Antonio Gaudí and other Barcelona, Spain Things to Do Tips

One of the major attractions of Barcelona is the architecture of Antonio Gaudí (mind that the stress lies on the last syllable of Gaudí).

Antonio Gaudí (1852-1926) was an architect that was born in Reus, close to Barcelona. His most important works can all be found in Barcelona and consist of Parque Güell, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, Palau Güell and his still unfinished masterpiece "La Sagrada Familia".

Important characteristics of his work are organic natural forms, ceramic tiles, mosaics, cast iron, parabolic arches and strangely shaped chimneys. Next to these things Gaudí was also good at inventing very creative solutions for improving comfort in his buildings, such as ventilation and blinds to keep the sun out.

Gaudí died in a hospital, almost unknown after his was hit by a streetcar in 1926.

Leave a Comment

The gothic cathedral of Barcelona is a real masterpiece. The very impressive building, with a very nice courtyard, filled with geese, lies in the barrio gotico, the gothic quarter, which is the medieval part of town. From the roof of the cathedral you have a magnificent view over the city. During summer, the square in front of the cathedral is filled with streetartists and the like.

When looking at a map, don't mix up this traditional cathedral and Gaudís "templo de la Sagrada Familia" (which is also regarded as a cathedral).

Leave a Comment

The tourist centre of Barcelona is formed by the Ramblas. The famous street that runs from the Plaça Catalunya to the statue of Columbus close to the waterfront. The Ramblas and especially the walkway in the middle, which is filled with market stalls and street artists, is always busy, from early morning till late at night.

Although the tourist guides often describe the Ramblas as a very long street with different sections, my experience was that it is not THAT long. I would say that a relaxed stroll from the statue of Columbus to the Plaça Catalunya will take you about 20-25 minutes. To one side of the Ramblas you will find the historic part of the city, the Barri Gòtic and the Plaça Reial. Halfway the other side of the Ramblas you will find La Boquería, the famous covered foodmarket.

Plaça Catalunya houses the Tourist Office (underground), El Corte Inglès (THE department store) as well as other stores. There is a rather cheap shuttle bus service between the airport and Plaça Catalunya.

The Passeig de Graçia, the shopping street, starts at the other side of Plaça Catalunya.

Leave a Comment

Plaça Reial is perhaps the most beautiful square I know. Not extremely big, but very picturesque and extremely relaxed. It can be found close to the Ramblas (halfway) on the Barri Gòtic side.

An ideal spot to relax a bit. Moreover, the square and the streets surrounding it are filled with nice restaurants. Among others Les Quinze Nits (on the square) and Los Caracoles (close by). Prepare to queue for both restaurants.

Leave a Comment

Address: Plaça Reial
Directions: Barri Gotic east of La Rambla. Metro: Liceu

Parc Guell is my personal favourite, when it comes to Gaudí architecture. Especially on a sunny afternoon this place is great. Originally the park was planned to become a kind of "garden-city", where architecture and nature would mingle. However only 3 of the planned 60 houses were built. 2 at the entrance and one housing a museum dedicated to Gaudí. Nevertheless, there are a lot of very spectacular features in this park, especially close to the entrance.

In the picture you can see the entrance gate, a bit further the famous "Dragón", behind that the market hall on top of which is located the terrace with the winding bench.

Leave a Comment

Phone: 93-317-39-740
Address: Carrer d'Olot 7, Vallcarca, Gràcia, 08024
Directions: Metro; line 3. Lesseps Station, then follow the street signs.
Website: http://www.bcn.es/parcsijardins

The mosaic dragon-like lizard might be one of the most photographed pieces of Gaudí. Everybody wants a picture of him or herself next to the dragon.

A small stone replica of this animal is also the main souvenir in Barcelona. Just like the small metal desktop Eiffel Towers in Paris.

Leave a Comment

Phone: 93-317-39-740
Address: Carrer d'Olot 7, Vallcarca, Gràcia, 08024
Directions: Metro; line 3. Lesseps Station, then follow the street signs.
Website: http://www.bcn.es/parcsijardins

Gaudís winding bench is a bench completely covered with mosaic tiles that lines an open space that can be found on top of the market hall (with leaning columns) and is the ideal place to relax in the sun and enjoy the great view of the city you have from here.

Leave a Comment

Phone: 93-317-39-740
Address: Carrer d'Olot 7, Vallcarca, Gràcia, 08024
Directions: Metro; line 3. Lesseps Station, then follow the street signs.
Website: http://www.bcn.es/parcsijardins

One of the most famous works of Gaudí is the Casa Milà, a house designed for the Milà family (1906-1910). It is sometimes also called La Pedrera (the quarry). This building hardly has any straight lines in it. The façade of the building was designed to look like a petrified wave. Most famous are the roof with a collection of bizarre shaped chimneys and the staircase.

Leave a Comment

Like in the rest of the building, hardly any straight lines can be found here. This entire space is created using organic forms.

Leave a Comment

Plaça d'Espanya lies at the foot of Montjuïc, the mountain of Barcelona.

At one end of the square stand 2 square towers. An avenue lined with fountains leads to the stairs of the Palau Nacional, which is home to the Museu d'Art de Catalunya (gothic and medieval art).

Beware of pickpockets in this area, especially during the night, when everybody is admiring the lighted fountains. During the summer months the fountains dance to a sound and lightshow.

Leave a Comment

Address: Avingudade la Reina María Cristina
Directions: Metro: Espanya