City Tour of World Heritage Sites

Toledo is the capital of Spain in its prime. In 1986, it was included into the list of world heritage sites. This old town has about 2,000 years of history. It used to be ruled by Romans, Visigoths and Arabs. This town combines the cultures of Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Inside the city you’ll find Gothic, Moorish, Baroque and Neoclassical churches, temples, abbeys, palace and other older sites (over 70 touristic attractions).

Segovia has a world-famous Roman Aqueduct, and is one of the most glorious heritage sites in Spain. In 1985, Segovia’s old town and its aqueducts have been listed as part of the world heritage site. Other than having a grandiose Roman Aqueduct hailing from over 2000 years ago, Segovia is also the place where the iconic Spanish dish of roast suckling pig is found. The most famous century-old restaurant, Candido, is only a few walks away from the Aqueduct. The Alcazar of Segovia is also rumored to be the monotype of the Queen’s Castle in Snow White. Don’t miss it!

Avila is the highest city in Spain and the Medieval wall built in the 11th century surrounds the old town. It’s an absolute “walled city”, true to its name. The Avila old town and the church outside of town have been included into the world heritage site in 1985. A large amount of Renaissance and Gothic churches and abbeys, as well as other historical architecture, have been preserved in the old city. Of this, the Avila Cathedral is the oldest Gothic church in Spain. The Alcazar built in the 15th century is another highlight in the city.

Alcala is home to Cervantes, Spain’s greatest writer. Here he wrote the classic “Don Quixote”. Alcala de Henares and the historic old town have been included into the world heritage site list in 1998. Other than Cervantes it is also a famous university town during the Renaissance era. In the old city there are lots of well preserved school buildings, churches, abbeys and old town walls.

Cuenca is a town perched on the cliff in the middle of Spain. Around it you’ll find steep mountain ranges and a deep valley. It’s frequently referred to as a “city under the spell”, and some call it Spain’s Castle in the Sky. In 1996, Cuenca has been listed as part of the world heritage site. The most unique thing about the town is a small house perched right at the mouth of the valley. The house and the stone wall is like the same and as if it’s growing from the stone cliff. The town has a walking bridge which crosses the deep valley. When you walk here you can observe at a close distance the cliff and nearby views.

Salamanca is one of Spain’s most famous tourist hotspots. In 1988 it was incorporated into the world heritage site list. In 2002 it was elected as Europe’s cultural capital. Salamanca is a world-famous university old town. One of Europe’s oldest universities, the University of Salamanca, is located here. Plus, here you’ll find Spain’s most spectacular square, the Plaza Mayor, and the “House of Shells”, a magnificent structure using 400 pieces of stone-carved shells to decorate.

Merida is one of the most beautiful and oldest Roman cities in Spain. The Archaeological Ensemble of Merida has been listed as a world heritage site in 1993. This city used to be the capital of Lusitania, an old Roman municipality, and one of the biggest cities in the Roman Empire. The city now has preserved tons of Roman ruins, and has the oldest and longest Roman bridge in existence inside Spain, as well as a glorious Colosseum, and a Roman amphitheater which is still in use today. These are all Roman relics treasured by Merida and an icon of Merida.

Caceres is built at the top of a mountain and a famous historic old town. In 1986 it is listed as a world heritage site. The old town used to be a colonial settlement in the ancient Roman times and later was taken over by the Moors. In the 16th Century, Caceres saw tremendous development in culture and the arts, and the palace built during this time came under the influence of the Renaissance era. The old town has preserved its old town walls and inside you’ll find a complete medieval town, without any destruction from modern architecture. You can say this is an original “ancient Roman medieval town”.

This Spanish island is home to some of the most famous nightclubs in the world. This is an entertainment district extremely popular with the young and the craziest parties are held here. You can easily have a great time here. Of course, it’s wrong to assume there are only nightclubs here! Here you’ll also find the world’s most expensive restaurant and some 50 beautiful beaches, as well as one of the best kept castles from the Renaissance times. Ibiza’s bio-diversity and unique culture is now listed as a world heritage site in 1999.

Cordoba is one of Andalucia’s three main pearls. In the city you’ll find numerous cultural relics and historic sites. In 1984, its cultural center was listed as part of the world heritage site program. The world’s second biggest mosque, a breathtaking old roman bridge and a colorful floral alleyway are all landmarks to the beauty of this old city! Every May, Cordoba hosts a Courtyard Festival. Some of the courtyards tucked away in some of the deepest valleys will be finely decorated with flowers and open freely to tourists.