Planning That Spanish Sojourn
“El mundo es un libro y aquellos que no viajan solo leen una página!”- Agustin de Hipona
What Agustin so eloquently quoted in Spanish translates to, ‘The world is a book and those that don’t travel only read one page!’.
We couldn’t agree more!
We understand that the entire visa outsourcing services and passport outsourcing services can be a challenge, but we are here to change that. And more on that in a bit.
Coming to the discussion of the hour. The Mediterranean country, Spain, famous for its cosy siestas and fun fiestas, is perhaps one of the most fascinating chapters in the metaphorical book of travel.
Spain is a cultural goldfield! Dotted across its varying terrains are archaeological and cultural marvels that have been enthralling travellers for centuries with their magical charm and fascinating history. Spain has so much to offer its tourists and guests that travellers often get confused about where to begin!
With BLS by your side, you need not worry about anything travel related – be it visa outsourcing services, passport outsourcing services, or picking up some fabulous travelling tips! With BLS, travelling is just so easy; it elevates your entire holiday experience.
Getting back to the discussion at hand, creating an itinerary for Spain can be a daunting task- there is just so much to see! So, here’s what we recommend – select your top ‘must-see’ attractions in Spain and build your itinerary around them.
Your must-see attractions must include, of course, the famous cities of Spain like Barcelona and Madrid, and must also be supplemented with attractions that have been proclaimed World Heritage sites. Before you begin in-depth research about what and where these sites are and how to get there, allow us to be your guide.
UNESCO has identified multiple sites in Spain that are of cultural and historic significance to World Heritage. Here are our top picks of these sites in Spain that you simply cannot miss:
1. Sagrada Familia (Barcelona)- was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005,
Gaudi’s magnum opus comes first on our list of ‘must-sees’. Nestled in the heart of vibrant Barcelona, this architectural marvel is a gothic church whose construction began on 19th March 1882 and is continuing! More than a century hence, Sargada’s construction continues; they say that it will be completed by 2030!
Complete or not, Sargada’s façade is nothing short of breathtaking, with intricate details regaling biblical stories in every inch of this masterpiece. No trip to Spain is ever complete without a visit to this famous basilica.
2. Park Güell (Barcelona)- was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.
Another of Gaudi’s architectural jewels, Park Guel is a landmark of Barcelona placed atop Carmel Hill. The park featuring architectural elements amalgamated with beautifully landscaped gardens was built between 1900 and 1914 The vibrant park offers breathtaking views of Barcelona’s skyline and is a must-visit when in Barcelona.
3. Casa Batllo and Casa Mila (Barcelona) – were declared UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2005 and 1984, respectively.
Antoni Gaudi’s masterworks can be found all over Barcelona, almost making him synonymous with the Spanish city. Embedded in the high-end shopping street of Barcelona, among the world’s most luxurious brands are Casa Batllo and Casa Mila- two of Gaudi’s gothic architectural marvels whose unique façade mesmerizes onlooker’s years after their establishment.
With a unique design representing the amalgamation of nature and fantasy, Casa Batllo, also known as the ‘House of Dragons’, is a museum today.
Casa Mila, built between 1906 and 1912, was the last residential design that Gaudi created. Today it plays host to multiple cultural events in a year.
4. Montserrat (Catalonia)- was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.
Home to the revered Black Madona of Catalonia, Montserrat is an hour away from Barcelona and one of the most important pilgrimages for the people of Catalonia. The term ‘Montserrat’ is a nod to the shape of the mountain and means vertical or standing mountains.
Filled with allure and magical stories of the miracles of the Madonna, this cultural and religious paradise is a must-visit when in Spain.
5. Alhambra (Granada)- was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984
The famous palace and fortress complex of Alhambra is the pride of Granada, resting atop the Sabika hills separated by the Darro river. One of the most important Islamic monuments, the construction of the Alhambra began in 1238 commissioned by Muhammad I Ibn al-Ahmar, the founder of the Emirate of Granada.
Even today, centuries after its completion, the Alhambra beckons to thousands of travellers each year who walk into its serene atmosphere to get engulfed by the allure of the Alhambra’s rich cultural past.
6. Catedral de Sevilla – was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.
Also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, the Seville Cathedral is the fourth largest church and the biggest Gothic church in the world. Home to some of the most beguiling artefacts and artworks, this Cathedral was originally envisioned as a grand mosque when it began construction in 1172. However, it was converted into a Gothic Cathedral around 1434, post catholic conquests in the region.
The Cathedral is also home to world-famous explorer Christopher Columbus’s tomb.
No visit to the historic city of Seville is complete without a tour of this Cathedral and its adjoining Royal Alcazar; also, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Spain has many more UNESCO World Heritage sites, we have merely listed our top choices, but it’s safe to assume that this country is any wanderer’s heaven!
However, given the present-day Schengen country travel scenario and visa outsourcing service issues, tourists aren’t encouraged to pursue their passion for travel.
Well, we at BLS are here to change that! Optimized with fast and efficient visa outsourcing services, travellers can easily plan their holiday under the Mediterranean sun. Furthermore, our passport outsourcing services enable them to travel without any passport damage/loss stress!
But why stop feeding your appetite for travel with Spain? Check out www.blsinternational.com to see where else we can help you travel easily and happily.