heritage tourism in spanish

• Best Time to Visit
• Weather & Climate
• Top Destinations
• Getting Around Spain
• One-Week Itinerary
• Top Things to Do
• Top Attractions in Each City
• Best Beaches
• Events and Festivals
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Food to Try
• Drinking in Spain
• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• More to Explore
• Things To Do

The 10 Best UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain

World Heritage Sites are locations of extraordinary historical, cultural, or scientific value, and UNESCO awards the distinction. The purpose is to preserve and protect these sites for posterity. As of July 2019, there were 1,121 World Heritage Sites in 167 countries, with Spain ranking fourth, proudly exhibiting no less than 48 sites. They reach from single monuments to historical districts within a city to breathtaking landscapes. We have compiled a list of the 10 best, with examples of each type so that you can plan your visit to Spain according to your interests and preferences.

Explore the Historic Center of Córdoba

Córdoba in Andalusia in the south of Spain is an example where the entire old town of a city has been declared a World Heritage Site. Córdoba’s oldest part is not very big, so it’s easy to explore one marvelous building after another on foot.

The most famous landmark is the Grand Mosque or mezquita in Spanish. In 784 A.D., when Spain was under Islamic rule, the big mosque was constructed. After the conquest by the Catholic Kings, a Roman Catholic cathedral was built in and around the mosque in the 13th century. The result is an incredible assembly of Moorish columns, arches, ornaments and carvings sitting side by side with the Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance elements of the cathedral.

Cross the river Guadalquivir, which flows through Córdoba walking over the majestic Roman Bridge and visit the Alcazar of the Christian monarchs, a medieval fortress built in 1328 with beautiful gardens and elements of the typical Mudejar architecture of the south of Spain.

For many centuries, Moors, Christians, and Jews coexisted and prospered peacefully in Córdoba, and the winding streets and big synagogue of the Jewish quarter bear witness to these times.

Other historical and cultural highlights are the rather gruesome Museum of the Inquisition and the exquisite Museum of Art on Leather, which documents the ancient Arabic art of embossing leather. Córdoba is also the city of the flower patios with an annual festival and competition for the most colorful and lavish arrangements.

Marvel at the Hanging Houses of Cuenca

Located around 90 miles southeast of Madrid, Cuenca is a prime example of a well-preserved medieval fortress town. The city is surrounded on three sides by deep gorges formed by two rivers. Built by the Moors, it became a royal city after the Catholic Kings re-conquered it in the 12th century.

Cuenca is the site of the first gothic cathedral in Spain, Nuestra Señora de Gracia. The most stunning views in Cuenca are the famous hanging houses, some painted in bright colors, and clinging to the cliffs over the river Huecar. One of these houses the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art, the most important of its kind.

For an excellent, dizzying, overview, you can cross the pedestrian San Pablo Bridge spanning the gorge.

Experience Wild Nature at Mont Perdu

Mont Perdu or Monte Perdido ("Lost Mountain") is the third-highest mountain in the Spanish Pyrenees on the border with France. It's an example of a landscape having been declared a World Heritage Site because of the contrasts in the upper mountain regions and the valleys and gorges below, as well as its plethora of flora and fauna.

Be prepared for some serious hiking, starting from Torla, if you want to explore properly. It's all located within the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park. The higher you climb the arider the land becomes, with snow-covered peaks in the distance. The lower regions, fed by the waters of melting snow, are formed by lush green valleys, pastures, waterfalls, gorges, and canyons.

Be Dazzled by Toledo’s Historic Center

Toledo, just an hour's drive south of Madrid, is also called the City of the Three Cultures because, like in Cordoba, Jews, Arabs, and Christians lived together in harmony for centuries, creating between them an urban museum with over 100 historical monuments and buildings, reflecting every possible style from Mudejar to Gothic to Renaissance.

Massive city walls and an alcazar tower over the river Tagus. Enter the Old Town through one of the many gates and visit synagogues, mosques, palaces, convents, the cathedral, and of course, the El Greco museum. Best stroll along Calle Mayor, where the 'dazzle' comes in. Toledo was famous for her world-class steel and swords until firearms took over warfare. Nowadays, the ancient art of damascening (inlaying gold or silver threads into black steel in intricate patterns) is used to produce genuinely sparkling jewelry, plates, vases, and other trinkets. Silversmiths sit in the windows of their shops, and you can watch their handicrafts.

In one of the synagogues, you'll find Spain's most important Sefardi museum, and you can even hang glide over the river. For those of you with a sweet tooth, don't miss trying the famous Toledo marzipan.

Watch the Sun Rise in Tenerife’s Teide National Park

Santiago Urquijo / Getty Images

The Canary island of Tenerife is of volcanic origin, and the third-highest volcanic structure in the world, Mount Teide, is an active volcano with the last eruption in Nov. 1909. Located in the middle of the Teide National Park, the ascent to the summit is possible by various means. The easiest is by cable car—it's a one-hour walk to the starting point at Montaña Blanca, where you can then go up by cable car and descend into the crater.

The initial eruptions have left the sides of the volcano and much of the National Park with bizarre formations of black lava. Not much grows at these heights, except Teide daisies and summit rosebushes. Apart from the fascinating landscape, the Teide National Park is a paradise for stargazers. Some of the world's clearest night skies are to be found here, and it's one of three Starlight reserves of the Canary Islands. Las Cañadas del Teide, at close to 9,900 feet, is the prime night sky viewing point. Another is Mount Guajara, also within the National Park. Here you can start another remarkable ascent, walking on a guided tour at night, resting halfway up in a cabin, and then continuing to watch the sunrise.

Admire the Architecture in Barcelona

TripSavvy / Chris VR

Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi is considered the foremost representative of the early 20th-century movement of Catalan Modernism. Inspired by nature and orientalism, his designs of flowing lines, elaborate wrought ironwork, and colorful ceramic chips are instantly recognizable. Seven of his works, completed during his lifetime, have been declared World Heritage Sites, all in Barcelona . Here they are:

• Parque Guell is a vast park on Carmel Hill. Designed by Gaudi, it included municipal gardens, several houses, terraces, and decorative walls and walkways. One of the houses was owned by Gaudi and is the Gaudi museum, whereas another one houses the Barcelona City History Museum. Apart from the decorative art and plants, the park affords the best overview of the city.
• Palacio Guell is a magnificent city palace in the heart of Barcelona, created by Gaudi. Most significant is the central hall, where you can see how he made use of space and light. The palace also features a wide staircase and permanent art exhibitions.
• Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, is one of Gaudi's best known urban buildings, commissioned by the Mila family as their townhouse with apartments for rent on the upper floors. Curving lines, twisted chimney pots and ornaments galore, this home was Gaudi's last work to be completed during his lifetime where he gave full rein to his imagination.
• Casa Vicens is another townhouse and was Gaudi's first commission. Whereas Casa Mila is predominantly white, Casa Vicens is far more colorful, and the ornaments are symmetric as opposed to the curvy lines of later buildings.
• Casa Batlló's outstanding feature is the curved roof covered in multi-colored ceramic mosaic and the "glued-on" balconies.
• The still unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral is Gaudi's masterpiece. Gaudi was profoundly religious and incorporated many Christian elements in his creations, giving special attention to the crypt facade and nativity of the cathedral.
• Crypt at Colonia Guell is another religious building by Gaudi. Originally commissioned as a church with four naves, the Guell family ran out of money, and Gaudi was only able to complete the crypt.

Understand Seville's Rich History

TripSavvy / Paula Galindo Valle

Seville , in southwestern Spain, is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

King Philip II initially commissioned the building which houses the Archivo de Indias as the stock exchange for the merchants of Seville. Expanded under the reign of King Carlos III, it became one of the most critical document centers of the world relating to the discovery, conquest, and administration of all Spanish overseas possessions between the 15th and 19th centuries.

Seville's Saint Mary of the See, referring to the bishop's ecclesiastical jurisdiction, is the third-largest church of the world and was the largest Gothic cathedral when it was completed in the 16th century. It is the burial place of Christopher Columbus and many other notable people in one way or another connected to the history of Seville. If you wish, climb up to the 343 feet high bell tower, the world-famous Giralda, built in the shape of the former minaret, which stood in its place when a mosque was constructed under Arab rule.

The third World Heritage Site of Seville is the massive compound of the Royal Alcazar, an accumulation of buildings and gardens reaching from the Arab period to Renaissance and Baroque to modern times, a real chance to travel through and understand Spanish history.

