Many of the historical buildings of Spain have remained intact. Several architectural structures, and even sections of cities, have been designated World Heritage Sites. Spain was a part of the Roman Empire, and many regions in Spain preserve Roman architectural remnants, such as the Roman aqueduct at Segovia, Merida, the Roman bridge over the Gudiana River, an arch of Trajn and amphitheatres. Lesser Roman ruins stand in the heart of Barcelona. Spain has several fine examples of medieval architecture, as well as Romanesque and Gothic styles. Cathedral architecture is also well developed, exemplified in the Drassanes in Barcelona, originally a structure for ship building but now a maritime museum. The dry weather of Spain introduced the need for water fountains, which were built in the Spanish urban design. In addition, ceramic figures and objects are prominent in the country’s architecture, especially in the roof tiles of houses and in the use of decorative tiles known as azulejos, ceramic tile work applied on walls, floors and ceilings of many public buildings.

Music is a significant part of Spanish culture. The country has a long history of innovation in Andalusian and Western Classical music, as well as Pop music. The country boasts diverse folk styles as well. Moreover, modern Spain has a number of performers in the genres of Rock, Heavy Metal, Punk and Hip Hop music. However, the most popular form of Spanish folk music is Flamenco, a genre created by Andalusian Roma. Flamenco has gained popularity since around the 1770s, and has had several cycles of dwindling popularity and rebirth. The style has produced many famous Spanish musicians, such as the singer Camaron de la Isla and guitarist Carlos Montoya.

The painter Salvador Dali was a famous Spanish artist of the 20th Century, whose talent achieved world-wide recognision with his striking, bizarre and beautiful images in his Surrealist works. The Spanish painter and printmaker Francisco Goya was the Spanish Crown’s court painter and a chronicler of history. Goya is considered to be the first of the modern masters and the last of the old ones. His art has a subversive and subjective element, and was a model for the work of later generations of such artists as Monet and Picasso. Many of Goya’s works are on display in the Museo del Prado in Madrid. The painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso was one of the most recognised figures in the 20th Century, known also as a co-founder with the Cubist Georges Braque.