Spain, a constitutional monarchy in southwestern Europe, attracts tourists from all over the world with its rich history, culture and natural beauty. Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula, bordered by the Bay of Biscay to the north, Portugal to the west, France and Andorra to the northeast, and Morocco in Africa across the Strait of Gibraltar to the south. Its territories also include the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, and Ceuta and Melilla in Africa. Spain is a mountainous country with an area of 506,000 square kilometers, a coastline of 7,800 kilometers and a population of about 48.59 million (as of January 2024). Spanish is the official language of Spain and the second most spoken language in the world, after Chinese.
Spain has a long history. It was a great maritime power between the 15th and 17th centuries. It established a vast colony and became the world’s first “empire on which the sun never sets”. Today, Spain is a developed capitalist country and a member of the European Union and NATO. Its economy ranks fourth in the European Union and 14th in the world. Spain has not only made remarkable achievements in the economy, but also in the fields of culture, art and sports. Here are 6 of the most popular places to visit in Spain.
Madrid Palace: Also known as the Royal Palace of Madrid, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain. Built in the 18th century, this palace was the official residence of the Spanish royal family and with more than 3,000 rooms, it is one of the largest palaces in Europe. Visitors can visit the palace and admire the beautiful architecture, artworks and furniture that have been preserved for centuries. The palace is a magnificent square structure with countless gold and silver utensils, paintings, porcelain, tapestries and other royal paraphernalia.
Alhambra Palace: Located in Granada, it was the royal palace of the Emir of Granada, founded by the Moors in Spain in the Middle Ages. The Alhambra Palace is the essence of all the monuments left by the Moors in Spain, known as “the city of palaces” and “the wonder of the world.” Built in the 13th century during the reign of King Ahmar and his heirs, visitors can admire its unique Moorish architecture.
Sagrada Familia: Located in Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia Cathedral was designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudi and is considered one of the most unique buildings in the world, blending Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. The cathedral has been under construction for more than 140 years and is still under construction. Visitors can visit the cathedral and admire the beautiful stained glass Windows and intricate details.
Casa Batllo: Also designed by Antoni Gaudi, located in the heart of Barcelona. The building was completed in 1906 and is considered one of Gaudi’s most creative works. Visitors can tour the building and admire its unique design features, including its wavy exterior and bizarre Windows.
Prado Museum: Located in Madrid, it is one of the most important art museums in the world. The museum has a collection of more than 8,000 paintings, including works by famous artists such as Goya, Velasquez and El Greco. Visitors can visit the museum and admire beautiful works of art that have been preserved for centuries.
Ritchi Park: Located in the heart of Madrid, it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. The park, with its beautiful gardens, fountains and sculptures, is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can walk in the park, enjoy a variety of plants and animals, and feel the charm of nature.
Spain is a country full of history, culture and natural beauty, and these attractions are just some of its many wonderful places to visit.