The World Heritage Convention was created in 1972. Spain has signed and ratified the World Heritage Convention in 1982. By signing up to the World Heritage Convention, the Government of Spain promised to promote and protect their UNESCO World Heritage Sites and pass them on to future generations. A UNESCO World Heritage Site must be of outstanding universal value to humanity. After Italy, Spain has the second-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe, and the largets number of World Heritage Cities.
Photos and descriptions of a large number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain:
- Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín
- Aranjuez Cultural Landscape
- Archaeological Ensemble Mérida
- Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco
- Archaeological Site of Atapuerca
- Barcelona, Art Nouveau
- Burgos Cathedral
- Catalan Romanesque Churches of Vall de Boí
- El Escorial in Madrid
- Historic Centre of Córdoba
- Historic City of Toledo
- Historic Walled Town of Cuenca
- Las Médulas
- Monuments of Oviedo and Kingdom of the Asturias
- Mudéjar Architecture of Aragon
- Old City of Salamanca
- Old Town of Ávila
- Old Town of Cáceres
- Old Town of Segovia
- Palmeral of Elche
- Poblet Monastery
- Prehistoric Rock Art of Siega Verde
- Roman Walls of Lugo
- Routes of Santiago de Compostela in Spain
- Royal Monastery of Guadalupe
- San Millan Yuso and Suso Monasteries
- Santiago de Compostela (Old Town)
- The Cave Art of Altamira and Tito Bustillo
- Tower of Hercules
- University of Alcalá de Henares
- Vizcaya Bridge
- Works of Antoni Gaudí