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).
Gaudi begon aan deze surrealistische tempel in 1882, en de bouw is nu nog steeds bezig. Oorspronkelijk zou het een bescheiden neo-gotische kerk worden, maar het is nu het beroemdste gebouw van Barcelona. Gaudi week af van de heersende neo-gotische stijl van eind negentiende, begin twintigste eeuw, en voorzag elk element van de Sagrada Familia van een symbolische betekenis. De basis van de zuilen worden gevormd door schildpadden (dit is het Chinese symbool van orde in de chaos) en de pilaren zijn palmbomen. De meest opvallende kenmerken van het gebouw zijn de barokke stijl, en de mix aan kleuren en de diversiteit aan materialen die gebruikt zijn. (Pleisterwerk, keramiek, mozaïek, ijzer en vele andere steensoorten)
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 Gaudi, de architect die dit juweel van het Catalaanse modernisme ontworpen heeft, wilde dat de voorgevel zijn romantische en anti-klassieke ideeën wat betreft ontwerpen zou reflecteren. Het werd gebouwd voor de familie Mila, tussen 1906 en 1910. Maar de familie en het publiek in het algemeen waren niet onder de indruk, en het gebouw kreeg de bijnaam La Pedrera (de steengroeve) als belediging. Pas veel later, in 1984 werd het beroemd toen de UNESCO het tot werelderfgoed verklaarde. Casa Mila, nu internationaal beroemd, is nu een belangrijk voorbeeld van de civiele architectuur van Gaudi. Het is in esthetisch opzicht uniek en ook nog eens buitengewoon practisch.
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.
Het National Museum of Art, gebouwd in 1990, huisvest de beste collectie aan Romaanse muurschilderingen ter wereld, waaronder een aantal juweeltjes uit de regio van de Pyreneeën. De collectie van het museum bestaat ook uit andere kunststukken, zoals altaarstukken, beeldhouwwerken, gouden en zilveren ornamenten en schilderijen op hout en glanzende objecten. Je ziet hier een selectie aan schilderijen uit de gotische periode van artiesten van de Catalaanse school uit de veertiende en de vijftiende eeuw, samen met die van artiesten uit de rest van Spanje en Europa. Neem voor tijdelijke tentoonstellingen contact op met het museum. Studenten en ouderen krijgen korting, en op de eerste zondag van elke maand is de toegang gratis.
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.
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.
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.
Right in the heart of the city stands the unique Galeria Alonso Vidal, dedicated to contemporary art. The venue is housed in a recently converted cellar, and it displays artwork by various well-known national and international artists. At the same time, it genuinely tries to promote new talent and art forms. The motive is to encourage a healthy exchange of ideas amongst art lovers and artists.