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.
Run like the wind with 360 Running Barcelona. Experience and learn more about this ancient Catalan city while getting in your daily dose of exercise during one of their carefully designed running sightseeing tours. Sprint to the top of Montjuïc Mountain where the 1992 Summer Olympic Games were held and take in the literally break taking views. Tours can last up to two hours with local guides who speak English, Catalan and Spanish. And don't worry, water and picture breaks are offered!
Dating back to the 17th Century, Jujol Centre - Can Negre is a beautiful farmhouse redesigned by Joseph Maria Jujol, a renowned Art Nouveau artist between the years 1915 and 1930. The decor is a blend of various techniques and materials including plaster, iron, wood, mosaic, and sgraffito. Inside the farmhouse, ornate decor and lovely colors adorn the staircase taking you to the first level. A tiny baroque chapel is also found adjoining this enchanting structure.
1+1=3 (U Mes U Fan Tres) is a gorgeous winery known for their elaborate selection of wines and caves. The vineyard of this quintessential Spanish winery is home to over five varieties of grapes which yield wines of distinctive characters. Caves are prepared using separate selection of grapes. Owners Carles, Josep and Josep Anton, personally supervise the the entire process that goes into the creation of their wines, from selection of grapes to bottling every step is scrutinized by the team. A tour of the winery and the vineyard gives patrons a peek into the Catalonian wine-making traditions and cultures, and one can also pick up a few souvenirs after the intriguing tour and tasting session. Wines and caves from 1+1=3 (U Mes U Fan Tres) are exported all across Europe, North America and even Asia, a visit to the place is enough to give a testimony of their popularity.
Foto Ruta is a photography company that originated in the city of Buenos Aires and now has branches across the world. It presents the city of Barcelona in a novel way through the lens of your camera and leaves you with memories that are sure to last a lifetime. They have tours that take you on a great experience that combines trips to little-known city gems with educational photography sessions. Not only is this the best way to see the city, it also is the best way to understand the art of photography and the tips and tricks used by the professionals. The tour guides are extremely knowledgeable and friendly and ensure that your tour is conducted to your absolute satisfaction.
Fancy a tour of Barcelona on a two-wheeler? Head over to Steel Donkey Bike Tours, pick up your bicycle and paint the town red. Not only are the tours a great way to take in the city's history and culture, it also is an educational experience that's augmented by the knowledgeable and friendly tour guides. The tours take you through the city to local gems and places that visiting tourists rarely find. They have fixed departures and can also arrange private tours for larger groups. Call, email, or visit their website to book your very own Steel Donkey tour.
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).