Stroll Through Santiago de Compostela's Old Town

It’s quite emotional to watch the dust-covered pilgrims who have walked the Way of St. James, a pilgrimage since the 9th century, arrive at their final destination, the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain's northeast province. They cheer, they cry, for each of them, it’s often the fulfillment of a lifetime’s dream.

The vast and richly decorated cathedral with three facades of different architectural styles was designed to receive the pilgrims who had made such a long journey to pray at the grave of St. James. The interior is splendid baroque with gold leaf as far as the eye can reach. Look out for the botafumeiro, a gigantic silver bowl hanging from a heavy chain and used to burn incense during mass.

The main entrance faces the Praza do Obraidoiro, the largest square of Santiago de Compostela. Cross over to the medieval Hostal de Los Reyes Catolicos, which was built in 1492 as a hospice to sick pilgrims and is today a luxury hotel.

Many more churches and buildings like the Town Hall, make up this World Heritage Site, including the Old Town’s many narrow alleys and connecting passageways, often populated by local musicians in traditional costume, playing the bagpipe.

Believe the Shapes and Colors of Las Médulas

The province of Castilla Leon is the location of one of the most bizarre landscapes in Spain—and it’s man-made.

During the times of the Roman Empire, Las Medulas, near the town of Ponferrada, was the largest gold mine. To mine the gold, the Romans used a technique to undermine the mountains with high-pressure water, brought in via aqueducts which eventually resulted in the collapse of the mountains and the formation of peaks and outcrops covered with red dust whilst lush green pastures grow at the bottom.

The area was declared a World Heritage Site not only for the spectacular landscape but also for extensive research and excavations to better understand the Roman techniques—in other words, for scientific reasons.

Walking tours lead you around, and you can look at the remains of ancient water conducts and crawl through caves if you so desire.

Watch a Peformance in Mérida's Roman Theater

Mérida , the capital of Extremadura, was founded in 25 B.C. by Emperor Augustus with the name of Augusta Emerita. It has become a World Heritage Site because it contains the most significant number of Roman ruins in all of Spain.

If you visit in the summer, you can see a performance of classic theatre either in the amphitheater or the Roman theater. Other Roman landmarks include the bridge over the river Guadiana, the Aqueduct of Miracles, the elegant Villa Mitreo, and the Trajan's Arch. It's a treasure trove for lovers of antiquity.

Related Articles

More related articles.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites Spain You Should Visit

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain - All You Need To Know

From the soaring heights of the Teide National Park to the Mediterranean city of Cordoba, Spain has an array of World Heritage Sites to explore.

Not only are the Alhambra Palace Granada and the works of Antoni Gaudi renowned all over the world such as the Sagrada Familia Church , but there are also many lesser-known sites in Spain that deserve a visit.

From the Garajonay National Park on the Canary Islands to the stunning Doñana Natural Park in Andalusia, there are so many unique places to explore.  Make sure to check out the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral , the historic walled city of Cuenca, or the Old Town of Avila while you’re in Spain.

With an impressive 49 properties listed on the World Heritage List, Spain is home to some of the most beautiful and historically significant sites in the world.

You’ll be sure to leave with unforgettable memories of Spain’s incredible culture, history, and natural beauty.

Here is our pick of the top 18 best UNESCO World Heritage sites in Spain:

1. The Alhambra, Generalife & Albayzin - Granada

The stunning Alhambra palace and castle sits high atop a plateau, offering visitors spectacular views of the city below.

The Alhambra in Arabic “Qal’at al-Hamra”  means red fort was built by the Nasrid Dynasty between the 13th and 15 th  centuries.

It was once a fortress that was turned into a palace by Muhammad ibn Yusuf ibn Nasr, known as Mohamed I in 1232. Construction of the great court complex soon followed.

After the conquest of the Moors in 1492 by Charles V, much of the palace interiors were removed or ruined with some parts being totally destroyed to make way for new Christian royal palaces.

This is one of the top tourist destinations in Spain so if you are planning a visit it´s certainly a good idea to buy your entrance tickets beforehand to avoid any disappointment on the day.

2. Santiago de Compostela Old Town & Cathedral

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is one of Spain’s most visited tourist sites, and once you have visited this extraordinary historic site you will understand why.

The beauty of its architecture is undeniable as it sits divinely within the region of Galicia in north-western Spain. It is clear why this architectural marvel continues to draw thousands and thousands of visitors worldwide.

Besides being one of Spain’s most important religious structures, it is also surrounded by several remarkable and historic buildings like the Gelmirez Palace, Rajoy Palace, Catholic Kings Hostal, and San Jeronimo College.

3. Cathedral, Alcazar and Archivo de Indias in Seville

Seville is an astonishing place to visit any time of the year and one of its star attractions is the Cathedral of Santa Maria , the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and recognised as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Seville Cathedral is an imposing sight, located in the heart of the city just a few minutes walk from the Guadalquivir River.

The construction lasted for well over a century, the idea of city elders at the time was .. “ to build the grandest and most magnificent Cathedral that people will think us mad ”.

The stunning central Nave rises well over 40 meters and is flanked by 80 stunning side chapels.

The Basilica was built on the site of the Almohad mosque by the Moorish dynasty which dates back to the 12 th  century.

4. Historic Walled Town of Cuenca

Cuenca is an incredibly beautiful and historic city with a fascinating story. It was originally built by the Moors in the 12th century as a defensive position, and then conquered by the Castilians and converted into a bishopric and royal town.

It is home to some of the most important buildings in Spain, including the first Gothic Cathedral of Spain and the famous hanging houses.

The town is remarkably well-preserved, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , making it a must-see for anyone interested in Spanish history and architecture.

5. Works of Antoni Gaudi

Gaudi was truly a master of his craft and his works in Barcelona, Spain remain a testament to his genius and creativity.

Some of his most renowned works are Palacio Güell, Parque Güell, Casa Vicens, Casa Mila, Crypt in Colonia Güell, Casa Batlló, and his works on the Nativity façade and Crypt of La Sagrada Familia .

Each and every one of these sites is a stunning example of Gaudi's unique style, combining elements of nature and the Art Nouveau movement in a way that is truly unparalleled.

Gaudi's vision and his works of art continue to be admired and appreciated around the world today.

6. Archaeological Ensemble of Merida

The Archaeological Ensemble of Merida is an amazing site that holds a deep history and significance.

Located in Extremadura, Spain, the city was founded in 25 BC when Augustus conquered the North of Hispania. It was designed as an idealized model of Rome and became the capital of Lusitania, the westernmost province of the Roman Empire.

After Diocletian's reforms, it served as the capital of the Diocese of Hispania. It was also a royal seat for two Germanic peoples, the Suebi and the Visigoths, and during the Arabic dominion, it was one of the three border capitals of Al-Andalus alongside Toledo and Zaragoza.

Visiting the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida is an incredible opportunity to explore the fascinating history and culture of the area.

7. Doñana National Park

The Doñana National Park in Andalusia is a spectacular site too. This immense park is home to 500,000 waterfowl each winter, making it one of the largest heronries in the Mediterranean region.

The park is made up of dunes, marshlands, lagoons, maquis, and scrub woodland and is also home to five threatened species of birds.

The configuration of the Doñana National Park is due to the delta of the Guadalquivir River, which had only one outlet to the sea below Sanlucar de Barrameda.

Over time, this delta has been blocked off by a huge sandbar and winds have shaped the dunes. Behind this sandbar lies the marshlands.

It is truly a remarkable natural wonder and a great place to explore.

8. Historic Centre of Cordoba

The Historic City Centre of Córdoba is a truly remarkable site and a must-see for any traveller.

With its mix of cultures, monuments, and stunning views of the River Guadalquivir, it is no wonder that it was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984.

The Historic Centre of Córdoba comprises the streets and parcels of land surrounding the Mosque-Cathedral , stretching south to the riverbank, east to Calle San Fernando, north to the commercial centre, and west to include the Alcázar de Los Reyes Cristianos and San Basilio quarter.

Cordoba an incredible place to explore and experience the diverse history of an ancient city.

9. Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana

The Sierra de Tramuntana is a stunning mountain range in Mallorca that boasts a long and rich history. Its early inhabitants have left behind evidence of their activity in the form of dry-stone wall constructions, terraces, and carriageways, among other traces.

A drive through the 19 municipalities of the Sierra reveals an array of historical remains, from medieval defence towers to monasteries and Talayotic villages.

The Tramuntana Sierra achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 2011, not just to preserve its cultural heritage but also its natural landscape.

It is an awe-inspiring place that deserves to be recognized and preserved.

