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.
Built in 1990, the National Art Museum of Catalonia offers the best collection of Romanesque murals in the world, including some real gems from the Pyrenean region. Other pieces housed in the collection demonstrate diversity through such mediums as carving, sculpture, wood paintings, and glazed objects. Also found in the museum are uniques works like intricate altarpieces and gold and silver ornaments. You'll enjoy a selection of Gothic period paintings by 14th- and 15th-century Catalan School artists alongside those of their counterparts from across Spain and Europe. Art lovers will enjoy a healthy dose of local art at the National Art Museum of Catalonia.
Barcelona's oldest residential district is a maze of narrow streets housing some fantastic examples of Gothic architecture. Lots of trendy young designers have opened up outlets here over the last few years, along with some classy but not too flashy restaurants, including tapas bars that fill up with the city's youth most nights. Alongside Gothic buildings like the imposing Cathedral of Barcelona, you can see the most concentrated remains of the Roman period here, between Plaça de la Catedral and Plaça Sant Jaume. The old Roman walls still demarcate the boundary between this and its adjacent districts. This spirited neighborhood, known locally as Barri Gòtic, is one of the city's most atmospheric and enchanting explorations serving up style in spades.
CosmoCaixa Barcelona is one of Barcelona's main visitor attractions, an interactive and educational experience for adults and children alike. There are special children's activities that are designed to stimulate young minds and encourage interests in science. Regular educational workshops take place where children can experiment with scientific phenomena like heat, electricity, atmospheric pressure, and sound. Each of its rooms explores a specific field, including mechanics, optics, meteorology, and computer science. There is also a planetarium onsite that explains aspects of astronomy. Leave it to the research time at CosmoCaixa Barcelona to put together fun and educational temporary exhibits. All you have to do is drop by.
Enjoy stunning views of Barcelona at the top of this 512 meters (1,680 feet) tall mountain. Located near the city, Tibidabo is a beautiful mountain that has the tallest submit in the Serra de Collserola Mountain Range. You can ride the Funicular cable car to reach the top of the mountain and there you'll find great views and great attractions, including the Tibidabo Amusement Park.
Today dominated by the neon marquee of popular onsite retailer Vinçon, Casa Ramón Casas is a marvel to behold. Erected in 1899, it is turn-of-the-century avant garde incarnate. Just looking at its darkly striking facade, you'll feel transported to a bygone era of innovation, passion and true rule breaking.
During 1789, Barcelona suffered from famines and many volunteer organizations were set up. The donations and funds raised were utilized to support different charitable institutes. Casa de la Misericòrdia was also formerly a home for orphans and poor women. The structure is surrounded by palm trees and vines and is set amidst serene settings. Visitors can see the remnants and traces of the orphanage.
The Torre de les Aigüesis only one of the courtyards left in the Eixample district that is still open to visitors - it was a water tower that has now been transformed into a swimming pool where children and adults alike can swim to their heart's content on a sunny day. There are even complimentary changing rooms, toilets and a bar available for the purchasing of drinks.
This beautiful Baroque church, built in honor of San Felipe Neri, is located in the Call district of the Barri Gòtic, an area which was once the Jewish district of Barcelona. The church is right in the middle of Plaça Sant Felip Neri, a trapezoid shaped square. This square used to border the edges of the Jewish quarter and was built on the remains of what was once a Jewish cemetery. This is one of the quieter areas of the Gothic Quarter and is reminiscent of other times. Visiting the square is the best way to get into the mood for a visit to the Baroque church, whose facade still shows bullet holes dating back to the Spanish Civil War. In its interior you can still find Baroque details in the moldings, altars, and paintings.
Barcelona's landscape is filled with hidden artistic gems, and the Barcelona Street Style Tours help appreciate the city as a canvas in the most unique way possible. These tours take you through the city's prime graffiti spots, mainly in the El Borne/Gothic Quarter Street neighborhood and the Raval Street area. Not at all didactic, this walking tour promises a fun learning experience,with intermittent stops at art-centric bars and galleries. These tours are free of charge, although donations are appreciated.
If you're in Barcelona for a vacation, don't miss out on a visit to the Bunkers del Carmel, a place known as a romantic tourist destination. Housed on the Hill of the Rovira, this heritage site offers outstanding panoramic views of the Catalonian city and is the perfect place to watch the sun rise and set. Take a look at impressive Spanish Civil War bunkers where anti-aircraft guns were assembled during the 1930's. There are numerous guided tours available at different levels where you can learn about the war period and how the place was used to defend the city. This is a must-see tourist attraction for any visiting traveler.