Have you ever considered traveling to Spain, if yes then Barcelona is the go to City and here’s why:
Barcelona, the splendid city of Spain known for its art and architecture is frequently mistaken for the Capital City of Spain. It is the capital and largest city of Catalonia. Barcelona is one of the world’s leading tourist, economic, trade fair and cultural centers, and its influence in commerce, education, entertainment, sports, media, fashion, science, and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the major global cities around southwestern Europe. Is the home of Camp Nou which is the largest stadium in Europe, and I’m pretty sure we all heard about it and their successful team.
It hosted the successful 1992 Summer Olympics as well as several matches during the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
Sagrada Família Cathedral and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí dot the city, alongside Museu Picasso and endless fairytale-like places that are a must-see.
Sagrada Familia is an unfinished Roman Catholic minor basilica in Spain dating back from 1882 and still under construction. Designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, the church is an impressive design linked to Spanish Late Gothic, Catalan Modernism, and to Art Nouveau or Catalan Noucentisme. It was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI in November 2010 meaning that it was certified as a sacred place by the pope of the time in the presence of a huge crowd during a ceremony. The spires, portals, aisles, and chapels are all great features of the church resembling a remarkable attractiveness with an example of great architectural beauty. Altogether the design, history, architecture, and the vibe of Sagrada Familia are thoroughly admirable and worth visiting.
If you are a Gaudi fan here are the 10 must-see Gaudi buildings in Barcelona:
Casa Vicens, Casa Milà (La Pedrera), Parc Güell, Palau Güell, Colònia Güell, El Drac de Gaudí at Finca Güell, Casa Batlló, Casa Calvet, La Sagrada Familia, Cascada Fountain at Parc de la Ciutadella.
Not only will you enjoy spectacular views from the Magic Fountain of Montjuic whether it is day or night and an extravagant panoramic view from the hills of Montjuic flying across with the Telefèric de Montjuïc. You will also be left with a beautiful image of the history of the place as it used to be an old military fortress, with roots dating back from 1640.
Formerly known as the ‘Temple of Tibidabo’, the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is located at the highest point of the mountain Tibidabo and is one of the most iconic sights in Barcelona. Tibidabo Cathedral was designed by architect Enric Sagnier I Villavecchia the construction started in 1902 and was completed by the architect’s son Josep Maria Sagnier I Vidal in 1961. If you are not afraid of heights, keep on climbing the stairs to the top of the Cathedral at 548 meters above the sea for the most unforgettable view of Barcelona and beyond.
The Gothic Quarter is one of the most talked-about neighborhoods in the city, filled with little medieval streets charming with a history dating back to over 2,000 years. It is said that the Gothic Quarter used to be the Roman village and thus has some remnants of its glorious past, nowadays you could easily spot the difference between an ancient building and a more modern one down the boulevard. The Gothic Quarter has a lot to offer if you consider visiting, it is the perfect place to stay as it has to offer a wide variety of street food, restaurants, history, architecture and why not the nightlife whether is a walk down its little passages or a wild night out experiencing the Catalan vibe. The square Placa Reial is situated in the Gothic Quarter next to La Rambla and is a well-known tourist attraction, especially at night. Tourists enjoy the outdoor cafes and summer concerts. Carrer del Bisbe with its neo-Gothic bridge hanging over the street, and Plaça Sant Felip Neri, with its fountain and bullet-holed walls, is the place where you can enjoy whatever you want as the time seems to be stopping and the buskers endlessly playing along.
Why not grab a bite at Can Culleretes? Is the oldest restaurant in Barcelona and the second oldest in Spain dating back to 1786. You can find it tucked away on a small street off Barcelona’s famous boulevard, Las Ramblas. This restaurant specializes in traditional Catalan and Spanish cuisine so it’s worth a try.
Author: Ana-maria Campan