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).
Il Tempio Espiatorio della Sacra Famiglia è un progetto incompiuto e quello più costoso di Antoni Gaudí, il grande architetto. Questa esposizione unica comprende piante, disegni, foto e modelli collegati alla costruzione del tempio. Ci sono anche opere fatte di ferro battuto, bronzo e legno. Visitatori possono vedere come fu concepito il tempio e le sue origini. Il museo è collocato nella cripta della basilica. C’è un ascensore per andare su in una delle torri da quale si può godere una vista dell’edificio incompiuto ma splendido.
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, l'architetto che ha costruito questa gemma del modernismo catalano, voleva che la facciata rispecchiasse le sue idee romantiche ed anticlassiche sul design. Fu costruito per la famiglia Milà fra il 1906 ed il 1910. Né la famiglia né il pubblico sono stati colpiti: fu soprannominata La Pedrera (cava da pietra) come insulto. Solo più tardi venne rivalutata nel 1984 quando l'UNESCO la dichiarò un patrimonio dell’umanità. Adesso celebrata per tutto il mondo, Casa Milà è un esempio dell’architettura civile di Gaudí; è interessante ed unica ma anche molto pratica.
Camp Nou è uno degli stadi più grande d'Italia. Edificato nel 1957, è casa della FC Barcelona, detto Barca dai locali. Lo stadio venne conosciuto come "la casa costruita da Kubala", un riferimento al grande marcatore (segnapunti?) degli anni 1950. Questo ungherese era talmente popolare che lo stadio non poteva ospitare tutti i tifosi che venivano a vederlo. Un nuovo stadio era costruito e adesso può ospitare 98.000 tifosi.
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.
To cope with the exponential expansion outside the city's medieval walls, Ildefons Cerdà developed a new city plan in 1850: a grid structure of vertical and horizontal streets that formed squares when they crossed. Cerdà wanted to build residential accommodation in these square blocks and have communal yards in the middle with gardens where children could play. This part of the plan was sadly never accomplished, but the original design gives the blocks plenty of light. L'Eixample was built between 1860 and 1920, coinciding with the boom in Modernist architecture that is well represented here. The district is divided between the Dreta de L'Eixample (The Right) and the Esquerra de L'Eixample (The Left).
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.
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.