The article is dedicated to the phases of formation of the image of Spain in Russia since the establishment of the first political contacts and up to date. Three different phases are allocated: romantic, prevailed until the early twentieth century, «soviet» associated with the civil war, and modern, based on the development of political contacts and personal observations. The influence of political, economic and cultural factors on the formation of lasting representation of the country as well as on the stereotypes is considered. Particular attention is paid to the similarities in the historical and socio-cultural development of both countries.