10. Monastery and Site of the Escorial, Madrid

Located just a 50-minute drive to the north of Madrid lies the incredible Royal Monastery “ El Escorial”.    The order to build the monastery came from King Philip II to commemorate the victory of the battle of San Quentin in 1557 over France.

The structure took over 20 years to build and within time became the burial ground of all the Spanish Monarchs, a tradition that remains to this day. The scale of the San Lorenzo Monastery can only truly be appreciated when you actually visit the site.

It is just a short train or car ride to San Lorenzo from Madrid. Entrance tickets can be obtained at the main entrance hall or easily booked online via the official website below. The basic entrance fee is €10 for adults and just €5 for children up to 16 years of age, a price well worth paying to see such an impressive historic attraction.

11. Old City of Salamanca

Salamanca is a beautiful and unique city, with a rich history and cultural heritage that dates back centuries.

When visiting, you will be able to see a variety of palaces, convents, churches, and squares that exemplify the Spanish Renaissance style.

The city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and European Capital of Culture in recognition of its importance.

Salamanca has a long and important history, dating back to 1254, when Alfonso X of Castile founded the first university in Spain and one of the four oldest in the world. This university has been a cornerstone of the city's development, and has helped to make it an ideal space for the cultivation of mind and spirit, as well as a tolerant and open melting pot.

Whether you are looking to explore its historic heritage, or just take in the stunning architecture, there is something for everyone in Salamanca.

12. Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe

Guadalupe is a historical town full of religious significance and culture.

According to legend, a shepherd found a statue of the Virgin Guadalupe

near the river in the 12th century and a chapel was built in her honour. As centuries passed, the chapel was converted into the impressive monastery we see today, with a fusion of styles ranging from Gothic to Neoclassical.

Visitors to Guadalupe can explore the Gothic Church, two stunning cloisters, and the Camarín de la Virgen, an ornate octagonal building with paintings by Italian artist Luca Giordano.

The monastery complex consists of four parts, including the temple-basilica, the auditorium, the Mudejar cloister and the Gothic cloister. The Santa Ana and Portería towers are two of the most impressive, and the high altar is a sight to behold with its wooden altarpiece.

Guadalupe is a fascinating destination for anyone looking to explore its rich history and culture.

13. Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct

The Aqueduct of Segovia is an impressive and awe-inspiring structure from the Roman Empire.

Its 28.5 meter tall arcades built with solid blocks of stone, carefully fitted together with little or no mortar, are a testament to the engineering skills of the Roman Empire.

The Aqueduct is 14 kilometers of rolling landscape, adjusting to the contours of the valley, hills, and city and is a reminder of the expansion and power of the Roman Empire during the 1st century A.D., and stands today as a monument to its remarkable engineering and aesthetic capabilities. It is an incredible sight and a symbol of the Empire's legacy.

14. Teide National Park

Teide National Park is an incredible example of natural beauty and geological history.

It was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2009 for meeting two key criteria: demonstrating exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance, and representing major stages of earth's history.

The park is home to a wide variety of species and geological features, and is an important part of the Canary Islands ' history and culture.

Here you will also find the highest mountain of the country, El Teide, one of the most impressive natural wonders of Tenerife.

This (still active!) volcano is the centerpoint of the park and the island itself. It is surrounded by a volcanic landscape with several hiking routes, allowing you to discover the unique flora and fauna of the park.

Teide National Park is a remarkable example of the importance of preserving our natural heritage.

15. Poblet Monastery

The Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet is an incredible example of religious architecture and is one of the most significant abbey complexes in Europe.

It was founded in 1151 by Ramón Berenguer IV, Count of Barcelona, and ceded to the Cistercian order.

From the end of the 14th century to the 15th century, the monastery was the royal pantheon of the Crown of Aragon and reached its peak during this time, making it a major cultural centre.

It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 and consists of three well-differentiated enclosures intercommunicated by doorways, with the central enclosure constituting the monastery itself.

The buildings date from the 13th to the 15th centuries and the library was particularly famous.

The monastery of Poblet is a beautiful and valuable monument that is definitely worth visiting.

16. Renaissance Monumental Ensembles of Ubeda and Baeza

Úbeda and Baeza are two fascinating towns located in the province of Jaén that are truly a sight to behold. With their churches, palaces, and stately homes, it is no wonder that they have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The architecture is a testament to the incredible talent of Renaissance-era architect Andrés de Vandelvira, who left an impressive mark on the region.

The beauty of Úbeda's townscape is truly breathtaking, with its olive groves and carved stone facades.

Plaza de Vázquez de Molina square is home to some of the most impressive buildings, such as El Salvador Chapel, Santa María de Los Reales Alcázares Church and Las Cadenas Palace.

Take a journey back in time and visit these two Renaissance gems that have been poetically referred to as the “queen” and “lady” by the well-known Spanish Author Antonio Machado .

17. Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí

The Vall de Boí and its Romanesque churches are truly a sight to behold.

The Descent from the Cross at Santa Eulàlia d’Erill la Vall is a great example of Romanesque Catalan art and the six-storey belfry is a magnificent sight.

The church of Sant Joan de Boí is particularly remarkable, thanks to its mural paintings depicting scenes from the stoning of Saint Stephen and other stories.

Other outstanding churches on the trail include the Sant Climent de Taüll and Santa Maria de Taüll.

It is no wonder that this area was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000.

Anyone who visits the Vall de Boí will be impressed by the unique beauty of the Romanesque churches, and find it a truly unforgettable experience.

18. Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias

The monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias are fascinating examples of the pre-Romanesque style of architecture.

The gothic cathedral of San Salvador, also called Oviedo Cathedral, is a stunning example of this style and a significant stop for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. It includes a tower, cloisters, and a chapterhouse. Even more impressive is the Cámara Santa, a holy house built in the 9th century and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

These monuments are an important link to the past and a reminder of the beauty and significance of pre-Romanesque architecture.

Current UNESCO World Heritage Sites Spain

• Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzin, Granada
• Antequera Dolmens Site
• Aranjuez Cultural Landscape
• Archaeological Ensemble of Merida
• Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco
• Archaeological Site of Atapuerca
• Burgos Cathedral
• Caliphate City of Medina Azahara
• Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí
• Cathedral, Alcazar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
• Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
• Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana
• Heritage of Mercury. Almaden and Idrija
• Historic Centre of Cordoba
• Historic City of Toledo
• Historic Walled Town of Cuenca
• La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
• Las Medulas
• Monastery and Site of the Escorial, Madrid
• Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias
• Mudejar Architecture of Aragon
• Old City of Salamanca
• Old Town of Avila with its Extra-Muros Churches
• Old Town of Caceres
• Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct
• Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona
• Palmeral of Elche
• Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of Arts and Sciences
• Poblet Monastery
• Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Coa Valley and Siega Verde
• Renaissance Monumental Ensembles of Ubeda and Baeza
• Risco Caido and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria Cultural Landscape
• Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula
• Roman Walls of Lugo
• Routes of Santiago de Compostela
• Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe
• San Cristóbal de La Laguna
• San Millan Yuso and Suso Monasteries
• Santiago de Compostela (Old Town)
• Tower of Hercules
• University and Historic Precinct of Alcala de Henares
• Vizcaya Bridge
• Works of Antoni Gaudi
• Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe
• Doñana National Park
• Garajonay National Park
• Teide National Park
• Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture
• Pyrenees - Mont Perdu

Travel Smarter -  Not Harder

Download free e-guides and travel tips.

Start your Journey today and get access to exclusive FREE content.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links included in the above content may be affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, we only recommend products and services that we personally use or have used and are happy to recommend. Any commission we earn helps toward the site's running costs. 

