The Cathedral is situated in the heart of the city, on Plaza de la Seu of the old quarter. The large bell towers combine the Medieval and the Renaissance styles. It is among the most impressive Spanish Cathedrals which is worth exploring due to its fascinating interior and wondering at the tiny chapels inside, each one dedicated to a different saint. In the building a museum of Medieval art can also be found. Admission to the Cathedral is free, but there is a charge for the museum.
A homage to the one-time powerful Sagrada family, this church is one of Gaudi's unfinished masterpieces. In his vision the Sagrada Familia should become a memorial of remorse for modern materialism in the Spanish town. If ever finished, this would be the highest building in Barcelona. Gaudí knew that his vision was too gigantic to conclude it during his lifetime. Until his death in 1926 the crypt, one of the towers and most of the Christmas facades were constructed. Since then several architects and sculptors have contributed to the fulfilment of Gaudí’s vision. Constantly under discussion, Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia shall be finished in 2030 – if there will be enough financial support.
The monument was introduced to public on June 01, 1888, some weeks after the opening of the Universal Exposition. The metallic pillar was designed by Gaietà Buïgas i Monravà, which has the hight of 51 metres, while the sculpture of Columbus – on the top of the monument – with his forefinger symbolically pointing towards the New World, by Rafael Atché. You can go up by elevator and enjoy the nice panoramic view of the city.
Opening hours:
Monday – Sunday: 9:00 – 20:30
Closed: January 01, October 12 and December 25-26.
The Ramblas is probably the most famous boulevard in Barcelona. This wide promenade, beginning at the harbour and curving more than a mile to the Plaza de Catalunya, is the heart and soul of Barcelona. It is an ideal place for dining, watching people or street performers, shopping and strolling in the cobbled alleyways.
The Montjuic is a massive hill overlooking the harbour, to the southeast of the center of Barcelona. The huge park lies 213metres above the harbour and it is one of the major tourist attractions of the city. The Montjuic hosted the World Exhibition in 1929 and the Olympic Games in 1992. The remains of these big events can still be visited. The beautiful view of Barcelona and the sporting and cultural devices on the Montjuic are worth more than one visit.
The MNAC is situated in the impressive Palau Nacional on the Montjuic. This elegant palace gives home to a permanent collection of Romanesque, Catalunyan Gothic art, European collections from the Renaissance and the Baroque periods, moreover Modernist, Noucentisme and Avant-Garde masterpieces can be seen. Temporary exhibitions of paintings, coins, sculpture and photography supplement the extensive collection of the palace.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 – 19:00
Sunday and public holidays: 10:00 – 14:30
Closed: on Mondays (except public holidays), January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.
Joan Miró himself founded this museum in 1975. The Foundation’s collection consists of 11,000 pieces, involving 240 paintings, 175 sculptures, 9 textiles, 4 ceramics, the almost complete graphic works and around 8,000 drawings. Miro’s works show his development as an artist throughout more than 50 years.
Opening hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 10:00 – 19:00 (July-Sept until 20:00)
Thursday: 10:00 – 21:30
Sunday: 10:00 – 14:30
A former 15th century palace gives home to the exciting collection of Picasso's early Spanish works. The permanent collection contains more than 3,500 masterpieces. These works beautifully show his relationship with Barcelona, an intimate, solid relationship that was shaped in his adolescence and youth, and continued until his death. Open daily, except on Mondays.
Casa Batlló invites you to visit not just a building but an artistic legend. Hidden behind the exceptional modernist facade, it is a world of surprises and refined architectural details. Gaudí designed the building for a wealthy aristocrat. The lower levels were for the owner and the upper floors for rent. The „house” serves as a museum now.
This large apartment building was built between 1906 and 1910. This unique monument lacks classical angles. Various theories have been advanced as to the source of Gaudí's inspiration: from ocean waves to a variety of specific mountains, even a mountain crest with clouds. Regardless of the sources, this limestone building seems sculptural, with contrasts between curves, concavities, and voids, with pale stone contrasting with dark iron.