Choose from 459 Fun Things to Do in Spain
Cathedral and Royal Chapel (Capilla Real)
Situated side by side, the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel (Capilla Real) together make an impressive monument to the power of Christian monarchs. The cathedral was begun in the early 16th century, and even though it didn’t achieve its full intended glory (it lacks, for instance, two immense planned towers), it’s still an impressive feat of Gothic-Renaissance magnificence. There are paintings by Ribera and El Greco and, in the main chapel, carvings of Ferdinand and Isabel kneeling in prayer.
The Royal Chapel is built in the Isabelline style, a flamboyant version of Gothic, and was finished in 1517. Ferdinand and Isabel, who commissioned the chapel as their mausoleum, died before its completion, so their remains had to be housed elsewhere for a time before moving to the chapel. They rest there today beneath their marble monuments, along with several of their relatives.
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As well as paying tribute to the remains of the famous monarchs, you can gaze on their belongings in the Sacristy Museum, which contains the queen’s devotional paintings, jewelery box and crown, and the king’s sword.
El Arenal
These days, the neighborhood, which sits within the city's historic quarter, is especially known for its residents' passion for bullfighting and also religion. Their faithfulness is evident in the abundance of Arenal brotherhoods, whose devotion can be seen during Holy Week each year, when Seville’s Catholicism comes to life in colorful processions that take over the city streets.
Within El Arenal you’ll also find some of the Seville's most notable sights, such as the 13th-century Torre del Oro, erected as a watch tower under Muslim rule; the royal shipyards of the Real Atarazanas; and the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza, the second-most important bullring in Spain after the one located in Madrid.
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Gothic Quarter
- Many travelers opt to get oriented with a guided tour before wandering the Gothic Quarter on your own.
- This neighborhood is a must-see for first-time visitors.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. The Gothic Quarter is expansive and the pavement not always even.
- Some of the shops and restaurants in the neighborhood close on Sundays.
Cathedral of Barcelona
- The Cathedral of Barcelona is a must-visit for history buffs, spiritual travelers, and first-time visitors.
- Remember to dress respectfully by wearing clothes that cover your shoulders and extend to your knees or lower ; the cathedral is an active place of worship.
- The cathedral is wheelchair accessible; there’s an accessible entrance at the cloister on Carrer del Bisbe.
Castellfollit de la Roca
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Barrio de Salamanca
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Basilica of Saint Mary
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Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar
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Catedral de Santa Ana
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Castillo de Gibralfaro
Built in the early 10th century by Abd-al-Rahman III, this Malagan icon is situated on a hill which begins part of the Montes de Malaga mountain range. Another Muslim king, Yusef the First (also known as the Sultan of Granada) enlarged the castle at the beginning of the 14th century and added the double wall down to the Alcazaba that you see today.
The castle is famous for its prominence in the landscape, but also for its history. Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella once levied a 3-month siege on the Castillo de Gibralfaro. This notable battle was the first time gunpowder was used on both fighting sides in all of recorded Western history. For these reasons, and due to national admiration and pride, the Castillo de Gibralfaro is well known throughout Andalucia as a symbol in both the Malaga city and province’s seal and flag.
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Remember that the Castillo de Gibralfaro sits atop a hill. The whole route takes approximately 20 minutes to walk down, so a shuttle bus runs wary passengers to the top. Look for it outside the front gate of the enveloping Alcazaba. Admittance is 2 Euro. As with most museums in Spain, it is closed on Mondays.
Catalunya Square
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El Born
The tree-lined Passeig del Born is at the heart of the district, casting off its origins as a medieval jousting arena in favor of a modern shopping and nightlife hub, presided over by the imposing façade of the gothic St Mary of the Sea Cathedral. A cosmopolitan blend of locals and tourists fill the square’s many tapas restaurants, cocktail lounges and chic wine bars during the evening hours, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day’s sightseeing or catch up with friends in some of the city’s most fashionable haunts.
El Born also houses some of the city’s key attractions, most significantly the Parc de la Ciutadella, or Ciutadella Park, a 74-acre park centered around the striking Catalan Parliament building and fronted by the impressive Arc de Triomf. Barcelona Zoo is also part of the park, home to around 7,500 animals including dolphins, orangutans and snow leopards. The streets also harbor a collection of fascinating museums including the Picasso museum, devoted to the iconic Spanish artist; the Textile Museum, which pays tribute to the area’s humble beginnings as a textile manufacturing site; the unique Mammoth museum; and a Chocolate Museum.
Egyptian Museum (Museu Egipci)
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Basilica of Santa Maria de la Victoria
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Cau Ferrat Museum (Museu Cau Ferrat)
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Castle of Butron
Like a fantasy castle straight out of Middle-earth, the pride of the Vizcaya looms above the Butrón River, marking the spot of a key fortification that kept the Butrón clan in control. The original structure of Castle of Butron probably dated to the 11th century, though the earliest verifiable records refer to a stone tower that existed by 1250 AD. The castle was expanded as regional wars raged, and the Basque's ruling families spilled much blood in its shadow.
As peace fell across the beautiful countryside, the great families allowed their fortress to fall into utter disrepair. Finally, in 1878, new owners hired architect Francisco de Cuba to rebuild the ruins but this time with a romanticized silhouette for relaxing, rather than fighting.
Today, the old Castle of Butrón seems something from a fairy tale, with turreted towers and Bavarian style that will have you wondering when the next dragon will arrive. The gardens make a fine spot for a picnic, or wander around inside.
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Most people visit the castle on a tour from nearby Bilbao (20km/13mi), but you can also do it using public transport. From Bilbao, take the metro to the city of Mungia. From there, several buses leave for Gatika. Ask the bus driver to drop you at the Castillo de Butrón; the stop is 300 meters (984 feet) downhill from the castle.
Every June, the castle hosts the Feria Medieval (Medieval Festival), with period costumes, traditional games, and other entertainment. Though there's not much tourist infrastructure in the nearby town of Gatika, several vacation rentals are scattered about the hills.
Basilica Macarena
The chief attraction of the Basilica Macarena is La Macarena, or "the Virgin of Hope," a 17th century wooden sculpture of Christ's mother mourning his death (complete with tears). She's the patron saint of bullfighters, friend to gypsies and star of the Semana Santa parade held in Seville every Easter.
When she passes by in the parade, songs are sung to her beauty and rose petals strewn in her path. In a small museum adjoining the basilica, you can see some of the Virgin's parade array, along with bullfighting relics.
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The Basilica Macarena can be reached by taking Line 3 to the Macarena stop, or taking the C2 or C3 bus.