World Heritage Cities of Spain

The Southern Route

The goal of the UNESCO World Heritage Site program is to inventory and preserve sites of outstanding cultural or natural importance to world heritage. The program started in 1972 and has been very successful throughout the world. So far, 180 states have ratified the convention that regulates it, and a total of about 650 cultural sites are listed. Each World Heritage Site remains the property of the country where it is located, but the site's preservation is considered to be in the interest of the international community and generations to come.

Spain has one of the largest numbers of cities with UNESCO World Heritage status, including on this tour route Ávila, Cáceres, Córdoba, Toledo, Cuenca and Alcalá de Henares. This cultural route starts in Madrid and, along the way, uncovers several centuries of Spanish history and architecture - from Byzantine to Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and even New Gothic styles. Here are some highlights.

Ávila. This is a perfect example of a medieval walled city. Massive ramparts completely surround the old town. Visit the cathedral (a combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles), which has been used both as a church and a fortress at various times. Then, tour the Royal Monastery of Santo Tomás, the summer residence of the Catholic Kings of Spain. On through the old town to the Church of Santa Teresa with a Baroque façade, the Guzmanes Tower, the Mansiones de los Deanes (with Baroque and Plateresque decorations) and the San Pedro Church. Finally, take a look at the outside of San Vicente Basilica. Its western gate is a jewel of Romanesque style.

Cáceres. Located in western Spain, it is the third most important medieval complex in Europe. Tour the Estrella Archway and Santa Maria Square with the cathedral, the Episcopal Palace, the Carvajal Palace and the Golfines de Abajo Palace, for a mixture of Gothic, Mudéjar and Plateresque styles. Admire the Casa de las Cigüeñas, the Casa de las Veletas (now the Provincial Museum of Archaeology), the Casa del Comendador de Alcuéscar (a Parador hotel) and the Golfines de Arriba Palace.

Córdoba. Founded by the Romans, it became the cultural capital of Andalusia during the Moorish occupation of Spain. In the year 1000, it was the largest city in Christendom, with more than 300 mosques and countless palaces competing with the wealth and opulence of Constantinople and Damascus. The high point of any tour in Córdoba is the Great Mosque (la Mezquita). In 1236, when Córdoba was re-conquered from the Moors, the new governors, impressed by its beauty, refrained from destroying it. Instead, they built a Baroque cathedral within its walls. The Jewish quarter with its synagogue is within easy walking distance. In this unique city you will observe first-hand the fusion of arts and cultures and witness the harmonious coexistence of the Christian, Muslim and Jewish religions over the centuries.

Spanish heritage is the soul of this tour route. Such a select choice of some of the best treasures of Spanish architecture and history makes it easy to appreciate the unique fabric of the Iberian culture.

There are many more possibilities on this tour route: Toledo, Cuenca, Madrid, etc. Let us know where and when you want to go. We will create a custom program that fits your requirements.

Please note. This is a "suggested" private group itinerary, which can be changed to suit your interests. The tour price will depend on the number of participants, dates, type of hotels and other variables.

    

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