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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 Antoni Gaudí masterpieces:
1. Temple de la Sagrada
Familia - or Temple of the Sacred Family - Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece
and a must-see in Barcelona. The structure is a fascinating combination of the original
architects' vision (Martorell and De Villar), combined with the magic of
Antoni 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. |
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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.
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.
pc
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 Barcelona 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 and 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! |
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- The Cathedral -
a Gothic creation of great beauty
- Palau de la Musica Catalana
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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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