Palau Nacional is one of the most spectacular buildings in Plaça Espanya and was built for the 1929 Universal Exposition, as were a lot of buildings in Montjuïc. The brainchild of architects Eugenio Cendoya and Enric Catà, the aim was to build a monumental, grandiose structure but the duo managed to surpass expectations. The Palace was restored by Italian architect Gae Aulenti and now houses the Museu Nacional de Arte de Catalunya (MNAC).
An unfinished religious icon that is steeped in profound cultural value and features an incomparable aesthetic, the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is an astounding marvel. Gaudí began working on this utterly surreal temple, now a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 1882. Originally intended to be a modest, neo-Gothic church, the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia has since become arguably the most iconic building in all of Barcelona. Gaudí broke away from the reigning neo-Gothic style in the late-19th and early-20th centuries, imbuing his architecture with symbolic meaning and pioneering the Catalan Modernism movement. Intricate details like palm-tree pillars whose bases take the shapes of turtles, eye-catching colors, Baroque-style influences, and materials ranging from mosaic tiles to an array of stones converge to create an absolute masterpiece.
Gaudi's masterpiece, the Casa Batlló is one of the most unique residential buildings ever constructed in the Modernista style. Its facade bedecked with a rainbow of colored tiles gives way to the entrance hall that evokes an underwater sojourn complete with wave-like walls, turtle-shaped skylights, and a staircase that resembles the spine of a mythical creature. The upper level Noble Floor features windows that open out onto Passeig de Gràcia and are flooded with natural light and the connected outdoor patio is a kaleidoscope of hues wrought in glass and tile. From the terrace, it's easy to understand why the house is called casa del drac locally, as the roof tiles resemble Sant Jordi's dragon. A marvelous expression of both creativity and architectural acumen, the Casa Batlló stands as a testament to Gaudi's psychedelic genius.
Antoni Gaudí, the architect who built this jewel of Catalan modernism, wanted the facade to reflect his romantic and anti-classical ideas about design. It was built for the Milà family between 1906 and 1910. Neither the family nor the public were much impressed, and it was dubbed La Pedrera (stone quarry) as an insult. Only later in 1984 did it win great acclaim when the UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. Now internationally celebrated, Casa Milà is a prime example of Gaudí's civil architecture; it is aesthetically interesting and unique as well as outstandingly practical. Call +34 90 220 2138 for more details.
An impressive sight and the crowning glory of the football community in Spain, Camp Nou is one of the largest stadiums in Europe. Home ground of the beloved FC Barcelona, known simply as Barça to locals, this spectacular stadium was constructed in 1957 on a separate piece of land when the expansion of the Camp de Les Corts stadium was deemed impossible due to lack of space. The stadium is sometimes referred to as the 'house that Kubala built', in reference to the great Slovak-Hungarian goal scorer who played for Barça through the 1950s. Kubala was so popular with spectators that the stadium was even unable to accommodate the extraordinary masses that flocked to watch him play on more than one occasion. Camp Nou can accommodate more than a whopping 99,000 spectators at a time, and is profoundly iconic for its vibrant bleachers, painted in the club's royal blue and red colors.
An eye-catching fixture of downtown Barcelona, the Palau de la Música Catalana boasts a striking modernist design. It was built in the early-20th century by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, who designed the now-iconic exterior to feature intricate carvings, red brick arches, and exquisite Spanish and Arabic architectural details. Inside, the concert hall is even more breathtaking with its gold accents, floral patterns, and exceptional stained-glass elements. Visitors to the Palau de la Música Catalana will be awed by the kaleidoscopic skylight whether they take in a show or simply tour this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the past, the Palau de la Música Catalana has hosted such quality performers as Ella Fitzgerald, Paco de Lucía, Woody Allen, Ángel Corella, and Duke Ellington.
Created by Catalan Sculptor Josep Clarà, La Deessa o l'Enigma is a white marble sculpture of a woman. Currently, it can be seen at the Plaça de Catalunya. When first introduced, the sculpture was subject to some controversy because of its portrayal of nudity, and subsequently it was removed from display. Later, however, it was reintroduced and became a hit with the public.
Nestled in the heart of the city is the Plaça de Catalunya, an upbeat and animated public square that you cannot miss on your visit to the city. The generous square with grassy lawns, shady trees, fountains that light up after dark, is surrounded by an abundance of bars, restaurants, and cafes. The square, because of its central location, is close to numerous city attractions making it the perfect spot for a midday meal or to people watch as you sip on a cup of joe.
In this technologically advanced age, mobiles are a norm and a part of one's lifestyle. The Mobile World Centre gives a glimpse of how the internet and mobile telephony has transformed the lives of people in the 21st Century. Set in the former building of the first telephone exchange of the city, the landmark building from the 1920s with its distinct architecture is a sight to behold. It is then befitting that this museum and event space is set inside this structure. Spanning across three floors, each exhibit and area is different than the other. Head to Espacio Movistar for an insight of the latest smartphones and gadgets. You can play games, take part in promotions and activities at this space. Get to know the advent of mobile technology, internet and evolution across the world at level one. There are 10 rooms to explore on this floor, telling the story of the mobile. The Movistar Auditorium is used for a variety of digital events, conferences, workshops and more.
Hopping on one of these buses is a great way to see Barcelona quickly while on a budget. There are two routes, South and North, and both focus on the most important sights. The North Route ends up at Tibidabo and the South Route at Port Olímpic. Buy a day-ticket on the bus and you can get on and off as often as you like. You also get an information leaflet about the sights on the tour, which takes two hours. Contact the TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) for more details.
Plaça Urquinaona is located at the Eixample district of Barcelona. The square has been named after José María de Urquinaona y Vidot, the bishop of Barcelona in 1878. This historic square is easily accessible via public transport and numerous accommodation facilities, restaurants and bars surround the plaza, making it an important address of the city.
Parròquia de Santa Anna is a parish affiliated to the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Founded in 1141, this former convent illustrates the Romanesque school of architecture, while its later refurbishments display the Gothic style. Renowned for this very architectural blend, it is replete with splendid archways, bare bricks, Renaissance accents, chandeliers and a rustic chapel. It is a recognized National Heritage Monument and popular tourist attraction. It hosts regular mass, as well as special Holy Sacraments.