Spain has a rich history and culture, with it being the home of many of the worldโs most famous artists. Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali are just two of their world famous creative minds who have had a long-lasting impact on the art world.
However, Spain is also home to some beautiful architecture as well. Architecture is after all an art form in itself, and there is a lot to see in Spain.
With so much to see, you might be unsure what to visit first if you plan on visiting or staying in Spain on a visa. We shall take you through some of the best architecture and art in Spain that you should see.
1. Basรญlica de la Sagrada Famรญlia
Perhaps Spainโs most famous building, the Basรญlica de la Sagrada Famรญlia is a grand church that has been under construction since March 1882. It is located in Barcelona, and stands out amongst all the smaller buildings around it.ย Whilst buildings are not a piece of art in the traditional sense, the Basรญlica de la Sagrada Famรญlia is a clear example of great art in Spain.
It was originally designed by Antoni Gaudรญ, an architect belonging to the Modernista movement. The Gaudรญ House Museum is also located in Spain, around 30 minutes from the Sagrada Famรญlia. You can visit the museum if you would like to learn more about the man behind the project.
The complexity of the design means that the building will not be finished until 2026, though there are plans for further construction work that would see work last until the mid 2030s.
Almost 150 years worth of effort from numerous generations of workers has gone into its completion. They worked with different levels of technology, and lived in completely different periods, but have all worked towards the same goal.
If you ever visit Barcelona, you should definitely take some time to have a look at one of the most challenging and detailed pieces of architecture that has ever been created.
2. La Guernica by Picasso
On a darker but very much important note, one famous piece by Picasso, and possibly his most famous, is called โGuernicaโ and can be found at the Museo Reina Sofรญa in Madrid.
It is an anti-war painting that depicts one of the most harrowing events of the Spanish Civil War, which is the bombing of Guernica by Germany and Italy. Guernica itself had no military objectives in it, and was purely a civilian settlement. Regardless, it was bombed until it was nothing but ruins.
The art itself depicts the chaos that unfolded in Guernica, and acts as an educational piece about the horrors of war.ย It is a great example of art in Spain that you really need to see to feel the impact of.
3. The Alhambra
In the south of Spain all the way in Granada sits the palace and fortress of Alhambra. It was built during the Islamic period of southern Spain, with its earliest forms being from the late 9th century. Over the years, it has become one of the most impressive pieces of architecture in Spain.
The Alhambra proper first began construction in 1238 under the leadership of Muhammad I of Granada, who was the founder of the Emirate of Granada. The initial construction of the complex was finally completed in 1358, though much has been added to the building over the centuries.
Although Islamic rule over Granada ended in 1492 when it became a Christian court, it continued to be inhabited by and expanded upon for years to come.
The building has had a long and storied history, with many tales to tell. If you would like to learn more about the history of the building while gazing upon its historical splendour, then you should definitely visit it.
4. La Fuente de Cibeles (Fountain of Cybele)
Unlike everything else on the list so far, the Fountain of Cybele is not a painting or a famous historical building; it is a sculpture and fountain made of white marble.
The sculpture is located in Madrid, and is a part of the Paseo del Arte, Madridโs art walk that guides you through a range of historic works. However, it is such a popular sculpture that there is also a replica in Mexico City.
It depicts the goddess Cybele on a chariot pulled by two lions. She was originally worshipped in Phrygia, but spread to Greece and Rome. She is both a fertility goddess, as well as being considered the mother of all the gods.
Whilst it was commissioned by King Carlos III, it took the work of three other people to create it: Francisco Gutiรฉrrez, Roberto Michel, and Ventura Rodrรญguez. They completed the sculpture in 1782.
5. Puppy in Bilbao
Next is something else that is a little bit different: a flower sculpture of a West Highland Terrier puppy located in Bilbao, Spain.
It is the most modern piece of art in Spain on this list, and was designed by Jeff Koons, an American man from Pennsylvania.
The sculpture is made mostly from live flowers, which makes it a very unique piece of work, as it will require constant maintenance to ensure it keeps its shape. Underneath the flowers, there is a metal structure that helps to support the sculpture.
It is the perfect sculpture for both plant, dog lovers, as well as art lovers who want to see something a little different from the usual stone or metal sculptures that are far more common.
6. The Lady of Elche
Discovered in 1987, but originally made all the way back in around the 4th century BC, the Lady of Elche is the most ancient item on this list of art in Spain.
The sculpture is a bust of a woman, and was found in Elche, in southern Spain. The city lends its name to the bust.
It has survived the ages mostly intact, with all of its intricate details still clear to see. From 1897 to 1941, it was in the Louvre, but was sent back to Spain in a mutual transfer of artistic works, which also helped to ensure that this ancient art piece survived the Second World War.
During an analysis in 2011, it was discovered that there were traces of human ashes in a hole in the back of the bust. This means it was possibly used as some kind of urn, with its complex design likely meaning that it was created for a high ranking woman in the local society of the time.
The bust is an intriguing look back into the past for both cultural practices, and the skills of ancient people that still stands the test of time, with it being one of the greatest pieces of art in Spain.
How we can help you see art in Spain
These are just a few examples of some of the most impressive and striking pieces of art in Spain.
If any of these pieces of art and architecture have intrigued you enough to visit Spain, or have helped you plan where to go in Spain, then you can take the next steps by applying for your Spanish visa.
Our experienced team can help you in the process of applying for your Spanish visa, so you can explore what the country has to offer. Whether itโs for a holiday, to work, or to study, we can help you.
If you are interested in our assistance, then you can book a free 10-minute assessment where a team member will evaluate whether we can deal with your application or not. Get in touch with us today for expert Spanish visa assistance.
