World
Heritage Cities of Spain
The
Northern Route
Please
note that this is a "suggested" private group tour itinerary, which
can be changed to suit your interests. The tour price will depend on the number
of participants, travel dates, type of hotels, etc.
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 Santiago de Compostela, Salamanca, Ávila and Segovia.
Here are some highlights.
Santiago
de Compostela is an absolute treasure of a tourist destination: you can
walk everywhere, the people are friendly, the seafood was caught last night and
the local Albariño wine is crisp and refreshing. The most important building
is, of course, the cathedral, which was built between the 11th and 13th centuries.
The more recent façade, dating back to only 1750, is the highest expression
of the baroque style in Spain. Inside, the main altar displays a statue of St.
James and is open to pilgrims who wish to follow the age-old tradition of touching
or hugging the statue of the saint. But, that's not all. The entire city is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. So, the cathedral is surrounded by a host of other
buildings with equally great architectural interest. There is a lot more to discover.
Segovia.
Stop at the Roman aqueduct. Built around 50 B.C., this imposing structure
is the symbol of the city and a perfect example of the most brilliant ancient
architecture. The Alcázar fortress, a former royal residence, has a coffered
ceiling dating back to the 15th century. The Gothic cathedral, built in the 16th
century, contains the "El Santo Entierro" by Juan de Juni and a beautiful
collection of tapestries.
La
Granja de San Ildefonso. This charming royal residence hidden in the mountains
of the Sierra de Guadarrama has some of the most ornate gardens reminiscent of
those at the palace of Versailles, France. The formal layout of the park is dotted
with dozens of sculptures, cascades and unique fountains featuring an unusual
style of lead statuary painted in a bronze color.
Spanish
heritage, from the Romans to modern days, exudes from this tour route. With such
a top-notch selection of some of the best treasures of Spanish architecture and
history, it's easy to discover and appreciate the unique fabric of the Iberian
culture.
There
are many more possibilities on this tour route: Zamora,
Salamanca,
Avila, etc. Let us know where and when you want to go. We will create a custom
program that fits your interests and requirements.
Places
on this route we have personally visited: Santiago de Compostela, León,
Salamanca, Ávila, Segovia, La Granja and Madrid. See pictures from our
trips:
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