Spain’s history is as expansive as its cultural diversity, reflecting a complex past shaped by myriad peoples from the Romans and Visigoths to Moors and Christians. This storied past is evident not just in the country’s cuisine and festivals, but vividly present in its ancient architecture. This article explores ten of the oldest buildings in Spain, each offering a unique glimpse into the distant past and telling stories of a time long before our own.

Oldest Buildings in Spain

1. The Aqueduct of Segovia

The Aqueduct of Segovia, towering majestically above the city, is one of the most emblematic and best-preserved monuments left by the Romans in Spain. Built around the 1st century AD, this engineering marvel was constructed without the use of mortar and features over 170 arches, perfectly aligned through the sheer skill of ancient builders.

The true test of the aqueduct’s craftsmanship is its durability. This structure not only provided water from the Frio River to the city well into the 20th century but has also withstood numerous earthquakes. It continues to dominate the landscape of Segovia, a lasting testament to Roman precision and their understanding of civil engineering.

2. The Mezquita of Córdoba

Initially built as a small Visigothic church, the Mezquita of Córdoba was transformed into a grand mosque in 784 AD under the Umayyad dynasty and later converted into a Catholic cathedral during the Reconquista. Its sprawling hall, adorned with an endless row of arches and an opulent mihrab, symbolizes the religious and cultural metamorphoses that have defined Spain.

The Mezquita is renowned for its stunning forest of columns made from jasper, onyx, marble, and granite, and the distinctive double-arched design that creates an awe-inspiring aesthetic of depth and rhythm. This monumental site encapsulates the blending of architectural styles over centuries, making it a focal point of Cordoban identity and history.

3. The Roman Theatre of Mérida

The Roman Theatre of Mérida, built in 15 BC, was a gift from General Agrippa, a close associate of Emperor Augustus, intended as a venue for entertainment and public gatherings. It originally seated around 6,000 spectators and was adorned with elaborate marble decorations and statues of gods and emperors that lined the stage.

Preserved remarkably well, this ancient theatre tells tales of a time when Mérida was one of the principal cities of the Roman Empire in Iberia. The annual Mérida Classical Theatre Festival, which still runs today, allows visitors not just to see but to experience performances in the same space where audiences gathered over two millennia ago.

4. The Alhambra

Situated on a strategic point with a view over the whole city and the meadows, The Alhambra is a spectacular palace constructed during the mid-13th century under the Nasrid dynasty. This complex is famous for its intricate Islamic art, verdant gardens, and the delicate beauty of its inner palaces.

The Alhambra showcases the sophistication of Moorish architecture and is a testament to the Muslim rule in Spain before the Reconquista. Its harmonious integration with the natural landscape and the detailed craftsmanship seen in its walls and ceilings demonstrate an advanced understanding of aesthetics and technology that was far ahead of its time.

5. The Church of San Juan de Baños

Erected in 661 AD under King Reccesuinth of Visigoth origin, the Church of San Juan de Baños serves as one of the finest examples of Visigothic architecture in Spain. It was constructed as a thanksgiving for the healing of the king’s illness, a divine intervention attributed to the waters of the nearby springs.

Despite being over 1,300 years old, the basilica-like structure of the church, with its horseshoe arches and robust stone walls, continues to be a place of worship and an important historical site. Its continued existence offers a rare insight into the early medieval period in Spain, a time from which very few buildings survive today.

6. The Giralda

Once a minaret and now a bell tower of the Seville Cathedral, The Giralda was originally built in 1184 during the Almohad dynasty. Its design reflects the cultural amalgamation typical of Al-Andalus, showcasing a blend of Moorish and Renaissance architectural elements.

At 104 meters tall, The Giralda stands as a towering symbol of Seville’s cosmopolitan history. After the Reconquista, it was converted into a bell tower by adding a Renaissance-style top in the 16th century. This addition complements the Moorish base in a manner that encapsulates the multifaceted history of the region.

7. The Tower of Hercules

The Tower of Hercules, located in the northwest of Spain near A Coruña, is the oldest Roman lighthouse still in use today. Built in the 1st century AD, it has guided seafaring vessels with its beacon of light for nearly two millennia. This ancient maritime marker was significantly restored in 1791, with the original Roman structure serving as the core of the current lighthouse.

The legend goes that Hercules slew the giant Geryon, buried his head, and ordered a city to be built on the site, which is now A Coruña. In reality, the tower is a remarkable example of Roman engineering prowess that has served multiple civilizations over centuries.

8. Real Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de Rueda

Established in the early 13th century, the Real Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de Rueda is a stunning example of early Cistercian architecture in Spain. Located along the banks of the River Ebro, its strategic placement facilitated the monks’ engagement in agricultural pursuits, a hallmark of Cistercian monastic life.

The monastery features an innovative hydraulic wheel, a marvel of medieval engineering used to distribute river water to the monastery and its gardens. This architectural feat not only signifies technological advancement but also reflects the integration of spiritual and practical lives in medieval monastic communities.

9. Basilica de San Isidoro

Located in León, the Basilica de San Isidoro was originally constructed in the 10th century and later rebuilt in the Romanesque style in the 12th century. It houses the Royal Pantheon, where numerous kings and queens of León are interred, earning it the epithet, the ‘Sistine Chapel’ of the Romanesque period due to the extraordinary frescoes that adorn its walls.

The basilica is a repository of medieval art, with its museum featuring a collection of ancient manuscripts, including the famed 10th-century Leon Bible. Its cultural and historical significance lies not only in its architecture and royal connections but also in its role as a center of intellectual and spiritual life during the Middle Ages.

10. Monastery of Santa María del Naranco

Originally constructed as a royal palace in 848 AD and later consecrated as a church, the Monastery of Santa María del Naranco stands out as a preeminent example of pre-Romanesque architecture in Asturias. The building is distinguished by its rectangular floor plan and elevated entrance, characteristics typical of the Ramirense period.

Beyond its architectural significance, the monastery’s location offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, symbolizing the intertwined nature of the secular and sacred in early medieval Spain. It represents not only architectural innovation but also the geopolitical and cultural dynamics of the time.

Conclusion

These ancient structures reflect more than just the architectural ambitions of their eras. They are existing records of the socioeconomic, cultural, and religious currents that have shaped Spain across centuries. Exploring these buildings offers a deeper understanding of a rich, multifaceted heritage and an appreciation for the profound continuity of history embedded in stone and mortar. Each site, while a monument to past epochs, continues to live and breathe as vibrant parts of the Spanish cultural landscape today.