5 of the Best Heritage Cities of Spain
WE all know of Spain as the country that colonized and Christianized our own country, the Philippines for 300 years. And although this period in our history imprinted in us Filipinos much of our culture, it is all in the past. Today, there are so many things we don’t know about Spain especially in terms of tourism.
For example, did you know that Spain is the only country in
Europe with 15 World Heritage Cities—making it the country with the third
greatest number of World Heritage sites and cities in the world?
This piece of trivia was shared at a recent dinner hosted by
Turespaña, the Spanish Tourism Office, in its efforts to “reintroduce” Spain as
one of the best destinations in Europe to the Philippine market. You can read
more about Turespaña through the story (link here) I wrote for Business Mirror.
In this post, however, I would like to highlight five of the
most stunning and picturesque and most culturally and historically
intact World Heritage Cities of Spain.
Santiago de Compostela: An Important Catholic Site
In the city of Santiago de Compostela stands the majestic
St. James Cathedral, which is the third most important Catholic site in the
world after Jerusalem in Middle East, and Rome in Italy. Why? Because here lie
the remains of the apostle James. As such, it serves as the final destination
for thousands of pilgrims who take the Way of Saint James every year. It is
also an example of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical making it a
magnificent structure altogether.
Ibiza: More than its vibrant nightlife
A part of the Balearic islands, Ibiza is coveted for its vibrant
nightlife but let us not forget that it is also a World Heritage City thanks to
its famed archeological treasures exhibited in different museums like the
important Archaeological Museum of Ibiza. The place showcases 3,000 years of
history of this important island in the Mediterranean Sea. Also credited for
its Unesco recognition is its architecture, biodiversity and culture.
Cordoba: A Center of
Power and History
Cordoba is also a city where one of the world’s most
important monuments is found: the Great Mosque, which is an icon in the middle
of the historic center. It once served as the seat of power when the city was
under the Muslim rule in the 8th century. It was then converted into a
cathedral as ordered by Ferdinand III in the 13th century. Today, it is still
considered one of the Caliphate's most spectacular works.
Avila: ‘The City of Saints and Stones’
Avila is one of the most beautifully preserved walled city
in the whole of Europe. Its City Walls, built in the 11th century as protection
from Moors, remains as strong (3-meter thick) and grandiose today. And within
this walls was where Saint Teresa was born and Grand Inquisitor Torquemada was
buried. Inside and outside the walls are seven Romanesque Churches are part of
the Unesco heritage inscription. All this makes it truly the City of Saints and
Stones.
At the historic city of Segovia, an ancient Roman aqueduct is
found. Built in A.D. 50, the engineering marvel is well-preserved to this very
day. With two tiers of arches, it is made only of blocks of stone without
mortar. What’s holding the aqueduct together? Simply “a perfect, ingenious
balance of forces”! Other important monuments in the city include the Alcázar,
begun around the 11th century, and the 16th-century Gothic cathedral.
SOURCE: www.spain.info; http://whc.unesco.org/
PHOTOS: Pixabay
Euden Valdez
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