The Incredible Architecture of Spain:
Some of the most varied and beautiful works in the world!
Originally published April 9, 2020. Updated February 21st 2024
All images are courtesy of the Spain Less Traveled team, unless otherwise stated.
If you’ve been following us here Spain Less Traveled for a while now, it is no secret that the architecture of Spain is one of our obsessions.
Our Instagram feed is full of photos of beautiful buildings all over Spain too!
We might be biased, but we truly believe that Spain has some of the best architecture in the entire world!
There are so many varying styles, from Pre-Romanesque to very modern styles. Some of these styles are found across Europe like Gothic and Baroque, while some are unique to Spain like Mudéjar! And of course, there’s the Islamic style, from when the Muslims ruled Spain for nearly 700 years. Spain literally has some of the best Islamic-style architecture in the whole world.
Additionally, each region also has its own style of architecture based on the climate, history, and culture. In the north of Spain, especially in Galicia, you will still find many buildings constructed of stone with sturdy weather-proof windows, to survive the cold and rainy climate.
Whitewashed towns, or pueblos blancos, are a staple of Andalucía. The quaint white buildings, often with cool interior courtyards (patios) were built to survive long, sizzling summers in the South.
Travelers who nerd out to amazing architecture always rave about Spain!
(Pro-tip: Some of Spain’s best architecture can be found in some of the smaller cities and provincial capitals. Here is our list of our favorite 30+ cities in Spain for travelers, including many that have wonderful architecture!)
And if you want us to help plan and personalize your trip around the architecture of Spain, you can learn more about the personalized travel services we offer, from 1:1 travel consultations to fully handcrafted Spain itineraries, we are here to plan your Spain bucket list trip!
Some of our favorite styles of architecture in Spain and where travelers can find it
Romanesque and pre-Romanesque
Romanesque Architecture is a style way back from Europe’s medieval era meant to give off the impression of strength. The walls of buildings constructed in this style are often very thick with just a few small openings. Semi-circular arches are also used as are columns.
Santa María del Naranco in Oviedo.
In Spain, This architectural style is mainly found throughout the northern half of the country. While it was mainly a style for religious buildings, many civil monuments were also built in this style (bridges, castles, walls, palaces, etc). Unfortunately very few of these remain today.
To see Romanesque architecture, head up to the North of Spain specifically to the areas of Cantabria, Asturias, Galicia, and León, It is very different and constructed much more simply than the other styles touched upon in this post, but nonetheless, it is still beautiful.
Some of the remaining pre-Romanesque architecture has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Spain, including Santa María del Naranco, on Mount Naranco above Asturian regional capital Oviedo.
Moorish
Detail of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Arches, intricate carvings, and geometrical tile work are pillars of Moorish architecture.
Moorish is a favorite style of architecture of Spain with first-time visitors and long-time Spain aficionados alike.
Think fairytale palaces fit for sultans, geometrical, colorful tile work, arches, and cravings so detailed and exquisite that they make the marble or plaster look like lace. Moorish architecture is a style of Islamic architecture.
These beautiful structures were constructed when the Muslims ruled Spain. You can find Moorish architecture all over Andalucía.
This is very similar to much of the architecture you can see in Morocco.
Perhaps Spain’s crown of Moorish architecture is the Alhambra in Granada.
An entire complex, visiting requires planning and strategizing about how to visit the Alhambra in Granada Spain.
Some of Spain’s other stunners include the Mezquita in Córdoba as well as the Alcazaba in Málaga.
In Seville, the Giralda (cathedral bell tower) used to the minaret of the mosque and is also a great example of Moorish architecture.
But that’s not it! Almería and Málaga both have impressive Alcazabas (old Moorish walls). And there are so many more Moorish gems all over Andalucía!
We mention more in our ultimate travel guide to Southern Spain off the beaten path.
Outside of Andalucía, Zaragoza is home to the impressive Aljaferia, which currently houses the regional parliament for the Autonomous Community of Aragón.
Mudéjar
Some people like to lump Moorish and Mudéjar together, but they are deserving of separate categories in an architecture of Spain round up since they are not the same.
Mudéjar architecture is also Islamic style, but it was built by the Christians, not the Muslims. Therefore you can find it in parts of Spain that were not necessarily Moorish stong holds. The reason the Christians mimicked the Muslim-style? Economics. Building in Mudéjar style was more cost-effective than employing other styles.
Mudéjar style tower in Teruel, Spain.
Detailed, with arches, (usually) green tile world, most Mudéjar towers are square. But in the Argonese of Calatayud, you can find other shapes.
The City of Teruel also in the Aragón region, is perhaps most famous for its Mudéjar style buildings.
However, you can find this style all over Spain. Walk around Madrid or any other Spanish city for long enough and you’re sure to come across some buildings built in the Mudéjar and neo-Mudéjar style.
Little known fact: The Alcázar of Seville is actually a great example of Mudéjar architecture in Spain, as it was rebuilt by the Christians on the site of a Moorish alcazaba after the inquisition. Many people think it’s Moorish architecture, but technically it’s Mudéjar.
Gothic
The cathedral of Seville (Canva Pro)
During the late middle ages, the Gothic style of architecture became popular across parts of Spain. The Church started constructing grand cathedrals, full of arches, stained glass, and flying buttresses. And unique to Spain, many of the Gothic-style buildings were decorated with Mudéjar style elements.
