The first trailer for Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, the first entry in the series' ninth generation, has fans excited for what's to come. Some eagle-eyed fans have already broken down the trailer in an attempt to predict the features of the new game. Very quickly, it became clear that the new region to explore will be based on Spain and Portugal.
Spain and Portugal not only provide a lot of material for new Pokemon to encounter but also places to explore. The Iberian Peninsula has many significant historical landmarks, as well as beautiful scenery that makes it a great choice for a Pokemon game. These real-life places hopefully are paid homage to in the new game.
10 Plaza Mayor
One of the biggest historical landmarks located in Spain is the Plaza Mayor, a popular locale. Located in Madrid, the country's capital, this town square is home to many shops, restaurants, and public gatherings. It's safe to say that a spot like this would likely appear in a Madrid-inspired town in Scarlet & Violet.
There are similar locations that have appeared in Europe-inspired Pokemon regions. The Plaza Mayor could be this new region's version of Lumiose City from X & Y or Motostoke from Sword & Shield. It could also be a place to meet up with characters from other Pokemon regions, given Plaza Mayor's tourism aspects.
9 Santa Maria De Montserrat Abbey
An "abbey," sometimes referred to as a "monastery" or "convent," is a building that houses religious workers, such as monks or nuns. Notably, Spain has a significant history involving Catholicism. It would therefore make sense that a location like the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey would appear in the new Pokemon region.
While the storyline of Scarlet & Violet has yet to be revealed, it's possible that the new evil team will take inspiration from religious fundamentalists of Spain's history. This location could serve as a great home base for that team. It's also built along the side of a mountain, meaning that Rock and Ground-type Pokemon could also be found here.
8 The Aqueduct Of Segovia
The Roman aqueduct can be found in the old town sector of Segovia, Spain. Historians find this aqueduct notable for its preservation, appearing today almost exactly as it did when it was first constructed in the first century AD. However, most parts of the aqueduct have been restored after being damaged during war.
Usually, towns in Pokemon games have features that reflect their respective gyms. While gyms are not yet confirmed to be re-appearing in Scarlet & Violet, it's likely there will be some similar kind of feature. The aqueduct could therefore serve as a landmark of the new region in a town that boasts a Water-type gym.
7 Roman Theatre Of Mérida
Many areas of Spain and Portugal once belonged to the Roman Empire, meaning this region could incorporate elements of Roman history in its geography. One example is the Roman amphitheater, located in modern-day Mérida, Spain. Additionally, this specific theatre is the location of an interesting fact of Spanish history.
The theatre was abandoned by Late Antiquity but reappeared in local folklore. The seven bleachers were named "The Seven Chairs," for the seven Moorish kings who decided the fate of the city at this site. This type of mythology would translate well into a Pokemon game, with characters similar to the Seven Sages in Black & White.
6 Templars Castle Of Ponferrada
When speculating about the evil team of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, there's a very likely choice to inspire this new group. The Knights Templar was a Catholic military order notable for their fighting during the Crusades. The Templars Castle of Ponferrada, in Spain, was one of their acquired fortresses.
After being taken by Templar knights, this fort was converted into a citadel, housing the Templars' Library. In a Pokemon game, this could be another home base for the evil team. Alternatively, it could simply serve as a citadel where players learn about the history of the new region, as well as its evil team.
5 The Temple Of Debod
This temple was built in modern-day Madrid during the 2nd century BC. Back then, it was constructed as a site of worship for the Egyptian god Amun. It's unclear if any other Mediterranean cultures are planned to appear in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, but if so, the Temple of Debod would be a perfect place to incorporate Egyptian mythology.
One of the perks of having a temple located in the capital of Spain is having possible relevance to the new generation's story. This temple could inspire the place where players will encounter one of the yet-to-be-revealed mascot Legendary Pokemon. Perhaps that Legendary Pokemon could even be based on an Egyptian god.
4 Mount Teide Volcano
The best places to inspire Pokemon game regions have diverse geography. The Iberian Peninsula certainly fits this description, as it incorporates Spain, Portugal, and even places like the Canary Islands. Tenerife, the most populated island of that archipelago, features a significant landmark in the Teide volcano.
The Mount Teide volcano is currently active in the real world, meaning this could be a treacherous location for players to travel to. However, it'd also be a great home for Fire-type and Ground-type Pokemon. Most of all, a volcanic area in the middle of a beautiful location like Tenerife would make it a unique location in the Pokemon world.
3 The Guggenheim Museum In Bilbao
Not to be confused with The Guggenheim of New York City, another Guggenheim Museum is located in Bilbao, Spain. This marvel of a building is regarded by many as one of the most admired works of modern architecture. This location could potentially inspire a gorgeous Pokemon gym, or perhaps be a setting in the game's story.
Museums have made many appearances in the Pokemon franchise, from Kanto's Pewter Museum of Science to the Nacrene City Museum in Unova. Since Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum contains modern art, this could be the site of a Fairy-type gym. It could also just be a typical history museum with a Rock or Ground-type Gym Leader.
2 Royal Palace Of Madrid
This castle is a shoo-in for a location in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. As the official home of Spain's royal family, this is one of the country's largest tourist attractions, particularly in Madrid. It also boasts the title of being the largest functioning royal palace in Europe, even topping England's iconic Buckingham Palace.
For a place as prestigious as this, it's likely to be the site of a very significant location in the new Pokemon games. The Royal Palace could potentially inspire this new region's Pokemon League, where players confront the Elite Four and Champion. It certainly sets the stage for a very grand and royal quintet of powerful Trainers.
1 The Christ Of Monteagudo
One of the most significant landmarks in all of Spain is the Cristo de Monteagudo, or "The Christ of Monteagudo." This enormous statue of Jesus Christ was completed in 1926, before being demolished and reinaugurated in 1951. It's notably located at the top of the Castle of Monteagudo in Murcia, Spain.
While it's unlikely that a Pokemon game will ever feature blatant religious imagery such as Jesus Christ, there are other ways this statue can make an appearance. The most obvious equivalent would be to replace Jesus Christ with either of the games' mascot Legendary Pokemon. It could also be a recreation of the region's Champion.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet will release exclusively for Nintendo Switch in late 2022.