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 façade, 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 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.
Established by surrealist artist Joan Miró, this institute was founded to support the study of contemporary art. It was built by architect Josep Lluís Sert who was also a close friend to Miró and member of the Catalan art scene. Its outstanding octagonal tower houses a concert hall that puts on classical music performances, and the striking building also houses a permanent collection of Miró's art. Large canvases mingle with tapestries while engravings complement photographs. Given the eclectic stylings of its honored artist, the institute showcases a number of disciplines and aesthetics. There are also a café-restaurant and souvenir shop onsite, promising plenty of comfort for visitors to the Joan Miró Foundation.
Located in the heart of Barcelona is the striking Casa Rocamora, one of the largest buildings in the area and a beautiful example of Spanish architecture in the early 20th-Century. This building has numerous Neo-Gothic features including its stone facade, great domed towers, turrets, semicircular windows, and balconies. This monolithic building is reminiscent of medieval castles and should not be missed when in the city.
Barcelona's Tourist Office organizes excellent 90-minute walking tours through the old town (Ciutat Vella) led by an official guide. The tours take you on a trip through history as you retrace the steps of one of the world's most iconic painters, Pablo Picasso. The English-language tour starts at 10 am and the Spanish/Catalan tour at noon from the main office in Plaça Catalunya. You will start your tour at the Portal de l'Àngel followed by a visit to the Plaça Nova, Casa de l'Ardiaca, the cloister of the cathedral, Plaça del Rei, Llibreteria, Plaça Sant Jaume (including the Casa de la Ciutat (Ajuntament)), Sant Honorat, Plaça Sant Felip Neri and end up back at the cathedral. View the city through the eyes of Picasso and experience it in a new light on this well-organized tour of Barcelona.
The Barcelona City Hall is built on the site of the old Teatre Barcelona, which was destroyed. It has one auditorium and puts on musicals and concerts at varying times. It also opens its doors to other less common performing arts. Its most original shows are the dinner shows, the food is always good, and there is a lively atmosphere.
A beautiful concert space, with state-of-the-art acoustics, Music Hall is located in close proximity Plaça Catalunya. The hall occupies a former 19th-century theater, which has been extensively renovated to bring it up to date. While the event program is dominated by classical and contemporary concerts, the space is also occasionally host to theatre performances. The theater's richly embellished interiors are a reminder of its past glory, and are a sight to behold.
Teatre Tívoli is a classical theater in Barcelona, founded in 1875. It has been refurbished over the years but still retains its original structure and charm. The theater has a beautiful, stately entrance and the largest auditorium in Barcelona. With 1643 seats, it retains all the glamor and charm of the past. All kinds of theatrical companies have performed on this stage, including the most avant-garde among them. The theater also puts on the latest musicals produced in Catalonia. It is located right in the center of Barcelona, giving you the opportunity to enjoy contemporary theater, musicals, and operas in an unbeatable location.
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.