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| Barcelona |
George Orwell had no difficulty to write his ‘Homage to Catalonia’. There is abound of inspiration there, from the magnificent natural landscapes to urban parts of the Costa Brava, everything points to the enormous wealth of this province. Barcelona is perhaps the biggest jewel in the crown of the king of Spain.
It was described as “the flower among the most beautiful cities in the world” by Cervantes in Don Quixote, and has been praised by many other artists since then (let’s just remind ourselves of Freddie Mercury’s song “Barcelona”).
However, maybe no one has ever glorified Barcelona better than the ingenious architect Antonio Gaudi, who has transformed the city into a vast gallery of artwork. It is impossible to find two similar buildings in Barcelona designed by him – in fact; each one transmits a unique message and motives. “Sagrada Família”, the magnificent temple designed by the famous architect is not yet completed – mainly because its every detail requires extremely complex workmanship.
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| Sagrada Família |
It is interesting that despite being the largest place of worship in Barcelona, the Catholic Church refused to give it the status of a cathedral, because of the controversial design of the details of Christ’s crucifixion on its facade. If you are looking for some less famous, but not less beautiful place to calm down near, there is the Church of Santa Maria del Mar. I was stunned by its beauty.
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| Church of Santa Maria del Mar |
If like me you like history and museums, do not miss the Picasso and Miró museums, and “CaixaForum”, recommended for fans of contemporary art, an interesting gallery which was formerly a textile factory.
Walking around Barcelona , I felt great affection for the Magic Fountain, constructed in 1929. People sit down on the staircases in front of the gigantic National Palace and enjoy the performance of lights, water and music. In the evening, I took time to stroll along the beautiful Rambla, pedestrian zone of Barcelona reigned by the true spirit of the city – colorful flowers, street vendors with a bunch of books, street dancers, actors, mimes. And also the Gothic Quarter and its lively bars and restaurants.
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| La Rambla |
La Rambla
This long boulevard surrounded by trees runs from the traditional city center “Plaça de Catalunya” to Christopher Columbus monument in Port Vell. Let yourself enjoy the entertainment presented by the dancers, musicians and fortune-tellers, before getting lost in the colorful La Boquería market.
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 La Pedrera |
The best of Gaudi
The brilliant architect of Catalonia has left a significant mark on the city, creating some of the most popular attractions in his distinctive style. Some of his best buildings can be seen for free, if nothing else, at least from the outside: La Pedrera, Casa Batlló and the unfinished basilica La Sagrada Familia.
The Park Güell is open for public visits. It is located close to the center, from where a bus will take you straight to the park. It presents a magnificent collection of gardens, mosaics, and fairy tale houses. The park is a perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon, and of course, it is entirely free.
Free museums
Some of the best museums in Barcelona are gratis for visitors one day every month. Picasso Museum, Barbier-Mueller Pre-Columbian Art Museum and the National Art Museum of Catalonia have free admission every first Sunday of the month; Chocolate Museum can be visited for free every first Monday of the month and the Underwater Museum every first Saturday. Go early to avoid the crowds, especially in the Picasso Museum.
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| Casa Batlló |
Parks, gardens and beach
In addition to the Park Güell, Barcelona has a lot of public green areas where one can plan a picnic and enjoy a glass of sangria. Citadel Park is located five minutes from the Picasso Museum and is one of the most beautiful in the city. There you can see a beautiful fountain, designed by Gaudi, a lake for boat rides and the Parliament of Catalonia.
Montjuïc, a woodland hill overlooking the town and the park Castell de l’Oreneta located northwest of the city, are also good options. Or simply go to the beach; just be aware of the increasing number of nudists as you approach the fantastic “W” hotel. A walk on the Barcelonetta shore is certainly a must!
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| Barcelonetta |
Walking around Barcelona
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| Palau de la Música Catalana |
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| Palau de la Música Catalana |
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| Barcelona Cathedral |
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| The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, also known as Barcelona Cathedral, is the Gothic cathedral and seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, Spain. |
I love Barcelona. I especially loved seeing Gaudi's touches everywhere. I loved the bright coloured tiles in the park though I thought the church was a touch too gothic for me.
Barcelona is one of my favourite cities in the world. The people are so friendly and the food is just amazing!
Excellent post. 4th trip there later this year so keeping this for then. I love this city!!!
Wow what stunning pictures. I've still never visited Barcelona but everyone always tells me how incredible it is. I like that you explored during the daytime and the evenings.
I would love to visit Barcelona again 🙂 What amazing photos you've taken!
Barcelona looks amazing, I have always wanted to go.
The picture with the palm tree's makes it look like somewhere else, I'd never have guessed it was Barcelona.
I seriously need to look into going for my 30th next year!
Some beautiful locations there
oh wow such beautiful pictures not a place I have been but would love too
What stunning photos! It looks like such a beautiful city to visit.
I love these photos! The gothic architecture looks incredible 🙂 I drew a lot of these places in my sketchbook for Art GCSE so I'd love to visit them!
Oh wow it looks like you had such an amazing time, your photos are absolutely beautiful. x
I've never been to Barcelona but I really want to. I like the idea of both the beach and the culture. Great photos x
I'm desperate to visits Barcelona, I've been to Madrid and that was amazing so I would expect much the same from Barcelona. Your pictures are amazing and have definitely made me want to book a trip ASAP!
Barcelona is so beautiful, it looks like you had a fabulous time and all of your photos are truly stunning x
What incredible photos, some of the buildings are just stunning aren't they! I have never been to Barcelona, but looking at your photos I really want to go!
I just can't stop admiring the architecture. I'd be taking photos all the time of the beauty! I want to go now!
Wow the architecture is absolutely incredible!! You seemed to pack so much sight seeing into a weekend 😀 xxx
I went on a day trip to Barcelona while on holiday in Salou and saw the Sagrada Família, It is truly beautiful! That was over 6 years ago so I can't believe if it still not finished but the detail on it is incredible
I have wanted to visit Barcelona for as long as I can remember, and your report makes it sound even more interesting than I thought.
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