Hey lovely readers, Summer here!
As some of you may know, I recently traveled to Spain with my husband and a few friends to celebrate my 40th birthday. My blog has often featured tropical destinations, and I want to thank you for joining me on those sunny adventures. But this time, I wanted to take you somewhere different—a place where history and culture are woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Spain is a treasure chest of stories, waiting to be discovered.
From the moment we set foot in this vibrant country, it felt like stepping back in time, with ancient cathedrals and modern art museums at every turn.
Our journey led us to some unforgettable places, each with its own rich history and charm. We wandered through bustling cities and quaint towns, soaking in the sights and sounds that make Spain so unique. Whether you're a history buff or just someone who loves a good story, Spain's iconic sites have something for everyone.
The trip was a whirlwind of exploration and discovery. We stood in awe of the breathtaking Basilica de La Sagrada Familia, marveled at Picasso's genius in Barcelona, and felt a sense of peace at La Casa de Robert Graves in the charming village of Deià. Each stop offered a glimpse into Spain's storied past and left a lasting impression on all of us. Let me take you to a few of my favorite stops and share the stories that captivated us. These places left a mark on my heart, and I'm excited to share the experience with you. So, come along as we explore the must-visit historical gems of Spain—trust me, you won't want to miss these!
Basilica de La Sagrada:
It is an architectural marvel with intricate designs dating back to 1882 when the La Sagrada Family first laid roots and construction began. Under the guidance and vision of the late Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, the Sagrada Familia is scheduled for completion in 2026.
Picasso Museum:
A deep dive into Picasso's creative genius, covering his early beginnings sketches and most recognizable pieces. Picasso’s ties with Barcelona are rich with history. His family moved to Barcelona in 1895 when he was about 14 years old. During these first 9 years in Spain, Picasso received his academic training and established strong ties with other artists and friends which further strengthened his ties with the city even after leaving to Paris in 1904.
Cathedral de Mallorca:
A stunning Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral with breathtaking views. Located in Palma, Mallorca (Balearic Islands), the church broke ground in 1229 under the guidance of King James I of Aragon and was completed in 1601. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, this historical marvel was adopted in the 1900’s by multiple architects, including Antoni Gaudi.
Park Guell:
Established in the early 1900’s as a place for “well-off families” to build their estates amongst the best sea views and expansive views of Barcelona. The project was later deemed “unviable” and was left incomplete in 1914 by Architect Gaudi. The site became a large private garden where Gaudi would allow public events in return creating a tourist attraction. It was recognized as an artistic monument in 1969 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. I found this tour to be the most inspiring.
La Casa de Robert Graves:
We had a peaceful experience in the town of Deia, touring the home of the late Robert Graves, author and poet. He published over 140 books about poetry, mythology, and religion, along with historical novels, translations, biographies, and children's stories. Robert is best known for his poetry and I, Claudius, Goodbye to All That and The White Goddess.
Closing Thoughts:
There are many cathedrals, museums and galleries that one can make time to visit and tour. In fact, I could have built this trip around touring historic buildings and museums. Some I found much more interesting than others. If you are a history buff, read up on each location first, then select those that you find most fascinating. You can book the tours through sites like Viator , Tiqets , or Headout. If you want a more personalized experience, I suggest booking a tour guide via Tours By Locals.
We enjoyed our experience taking the train from the town of Soller into Palma, and walking through the city, to the Cathedral.
We also loved walking through the Gothic Quarter from La Rambla area to the Picasso Museum. Find ways to piggy-back exploring the towns and touring the museums and cathedrals.
Until next time, stay inspired and keep exploring!