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

• WHY VISIT SPAIN?
• TRAVELLING TO SPAIN
• SPAIN ON A BUDGET
• TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS – ETIAS
• SPAIN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
• SPANISH CUISINE
• SPANISH FOOD
• HOLIDAY IDEAS
• PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
• TOURISM BOARDS
• AIRPORT GUIDE
• DRIVING IN SPAIN
• WEATHER IN SPAIN
• FREE WEB CAMS
• BEST BEACHES SPAIN
• FESTIVALS & FIESTAS
• MUSEUMS IN SPAIN
• CAMPING IN SPAIN
• MARINAS IN SPAIN
• SKIING IN SPAIN
• WATER PARKS
• UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES
• 80 BEST ATTRACTIONS
• 71 BEST PLACES TO VISIT
• REGIONS OF SPAIN
• COSTA DEL SOL
• CANARY ISLANDS
• SAN SEBASTIAN
• Complete List:
• SAGRADA FAMILIA BARCELONA
• BARCELONA FC STADIUM TOUR
• BARCELONA FLAMENCO SHOW
• SEVILLE FLAMENCO SHOW
• SEVILLE CATHEDRAL
• GAUDI`S CASA BATLLO
• THE ALHAMBRA GRANADA
• SANTIAGO CATHEDRAL
• CITY OF ARTS & SCIENCE VALENCIA
• MOSQUE-CATHEDRAL CORDOBA
• CAMINITO DEL REY
• PRADO MUSEUM MADRID
• REINA SOFIA ART MUSEUM
• SCUBA DIVING
• BEST TAPAS TOURS
• BEST WINE TASTING TOURS
• TOUR GUIDES
• HOTELS IN SPAIN
• LUXURY HOTELS
• LUXURY BEACH HOTELS
• HOLIDAY RENTALS
• PARADOR HOTELS
• CHEAP FLIGHTS
• TRAVEL INSURANCE
• FREE TRAVEL BROCHURES
• WIN FREE HOLIDAYS

Travel Safe

World Heritage Sites in Spain

Autonomous Region

Province/Island

Showing from 1 to 12 of 168 results

Ermites Shelter in the Pietat Mountains

Abrigo del Milano. Prehistoric site

Prado del Navazo Shelter

La Peña del Escrito Rock Shelter

Alpera Shelters

Los Milagros Aqueduct

San Lázaro aqueduct

The Aqueduct of Segovia

Les Ferreres Aqueduct or Pont del Diable (Devil's Bridge)

Alcalá de Henares

Arab fortress

Ibiza Castle

• español
•   RIARTE Principal
• 2. INVESTIGACIÓN CIENTÍFICA
• Artículos en revistas científicas
• Ver ítem

Mostrar el registro sencillo del ítem

A practical vision of heritage tourism in low-populationdensity areas. The spanish mediterranean as a case study

Ficheros en el ítem, este ítem aparece en la(s) siguiente(s) colección(ones), estadísticas, políticas editoriales oa.

Difusión de contenido

To support our work, we invite you to accept cookies or to subscribe.

You have chosen not to accept cookies when visiting our site.

The content available on our site is the result of the daily efforts of our editors. They all work towards a single goal: to provide you with rich, high-quality content. All this is possible thanks to the income generated by advertising and subscriptions.

By giving your consent or subscribing, you are supporting the work of our editorial team and ensuring the long-term future of our site.

If you already have purchased a subscription, please log in

What is the translation of "heritage tourism" in Spanish?

"heritage tourism" in spanish.

• volume_up turismo patrimonial

Context sentences

Similar translations, english contextual examples of "heritage tourism" in english.

These sentences come from external sources and may not be accurate. bab.la is not responsible for their content.

• open_in_new Link to source
• warning Request revision

English Spanish Contextual examples of "heritage tourism" in Spanish

Similar translations for "heritage tourism" in spanish.

• patrimonio histórico
• turismo sanitario
• turismo médico
• turismo de salud
• turismo rural
• agroturismo
• agroturístico
• turismo de aventura
• gestor de patrimonio
• turismo cultural
• cámara de turismo
• turismo de borrachera
• turismo inteligente
• turismo de bodas
• heritage landscape
• heritage list
• heritage manager
• heritage monument
• heritage museum
• heritage of humanity
• heritage of mankind
• heritage preservation
• heritage resources
• heritage site
• heritage tourism
• heritage tours
• heritage trail
• heritage treasure
• heritage trust
• heritage value
• hermaphrodite
• hermaphroditic
• hermeneutics
• hermetic seal

Search for more words in the Tajik-English dictionary .

Why register?

Enjoy an enhanced experience.

• Access all dictionaries for free
• Browse the whole site in any of 24 languages
• Translation tool with additional allowance

Turistification and Urban Heritage in Spanish Historic Centres: Permanence and Changes in a Long Process

• First Online: 01 October 2023

Cite this chapter

• Manuel de la Calle-Vaquero 6 &
• María García-Hernández 6  

Part of the book series: Geographies of Tourism and Global Change ((GTGC))

204 Accesses

This text addresses the touristification of the historical centres of Spanish cities. Two major cycles of recent touristification processes are identified: the first, from the 1990s to the 2008 crisis, and the second, from the crisis to the present day. The study of these two cycles is organised in two parts. Firstly, the main features of the cycle are identified with allusions to the current tourism situation based on data and information extracted from secondary sources. Secondly, an account is given of the main contributions in Geography made during this cycle, in the form of a state of the art at the time of the period. In contrast to a more conventional model, which separates the state of the art from the analysis of the phenomenon, we have preferred to present the dynamics of tourism and its approaches to study in an intertwined manner, thus highlighting the features of each cycle in terms of tourism and the city, but also its modes of study as far as Geography is concerned. Finally, conclusions ends by pointing out permanences and changes in the process of touristification and its interpretation in disciplinary terms and alludes to the situation of uncertainty generated after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Subscribe and save.

• Get 10 units per month
• Download Article/Chapter or eBook
• 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
• Cancel anytime
• Available as PDF
• Read on any device
• Instant download
• Own it forever
• Available as EPUB and PDF
• Durable hardcover edition
• Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
• Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Impacts of the Pandemic on Urban Tourism: The Case of Santiago de Compostela

Rematerializing Tourism Studies: Toward a Political Economy of Tourist Space

The Socio-Spatial Articulations of Tourism Studies in Nordic Geography

Aguado-Moralejo, I., Echebarria, C., & Barrutia, J. M. (2021). Airbnb: ¿economía colaborativa o nuevo modelo de negocio? Evidencia empírica reciente desde una ciudad de tamaño medio como Bilbao. Investigaciones Geográficas, 76 , 97–118. https://doi.org/10.14198/INGEO.18910

Article   Google Scholar  

Almeida-García, F. (2007). Análisis de la estructura turística de las Ciudades Patrimonio de la Humanidad de España. Baetica, 29 , 57–72.

Google Scholar  

Almeida-García, F., Cortés-Macías, R., & Balbuena-Vázquez, A. (2019). Tourism-phobia in historic centres: The case of Malaga. Boletín de la Asociación de Geógrafos Españoles, 83 (2823), 1–32. https://doi.org/10.21138/bage.2823

Arias Sans, A. (2018). Turismo y gentrificación. Apuntes desde Barcelona. Papers. Regió Metropolitana de Barcelona. Territori, estratègies, planejament, 60 , 130–139.

Arias Sans, A., & Quaglieri Domínguez, A. (2016). Unravelling airbnb: Urban perspectives from Barcelona. In A. P. Russo & G. Richards (Eds.), Reinventing the local in tourism: Producing, consuming and negotiating place (pp. 209–228). Channel View Publications. https://doi.org/10.21832/9781845415709-015

Chapter   Google Scholar  

Barke, M., Towner, J., & Newton, M. Thomas. (1996). Tourism in Spain: Critical issues . CAB International.

Barrado-Timón, D. A., & Hidalgo-Giralt, C. (2019). Golden hordes or mere barbarians? Discourses on tourism, touristification, and tourismophobia in Madrid’s Lavapiés neighborhood. Boletín de la Asociación de Geógrafos Españoles, 83 (2824), 1–36. https://doi.org/10.21138/bage.2824

Benach Rovira, N. (2016). ¿Ciudades en el mapa o en la guía turística? Venta de la ciudad y sentido del lugar. Revista CIDOB d’Afers Internacionals, 113 , 89–105.

Blanco Romero, A., Blázquez Salom, M., de la Calle Vaquero, M., Fernández Tabales, A., García Hernández, M., Lois González, R. C., Mínguez García, M. C., Navalón García, R., Navarro Jurado, E., & Troitiño Torralba, L. (2020). Diccionario de turismo . Cátedra.

Blanco-Romero, A., & Blázquez-Salom, M. (2018). The commodification of housing and urban planning in Barcelona. Sud-Ouest Europeen, 46 , 9–22. https://doi.org/10.4000/soe.4568

Blanco-Romero, A., Blázquez-Salom, M., & Cànoves, G. (2018). Barcelona, housing rent bubble in a tourist city. Social responses and local policies. Sustainability, 10 (6), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10062043

Bosque Maurel, J. (1962). Geografía urbana de Granada . CSIC – Departamento de Geografía Aplicada del Instituto Juan Sebastián Elcano, Zaragoza. Reimpresión de 1988.

Brandis, D., & Del Río, I. (1995). Turismo y medio ambiente de las ciudades históricas. Anales de Geografía de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 15 , 157–167.

