Barcelona is the Catalan capital city of the Kingdom of Spain. This is one of the biggest cities and most popular among travelers nowadays. The city has rich cultural and historical legacy which makes this destination a favorite amongst travelers who visit Spain. This is the largest metropolis along the Mediterranean.
One of the most widely renowned football clubs, FC Barcelona, largest in the world has its fans all around the globe. Apart from this, Barcelona’s massive influence in trade, commerce, entertainment, media, fashion, education, science, and arts is breathtaking. Home to the world’s most stunning vistas Barcelona has everything to satiate your curiosity and travel desires. The Roman ruins and modernista architecture colors the city in its oxidant hues. The chilled out part like the ambiance of the city would soothe your senses and make you feel alive!
So let’s start with the list of your must-visit sights here in Barcelona.
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Barri Gòtic
The Barri Gòtic (Catalan for “Gothic Quarter”) located in the center of the city of Barcelona. Catalan modernista architecture (related to the movement known as Art Nouveau in the rest of Europe) developed between 1885 and 1950 and left an important legacy in Barcelona. Several of these buildings are World Heritage Sites. Especially remarkable is the work of architect Antoni Gaudí, which can be seen throughout the city.
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Park Güell
Park Güell is a UNESCO cultural world heritage site. This park was opened in 1922.This park has multiple entrances and the most beautiful one is Carrer d’Olot. It’s a beautiful park designed by Antoni Gaudi built on a mountain ridge, with a beautiful view of Barcelona. It has two pavilions with cafes on both sides. the most spectacular thing here is the friendly dragon built in the center made out of split ceramic tiles. There is a world famous bench here that Salvador Deli called the precursor of surrealism. Antoni Gaudi built this park as a tribute to nature. You must also visit the Gaudi museum which used to be his former residence. Though it’s going to consume a complete day visiting this place this park is absolutely worth your time.
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Palau Güell
Palau Güell was asked to build this by Eusebi Guell in 1880s.The outward structure is sober and simple done deliberately. The inner structure is rather opulent. The extraordinary neo-Gothic mansion, one of the few major buildings of that era raised in Ciutat Vella, gives an insight into its maker’s prodigious genius. The tour begins with two large gates of wrought iron dominates the lower façade. Between this is a version of Catalan coat of arms in wrought iron. It has mushroom shaped brick pillars. From upstairs you can appreciate the wrought irons from the splendid vestibule and grand staircase.
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La Pedrera
Officially known as Casa Mila, better known as La Pedrera (the quarry) because of its uneven grey stone façade. This is another masterpiece by Antoni Gaudi built for Mila family. Though it looks fashionable to us today people of that century had a lot of problems with the irregular designs. Today it’s an open museum for public viewing.
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Casa Batlló
Locals call Casa Batlló variously as the casa dels ossos (house of bones) or casa del drac (house of the dragon). The balconies resemble the jaws of a beast and the roof represents Sant Jordi (St George) and the dragon. Even the roof was built to look like the shape of an animal’s back, with shiny scales – the ‘spine’ changes color as you walk around. If you stare long enough at the building, it seems almost to be a living being. Before going inside, take a look at the pavement. Each paving piece carries stylized images of an octopus and a starfish designs that Gaudí originally cooked up for Casa Batlló.
So these were some must-see places in Barcelona which should be on your next Barcelona trip’s checklist.
Happy travel!!