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.
Chef-d’œuvre de Gaudi, la Casa Batlló est l’un des bâtiments résidentiels les plus uniques jamais construits dans le style moderniste. Sa façade recouverte d’un arc-en-ciel de tuiles colorées laisse place au hall d’entrée qui évoque un voyage sous-marin, avec des murs formant des vagues, des verrières en forme de tortues et un escalier qui ressemble à la colonne vertébrale d’une créature mythique. En haut, l’étage noble est doté de fenêtres qui s’ouvrent sur le Passeig de Gràcia et sont inondées de lumière naturelle, tandis que le patio extérieur connecté est un kaléidoscope de teintes forgées dans le verre et le carrelage. Depuis la terrasse, il est facile de comprendre pourquoi cette maison est surnommé « maison du dragon », car les tuiles du toit ressemblent au dragon de Sant Jordi. Merveilleuse expression de créativité et d’expertise architecturale, la Casa Batlló reflète le génie psychédélique de Gaudi.
Resting on the Montjuïc hill, Cementerio de Montjuïc is a huge cemetery that has been housing the dead since 1883. One of the quieter places in Barcelona, it initially had four sections wherein the Catholics, Protestants, non-Christians and others were buried respectively. Today, many celebrated personalities like the artist Joan Miró, dancer Carmen Amaya and poet/priest Jacint Verdaguer and Generalitat presidents Lluis Companys and Francesc Macià rest here. Stretching across the south-west corner of the hill, the cemetery also houses a memorial park that commemorates the Civil War victims who were buried here too.
While competition for the most outstanding religious structure in Barcelona is high given architectural masterpieces like the Sagrada Familia and Barcelona Cathedral, this basilica is quite spectacular. It was built between 1329 CE and 1384 CE, giving visitors a glimpse into Gothic history and serving as an important stop along any tour of the Barri Gòtic. The austere Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar boasts a lovely 15th-century stained-glass window shaped like a rosette, as well as impressive sculptures on the facade and tympanum. Mass is held in the Santísimo chapel except on Sundays when it is held in the main altar. Mass is regularly conducted in Catalan, as well as in Spanish on select days.
Overlooking Barcelona from the highest point in Serra de Collserola atop Tibidabo is Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón. Recognizable from a distance by the prominent silhouette of Jesus, this church is fine example of neogothic architecture. The construction of the church took nearly a decade, starting from 1902 under Enric Sagnier i Villavecchia and completed by his son Josep Maria Sagnier i Vidal. Romanesque elements can be clearly pointed out in the exterior facade which is made is of Montjuïc stone and supports the four towers and the octagonal dome. Consecrated to the Twelve Apostles, the beautiful crypt is decorated in tainted glass, marble and mosaics, and the eight windows of the dome depict scenes from the life of Jesus. Prayer service and masses are conducted regularly, and the local Catholic community worships here.
A short distance from Museu Picasso is Palau Dalmases, a slightly off-the-beaten-path tourist destination than the former. This mansion on the affluent Carrer Montcada was the private residence of Paul Ignatius Dalmases and stood witness to the city's cultural and political growth since the 16th Century. Its Baroque architecture, Gothic chapel, vintage furnishings, paintings and art decor infuse an old-world charm. Still a gathering spot for artists and intellectuals, it is also a performing arts hub. Head to Espai Barroc at this venue for flamenco performances, opera nights and live music events. You could also rent the space to host your private events.