Cabrerizo, C., Sequera, J., & Bachiller, P. G. (2016). Entre la turistificación y los espacios de resistencia en el centro de Madrid: Algunas claves para (re) pensar la ciudad turística. Ecología Política, 52 , 78–82. Retrieved from https://www.ecologiapolitica.info/?p=6775

Calabuig, J., & Barrado, D. A. (Eds.). (2001). Geografía mundial del turismo . Síntesis.

Camarillo-Naranjo, J.-M., Vallejo-Villalta, I., Fernández-Tabales, A., & Santos-Pavón, E. (2021). Where is tourist housing actually located? New approaches and sources for detailed scale analysis. European Planning Studies , 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1080/09654313.2021.2002825

Cañada, E., & Murray, I. (Eds.). (2021). TourismPostCOVID19. Turistificación confinada . Alba Sud Editorial.

Casañas Vilamala, F., & Blázquez-Salom, M. (2021). De casal a hotel boutique al Centre Històric de Palma (2012–2020). Kult-Ur, 8 (15), 99–122. https://doi.org/10.6035/kult-ur.2021.8.15.3

Cocola-Gant, A. (2011). El Barrio Gótico de Barcelona. De símbolo nacional a parque temático. Scripta Nova. Revista Electrónica de Geografía y Ciencias Sociales, XV (371).

Cocola-Gant, A., & Lopez-Gay, A. (2020). Transnational gentrification, tourism and the formation of ‘foreign only’ enclaves in Barcelona. Urban Studies, 57 (15), 3025–3043. https://doi.org/10.1177/0042098020916111

Cocola-Gant, A., & Pardo, D. (2017). Resisting tourism gentrification: The experience of grassroots movements in Barcelona. Urbanistica Tre, Giornale Online di Urbanistica, 5 (13), 39–47.

Cocola-Gant, A., Hof, A., Smigiel, C., & Yrigoy, I. (2021). Short-term rentals as a new urban frontier –evidence from European cities. Environment and Planning A: Economy and Space, 53 (7), 1601–1608.

Calle Vaquero, M. de la (2002). La ciudad histórica como destino turístico . Ariel.

Calle Vaquero, M. de la (2008). El turismo en las políticas urbanas. Aproximación a la situación de las ciudades españolas. En J. A. Ivars y J. F. Vera (coord.) Espacios Turísticos. Mercantilización, Paisaje e Identidad (pp. 507–529). Universidad de Alicante.

Calle Vaquero, M. de la (2019). Turistificación de centros urbanos: clarificando el debate. Boletín de la Asociación de Geógrafos Españoles, 83 (2829), 1–40. https://doi.org/10.21138/bage.2829

Calle Vaquero, M. de la & García Hernández, M. (2014). Las ciudades históricas españolas ante la crisis: dinámica de la afluencia de visitantes y acciones de política turística. En E. Navarro Jurado et al. (coord. y ed.), Espacios turísticos e inteligencia territorial. Respuestas ante la crisis (pp. 339–355). Universidad de Sevilla y Universidad de Málaga.

Calle Vaquero, M. de la & García Hernández, M. (2016). Políticas locales de turismo en ciudades históricas españolas. Génesis, evolución y situación actual. PASOS Revista de Turismo y Patrimonio Cultural, 14 (3), 691–704. https://doi.org/10.25145/j.pasos.2016.14.045

Calle Vaquero, M. de la & García Hernández, M. (2020). Turismo, patrimonio y centros urbanos: ¿hacia un nuevo ciclo de turistificación?. En Pons, G.X., Blanco-Romero, A., Navalón-García, R., Troitiño-Torralba, L. & Blázquez-Salom, M. (eds.). Sostenibilidad turística: overtourism vs undertourism (pp . 135–146). Mon. Soc. Hist. Nat. Balears, 31 ,Palma (Illes Balears).

Calle Vaquero, M. de la, García Hernández, M., & de Miguel, S. M. (2021). Urban planning regulations for tourism in the context of overtourism. Applications in historic centres. Sustainability, 13 (1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13010070

Donaire, J. A., Galí, N., & Gulisova, B. (2020). Tracking visitors in crowded spaces using zenith images: Drones and time-lapse. Tourism Management Perspectives, 35 , 100680. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2020.100680

Escudero Gómez, L. A. (2018). Realities and problems of a major cultural tourist destination in Spain, Toledo. PASOS. Revista de Turismo y Patrimonio Cultural, 18 (3), 617–636. https://doi.org/10.25145/j.pasos.2018.16.045

Escudero Gómez, L. A. (2021). Cultural tourism in cities post-COVID-19: A perspective and proposals for an alternative model. Boletín de la Asociación de Geógrafos Españoles, 91 , 1–51. https://doi.org/10.21138/bage.3138

EXCELTUR. (2015). Alojamiento turístico en viviendas de alquiler: impacto y retos asociados . Retrieved from: https://www.exceltur.org/uncategorized/alojamiento-turistico-2/

Fernández Tabales, A. (2018). Turismofobia “Avant la lettre” en la Sevilla de 1929: el viejo debate entre autenticidad y mercantilización del patrimonio. Revista Otras Arqueologías, 3 , 131–148.

Galí Espelt, N., & Donaire Benito, J. A. (2006). La imagen percibida por los turistas de la ciudad de Girona. Estudios Turísticos, 168 , 123–140.

Galí Espelt, N., & Donaire Benito, J. A. (2018). First-time versus repeat visitors’ behavior patterns: a GPS analysis. Boletín de la Asociación de Geógrafos Españoles, 78 , 49–65. https://doi.org/10.21138/bage.2711

García Álvarez, J. (2007). Paisajes nacionales, turismo y políticas de memoria: Toledo (1900–1950). Ería, 73–74 , 193–212.

García Hernández, M. (2000). Turismo y medio ambiente en ciudades históricas: de la capacidad de acogida turística a la gestión de los flujos de visitantes. Anales de Geografía de la Universidad Complutense, 20 , 131–148.

García Hernández, M. (2003). Turismo y conjuntos monumentales: capacidad de acogida turística y gestión de flujos de visitantes . Tirant lo Blanch.

García Hernández, M. (2007). Entidades de planificación y gestión turística a escala local. El caso de las Ciudades Patrimonio de la Humanidad de España. Cuadernos de Turismo, 20 , 79–102.

García Hernández, M., & de la Calle Vaquero, M. (2019). Urban heritage. In B. Warf (Ed.), Oxford bibliographies in geography . Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/OBO/978019984002-0208

García Herrera, L. M., Smith, N., & Mejías Vera, M. Á. (2007). Gentrification, displacement, and tourism in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Urban Geography, 28 (3), 276–298. https://doi.org/10.2747/0272-3638.28.3.276

García-Hernández, M.,, Calle Vaquero, M. de la, & Yubero, C. (2017). Cultural heritage and urban tourism: Historic city centres under pressure. Sustainability, 9 (1346). https://doi.org/10.3390/su9081346

Gravari Barbas, M. (2020). Heritage and tourism: From opposition to coproduction. In M. Gravari Barbas (coord.), A research agenda for heritage tourism . Edward Elgar Publishing Limited.

Gutiérrez Ronco, S. (1984). La función hotelera de Madrid . CSIC, Instituto de Geografía Aplicada.

Gutiérrez, J., García-Palomares, J. C., Romanillos, G., & Salas-Olmedo, M. H. (2017). The eruption of Airbnb in tourist cities: Comparing spatial patterns of hotels and peer-to-peer accommodation in Barcelona. Tourism Management, 62 , 278–291. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2017.05.003

Hiernaux, D. (2006). Geografia del Turismo. In D. Hiernaux & A. Lindón (Eds.), Tratado de geografía humana (pp. 401–432). Anthropos.

INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE ESTADÍSTICA (INE). (1990a-nowadays). FAMILITUR – Encuesta de Turismo de Residentes . https://www.ine.es/dyngs/INEbase/es/operacion.htm?c=Estadistica_C&cid=1254736176990&menu=ultiDatos&idp=1254735576863

INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE ESTADÍSTICA (INE). (1990b-nowadays). FRONTUR – Movimientos turísticos en frontera . https://www.ine.es/dyngs/INEbase/es/operacion.htm?c=Estadistica_C&cid=1254736176996&menu=ultiDatos&idp=1254735576863

INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE ESTADÍSTICA (INE). (several years). EOH – Encuesta de Ocupación Hotelera . https://www.ine.es/dyngs/INEbase/es/operacion.htm?c=Estadistica_C&cid=1254736177015&menu=ultiDatos&idp=1254735576863

Jafari, J. (2005). El turismo como disciplina científica. Política y Sociedad, 42 (1), 39–56.

