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.
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.
Barcelona's oldest residential district is a maze of narrow streets housing some fantastic examples of Gothic architecture. Lots of trendy young designers have opened up outlets here over the last few years, along with some classy but not too flashy restaurants, including tapas bars that fill up with the city's youth most nights. Alongside Gothic buildings like the imposing Cathedral of Barcelona, you can see the most concentrated remains of the Roman period here, between Plaça de la Catedral and Plaça Sant Jaume. The old Roman walls still demarcate the boundary between this and its adjacent districts. This spirited neighborhood, known locally as Barri Gòtic, is one of the city's most atmospheric and enchanting explorations serving up style in spades.
Today dominated by the neon marquee of popular onsite retailer Vinçon, Casa Ramón Casas is a marvel to behold. Erected in 1899, it is turn-of-the-century avant garde incarnate. Just looking at its darkly striking facade, you'll feel transported to a bygone era of innovation, passion and true rule breaking.
During 1789, Barcelona suffered from famines and many volunteer organizations were set up. The donations and funds raised were utilized to support different charitable institutes. Casa de la Misericòrdia was also formerly a home for orphans and poor women. The structure is surrounded by palm trees and vines and is set amidst serene settings. Visitors can see the remnants and traces of the orphanage.
The Dolors Junyent Galeria D'Art located in Barcelona was founded in 1978 and since then has been successfully displaying paintings of various contemporary painters as well as art work of painters from the 10th and 11th centuries. The gallery is well-maintained and is reputed to exhibit the finest artworks of well-known artists of international fame.
Set within Luis de Arquer's own home, the World's Smallest Theater (El Teatre més Petits del Món) offers 19th-century ambience that perfectly suits the music of Chopin, Beethoven, and Mozart, as well as Arquer's own compositions and improvisations.
Situated at the 18th block on Carrer de Goya, Goya 18 is a multi-purpose venue catering to local events. Fun activities and informal sessions are regularly conducted here.
Temple dels Homes is a magnificent structure punctuating Piera’s picturesque landscape. Constructed by local artist Julio M. Merino, this unique landmark showcases influences of the baroque school of architecture. Admire at the vertigo-inducing tower, its ornate carving and colorful mosaic. This temple, located a short distance from Barcelona, is worth a visit.