Spaniards are extremely sensitive to the heritage of their ancestors, and if urbanization relentlessly regains its position in Madrid and Barcelona, then in small Spanish towns you can still find untouched streets and quarters of rare beauty. In proof that the Spaniards only benefit us, we present the ten most beautiful of these places.
1. Puente la Reina
The charming historical town is famous primarily for the fact that it kind of brings together the two famous pilgrim Ways of St. James - Aragon and Navarre. Therefore, Puente la Reina is often chosen for an overnight stay by those who went to one of these spiritual wanderings, but this is not the only reason why it is worth visiting and even lingering.
The main attraction of the city is the stunning beauty of the thousand-year-old bridge over the Arga River in the Roman arches. He gave the name of this Navarre town (Puente la Reina in translation - "Queen's Bridge").
The construction of the bridge is shrouded in many secrets and myths, until now historians can’t even say with all accuracy what kind of queen the initiation of construction belongs to. Even a thousand years later, he gives the impression of being monumental and indestructible, and also looks great in the pictures of travelers;)
Also worth a visit: Cathedral of the Apostle James, Church Crucifo
2. Albarracin
At such a large, at first glance, the territory (half a thousand square kilometers) lives just over a thousand people - and all thanks to the ancient fortress wall, built on hilly terrain. This place is chosen for their travels by those who are interested in the heritage of the past and medieval architecture.
Of the minuses, tourists point out that prices for goods and services are quite high (dictated, of course, by high popularity). However, the inspection of all local attractions can be accommodated in one day - unless you are lucky enough to get on one of the large-scale city holidays, and you wish to stay.
Also worth a visit: the Bishop's Palace, the Calehoni Navaso caves (outside the city)
3. Olite
One of the pearls of the province, which is simply impossible to ignore, is the cozy town of Olite. His pride is a real medieval palace, to wander through which, surveying wonderful panoramas, is sheer pleasure.
Inside there is a museum where you can learn more about the history of the region, as well as see a photo of the building before a large-scale restoration. Those who have visited here, advise to be sure to stock up on wine in small private cellars, and also to allocate time just to walk the streets of the city - it is interesting to look at the medieval buildings “hanging” over the narrow aisles from their high rock spots.
Also worth a visit: the monastery of St. Francis, the Museum of Wine of Navarre, the Church of Our Lady
4. Valladolid
The capital of the province of the same name is the largest city on our list, but for all its popularity and importance, it still manages to retain the charm inherent in small towns.
First of all, hitting this fabulous place, go to the museum of sculpture. His building, richly decorated with unusual carvings, columns, engravings and bas-reliefs, is one of the business cards of the city. Inside you will find a rich collection of sculptural and architectural heritage from very different periods.
Also worth a visit: the palace of Pimental, the church of Santa Maria Antigua, the market Val
5. Rhonda
Small European cities, lurking on the very edge of the rocks, are always in great demand among lovers of beauty. Andalusian Ronda, located at an altitude of 723 meters above sea level, was no exception!
The city has an extremely rich and ancient history, leading back to the times of the Celts, who founded the first settlements on this place. Since then, the territory at different times ruled by the Greeks, and the Romans, and the tribes of the Visigoths - they all left their mark on the formation of the modern look of Ronda.
Fortunately, the Spanish government is famous for its respect for the historical heritage, and therefore there are many reminders of the glorious ancient times. In addition, the city is considered the capital of bullfighting, and therefore the oldest bullring in the country is a must-see!
Also worth a visit: the new bridge, the museum of bullfighting
6. Estella
Charming Estella is another important point for pilgrims who follow the Path of St. James. The city was founded as an ancient Roman, and later Spanish classical fortresses and cathedrals, for example, the majestic San Miguel and Santo Sepulkro, grew here.
The city is also considered a must-visit for true gourmets - according to connoisseurs, bread, wine and traditional meat and fish dishes are incredibly tasty here.
Also worth a visit: the Bridge of San Martin, the Palace of the Queen of Navarre, the Museum of Gustavo Maesta
7. Peratallada
Peratallada is a recognized historical and cultural monument of Spain, as well as part of the famous "Golden Triangle" villages of the country.
The local authorities decided to destroy the permissible boundaries for their guests, who already rush here in an endless stream. In one of the main attractions of the city, the city-castle, you can not just visit, but also stay for the night - today a quite modern hotel functions in its walls.
For those who love the ancient remains untouched by civilization, there are a number of other attractions, some of which are more than a thousand years old.
Also worth a visit: the Plaza Mayor, the Church of St. Stephen
8. Mijas
This coastal town, of course, pretty much lost its former solitude and tranquility since beach-goers noticed the Spanish coast, but this does not mean that it is not worthy of your attention.
One of the features of the town is a fun mode of transport - burro taxi. Instead of yellow cabs, passengers take to where you want cute donkeys in bright blankets.
Due to its convenient location, most local attractions have their own viewing platforms - you can look around the neighborhood, for example, by going to the Old Mill or the Chapel.
Also worth seeing: the museum of miniatures, the fortress of Alcazaba, the bell tower, the fortress wall, the botanical garden
9. Santillana del Mar
It is hard to believe what settlement really managed to preserve its historical appearance as much as possible, but it is impossible to find even a stone laid in a building later than the 18th century throughout its territory!
The whole town can be considered one large medieval open-air museum. Numerous churches, houses, ancestral estates and towers are concentrated around the Monastery of St. Juliana, from which the foundation of the settlement began. Note that you will have to pay for the entrance to some of the surviving medieval buildings.
Also worth a visit: Raymond Pelayo Square, Regina Coeli Diocesan Museum, Santillana del Mar Zoo
10. Hondarribia
The Spaniards call this town Funtarrabia, while the Basques call Hondarribia, but whatever you call it, it remains invariably beautiful.
The real pride of the Basque Country, this fishing village with its own fortress wall once captivated Hugo and Stendhal, who described it with the most flattering epithets, and today hospitably welcomes travelers from all over the world. Tours here are especially popular with the Spaniards themselves, who prefer local beaches to populous popular resorts.
Also worth a visit: the castle of Charles V, the fishing district (La Marina), the Church of Our Lady
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