Jover, J., & Díaz-Parra, I. (2019). Gentrification, transnational gentrification and touristification in Seville, Spain. Urban Studies, 57 (15), 3044–3059. https://doi.org/10.1177/0042098019857585

Jover, J., & Díaz-Parra, I. (2020). Who is the city for? Overtourism, lifestyle migration and social sustainability. Tourism Geographies, 24 (1), 9–32. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616688.2020.1713878

Lalana Soto, L. (2022). Paisajes urbanos históricos. De la ciudad como patrimonio al patrimonio en la ciudad. Revista PH, 107 , 106–125. https://doi.org/10.33349/2022.107.5201

López Palomeque, F. (1995). La estrategia del turismo metropolitano: El caso de Barcelona. Estudios Turísticos, 126 , 119–141.

López Palomeque, F. (2015). Barcelona, de ciudad con turismo a ciudad turística. Notas sobre un proceso complejo e inacabado. Documents d’anàlisi geográfica, 61 (3), 483–506. https://doi.org/10.5565/rev/dag.296

López Palomeque, F., Antón, S., Marchena Gómez, M., & Vera Rebollo, J. F. (1997). Análisis territorial del turismo: una nueva geografía del turismo (1a. ed.). Ariel.

Lopez, L., Pazos Otón, M., & Piñeriro Antelo, M. de los Á. (2019). ¿Existe overtourism en Santiago de Compostela? Contribuciones para un debate ya iniciado. Boletín de la Asociación de Geógrafos Españoles, 83 (2825), 1–48. https://doi.org/10.21138/bage.2825

López-Gay, A., Cocola-Gant, A., & Russo, A. P. (2021). Urban tourism and population change: Gentrification in the age of mobilities. Population, Space and Place, 27 (1), e2380. https://doi.org/10.1002/psp.2380

Luis Gómez, A. (1988). Geografía española: paisaje y análisis de las actividades de ocio. Baética, 11 , 71–100.

Marchena Gómez, M. (1995). El turismo metropolitano: una aproximación conceptual. Estudios Turísticos, 126 , 7–21.

Marchena Gómez, M. (1998). El impacto de las grandes exposiciones en la actividad turística: las consecuencias de Sevilla 1992. Estudios y perspectivas en turismo, 7 (1–2).

Martínez Caldentey, M. A., Murray, I., & Blázquez Salom, M. (2020). En la ciudad de Madrid todos los caminos conducen a Airbnb. Investigaciones Turísticas, 19 , 1. https://doi.org/10.14198/inturi2020.19.01

Martínez Yáñez, C. (2022). Los efectos del turismo en el patrimonio cultural: paradojas, contradicciones y desequilibrios en un momento de cambio. En R. Martínez, F. Cabrales, M. de la Calle Vaquero, M. García, C. Mínguez, & L. Troitiño (coords.), Leyendo el territorio. Homenaje a Miguel Ángel Troitiño (pp. 730–742). Universidad de Guadalajara.

Martínez-Caldentey, M. A., Blázquez-Salom, M., & Murray, I. (2020). Habitabilidad y Airbnb: el alquiler de la vivienda en el distrito Centro de Madrid. Cuadernos de Turismo, 46 , 367–393. https://doi.org/10.6018/turismo.451881

Mínguez, C., Piñeira, M. J., & Fernández-Tabales, A. (2019). Social vulnerability and touristification of historic centers. Sustainability, 11 (16), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11164478

Nofre, J., Giordano, E., Eldridge, A., Martins, J. C., & Sequera, J. (2018). Tourism, nightlife and planning: challenges and opportunities for community liveability in La Barceloneta. Tourism Geographies, 20 (3), 377–396. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616688.2017.1375972

Rengifo Gallego, J. I., Campesino Fernández, A. J., & Sánchez Martín, J. M. (2015). El turismo en la ciudad de Cáceres (1986–2010): un cuarto de siglo emblemático. Boletín de la Asociación de Geógrafos Españoles, 2015 (67), 375–401. https://doi.org/10.21138/bage.1830

Rengifo Gallego, J. I., Campesino Fernández, A. J., Sánchez Martín, J. M., Salcedo Hernández, J. C., & Martín Delgado, L. M. (2020). Los apartamentos turísticos de la ciudad de Cáceres: Rehabilitación y refuncionalización del centro histórico. Cuadernos Geográficos, 59 (3), 238–263. https://doi.org/10.30827/cuadgeo.v59i3.11136

Rodwell, D. (2022). Sustainable urban heritage vs heritage orthodoxy. In M. T. Albert, R. Bernecker, C. Cave, A. C. Prodan, & M. Ripp (Eds.), 50 years world heritage convention: Shared responsibility – Confict & reconciliation (pp. 125–138). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-05660-4_10

Russo, A. P., & Scarnato, A. (2018). “Barcelona in common”: A new urban regime for the 21st-century tourist city? Journal of Urban Affairs, 40 (4), 455–474. https://doi.org/10.1080/07352166.2017.1373023

Salas-Olmedo, M. H., Moya-Gómez, B., García-Palomares, J. C., & Gutiérrez, J. (2018). Tourists’ digital footprint in cities: Comparing Big Data sources. Tourism Management, 66 , 13–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2017.11.001

Santos Solla, X. M. (1999). Mitos y realidades del Xacobeo. Boletín de la Asociación de Geógrafos Españoles, 28 , 103–117.

Santos Solla, X. M., & Lopez, L. (2019). Gestión turística en ciudades históricas. Santiago de Compostela. Estudios Turísticos, 218 , 195–204.

Sequera, J., & Nofre, J. (2018). Shaken, not stirred: New debates on touristification and the limits of gentrification. City, 22 (5–6), 843–855. https://doi.org/10.1080/13604813.2018.1548819

Troitiño Vinuesa, M. A. (1992). Cascos antiguos y centros históricos: problemas, políticas y dinámicas urbanas . Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes.

Troitiño Vinuesa, M. A. (1995). El turismo en las ciudades históricas. Polígonos, 5 , 49–65. https://doi.org/10.18002/pol.v0i5.1131

Troitiño Vinuesa, M. A. (1998a). Turismo y desarrollo sostenible en las ciudades históricas con patrimonio arquitectónico-monumental. Estudios Turísticos, 137 , 5–53.

Troitiño Vinuesa, M. A. (1998b). Turismo y desarrollo sostenible en ciudades históricas. Ería: Revista Cuatrimestral de Geografía, 47 , 211–228.

Troitiño Vinuesa, M. A. (2002). Aranjuez: Patrimonio Cultural, recuperación urbana y turismo. Anales de Geografía de la Universidad Complutense , 495–518.

Troitiño Vinuesa, M. A., & Troitiño Torralba, L. (2009). Turismo y patrimonio en Castilla y León: las ciudades patrimonio de la humanidad (Ávila, Salamanca y Segovia) como destinos turísticos de referencia. Polígonos, 19 , 145–178.

Troitiño Vinuesa, M. A., de la Calle Vaquero, M., García Hernández, M., & Troitiño Torralba, L. (2007). La situación turística del Grupo Español de Ciudades Patrimonio de la Humanidad: bases para la puesta en marcha del Observatorio Turístico . Ed. Grupo Español de Ciudades Patrimonio de la Humanidad / Universidad Complutense de Madrid, León.

Vacas Guerrero, T. (2000). Los museos madrileños como oferta turístico-cultural. Cuadernos de Turismo, 5 , 105–111.

Vacas Guerrero, T. (2005). Los museos del “Paseo del Arte”: espacio turístico-cultural de ámbito internacional. Estudios Turísticos, 165 , 97–129.

Valenzuela, M., & Hidalgo, C. (2010). Tourism in historic cores, conflict or opportunity? The stakeholders point of view in Madrid’s case. Rivista di Scienze del Turismo – Ambiente Cultura Diritto Economia, 1 (2), 281–300.

Valenzuela Rubio, M. (1999). Turismo cultural y políticas urbanas sostenibles en el casco histórico de Madrid. Revista de Arte, Geografía e Historia, 2 , 387–419.

Vera Rebollo, J. F., & Dávila Linares, J. M. (1995). Turismo y patrimonio histórico y cultural. Estudios Turísticos, 126 , 161–177.

Wilson, J., Garay-Tamajon, L., & Morales-Perez, S. (2021). Politicising platform-mediated tourism rentals in the digital sphere: Airbnb in Madrid and Barcelona. Journal of Sustainable Tourism , 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2020.1866585

Yrigoy, I. (2019). Rent gap reloaded: Airbnb and the shift from residential to touristic rental housing in the Palma Old Quarter in Mallorca, Spain. Urban Studies, 56 (13), 2709–2726. https://doi.org/10.1177/0042098018803261

Download references

Acknowledgements

Grant PID2020-114186RB-C22 funded by MCIN-AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033.

