World Heritage cities in Spain were recognized as a separate group between the years 1985 and 1998 with the efforts of UNESCO. Spain boasts of having eight World Heritage cities namely: Avila, Caceres, Cordoba, Cuenca, Salamanca, Santiago de Compostela, Segovia, Toledo, Alcala de Henares, Ibiza and San Cristobal de La Laguna. This is the largest number in any single country round the globe. These sites were set up with an objective of tourist promotion.
TOLEDO
Toledo is also popular as the city of three cultures namely Christian, Arabic and Jewish as the monuments are built with a combination of these styles. The city has a wonderful location set on the banks of the river Tagus.
The old quarter of La Mancha is a bona fide open-air museum having magnificent monuments such as Cathedral de Toledo, Alcazar de Toledo and Mequitza del Cristo de la Luz, Casa Museo de El Greco. Another tourist attraction in Toledo is the monastery of Saint John.
AVILA
Avila has many famous monuments like Mansion of Velada, Palace of Valderrabano, Cathedral, City Hall and medieval corners such as plaza de los Davila. It attained the status of World Heritage city for its superfluity of Renaissance churches and palaces.
CORDOBA
For its Flamenco festivals, concerts, ballet and other activities that are complemented by a number of museums, the city of Cordoba was declared a World heritage Site.
CACERES
Medieval, fortified homes, Renaissance palace and ten towers made the city of Caceres come under the category of World heritage Site. Arab walls surround the city. To get into the city one has to pass through the Arco de la Estrella (Arch of the Star), 18th century gate built by Manuel de Lara Churriguera.
CUENCA
Cuenca attained the status of World Heritage city for Gothic Cathedral of Nuestra Senora, Parador de Turismo, Cuenca Auditoruim, Church of San Miguel, the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art, hermitage of Nuestra Senora de las Angustias, the ruins of an Arab castle and the former fortress of Kunka.
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Cathedral with a Baroque façade, Romanesque doorway, the Obradorio along with medieval squares such as the Plaza Azabachería, Plaza Quintana and Plaza de Platerías made Santiago de Compostela attain the status of World Heritage city.
SALAMANCA
Salamanca has attained recognition as World Heritage city as it is replete with churches, places and ancestral homes. Salamanca has one of the oldest universities in the world, the Plaza Mayor. Other city highlights include House of Shells, City Hall, Cathedral and the University facade.
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