranking it third in the world after China and Italy, both of which have 55. They range from monuments, cities, open spaces, excavations, and archaeological sites, to various Camino routes, which were added to the World Heritage list in 1993 (the French Way or Camino Francés) and 2015 (the Ways through Northern Spain or Caminos del Norte de España). Image shows the Real Colegiata de Santa María church in Roncesvalles on the Camino Francés, considered one of the best examples of French Gothic architecture in Navarra.

Many of these sites overlap with various Camino routes, meaning travelers can make the pilgrimage with the added bonus of seeing exceptional monuments along the way. One such example is the Santa María de Eunate church, which is located where the Somport and Roncesvalles Ways meet, in the Ilzarbe Valley (Navarra).

The cathedral is one of the world's greatest Gothic architecture monuments. It was built between 1401 and 1507, on the site of an old Almohad mosque, whose minaret known as la Giralda is still standing today. It is found at the beginning of the Vía de la Plata on the Mozarabic Way.

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. It is located on the Vía de la Plata on the Mozarabic Way.

City of Roman origin (35 BC) that then became Arab until 1229. It was from here that several explorers set out for the American lands discovered in 1492. Cáceres has continued to grow, becoming a melting pot of different cultures providing a history lesson without even leaving the streets It is located on the Vía de la Plata on the Mozarabic Way.

Originally of Roman origin, then Muslim, Salamanca was granted the Estudio General, royal charter of foundation, by Alfonso IX, and 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. It is located on the Vía de la Plata on the Mozarabic Way.

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. It was dedicated to San Millán de la Cogolla and housed the Glosas Emilianenses on which the first words of Castilian Spanish were written. It is located next to the French Way in La Rioja.

One of Spain’s most significant Gothic monuments. Construction began in 1221, on a Romanesque temple, which gradually evolved into the new architectural style. This style made its way over from France, along the Camino. It was consecrated in 1260. It is known for its ornately decorated openwork spires, which rise to an impressive height of 275 feet (84 m). It is located on the French Way.

It is a transporter bridge found between the cities of Portugalete and Guecho, 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. The Northern Way runs alongside it.

Santa María del Naranco is one of the most complete examples of styles of Asturian or Ramirense style within the pre-Romanesque style. It was originally a palace and was completed in 842. It is located on the Northern Way.