The Catalonian capital is a place of sights that cannot be seen anywhere else. While relics of medieval times can be found here, Barcelona’s early 20th century foray into the bizarre is plainly to be seen in much of the art and architecture. Travelers visit:
1. La Sagrada Familia
The perpetually unfinished church is an eye-catching vertical display of architecture known as much for its unique style as for the fact that it remains unfinished. The architect, Antoni Gaudi, died during the construction of the avant-garde edifice, and it remains half-built to this day.
2. Palau Nacional/Catalan National Art Museum
While Barcelona’s distinctive appearance is a product of its love affair with modernism, ancient works reside here, too. The museum is an exquisitely rendered and recreated study of the development of Romanesque art up through the 1200s, and beyond to early Gothic styles.
3. Park Guell
Like much of Barcelona, park Guell is a Gaudi showcase, and contains a former residence of the Catalan architect. This large green space has walks, houses, and sculptures.
4. Museo Picasso
In keeping with the surrealist nature of the city, Barcelona houses an entire museum dedicated to Picasso. This is the most extensive collection of the artist’s work anywhere, and contains many of his early works.
5. La Boqueria
Madrid’s large open air market offers fresh food of all kinds. Spanish culture has many ties to the table, and a market is a good way to experience the foodie’s rapture.
6. La Rambla
This is one of Barcelona’s main thoroughfares. It is full of street-level attractions, from restaurants to street performers. Once a depressed red-light district, La Rambla now hums with more innocent activity.
7. Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter)
This medieval neighborhood is full of sights to enchant visitors. The hallmarks of the town of the Middle Ages are all here: the narrow streets, squares, and cathedrals, interspersed with the characteristic palm trees of a beachfront city. Barcelona’s historic side is evident in the Barri Gotic.
Barcelona offers visitors a mosaic of old and new. Its early medieval face is seen alongside the enthusiastic celebration of modernist styles. This tapestry offers travelers a unique look at a place with a sometimes unstable history.
