31 Must-See Landmarks of Famous Architecture in Spain

Planning a trip to Spain or just really like cool buildings? This list is for you.

Spain has a wide range of amazing places, including old castles, large churches, and even some truly unique-looking houses. However, with so many options, it’s challenging to know which ones to see.

That’s why we made this simple list. It features famous spots with diverse styles, ranging from old to new.

You’ll see buildings with fancy designs, colorful walls, and interesting shapes. This guide covers the most famous architecture in Spain, all in one place.

Which one will be your favorite? Keep reading to find out.

Famous Architecture and Landmarks in Spain

Spain is home to some of the most iconic buildings in the world. You’ll find a mix of history, culture, and design in every corner of the country.

Islamic & Moorish Architecture

Spain has many buildings from the time when Muslims ruled parts of the country. These places often feature arches, fountains, tilework, and peaceful gardens. Here’s a closer look at five important ones.

1. Alhambra – Granada

The Alhambra is a famous palace and fortress built in the 1200s. It has detailed carvings, quiet courtyards, and views of the city. It’s one of the best examples of Islamic architecture in Spain.

Best Times to Visit: April to June or September to October offer mild weather and fewer crowds.

Visiting Hours: Open daily with timed tickets. Day and night visits are available.

2. Mezquita-Cathedral (Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba) – Córdoba

This building began as a mosque in the 700s and became a cathedral later on. Inside, you’ll see red-and-white arches, columns, and a church in the center. It’s a mix of two faiths and styles in one place.

Best Times to Visit: Spring, especially April and May, is ideal thanks to the weather and local festivals.

Visiting Hours: Open daily. Free entry is sometimes offered early in the morning.

3. Alcazaba of Málaga – Málaga

The Alcazaba is a hilltop fortress from the 11th century. It was built to protect the city and includes towers, gardens, and arches. It’s one of the best-preserved Muslim fortresses in Spain.

Best Times to Visit: March to May or September to November are great times to go.

Visiting Hours: Open every day, usually from 9 AM to 8 PM in summer, and until 6 PM in winter.

4. Aljafería Palace – Zaragoza

This palace was built in the 11th century and shows off Islamic art from that time. It has horseshoe arches, geometric patterns, and a lovely courtyard. Today, it also houses the regional parliament.

Best Times to Visit: Visit in spring or fall to avoid the heat and enjoy comfortable weather.

Visiting Hours: Open daily, though hours may vary. Closed on some holidays.

5. Generalife Gardens – Granada

Next to the Alhambra, the Generalife was where rulers came to relax. The gardens have fountains, walkways, and flowers. It’s a peaceful place that shows the beauty of Moorish landscape design.

Best Times to Visit: April to June is the best time to see the gardens in full bloom.

Visiting Hours: Open daily. Often included with Alhambra tickets.

Gothic, Romanesque & Medieval

These buildings were built during the Middle Ages and show off grand designs with tall towers, stained glass, and stone carvings. Many are cathedrals that still welcome visitors today.

6. Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela – Galicia

This cathedral is the final stop of the Camino de Santiago, a famous pilgrimage route. Built in Romanesque style, it has a grand entrance, tall spires, and a special place where pilgrims touch the statue of Saint James.

Best Times to Visit: Visit from May to October when the weather is good and the town is full of energy.

Visiting Hours: Open daily, typically from early morning to evening.

7. Burgos Cathedral – Burgos

Built in the Gothic style, this cathedral is known for its tall towers and beautiful rose windows. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds the tomb of El Cid, a Spanish hero.

Best Times to Visit: Spring and fall are the best times to avoid the heat and crowds.

Visiting Hours: Open every day, usually from 10 AM to 7 PM.

8. Segovia Cathedral – Segovia

Known as the “Lady of Cathedrals,” Segovia’s church is one of the last Gothic cathedrals built in Spain. It has high ceilings, lovely chapels, and sits right by the town’s main square.

Best Times to Visit: May, June, or September offer pleasant weather for sightseeing.

Visiting Hours: Open daily. Hours may change with the season.

9. Toledo Cathedral – Toledo

This huge cathedral mixes Gothic style with some Moorish and Renaissance touches. Inside, you’ll find tall arches, gold decorations, and important religious art.

Best Times to Visit: Spring and early fall are ideal to enjoy mild weather and fewer crowds.

Visiting Hours: Open Monday to Saturday, often from 10 AM to 6 PM. Shorter hours on Sundays.

10. Santa Maria del Mar – Barcelona

This Gothic church was built by the city’s fishermen in the 1300s. It’s simple but powerful, with clean lines, stained glass, and a peaceful feel. It’s a favorite spot for locals.

Best Times to Visit: Go in spring or early fall for good weather and smaller crowds.

Visiting Hours: Open daily, usually from 9 AM to 1 PM and 5 PM to 8:30 PM.