The largest gothic cathedral in the world is located in Seville. And it is massive and impressive! Some consider the cathedral of León to have some of the most beautiful stained glass in the world.
And the cathedrals of Burgos, Valencia, Toledo and Barcelona are also noteworthy Gothic style cathedrals.
And of course, visitors always rave about the Gothic Quarters of Barcelona and Girona, Catalonia. The dark narrow alleyways and gothic-style buildings transport us all back to a different time period!
Baroque
Love the details? Then Baroque architecture is for you! Baroque architecture was designed to tell a story. Its images are clear, direct, and dramatic, playing into the senses. There is much detail, grandeur, tension, and movement found in Baroque architecture, making it one of the must see styles of architecture in Spain.
The exterior of the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Baroque-style architecture.
This is a style that the Catholic Church, especially the Jesuits, used often. Therefore it is no surprise that many of Spain’s main cathedrals were built in the Baroque style.
Our favorite example of this is the Murcia cathedral (pictured above as the heading for this post). The details are impressive, and the way the cathedral was designed to reflect Murcia’s many days of sunshine and blue skies is impressive.
The cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, where many pilgrims end their walk on El Camino, is another good example of Baroque architecture found in cathedrals across Spain.
Renaissance
Renaissance architecture in Úbeda.
Spain does not have the sheer amount of Renaissance architecture that can be seen in Italy. But if you know where to look, examples Renaissance works can be found. It deserves a mention when noting the architecture in Spain.
The cathedrals of Granada, Jaén, and Málaga were constructed at least partially in the Renaissance style. And also In the province of Jaén, in Andalucía, the towns of Úbeda and Baeza are noted for their Renaissance architecture.
And visitors to the Alhambra in Granada are often surprised to see the Palace of Carlos V, a Renaissance structure built right next to the Moorish Nazrid Palace!
Casa de Pilatos in Seville is also a good example of the Spanish Renaissance style.
Plateresque
Plateresque facade in Salamanca.
During the 16th century, Plateresque, meaning “the manner of a silversmith” was a new style of architecture that started springing up around Spain. This unique style of architecture in Spain is known for its detailed facades and use of columns.
The best place for travelers to see this beautifully unique style of Spanish architecture is in the City of Salamanca.
Most noteworthy are the buildings that comprise the University of Salamanca in the historic center. A fun game is to look for the frog on the facade of the main building. If you find it, it is said you will have great academic success!
Modernismo
Gaudí’s unfinished Modernismo masterpiece in Barcelona, la Sagrada Familia.
One of Spain’s most famous architects, Antoni Gaudí, employed the Modernismo style, and thanks to him Barcelona has secured its spot on the architectural map of Spain.
While many of Barcelona’s showcase pieces are Gaudís, other architects employed the same style resulting in blocks and blocks of Modernismo buildings all over Barcelona.
Don’t forget about Architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner who designed Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau.
Modernismo is not limited to Gaudí but it is his name that is synonymous of this style. And everyone wants to see his “hits” on a trip to Barcelona.
And who wouldn’t? This style is fun, colorful, whimsical while being symbolic of Cataluña. Modernismo style employs more curves than straight lines and is very closely related to art nouveau. If you dig this style, be sure to wander the smaller streets of Barcelona’s Eixample neighborhood. You will find some beautiful, lesser-known surprises.
And Gaudí isn’t limited to Barcelona. Travelers to Spain can find works by Gaudí in León, Astorga, and Comillas as too!
Those who are really into this style should make sure to also visit Teruel. The main square showcases many works of modernist architecture.
Bonus: popular everyday architecture that can be found all over Spain
One of my favorite Spanish architecture does not belong to a specific style, but because it is one of the things we love most about Spain, we have to mention it too.
This is the popular architecture you see all throughout Spain, from apartment buildings to bars to plazas. The day to day architecture of Spain is part of what makes the country so beautiful and unique.
Madrid’s Plaza de Olavide is home to some of my favorite classic architecture in all of Spain.
Wander around the center of any large Spanish city, and you will see it too. Beautiful decorative balconies, colorful buildings, windows, and doors, (sometimes) detailed brickwork.
We absolutely love this type of architecture because these are the true hidden gems of Spanish cities. You won’t find these types of buildings in the guidebooks, Instead, you will stumble upon them. Make sure your camera is handy!
Don’t forget to look for these en route to that big monument or cathedral. These buildings are quaint, charming, and oh-so-Spanish. Due to sheer abundance, Madrid is a great place to discover these. Spend a lifetime in Madrid, and you will still find something new often!
Overlooking this style simply because it does not have an official name or era did not seem right because it is a huge part of what makes Spain, well Spain.
There you have it, a quick and easy guide to some of Spain’s most prominent styles of architecture. By now you should be ready to get on a flight to Madrid to travel to Spain and to see these gorgeous buildings for yourself.
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(This blog post would not have come together without our expert team member: Carlos Casuso, an architect based in Madrid. Muchas gracias, Carlos! Not only that, but he has opened our eyes to so many of Spain’s hidden architectural gems and treasures that the guidebooks don’t talk about)