It turns out I really enjoy taking pictures of buildings. Or, that’s what my image library tells me, anyway.

I guess buildings can tell you a lot about a place; how long it has been there for, what kind of rule it was under, what styles were fashionable at what times etc. Europe, in particular, is characterised by its unique architectural style and Spain (for me at least) has an especially interesting edifice history. Plus, I took a crap-load of photos of buildings during my various jaunts to Spain and it is about time I aired my love of architecture-photography.

The architecture in Spain is a heady combination of Moorish influence, European styles and, of course, surreal modernism (Gaudi anyone?). Having passed through numerous design phases in history, it’s safe to say that Spanish buildings are unique. Particularly their roofs. The Spanish definitely like to decorate their roofs.

Madrid

Spain’s capital is peppered with impressive architecture which buddies up with more modern styles to create the mix-and-match city that it is today. My one piece of advice for Madrid? Look up. At ground level it’s easy to get caught up in the pedestrian buzz but, if you extend that neck of yours a wee bit, you’ll be rewarded with some magnificent examples of roof-design.

Like this church.

I was lucky enough to witness a wedding taking place at this church. I wasn’t actually a guest, I was just lurking outside. Creepy. But who can blame me when the setting was so fairytale? I love the intricate design of the top section, but I also like that it’s still pretty much symmetrical.

I like symmetry. It makes me feel safe.

Imagine if this was your post office? Pretty phwoar-yeah, right? I couldn’t stop looking at this building when I came across it on my way to the park. It was completely unexpected and completely took my breath away. It’s so grand – it has TURRETS for the love of god.

Ha! It looks like that guy is using a giant mobile phone.

Anyway. This building lies opposite the Palace in Madrid and it’s definitely a swanky little thing, isn’t it? It looks like it’s just stepped out of a fairytale with the duck-egg blue exterior lined with white fittings and, of course, the gold-tipped fence. Very Disney Land.

Toledo

Toledo was Spain’s capital before Madrid so of course it’s going to have some yummy examples of architecture.

The Gothic style (my favourite) was introduced into Spain towards the end of the twelfth century where it kept growing and growing in popularity. It was the influence behind the cathedral in Toledo, and what a beauty it is…

Barcelona

Barcelona is possibly the best place in Spain, if not Europe, for architecture aficionados. There’s the Gothic Quarter (which I skipped around like the cat that had got the cream) and there’s a diverse range of quirky design styles. Oh, and there’s the small insignificant work of GAUDI.

Spain was a massively important part of the modernism movement in Europe which was the driving force behind Gaudi and his unique, surrealist style. La Sagrada Familia characterises Barcelona and remains one of the continent’s most visited attractions. Today, Barcelona is still a hub of modern and futuristical architecture. Exciting.

Whilst I did love Gaudi’s work (how can anyone not, it’s so Dr Suess), I also really enjoyed the buildings in the Gothic Quarter. It was exciting because I didn’t know what I would stumble upon around the next corner. Gaudi’s a bit predictable.

I can’t believe I just called Gaudi predictable.

GAUDI! Parc Guell was a total shocker for me – in a good way. It was like stepping into a fantasy land for children that looked down across the rest of Barcelona. Even La Sagrada Familia looked like a toy from here.

And, of course, La Sagrada Familia itself. It’s still under construction, obviously, as it has been for many, many, many years. Apparently, it’s due to be finished soon. Do we believe that? Anyway, it was still an excruciatingly impressive piece of work, one that can only be truly admired in the flesh.

Girona

Girona is a rabbit-warren of cobbled lanes lined with quirky buildings and fascinating architecture. Along the rivers edge there are modern pre-fab like houses popping with colour but, if you venture into the Old Town, you will be greeted by intricate designs and grand architectural choices, much like the rest of Spain.

The architecture even looks good at night.

I don’t know why it wouldn’t.

Do you like the architecture in Spain? What’s your favourite building? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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About the author: Lizzie is a full time marketing assistant and part-time travel blogger promoting the ways to get the most out of grab-it-when-you-can travel. She spends her time creatively thinking of ways to plan trips around her job and advocating the idea that you don’t have to be ‘homeless’ to enjoy the perks of frequent travel. Aside from this, Lizzie likes questioning why people travel and the psychology behind it, watching crap American TV programmes, and drinking too much tea (cider). You can find out more about Lizzie here (go on – I know you want to see what’s behind the melon…)