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 The
World Heritage cities of Spain, totaling a proud eight
in number, together gives Spain the distinction of being
the only country in the world having the highest number
of cities holding this prestigious title. World Heritage
Cities are those cities that have been placed under
the protection of UNESCO. The Spanish World Heritage
cities are - Ávila, Cáceres, Córdoba,
Cuenca, Salamanca, Santiago de Compostela, Segovia and
Toledo
AVILA
Avila was granted World Heritage city title due to its
plethora of Renaissance churches and palaces. The wall
surrounding the historic quarter is the symbol of one
of the best kept, medieval walled enclosures in Europe
that has over 2500 crenellations, a hundred towers,
six gates and three openings. Home to famous monuments
such as Palace of Valderrabano, Mansion of Velada, Cathedral,
City Hall and medieval corners such as plaza de los
Davila, Avila provides a rich glimpse of its ancient
heritage.
CORDOBA
The city of Cordoba was declared a World heritage Site
due to its living legacy of the diverse cultures that
settled in it throughout history. The fact that has
been the capital of Hispania Ulterior under the Roman
Empire, and the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate in
ancient times is evident in the birth of people like
Seneca, Averroes and Maimonides.
The architectural splendor is evident in the Mosque-Cathedral,
which marks the historic quarter of Cordoba till date.
The legacy of Cordoba's heritage is evident in its present
by the way of its Flamenco festivals, concerts, ballet
and other activities that are complemented by a number
of museums.
CÁCERES
The world Heritage City of Cáceres, is characterized
by its ten towers, medieval, fortified homes and Renaissance
palace. More than ten towers dominate the historic quarter
of Caceres, delimited by Arab walls. Cobbled streets
marked by medieval, fortified homes and Renaissance
palaces make up the most beautiful sceneries in this
city, which was declared World Heritage. To get into
the historic quarter that is delimited by Arab walls,
you have to pass through the Arco de la Estrella (Arch
of the Star), a 18th century gate built by Manuel de
Lara Churriguera. Inside the quarter, witness the spectacular
beauty of Plaza de Santa María, the Palace of
Carvajal, Palacio Episcopal, Palacio del Mayorcalgo
and others.
CUENCA
The ruins of an Arab castle and the former fortress
of Kunka are just some of the things why Cuenca is a
world heritage city. A walk through the city would reveal
architectural wonders such as Gothic Cathedral of Nuestra
Senora, Parador de Turismo, hermitage of Nuestra Senora
de las Angustias, among others. The rich culture of
yesteryear is evident in the Religious Music Week, where
music scholars, performers and enthusuaists come to
chosen venues like the medieval Cuenca Auditoruim, Church
of San Miguel and the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art
to celebrate their musical heritage.
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Having experienced centuries of scientific, artistic
and literary interchange thanks to the large numbers
of pilgrims arriving from all over Europe, it is no
wonder that the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago, together
with the city of Santiago of Compostela, has been declared
a World Heritage Site. The historic centre of the city
is home to classic ancient monuments such as the Cathedral
that has a Baroque façade and Romansque doorway
and the Obradorio along with medieval squares such as
the Plaza Plaza Quintana, Plaza Azabachería and
Plaza de Platerías. The Pilgrim's road to Santiago
also has lots of churches, convents and monasteries,
as well as aristocratic houses lining the way.
SALAMANCA
The city's youthful demeanor is belied by its monumental
layout replete with churches, places and ancestral homes.
Home to one of the oldest universities in the world,
the Plaza Mayor is the city's crowning glory and one
of the most important ones all over Spain. Other attractions
include the City Hall, House of Shells, Cathedral and
the University façade.
TOLEDO
Known as the city of three cultures, Toledo is absolutely
teeming with monuments of reflecting Christian, Arabic
and Jewish architectural styles. The old quarter of
La Mancha is a veritable open-air museum what with glorious
monuments such as Catedral de Toledo, Alcazer de Toledo,
Mequitza del Cristo de la Luz, Casa Museo de El Greco
and whole lot of others vying with each other to grab
the attention of the tourists.
Tourism in Spain provides online booking
for tours to World Heritage Cities in Spain. To book
a tour, or for more information, please fill up the
form below.
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