About
Barcelona is a stunning seaside city. It is renowned for its natural beauty and sunny lifestyle. Barcelona is known as Catalonia’s vibrant capital. You can enjoy gorgeous scenery and breath-taking architecture. In short, it is an ideal travel destination. Also, the balmy Mediterranean climate adds to the charm.
The Basílica de la Sagrada Família
The Basílica de la Sagrada Família stands in the northern part of the city. Its 18 towers soar high above all the other buildings. It is actually Europe’s most unconventional churches. Hence, it is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Antoni Gaudí is the renowned Catalan architect of modern times. He was commissioned in 1883 to design this Basilica as a neo-Gothic church. But instead of following the plans, he created a signature example of his famous Art Nouveau architecture.
Although Gaudí had originally forecast between 10-15 years, the church was never completed during his lifetime. Since 1926, several other architects have continued work on the Basilica. Interestingly, construction is still ongoing and expected to be completed by 2026.
Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)
For 2,000 years, the Gothic Quarter has been the spiritual and secular centre of Barcelona. Relics of ancient Roman buildings are still found here. It was built between the 13th and 15th centuries. The Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia is the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Surrounding the cathedral is a maze of cobblestone streets and alleyways. Visitors can be seen enjoying wandering the narrow pedestrian lanes. One can also discover quaint boutiques and restaurants.
Casa Mila (La Pedrera)
UNESCO-listed Casa Milà is Antoni Gaudí’s most famous secular building. Casa Milà is also affectionately known as ‘La Pedrera.’ It means ‘The Stone Quarry’ because the building resembles an open quarry. It was built between 1906 and 1912. Every line of the natural stone facade is curved, with rounded windows and metal balcony railings. Even the roof has an undulating form, complemented by the decorative chimneys.
La Rambla
The heart of Barcelona’s social life is found on La Rambla. This is a wide tree-shaded avenue that divides the Old Town into two parts. La Rambla stretches from the Plaça de Catalunya, where the beautiful Romanesque 12th-century Convent of Santa Anna stands, all the way down to the port.
This cultural street features expansive pedestrian sidewalks, lined with shops, restaurants, and outdoor cafés. Hence, it is one of the most popular hangouts in the city.
An important monument on La Rambla is the UNESCO-listed Palau Güell. This is an ostentatious mansion designed in 1886 by Antoni Gaudí. The building houses handcrafted furniture created by Gaudí.
Bogatell Beach
One of the best beaches of Spain is found within Barcelona. The Bogatell Beach is perfect to sunbathe, socialise, relax, play volleyball, or go windsurfing. Other things to do include kitesurfing and kayaking.
The Palau de la Música Catalana
The Palau de la Música Catalana is another UNESCO-listed building in the ornate Art Nouveau decorative style. The facade is a profusion of intricate mosaics, sculptural elements, and exquisite ironwork. The concert hall can seat about 2,200 people. We bet you didn’t know that this is the only auditorium in Europe illuminated during daylight hours entirely by natural light.
A program of evening music performances (including pop music, Spanish guitar, flamenco, jazz, opera, and classical music) is held at the Palau de la Música Catalana throughout the year.