A Whistlestop
Tour of Barcelona by Anne Sewell
Visiting Barcelona, with limited
time? There is so much to see in this fascinating city, which would
normally take at least a week, but it is possible to see the major highlights
in a couple of days too.
I would highly recommend
the following:
The Gaudí masterpieces:
1.
Temple de la Sagrada
Familia - or Temple of the Sacred Family - Gaudí's unfinished
masterpiece and a must-see in Barcelona. A fascinating combination
of the original architects' vision (Martorell and De Villar), combined
with the magic of Gaudí. Unfortunately Gaudí passed
away before the work was complete. Construction still continues on
this amazing building and your entry fee helps towards this.
2. Casa Milà (La
Pedrera) - in the L'Eixample neighbourhood - Antoni Gaudí was
commissioned by the industrialist, Pere Milà, to construct a building
on the boundary of Barcelona and Gràcia, as both a family residence
and also to be leased as separate dwellings. Owing to the way its
facade appears to be carved out of rock, the Casa Milà was nicknamed
"La Pedrera", which means stone quarry. Amazing interior architecture,
as well as the famous and fascinating chimneys on the rooftop. |
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3. Casa Battló
also
in the L'Eixample neighbourhood - a fairytale building. Originally
Gaudí was commissioned to demolish the building, and build from
scratch, but he convinced the owner to let him completely redesign the
existing building. This was in the days when the Paseo de Gracia
was undergoing a "keep up with the Jones'" battle - everyone trying to
outdo each other with their architecture. Gaudí did an incredible
job using tiles and scales on the exterior of the building, wonderful interior
design, plus again the famous chimneys on the roof top.
4. Parque Güell
(Güell Park) - ideal for a restful stroll after your busy days
in Barcelona. Originally planned to be a residential area, it is
now a beautiful park with many wonderful Gaudí creations in tilework
and stone. The views over Barcelona to the sea are simply beautiful.
Other areas worth visiting
are the following:
- The very famous Las
Ramblas - a busy street between the Plaza de Catalunya and the port
with many restaurants, cafes, bars, kiosks and the famous Human Statues
of Barcelona. |
- Poble Español
de Montjuic (the Spanish Village) - situated at the foot of Mount Montjuic.
Created in 1929 on the occasion of the Barcelona International Exhibition,
the Spanish Village is the only initiative of its kind which has survived
the test of time. A collection of streets and squares, monuments
and buildings, representing the different peoples and cultures of Spain.
Some might call it kitsch, but it is an attractive and interesting place
to visit, full of shops selling the handicrafts of the various regions.
There are restaurants and cafes to enjoy a break and also an art gallery,
Fundacio Fran Daurel. Above the entrance is a terrace cafe with incredible
views (but alas, bad service and incredibly high prices!) However,
the views were worth it!
- The Cathedral -
a Gothic creation of great beauty
- The Palau de la Musica
-
a beautiful concert hall
- The Port, Barceloneta
and
the beaches
Barcelona has many more attractions,
too numerous to list here - so if you are only spending a couple of days
in this city, plan ahead for a longer trip to Barcelona in the future -
you will not regret it.
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For accommodation in Barcelona,
visit All Spain Accommodation
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/ Travel Articles / Spain
About the Author: Anne
Sewell is employed in internet travel and accommodation. More details
of the above tourist attractions, plus photo galleries, can be viewed at
All
Barcelona Accommodation
|