11. Leon Cathedral – León

Leon Cathedral is famous for its colorful stained glass windows—some of the oldest and best in Europe. Built in the 1200s, it’s a shining example of French-style Gothic design in Spain.

Best Times to Visit: Visit from May to July for long days and warm weather.

Visiting Hours: Open daily, typically from 10 AM to 7 PM.

Renaissance, Baroque & Classical

These buildings come from the time when art, science, and design were changing fast. They often include grand columns, detailed stonework, and wide open spaces meant to impress.

12. Royal Palace of Madrid – Madrid

The Royal Palace is the largest in Western Europe. It was built in the 1700s and has over 3,000 rooms. Inside, you’ll see royal halls, painted ceilings, and fine decorations. It’s still used for special events.

Best Times to Visit: March to May and September to November offer mild weather and smaller crowds.

Visiting Hours: Open daily, usually from 10 AM to 6 PM in winter and 10 AM to 7 PM in summer.

13. El Escorial Monastery – San Lorenzo de El Escorial

El Escorial is a mix of palace, church, library, and royal tombs. Built in the late 1500s, it reflects Spain’s power during the Renaissance. It’s simple on the outside but full of history inside.

Best Times to Visit: Spring and early fall are best for walking the large grounds comfortably.

Visiting Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday, typically from 10 AM to 6 PM.

14. Plaza Mayor – Madrid

This large square was built in the 1600s and has been used for markets, festivals, and parades. Surrounded by red buildings with balconies, it’s a popular place to sit and take in the city’s vibe.

Best Times to Visit: Go in late spring or early autumn to enjoy outdoor cafés and events.

Visiting Hours: Open to the public at all times.

15. University of Salamanca – Salamanca

Founded in 1218, this is one of the oldest universities in Europe. The building is known for its detailed front wall, where visitors try to spot a tiny carved frog for good luck.

Best Times to Visit: April to June and September are great for walking around the historic town.

Visiting Hours: Open Monday to Saturday. Guided tours are available during the day.

16. Palacio de Carlos V – Alhambra complex, Granada

This Renaissance-style palace was added to the Alhambra in the 1500s. It has a big, round courtyard and strong stone walls. Its style stands out next to the older Islamic buildings nearby.

Best Times to Visit: Best seen from April to June or in September when visiting the Alhambra.

Visiting Hours: Open daily. Entry is often included with general Alhambra tickets.

Modernist / Gaudí Masterpieces

Barcelona is known for its one-of-a-kind buildings designed during the Modernist movement. Many were created by Antoni Gaudí, whose colorful, wavy, and nature-inspired style makes these places truly stand out.

17. Sagrada Familia – Barcelona

This world-famous basilica has been under construction since 1882. Designed by Antoni Gaudí, it features tall towers, sculpted facades, and colorful stained glass. It’s one of the most visited landmarks in Spain.

Best Times to Visit: March to May or September to November are great for smaller crowds and nicer weather.

Visiting Hours: Open daily, usually from 9 AM to 6 PM. Hours may vary by season.

18. Casa Batlló – Barcelona

This bright and playful building looks like something from a fairy tale. Gaudí remodeled it in the early 1900s with colorful tiles, wavy walls, and a roof shaped like a dragon’s back.

Best Times to Visit: Go between March and June or in the fall for a more relaxed visit.

Visiting Hours: Open daily, typically from 9 AM to 8 PM.

19. Casa Milà (La Pedrera) – Barcelona

Also called “La Pedrera,” this building looks like it’s made from waves of stone. It has twisting iron balconies and a rooftop full of chimney sculptures. It was one of Gaudí’s last works before focusing on Sagrada Familia.

Best Times to Visit: Visit in spring or early fall to avoid the summer heat.

Visiting Hours: Open every day, usually from 9 AM to 8:30 PM.

20. Parc Güell – Barcelona

Parc Güell is a colorful park filled with mosaic benches, playful shapes, and views over the city. Gaudí designed it as a housing project, but it became a public park instead.

Best Times to Visit: Early spring or late fall for fewer visitors and cooler weather.

Visiting Hours: Open daily, generally from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

21. Palau Güell – Barcelona

This city mansion was one of Gaudí’s early works. It mixes dark stone with fancy ironwork and has a rooftop decorated with bright chimneys. It shows how Gaudí played with light and space.

Best Times to Visit: Best seen in spring or autumn when the city is less crowded.

Visiting Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday, often from 10 AM to 5:30 PM.

22. Casa Vicens – Barcelona

Casa Vicens was Gaudí’s first big project. It’s full of bright tiles, plants, and color. The building mixes styles from the Middle East and nature, showing where Gaudí’s ideas began.

Best Times to Visit: Go from April to June or September to November for a calmer visit.