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Manuel de la Calle-Vaquero & María García-Hernández

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Manuel de la Calle-Vaquero .

Editor information

Editors and affiliations.

Department of Geography, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain

Asunción Blanco-Romero

Department of Geography, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma, Baleares, Spain

Macià Blázquez-Salom

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

de la Calle-Vaquero, M., García-Hernández, M. (2023). Turistification and Urban Heritage in Spanish Historic Centres: Permanence and Changes in a Long Process. In: Blanco-Romero, A., Blázquez-Salom, M. (eds) Spanish Tourism Geographies. Geographies of Tourism and Global Change. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-39780-6_7

Download citation

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-39780-6_7

Published : 01 October 2023

Publisher Name : Springer, Cham

Print ISBN : 978-3-031-39779-0

Online ISBN : 978-3-031-39780-6

eBook Packages : Social Sciences Social Sciences (R0)

Share this chapter

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Publish with us

Policies and ethics

• Find a journal
• Track your research

October 27, 2023

By José Luis Ballesta Pérez

Introduction

From the inception of human settlements to the epochs of the Celts and Iberians, the advent of the Roman Empire, the reign of the Muslims, and the Christian monarchs, Spain’s history is remarkable not only for its grandeur but also for its rich diversity. This historical tapestry has led to several noticeable consequences in the present day: Spanish being the second most widely spoken language globally; the internal heterogeneity across the Iberian Peninsula, featuring six official languages; and most notably for the purpose of this article, Spain’s standing as one of the five countries boasting the greatest abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With a total of 49 designated properties, 44 of which are “cultural”, Spain ranks fourth (along with France) in its number of World Heritage Sites. [1]

Nonetheless, the saying “no es oro todo lo que reluce” (all that glitters is not gold) holds true, highlighting that while Spain possesses a wealth of cultural heritage, part of it remains inadequately safeguarded. The objective of this article is to scrutinize the condition of Spain’s cultural heritage, the legal framework governing it, the existing challenges, and their fundamental causes, all with the intention of shedding light on this issue, which, if left unaddressed, could lead to grave repercussions.

Historical Background

The history of Spain has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s cultural heritage. Over centuries, the Iberian Peninsula has been a hub for diverse cultures, empires, and peoples. In this section, the most significant historical phases forming Spain’s cultural heritage will be briefly explored:

• Prehistory (2,500,000 B.C to 3,500 B.C) [2] : The Atapuerca archaeological sites exhibit Spain’s most ancient legacy in the depths of Prehistory. These unique testimonies cover over a million years of European human history, providing insight into our prehistoric forebears and their evolution. [3]
• Roman Hispania and the transition to the Middle Ages (1 st –7 th centuries) [4] : Roman rule left an enduring legacy on the Iberian Peninsula. With its grand aqueduct, a building of stone arches that remains as a testament to the architectural beauty of ancient Hispania, Segovia’s Old City stands as an icon of Roman engineering. [5]
• Islamic and Christian Spain (8 th – 15 th centuries) [6] : For centuries, the Iberian Peninsula’s cohabitation of Islamic and Christian civilizations generated a rich architectural history. The Caliphate City of Medina Azahara in Cordoba exemplifies this wealth, with its palaces and gardens reflecting Spain’s Islamic influence. [7]
• Modern Era (15 th – 18 th centuries) [8] : Architecture in Spain achieved new heights of magnificence throughout the Modern Era. Seville’s Cathedral, Alcazar, and “Archivo de Indias” are famous examples of Renaissance architecture as well as Spain’s importance in worldwide exploration and trade. [9]
• Nineteenth and twentieth centuries: [10] Antoni Gaudi’s influence led in an age of architectural innovation in Spain. His unconventional creations, such as Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, stand as exceptional examples of Catalan architectural avant-gardism. [11]

As may be observed, each stage of Spain’s history has its own contribution to its cultural legacy with unique features transcending time.

Legal Framework and Current State 

This section provides a concise summary of the Spanish legal framework regarding the safeguarding of its historical heritage.

It is crucial to start by citing the Spanish Constitution, which in Article 46 states that

“the public authorities shall guarantee the conservation and promote the enrichment of the historical, cultural and artistic heritage of the peoples of Spain and of the assets that comprise it, whatever their legal regime and ownership. The penal law will punish any attacks against this heritage.” [12]

As a consequence of this constitutional article, in 1985, Spain enacted Law 16/1985 on the Protection and Conservation of Spanish Historical Heritage to regulate this matter, which was followed by a Royal Decree (Royal Decree 111/1986). A Royal Decree is a provision approved by the President of the Government or by the Council of Ministers, adopted by virtue of the regulatory power of the Government, [13] which in this case partially developed the mentioned Law 16/1985.

This law, whose fundamental objective is the protection of Spanish historical heritage as a whole, identifies the properties that make up this historical heritage, designates the Historical Heritage Council (the body in charge of carrying out communications and keeping abreast of action programs [14] related to Spanish historical heritage at a national and regional level [15] ), delegates powers to the Autonomous Communities and municipalities within the country, and, last but not least, expresses the need to inventory or declare as Bienes de Interés Cultural (BICs, or “assets of cultural interest”) the most relevant aspects, tangible or intangible, of Spanish historical heritage, which are distinguished from the remaining historical heritage. [16]

Under the aforementioned law, Spanish historical heritage:

“includes immovable property and movable objects of artistic, historical, paleontological, archeological, ethnographic, scientific or technical interest. It also includes documentary and bibliographic heritage, archaeological sites and areas, as well as natural sites, gardens and parks of artistic, historical or anthropological value.” [17]

The law also mentions certain goods that require a greater protection:

“Within the Spanish Historical Heritage, and in order to grant greater protection and tutelage, the category of Bienes de Interés Cultural acquires a singular value, which extends to the movable and immovable assets of that Heritage that, in a more evident way, require such protection.” [18]

It is vital to highlight that this legal stipulation does not imply that those aspects not encompassed within the BICs category will therefore not be protected. Instead, it mandates the comprehensive safeguarding of the entire historical heritage as a government responsibility and introduces the classification of BICs to provide heightened protection for select assets.

The red list of Spanish heritage promoted by the scientific committee Hispania Nostra can help provide insight into the present situation. The list was established with the purpose of highlighting, increasing awareness about, and taking action on endangered immovable heritage elements within Spanish territory. [19] An asset is included in the list when there is a specific threat to the preservation of its cultural and historical value. With that said, the data shows that the yearly addition of properties to the list has been growing exponentially in the past decades, resulting in a total of over a thousand registered sites in 2023. [20] It is thus apparent that there is a disconnect between the legal provisions and the practical reality. Nevertheless, this circumstance can be rectified. As previously noted, one of the list’s goals is to prompt efforts to rescue these properties and improve their state. If corrective measures are implemented, these properties could potentially transition to the green list (properties that have been removed from the red list because the risk they presented no longer exists); if not, they are at risk of inclusion on the black list (properties that have been removed from the Red List because their essential values have disappeared or have been irreversibly altered). The question to raise at this point is why such apparently protectionist legislation towards historical heritage is not reflected in practice. What is the problem and what are the underlying reasons for it?

Political Actions and Lack of Interest 

This section examines concrete political actions that can address the root causes of this issue. There is an evident need for an injection of financial resources to make possible the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage. Without this support, the outlook for Spanish heritage appears bleak.

The first among these possible political measures pertains to the allocation of public spending. In Spain, the State General Budgets are approved on an annual basis, and within these, there is an allocation for “Culture.” According to the 2022 data, [21] there was a significant increase in the overall “Culture” funding compared to 2021. [22] However, when the budget designated for the “Conservation and restoration of cultural assets” is scrutinized, there is a noticeable decline of 6%, decreasing from 22.8 million in 2021 [23] to 21.4 million in 2022. [24] Why would there be an increase in the general cultural budget, while spending on the conservation of cultural assets is being reduced amidst the current disastrous situation?

The second example would be the use of funds from the European Union’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan . This plan allocates a total of just over 141 million euros for the “Revitalization of culture throughout the territory.” [25] However, the details of this funding clearly show that among measures for the “conservation, restoration and enhancement of Spanish cultural heritage,” action will be taken exclusively on “assets declared of cultural interest” and on “the comprehensive recovery of the Tabacalera building in Madrid,” [26] completely forgetting about any other property not protected as a BIC.

