In 2007, millions of Spanish people voted to decide which places best represent their country’s rich culture, history, and identity. Four months after the international vote crowned the New Seven Wonders of the World, Spain launched its own version. Two big media channels, Antena 3 and Onda Cero, launched a campaign to name the country’s most beloved places. The result? The 12 Treasures of Spain—a list of must-see landmarks picked not by travel experts or guidebooks, but by everyday Spaniards.
FROM SEVEN TO TWELVE
Inspired by the global event, they originally planned to pick just seven landmarks. But the decision wasn’t easy. The campaign received more than 9,000 nominations and it quickly became clear that seven simply wasn’t enough. In the end, the organizers decided to expand the list to 12.
Beloved icons like the Alcazaba of Almería, the Aqueduct of Segovia, and Cuenca’s Hanging Houses didn’t make the final list. Even big names like Gaudí’s Park Güell and Casa Mila were left out. Toledo Cathedral, one of the top Gothic cathedrals in Europe, also didn’t make the cut. Instead, Spaniards highlighted places that go beyond the typical tourist route.
So which places did win the public’s heart? And are they worth visiting? This article breaks down each of the chosen sites—and why they matter so much to locals. We’re not just ticking off names—we’re helping you understand why these places matter and deserve a spot on your itinerary.
12 Treasures of Spain
Chosen by public vote, these sites showcase the country’s cultural heart—from prehistoric caves to architectural wonders.
1. Mosque-cathedral of Cordoba
When it comes to the 12 Treasures of Spain, the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba stands out as one of the most extraordinary places you’ll ever visit. It tells a story not just of beauty, but of survival, change, and cultural fusion. This is where Islamic and Christian history meets under one roof, and the result is truly one of a kind.
Under Muslim rule in Al-Andalus, Cordoba thrived and was a major centre of learning and culture. The city was the heart of Islamic Spain and had a global influence. In the 8th century, Muslim builders began work on a mosque that would become one of the largest in the world. They reused ancient columns from a Roman temple and created a massive hall filled with 856 striped red-and-white arches.
This space for prayer also spoke of art and community. For a time, the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba was the second-largest mosque in the world.
SURPRISING DECISION:
Then, everything changed. When Christians reclaimed Córdoba in the 13th century, they didn’t destroy the mosque. Instead, they built a cathedral right inside it. This bold choice left behind one of the most unique religious buildings in the world.
The result is a rare blend of Moorish, Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque architecture, all coexisting under one roof. This fusion earned the site UNESCO status in 1984 and global admiration. Today, the Mosque-Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the West. It’s also one of the most visited landmarks in Spain that offers true depth and meaning. Walk through the quiet courtyard of orange trees. It’s the oldest Islamic garden still alive in Europe. Don’t skip the old minaret-turned-bell tower for breathtaking views.
Curious if it’s worth the trip? Read more about Cordoba:
2. Altamira cave
The oldest of the 12 Treasures of Spain lies hidden near the quiet town of Santillana del Mar. Altamira Cave might look modest from the outside, but what’s inside changed how we see human history.
Step into the mind of early humans over 14,000 years old and connect with people from another age. This cave holds some of the oldest and most advanced prehistoric art on Earth created by humankind. These aren’t simple drawings but stunning images of animals, including bison, horses, and deer, painted with amazing skill.
Artists used the natural curves of the cave to give these figures motion and shape, creating a 3D effect long before that term existed. Some paintings in the other chamber go back even further—up to 34,000 years. That makes Altamira one of the earliest known examples of human creativity. Its importance earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list and secured a spot on this list. Because of how fragile the art is, only a few people each week can enter the original cave. But right next door, a full-scale replica offers the same atmosphere and the same artwork.
3. Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
What makes a single building worth walking 790 km for? Since the 9th century, millions have followed the Camino de Santiago on foot to reach the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Why? Inside, rest the remains of St. James the Apostle, one of Jesus’s closest followers. Back in the Middle Ages, this site ranked just behind Rome and Jerusalem as a Christian pilgrimage destination. People believed walking the Camino would bring healing, forgiveness, and cleanse their souls.
Construction began in 1075 under King Alfonso VI. Over time, architects blended Romanesque strength with Gothic height and Baroque beauty. The cathedral’s iconic twin towers rise above the Obradoiro Square, welcoming tourists and pilgrims from around the world. Whether you walk the Camino or visit for the day, this UNESCO-listed cathedral proudly belongs to the list.
4. Roman Theatre in Merida
In summer, actors perform on the same stage as Roman performers.
