Mosque-Cathedral Monumental Site of Córdoba

The Best Monument In Spain Has Been Named, And It’s Not La Sagrada Familia

Boasting an impressive 86.3 percent of five-star reviews, this is described as the highest-rated monument not just in Spain but in Europe, and is considered the ‘most important Islamic architectural work in the western world’. The ancient structure is a unique blend of Islamic and Christian architecture, incorporating Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque detailing, which makes it a particularly captivating sight. Originally known as the Visigoth Basilica of San Vicente, it was transformed into a grand mosque in 786 and, after the Christian conquest of Córdoba in 1236, was consecrated as a cathedral. Its architectural splendour and historical significance contributed to it becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, an accolade that underlines how splendid and remarkable this monument is. - Liv Kelly