Visiting hours are open daily, typically from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

23. Hospital de Sant Pau – Barcelona

This former hospital looks more like a castle than a clinic. It was designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, another Modernist architect. With colorful tiles and peaceful gardens, it’s a quiet escape in the city.

Best Times to Visit: Visit in spring or fall for mild weather and fewer crowds.

Visiting Hours: Open daily, generally from 10 AM to 6:30 PM.

Contemporary & Avant-Garde

These buildings show how Spain continues to lead in creative design. With bold shapes, high-tech materials, and fresh ideas, these places stand out in modern city skylines.

24. Guggenheim Museum – Bilbao

Designed by Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim Museum looks like a sculpture made of glass, stone, and curved metal. It changed the city of Bilbao, bringing in art, tourism, and new life to the area.

Best Times to Visit: May to October is ideal for walking along the river and enjoying nearby sights.

Visiting Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday, typically from 10 AM to 7 PM. Closed on Mondays.

25. City of Arts and Sciences – Valencia

This huge complex includes museums, a planetarium, and an aquarium. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, it has white, futuristic buildings that look like something out of a sci-fi movie.

Best Times to Visit: Spring and fall offer good weather for walking between the buildings.

Visiting Hours: Each part has different hours, but most areas open around 10 AM.

26. Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol) – Seville

Nicknamed “The Mushrooms,” this wooden structure covers a plaza in Seville. It has walkways on top, a market below, and a great view of the city. It’s one of the largest wooden buildings in the world.

Best Times to Visit: March to May or September to November for cooler weather.

Visiting Hours: Open daily, often from 9:30 AM to midnight for rooftop access.

27. Torre Glòries (formerly Torre Agbar) – Barcelona

This tall, colorful tower lights up at night and adds a modern touch to Barcelona’s skyline. It was designed by Jean Nouvel and is shaped like a bullet or a water drop.

Best Times to Visit: Evening visits offer the best view when the lights turn on.

Visiting Hours: Visitors can view the building from the outside. Inside access is limited, but some tours are available.

28. W Hotel (Hotel Vela) – Barcelona

Shaped like a sail, this modern hotel sits by the beach. It’s known for its glass exterior and ocean views. The building adds a sleek look to Barcelona’s coastline.

Best Times to Visit: Summer and early fall are perfect for enjoying the beach area nearby.

Visiting Hours: Public areas like the lobby and restaurants are open daily. Room access is for guests.

29. Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia – Valencia

This opera house is part of the City of Arts and Sciences. It looks like a helmet or spaceship and was built to host concerts, plays, and performances. The design is bold and eye-catching.

Best Times to Visit: Spring and fall are great for walking the complex and seeing a live show.

Visiting Hours: Guided tours are available most days. Performance hours vary.

Castles & Historic Fortresses

Spain’s castles and fortresses were built for defense, but many also look like something out of a storybook. With towers, stone walls, and hilltop views, they’re a great way to see the country’s royal and military past.

30. Alcázar of Segovia – Segovia

The Alcázar of Segovia looks like a fairytale castle with pointed towers and a ship-like shape. It was once a royal palace, prison, and military school. It’s one of the most photographed castles in Spain.

Best Times to Visit: April to June or September to October offer nice weather and fewer tour groups.

Visiting Hours: Open daily, usually from 10 AM to 6 PM in winter and 10 AM to 8 PM in summer.

31. Alcázar of Toledo – Toledo

This strong stone building sits high above the city of Toledo. It has been used by Romans, kings, and even the military. Today, it houses an army museum and offers great views over the city.

Best Times to Visit: Spring and fall are ideal for walking around Toledo’s old streets and hills.

Visiting Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday, often from 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Mondays.

Significance of These Landmarks

These buildings aren’t just nice to look at. They tell stories about Spain’s past, culture, and people.

Each one shows a different time in history. Kings built some, while famous artists designed others.

You’ll find a mix of styles, like Islamic arches, Gothic towers, and Modernist shapes. They help us see how art and design have changed over the years.

Many of these landmarks are located in both busy cities and peaceful towns, making them easily accessible while visiting other sights. Some are even on the UNESCO World Heritage list, which means they’re important to the whole world.

If you’re learning about Spain, planning a trip, or love cool buildings, these spots give you a deeper look into what makes the country special.

They’re more than just walls and windows; they’re part of Spain’s story.

Conclusion

Now you’ve got a full list of famous architecture in Spain, each one with its own story, style, and reason to visit.

Think about which buildings stood out to you. Perhaps you’ve already seen a few, or maybe this list has given you new places to add to your travel plans.

This guide is here anytime you need a quick reminder or want to share cool spots with a friend.

Spain’s buildings aren’t just aesthetically pleasing; they showcase history, creativity, and culture all in one.

Curious to keep learning more? Check out our other blogs for more travel ideas, design inspiration, and tips for seeing the best of Spain and beyond.