These examples lead to the following conclusion: there are economic resources available, but owing to diverse interests, the preference lies in directing investments towards different priorities rather than preserving Spain’s historical heritage in its entirety. Is some of the historical heritage being preserved? Absolutely. Yet, when it comes to adhering to the constitutional obligation articulated in Article 46, are the public authorities ensuring the conservation of historical heritage, regardless of its legal status or ownership? This answer would vary considerably.

A Call to Action

There is still an opportunity to initiate a transformation of the current situation. However, the detrimental consequences that can arise if the ongoing loss of cultural heritage is not reversed have to be kept in mind. Two of these outcomes deserve special mention. The first of these implications relates to the gradual erosion of a portion of Spain’s cultural identity. Cultural identity plays a pivotal role in fostering social cohesion, and without it, the nation’s development is compromised. While it might sound like an abstract concept, it is a crucial factor that should not be underestimated. Shifting the focus to the economic aspect, it is essential to acknowledge that Spain heavily relies on tourism. There are several factors contributing to Spain’s status as the world’s second most popular tourist destination, [27] and one of these factors is its rich cultural heritage. It goes without saying that if the preservation of Spanish cultural heritage is neglected, foreign interest will wane. Conversely, by diligently safeguarding the country’s cultural legacy, increased interest from tourists and economic growth in the sector can be expected.

To rectify this scenario, education plays a pivotal role. It is worth noting that the political class consists of individuals who are ordinary citizens too. While it is indeed a long-term endeavor, commencing the process of instilling an appreciation for cultural heritage in today’s children can pave the way for future politicians to prioritize it. Consequently, focusing on heritage education could initiate the transformation sought. The immediate goal, therefore, is not solely to secure investments, but rather to foster a cultural environment where investment becomes a natural and expected course of action. Achieving this requires implementing educational measures and widespread cultural promotion.

In conclusion, Spain’s cultural heritage has many treasures that require the commitment of society as a whole for their conservation and protection. Although the situation is dire and the challenges persist, there is room for optimism and positive change. By spreading this message to the furthest reaches of society, starting with education at an early age, it will be possible to achieve a favorable change in public policies in this regard. By doing so, the country will be able to reinforce its cultural identity and continue to captivate the world with its wonders. The road may be long, but it is vitally important.

Suggested Readings

• M. Bassols Coma, “El patrimonio histórico español: aspectos de su régimen jurídico” Revista de Administración Pública, 1987.
• C. López Bravo, “Interrelación de las categorías legales de protección del patrimonio cultural en España”, PH: Boletín del Instituto Andaluz de Patrimonio Histórico, Año nº7, 27, 83-90.

About the Author:

José Luis Ballesta is a fifth year student of a double degree in Law and International Relations at the University of Navarra, Spain. His interest in art law lies in his passion for the two disciplines separately. Cultural heritage and repatriation issues are his preferred areas within art law. However, he is also interested in other disciplines, among which criminal law, international contracting and conflicts in private international law stand out.

• UNESCO, “World Heritage List”, https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/ (October 25th, 2023, 6:01 PM) ↑
• Instituto Geográfico Nacional “Atlas Nacional de España” https://atlasnacional.ign.es/wane/Prehistoria (October 14th, 2023, 11:32 AM). ↑
• Ministerio de Cultura y Deporte – Gobierno de España “Recorrido Histórico. Patrimonio Mundial” https://www.culturaydeporte.gob.es/cultura/areas/patrimonio/mc/patrimoniomundial/bienes-declarados/recorrido-historico.html (October 14th , 2023, 11:39 AM). ↑
• Supra note 2. ↑
• Supra note 3. ↑
• C.E., B.O.E. n. 311, Dec. 29, 1978 (Spain). ↑
• Diccionario panhispánico del español jurídico – Real Academia Española “ Definición de Real Decreto” https://dpej.rae.es/lema/real-decreto , (October 14 th , 2023, 11:52 AM). ↑
• The functions of the Spanish Historical Heritage Council are: To be aware of the action programs, both state and regional, related to Spanish Historical Heritage, as well as the results thereof; To prepare and approve the National Plans of Information on Historical Heritage, which aim to encourage communication between the different services and promote the necessary information for the development of scientific and technical research; To elaborate and propose campaigns of formative and informative activities on the Historical Heritage; To report on the measures to be adopted to ensure the necessary collaboration in order to fulfill the international commitments undertaken by Spain that affect the Spanish Historical Heritage; To report on the destination of goods recovered from illegal export; To issue reports on issues related to Historical Heritage that the President submits for consultation; Any other function that, within the framework of the competence of the Council, is attributed by any legal or regulatory provision. ↑
• Ministerio de Cultura y Deporte – Gobierno de España, Consejo del Patrimonio Histórico, https://www.culturaydeporte.gob.es/cultura/patrimonio/informacion-general/gestion-en-el-ministerio/consejo-del-patrimonio-historico.html (October 25th, 2023, 6:03 PM) ↑
• Ley 16/1985, de 25 de junio, del Patrimonio Histórico Español, Boletin Oficial del Estado (1985). ↑
• Hispania Nostra, ¿Quiénes somos? ,  https://listaroja.hispanianostra.org/quienes-somos-que-es/ (October 14 th , 2023, 12:05 PM). ↑
• Hispania Nostra , Lista Roja , https://listaroja.hispanianostra.org/lista-roja/ (October 14 th , 2023, 12:12 PM). ↑
• Ministerio de Hacienda y Función Pública “Presupuestos Generales del Estado, Resumen económico de gastos, Sección 24: Ministerio de Cultura y Deporte”, 2022. ↑
• Ministerio de Hacienda y Función Pública “Presupuestos Generales del Estado, Resumen económico de gastos, Sección 24: Ministerio de Cultura y Deporte”, 2021. ↑
• Supra note 18. ↑
• Presidencia del Gobierno – Gobierno de España ”Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia, Componente 24: Revalorización de la Industria Cultural “, 2023. ↑
• World Population by Country, “Most visited countries 2023” (Live),  https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/most-visited-countries (October 14 th , 2023, 1:52 PM) ↑

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to provide legal advice. Readers should not construe or rely on any comment or statement in this article as legal advice. For legal advice, readers should seek an attorney.

Related Posts

Fines to Save Cultural Heritage Sites in Russia [good idea if you can do it]

The Recovery of a Henri Matisse is a Victory for the Art Loss Register and a Reminder that Art Theft is Increasing

Good Art, Ugly Divorce

Become a member.

Since 2009, the Center for Art Law has organized hundreds of events and published over 1,200 relevant, accessible, and editorially independent articles. As a nonprofit working with artists and students, the Center for Art Law relies on your support to fund our work. Become a premium subscriber and gain access to discounts on events and archives of articles and/or hundreds of case summaries, intended for a worldwide audience of legal professionals, artists, researchers, and students

Andy Warhol Foundation Visual Arts v. Goldsmith, 598 U.S. 508 (2023).

Case Law Corner

Read case law summaries and enjoy unlimited access to our legendary Case Law Corner, now in a new and improved Database with over 700 entries.

Annual Subscription

• Access to all articles and past-event recordings
• Access to Case Law Database
• Free and discounted access to events
• Discounts to third-party events

Artist & Student Membership

• Access to our Case Law Database

Tomsk Tourist Information and Tourism

(tomsk, siberia, russia), tomsk tourist information and tourism: top sights, more tomsk information / fast facts and orientation.

• Country: Russia (Russian Federation)
• Location: Siberia / South-West of Siberian Federal District / Tomsk Oblast
• Status: city
• Area: approximately 114 square miles / 295 square kilometres
• Population: approximately 485,000
• Language: Russian (Slavic Language)
• Currency: Russian Ruble (RUR)
• Time zone: UTC / GMT + 3
• Country dialing code: +7
• Telephone area code: 3822
• Average daily Tomsk January temperature: 14°C / 7°F
• Average daily Tomsk July temperature: - 25°C / 77°F

© Copyright TravelSmart Ltd

I'm looking for:

Hotel Search

• Travel Guide
• Information and Tourism
• Maps and Orientation
• Transport and Car Rental
• History Facts
• Weather and Climate
• Accommodation
• Hotels and Accommodation
• Popular Attractions
• Tourist Attractions
• Museums and Art Galleries
• Attractions Nearby
• Things to Do
• Events and Festivals
• Restaurants and Dining
• Your Reviews of Tomsk
• Russia World Guide
• Guide Disclaimer
• Privacy Policy / Disclaimer