One of the charms of renting or buying villas in Spain is the gorgeous architectural styles that characterize them. Spain has a very rich history and this is reflected in the arts and architecture of the region.

Spanish architecture is the amalgam of all the influences that this country due to centuries of trade, conquest, and communication. One can see the styles from North Africa, France and Italy, and all of them are reinterpreted within the Spanish culture until they emerge as a uniquely Spanish style. Truly the villas in Spain can’t found elsewhere in the world.

Antoni Gaudi, the great Spanish architect, led the Modernisme architectural movement, which was the Art Nouveau style contextualized in Catalan artistic styles. The best Modernisme examples can be found in Barcelona, where the works of Gaudi are found all over the city. These buildings are characterised by their almost surrealistic feel with dream-like qualities yet balanced by a high level of functionality. The Casa Mila with its ripple-effect walls and the Sagrada Familia, Europe’s most unconventional church filled with symbolism, are examples of Modernisme.

Moorish architecture is very common in Southern Spain, such as the Salon de Embajadores in the Alhamba, Granada, and is characterized by lavish interiors and intricately done designs based on geometry, calligraphy and plant motifs.

The Gothic architectural style was brought in by the French during the late 12th century, with few improvisations being made such as pointed arches, external buttresses, higher vaults and taller windows. One very interesting example of this style is the Leon Cathedral in Castilla Y Leon, where ribbed vaulting supports the archways and the finest display of stained glass in Spain illuminates the interior.

On the other hand buildings like the Museo Municipal in Madrid are a good example of Baroque architecture which was propelled by a desire for drama and movement, hence the extravagant decorations, exuberant sculptures and twisting columns.

The churches are fine examples of Romanesque architecture.. Romanesque style is distinguished by round arches and gigantic walls. They are scattered all over Catalonia and along the pilgrim route to Santiago, such as the Sant Climent church at Tauell in the Vall de Boi.

The Hostal de San Marcos in Leon is one example of the Renaissance architecture in Spain. It is characterized by its symmetrical design and round arches.