How often can you sit where Roman citizens once watched plays? In Mérida, you can. The Roman Theatre of Merida dates back to around 16 BC under the patronage of Agrippa, son-in-law of Augustus. It held over 6,000 people and staged dramas in full costume and sound effects—2,000 years before modern theatres existed. Its curved design helped every whisper reach the back row without microphones.
Over time, as the empire declined, the Roman Theatre of Merida was forgotten and buried in silence. Earth covered it and only parts of a few stone seats peeked above the ground. Locals called them “The Seven Chairs.” But in the 20th century, archaeologists uncovered and restored the full site. Today, it’s one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world and one of the most important Roman archaeological sites in Spain.
5. Seville Cathedral
Seville Cathedral is a symbol of power, ambition, and faith. After retaking Seville from Muslim rule, Christian leaders tore down the old mosque. But they didn’t settle for a simple cathedral. They made a bold decision: to build something so grand that future generations would never forget Seville’s golden age. And they got exactly that.
In 1401, construction began on what would become the largest Gothic cathedral ever built, surpassing even Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. It held that title for centuries and still ranks fourth today. The cathedral’s vast interior includes 80 chapels and 15 doors. The central nave rises over 40 m (130 ft) high. Inside, sunlight shines on gold-covered altars, including the world’s largest altarpiece—carved from wood and covered in gold leaf. As if that’s not enough, it also houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Outside, the Giralda Tower (once a minaret) is now one of Spain’s most famous bell towers. Instead of stairs, it has ramps, built so that riders on horseback could climb to the top. Today, that tower offers the best views in Seville. Add to that its UNESCO status, and it becomes more than worth visiting, it becomes unmissable.
6. La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona doesn’t look like any church you’ve ever seen. Gaudí began designing this iconic Roman Catholic basilica after he took over the project in 1883. After he stepped in, he changed the entire vision and poured his soul into it. Antoni Gaudi works slowly and spent more than 40 years shaping this masterpiece. He saw it as a place where architecture, nature, and faith would meet. Gaudi blended Spanish Late Gothic and Art Nouveau elements and drew inspiration from nature. He turned columns into tree trunks and made stained glass windows glow. Every spire, every angle, and every sculpture has meaning.
After his sudden death in 1926, others continued the work, using his detailed drawings and cutting-edge technology. Even today, construction still continues, more than 140 years later. The goal? To complete it by 2026, exactly 100 years after Gaudí’s death—if all goes according to plan. When it’s done, La Sagrada Familia will be the tallest church on Earth.
Among the 12 treasures of Spain, this one truly stands apart. It’s an architectural miracle and one of the most famous landmarks in Spain. If you only visit one site in Barcelona, make it this one.
7. Alhambra in Granada
The Alhambra in Granada tells the story of Islamic rule in Spain with unmatched elegance and power. This UNESCO-listed palace fortress on a hilltop has watched over the city since 1238. Every arch, fountain, and tile in this fortress complex speaks of beauty and empire. Once the seat of the Nasrid dynasty, it became the last great Muslim stronghold in Spain before the Catholic Monarchs took over in 1492.
There are four must-see areas here: the Alcazaba (a stone fortress), the Nasrid Palaces (the richly decorated royal residences), the Generalife Gardens (a summer escape with fountains and flower beds), and the Palace of Charles V (a bold Renaissance stamp added after Christian conquest).
Named one of the 12 treasures of Spain, the Alhambra in Granada reflects Arab presence in Spain for over 750 years. Today, it remains one of the best examples of Islamic architecture in Europe. It shows how cultures collided, mixed, and left something completely unique.
TIP:
Visit the Mirador de San Nicolás (across the valley) for the best view. Plan your visit to the Albaicín neighbourhood around golden hour. That view of the glowing palace backed by the Sierra Nevada mountains will stay with you for life.
8. El Teide National Park
Want to visit another planet without leaving Earth? El Teide National Park in Tenerife comes close. Located in the heart of Tenerife, this UNESCO World Heritage Site takes you to landscapes that feel like Mars. Its alien-like terrain, massive volcanic cones, and jagged rock fields look straight out of a sci-fi film. In 2010 NASA even tested Mars exploration gear here.
Towering above it all is Mount Teide—Spain’s highest peak at 3,718 metres. It’s the third tallest volcanic structure on Earth if you measure from the ocean floor. Take an 8-minute cable car up to 3,555 m, then hike to the summit if you’ve got the permit. You’ll never forget the views—or the sense of standing somewhere truly rare.
