Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain, located on the Mediterranean coast and has a mild climate and sandy beaches.
Barcelona is known for its unique blend of Catalan culture. Catalans take great pride in their language, traditions, and identity.
Barcelona is known for its unique architecture, including the iconic La Sagrada Família designed by Antoni Gaudí. The city is a hub for art, music, and design, and its culture. Barcelona also has a rich cultural heritage, with museums dedicated to Picasso, Miró and Dalí, as well as the Gothic Quarter, the Ramblas and the Montjuïc hill.
The city’s history dates back to Roman times when it was known as Barcino. In the Middle Ages, Barcelona was a major Mediterranean trading hub.
Walking in the street of Barcelona
THE SAGRADA FAMIILIA
http://Sagrada Familia: Official ticket providers – Sagrada Familia
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00 am to 8pm
Sunday 10:30 to 8pm
The tickets have to be bought on line.
The tickets do not include the towers visit.
HOW GET THERE?
The metro, line L2 and L5, puts you right at the church’s doorstep.
The Sagrada Familia is a large Roman Catholic basilica that has become one of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks.
The Construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882 under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar but was later taken over by Antoni Gaudí in 1883.
Gaudí devoted the last years of his life to the project and transformed it into a unique and distinctive masterpiece.
The basilica’s design is known for its combination of Gothic and Art Nouveau elements, creating a style uniquely identified with Gaudí.
The Sagrada Familia’s facades are adorned with intricate sculptures and symbolic details depicting scenes from the Bible.
The Nativity Facade, dedicated to the birth of Jesus, is one of the earliest parts completed and reflects Gaudí’s early, more Gothic-influenced style.
The Passion Facade, representing the crucifixion of Jesus, showcases a more stark and angular design, characteristic of Gaudí’s later work.
The Glory Facade, depict the glorification of Jesus and is supposed to be the most grandiose of the three facades.
The interior of the Sagrada Familia is awe-inspiring, with a forest of columns designed to resemble trees and a unique play of light.
Gaudí’s vision for the Sagrada Familia includes a total of 18 towers, each symbolizing different aspects of the Christian faith.
The Sagrada Familia is funded primarily through private donations and the proceeds from tourism.
Gaudí’s original plans and models were partially destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, but ongoing efforts have been made to reconstruct and complete the basilica according to his vision.
The Sagrada Familia was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, recognizing it as a basilica rather than a cathedral.
In 2005, the Sagrada Familia was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and architectural significance.
BARCELONA CATHEDRAL
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exit at the jaume metro station
www.catedralbcn.org
Hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 am to 6pm
Saturday until 5pm and Sunday 2pm to 5pm
Cost $13
The Barcelona Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, is a Gothic masterpiece located in the heart of Barcelona, Spain. The Barcelona Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Eulalia, a co-patron saint of Barcelona. It was constructed from the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries.
The cathedral is a prominent example of Catalan Gothic architecture, characterized by its intricate detailing and soaring spires.
The cathedral is located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, surrounded by narrow medieval streets.
The Gothic cloister of the cathedral is known for its serene atmosphere and a courtyard inhabited by 13 geese, symbolizing the age of Saint Eulalia at her martyrdom.
The cathedral’s roof is notable for its gargoyles, featuring a wide range of animals, both domestic and mythical.
The cathedral measures 90 meters (300 feet) long by 53 meters (174 feet) high.
Visitors can climb to the cathedral’s rooftop for panoramic views of Barcelona and its surroundings
THE HOSPITAL DE SANT PAU
Opening times
Tue. – Fri.: 10.00 – 14.30
On weekends and public holidays: 10.00 – 17.00
Closed: Mondays when working days, 25 Dec.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Metro station Sant pau, Dos de Maig line L5 and Guinardo Line L4
General admission:
Adults 30-64 years: €16.00
Youth 12-29 years: €11.20
Free admission: children under 12 years
The Hospital de Sant Pau, officially known as the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, is a complex of modernist architectural masterpiece buildings designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner,
In 2014, the hospital was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and architectural significance.
Construction of the hospital began in 1902 and continued for nearly 30 years, with completion in 1930.
The hospital was designed with the intention to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing space for patient care.
The complex consists of numerous pavilions connected by underground tunnels, creating a unique and sprawling layout.
Each pavilion is adorned with intricate mosaics, sculptures, and decorative elements, showcasing the modernist style prevalent in Catalonia.
The hospital is dedicated to the Holy Cross and Saint Paul and was a fully functioning medical facility until 2009.
The main administration building, known as the Administration Pavilion, is particularly noteworthy for its grand dome and ornate interiors.
The Hospital de Sant Pau is considered one of the most important modernist complexes in the world.
The architecture combines functionality with decorative elements, creating a harmonious and visually striking environment.
THE PARK GUELL
Tickets about $40
Hours: April to October 9:30 am to 7:30 pm
The rest of the year 9:30 to sunset.
HOW TO GET THERE?
The park is about 3 miles , from the plaza de Catalunya.
Taxi is very convenient, around $20.
Bus #24 (direction EL Carmel) from the southwest corner of plaza de catalunya.
Not very easy with metro, form the Lesseps stop, you still have about 15 min walk.
You need to spend at least 1h30 to visit the park
Park Güell is a municipal garden located on Carmel Hill , designed by architect Antoni Gaudí., and It was commissioned by Eusebi Güell who wanted to create a stylish park for Barcelona aristocracy, but later it was transformed into a public park. It is one of the largest green spaces in Barcelona, with more than 17 hectares of surface area.The park was officially opened to the public in 1926 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
The park is renowned for its colorful mosaics, fantastic sculptures, and organic architectural elements. The park is a reflection of Antoni Gaudi’s artistic creativity. Park Güell remains a popular destination, attracting millions of visitors annually with its artistic and natural allure. The park is composed of gardens and architectural elements.
Park Güell offers panoramic views of the city of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea.
One of its highlights is the serpentine bench adorned with vibrant ceramic tiles.
The park’s main entrance features a dragon sculpture, known as “El Drac,” which has become an iconic symbol.
Gaudí’s unique approach to architecture is evident in the park’s playful and imaginative design.
| SANTA MARIA DEL MAR |
| Monday to Saturday 9am to 1pm and 5pm to 8:30 pm |
| Sunday 10am 2pm 5pm to 8pm Entrance fee: $7 HOW TO GET THERE? Metro Jaume |
The Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral is a church in the Ribera district of Barcelona.
It was built between 1329 and 1383 at the height of Principality of Catalonia’s maritime and mercantile preeminence. The church is dedicated to the virgin Mary particularly to the sailors and merchants of the city. The church is known as the “Cathedral of the Sea” due to its connection with the maritime community. It is an outstanding example of Catalan Gothic architecture. The construction of the present building was promoted by the canon Bernat Llull. The architects in charge were Berenguer de Montagut and Ramon Despuig. The walls, the side chapels and the façades were finished by 1350 The new rose window, in the Flamboyant style, was finished by 1459. The church survived even though it was on fire for 11 days during the Spanish Civil War in 1936.
