Archive for 'Architectural Gems in Spain'

The Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes is a 15th century architectural wonder and the shining gem of Toledo. Controversially founded in the heart of the Jewish quarter by the Spanish monarchs period, it was constructed as a provocative statement about their perceived supremacy of the Catholic faith and is where they had intended to be laid to rest. This did not come to pass and, today, it is actually the parish church of the Archdiocese of Toledo.

Despite the incredible size and beauty of the church, the parish is actually quite small as the impossibly beautiful historic quarter in which it is located is not inhabited by many residents. Therefore, when you visit, you're likely to encounter greater numbers of astounded tourists than parishioners and you're also likely to become one of them yourself, craning your neck to take in the ornate beauty of the building.

Find a vacation rental in Spain and come fall in love with this exceptional architectural gem.

If you book a vacation rental in Málaga and are exploring the city, then a visit to the Alcazaba of Málaga is a must. A fortress-palace and an Arabic citadel, it is a beloved historical monument in the city and one of the best places to take in a wonderful view over Málaga. An architectural gem, steeped in history, and utterly beautiful, it is an inexpensive attraction to visit but provides an incredible bang for its buck.

One enters the grounds next to the Roman amphitheatre and then takes a meandering path uphill, wandering past lush greenery, rich red bougainvillea, palm trees high overhead, fragrant jasmine bushes and rows of orange trees. Then there is the building itself; light-coloured stone, thick walls, imposing and, yet, beautiful at the same time, with delicately pointed ogive arches, patios taking in wonderful views and little gardens and pools dotted around.

Seville is an incredibly beautiful city in the Spanish region of Andalusia that boasts an incredible amount of architectural gems, stunning attractions and things to see and do. A romantic and charming place, steeped in history and culture and photogenic spots around every corner, it is an ideal holiday destination. Once you find a perfect vacation in Seville, you'll find endless reasons to fall in love with the city. However, we have been listing just ten of them and here are the final entries into this selection...

7. Seville Cathedral

Seville's incredible cathedral, Santa Maria de la Sede, is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built from 1401 to 1506, it is ornate, massive and utterly glorious and awe-inspiring. It is said that when the plans for the building, the aim of those involved was to “build a church so beautiful and so magnificent that those who see it finished will think we are mad”.

This week, we have been talking about the beautiful city of Seville in Andalusia and everything that it has to offer the discerning tourist. If you find your perfect vacation rental in Seville, you'll find architectural gems, excellent museums, amazing parks and a picturesque setting that will make you fall irrevocably in love.

Here are some more of our picks of just a selection of the best things to see and do in Seville...

4. Metropol Parasol

Another stunning architectural gem, the Metropol Parasol is a wooden structure located in La Encarnación square, in the old quarter of Seville and was designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer. Completed in April 2011, it is already an iconic structure in the city and truly wows visitors in person.

Seville is the capital of the region of Andalusia, the third largest city in the entire country, which is famous for flamenco dancing, its ornate and rich architectural landscape (particularly its great monuments such as the Cathedral), and its lushness. One of the most beloved tourist destinations in Spain, it is a magical place that will make you fall utterly in love. Just find your perfect vacation rental in Seville and come see it with your own eyes to discover why people adore it so. Here are just ten of the most amazing attractions you'll come across...

1. Real Alcázar

One of the most beautiful palaces in the entire world, the Alcázar of Seville is a royal palace that was originally developed by Moorish Muslim kings and one of the most outstanding examples of mudéjar architecture. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. While older buildings existed on the site in the past, the current palace structure largely dates to the 12th and 13th centuries.