5 most beautiful cities in Spain, which you did not know.
Noisy Barcelona, colorful Seville – the most famous cities in Spain, massively attracting tourists. But besides the most popular holiday destinations, there are a number of true gems in this country, which are known only to avid travel lovers. All the cities of Spain are original: those that flourished during the times of the Renaissance differ significantly from those that for centuries were under the rule of the Moors or the Visigoths. Visiting these unique places, tourists find a new, unfamiliar Spain.
Salamanca
Located in the central part of Spain, Salamanca owes its breathtaking beauty to sandstone buildings that are mined in a quarry nearby. At sunset, the rays of the sun illuminate the building, so Salamanca is also called the “golden city”.
There are also many students here, because in 1218 an educational institution was founded here, one of the best in Europe. The town has many old historic buildings, including the 12th-century Cathedral of Cartagena and the castle of Casa de las Conchas, built in the 15th century and decorated with shells. A visit to Salamanca usually begins with Plaza Major, where students gather to socialize and have a good time.
Granada
Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Spain, the city of Granada is the capital of the homonymous province in Andalusia. This place offers visitors to get acquainted with the former splendor of Moorish Spain. This period of the country’s history ended when Ferdinand and Isabella, the monarchs, passed through the city gates of Puerta de Elvira in 1492. All the travelers are attracted by the beautiful Alhambra Palace, with its exquisite architecture, numerous fountains and lush gardens. Built building in the 13th century.
No less interesting to wander through the streets of the Muslim quarter, watching the whitewashed walls of old buildings. Fans of beautiful landscapes will enjoy the sunset view from the observation deck of the Mirador de San Nicolas. This shows how the sun highlights the main attraction of the city – the Alhambra Palace.
Bilbao
At first glance, the largest port city in Spain has little to offer tourists. But if you look closely, this city will open a lot of interesting things. For example, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, which was built by outstanding architect Frank Geri. In the building, inlaid with titanium panels, there are more than a hundred exhibitions of contemporary art.
A few minutes walk from the museum is a futuristic bridge that leads to the old part of the city. Here are the Cathedral of St.. Santiago, built in the 13th century in the Gothic Renaissance style and decorated with the works of the Italian Baroque artist Luca Giordano’s 16th century Basilica de Begonia.
Logroño
The northern city of Logrono was once a medieval fortified outpost. The old quarter of the city is still the main attraction of this area. Casco Antiguo has long served as a stop for pilgrims wishing to visit the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela.
Also, visitors to the city attend the Gothic church of Santa Maria de Palacio with numerous statues and the Church of St. Bartholomew in the Romanesque style. Logroño is also known for its world-class wines, which can be purchased at a reasonable price at a local mall.
Girona
Located in the northeast of Catalonia, Girona is a small medieval town with a rich past. It is called the city of a thousand sieges, as it has long withstood the invasions of militant armies. The traveler, who got here, scouting the old quarter, will see the Moorish baths and Gothic churches, will get lost in the narrow streets and stone paths and go straight to the cathedral.
89 steps to be overcome by the pilgrim, in order to see the monumental “Tapestry of creation”, embroidered by hand in the 11th century. There is also a very picturesque promenade with many cafes, shops and restaurants.