But El Teide isn’t just a sightseeing stop. This famous national park is a lesson in geology and biology. Over 40% of insect species here live nowhere else.
9. Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar
Declared a National Monument, this basilica is far more than a religious landmark.
In Zaragoza, something truly magical stands by the Ebro River. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar is one of the most meaningful religious sites in Europe and a proud part of Spain’s 12 treasures. This massive Catholic church draws people in with its powerful stories, its size, and its breathtaking Baroque beauty.
OLD CHRISTIAN TRADITION:
What makes this place so special? This basilica is believed to be the first church ever built to honour the Virgin Mary. Long before grand domes and towers stood over Zaragoza, something sacred happened on its soil. Local tradition says Saint James was the first to bring Christianity to Roman Spain. But his mission wasn’t going well. Then, while praying by the banks of the Ebro River on 2 January 40 AD, the Virgin Mary appeared to him. This miracle—said to be the only time she appeared while still alive (before her Assumption)—changed the city’s future. The Virgin Mary gave him a jasper pillar and asked him to build a church in her honour. That simple pillar became the heart of what is now the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar.
Over time, the small chapel became a grand Baroque basilica with soaring domes, towers, and some of Goya’s earliest frescoes. In the Santa Capilla, you’ll see the small yet deeply important statue of the Virgin, still resting on the same pillar.
FUN FACT:
During the Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939, three bombs fell on this church—but none exploded. People still talk about that miracle today and see this moment as divine protection. Today, two unexploded bombs hang silently on the wall inside the church.
10. Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
A visit to the Guggenheim Museum isn’t just for art lovers but for anyone who wants to see how one building can change everything.
The Guggenheim in Bilbao grabs your attention the moment you see it. This contemporary and modern art museum is one of the boldest buildings in the world. It’s a work of art that reshaped an entire city and turned it into a symbol of creative rebirth.
Opened in 1997 by King Juan Carlos I of Spain, Frank Gehry’s unusual design changed the city forever. Once an industrial city in decline, Bilbao became a modern icon of culture and innovation almost overnight. The museum became a global cultural hotspot and one of the top cultural cities in Europe. Today, the Guggenheim is one of the largest museums in the country and a popular example of contemporary architecture.
Inside, expect massive sculptures, surprising installations, and powerful modern art. The museum features over 250 contemporary pieces, including colossal works like Richard Serra’s Snake and installations that stretch the boundaries of modern art. It blends perfectly with the Nervión River, reflecting the light, the sky, and the ambition of a reborn city. From every angle, the museum looks different, with curved shapes wrapped in shining titanium.
11. City of Arts and Sciences
From the moment you step into Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, it feels like you’ve landed on another planet. This futuristic wonderland is unlike anything else in Europe. Designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, the City of Arts and Sciences breaks every rule—and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
Built on what was once a flooded riverbed of the Turia River, this project reimagined not just space, but purpose. The buildings look like sculptures in motion—glass, steel, and light coming together in perfect harmony. The complex includes the Hemisfèric, shaped like a giant eye (the eye of wisdom), which shows worlds beyond ours. It hosts surprising astronomical representations, entertainment shows, and IMAX movies. Nearby, the whale-skeleton-shaped science museum holds an entire interactive museum. The Oceanogràfic in the shape of a water lily is the largest of its kind in Europe. It brings the oceans to your feet—face to face with jellyfish, dolphins, and even Arctic ice. Each space was designed to inspire. And it does.
The City of Arts and Sciences isn’t just Valencia’s pride—it’s one of the boldest cultural centres in Europe. Whether you’re chasing knowledge or just want to be wowed, this place delivers.
12. La Concha Beach
Golden sand, rich royal history, and breathtaking ocean views framed by rolling green hills characterize La Concha Beach in San Sebastian, one of the 12 Treasures of Spain.
With its perfect crescent shape and calm turquoise water, La Concha doesn’t shout for attention; it quietly draws you in. In 1845, Queen Isabel II famously took a dip here on doctor’s orders, and the rest is history. Shortly after, nobility followed, and San Sebastian transformed into a charming summer capital. Locals refer to it as the ‘Pearl of the North’.
The promenade, with Its white Iron railings and Belle Époque vibe, feels like It’s straight out of a classic novel. You’ll find locals walking dogs, kids playing, and couples watching the sunset from hidden benches. Add in fine food, mountain views, and a timeless atmosphere, and it’s clear why La Concha earned its place on the list.
Now you know what the 12 Treasures of Spain are!
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