Barcelona – Tips & Suggestions

Antoni Gaudí

You will find the works of Antoni Gaudí mentioned in every tourist guide, so why also here on this website? Gothic churches can be found in many cities as well as parks, mosques, old market halls or Art Nouveau ornaments. But Gaudí's playful architecture in Barcelona is unique. It would be pity if you missed it due to limited time.

Casa Batlló and Casa Milà

Between 1890 and 1930, the rich Catalan families
in Barcelona liked to built their houses at the
Passeig de Gràcia avenue, preferable in the style
of ›Modernisme‹, the Catalan variant of Jugendstil
and Art Nouveau.

Gaudí's romantic Casa Batlló (photo on the right)
from 1906 can be found at Passeig de Gràcia 43,
close to Carrer d´Aragó (Metro station ›Passeig de Gràcia‹).

     The more bulky Casa Milà from 1910 (left photo)      is at Passeig de Gràcia 92 (Metro station      ›Diagonal‹).

     Both buildings can be visited inside; it is especially      recommendable to go up to the roof of Casa Milà.

Sagrada Família

During the industrial revolution in Catalonia citizens of Barcelona built the foundation for one of the most amazing churches, the ›Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família‹ (Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family). Construction works started in 1882 and won't be finished before 2025 or even later.

This long period of time isn't surprising if you consider that the basilica is financed by donations and that some of the greatest cathedrals in Europe had been built during several centuries. So, if you have already seen it in the past you might enjoy coming back after some years and see the new details.

For some, the inside with its temporary steel framework already creates a mystical-spiritual atmosphere (see left photo).

Gaudí was assigned the project in 1883 and it became his work of a lifetime until he died in 1926. His designs are full of fanciful ornaments and shapes, influenced by Cubism and Art Nouveau and by his view of the divine character of natural shapes. [ More Pictures ]

For a visit try to avoid the weekends, as this is the most visited sight in Spain. And bring some time so you don't have to miss the great experience going up the towers. Best way to go there is by subway (Metro ›Sagrada Família‹).

Parc Güell

If you are long enough in Barcelona to spare half a day then Parc Güell with its fabulous figures, romantic paths and curved mosaic tiled seating by Gaudí is a great place to be. Again, if possibly try to avoid the weekends or you will easily get annoyed by trillions of digicams. In the last hour before sunset the park is usually less crowded and has a wonderful relaxed atmosphere.

The park is located some kilometres north of the city center, about 15 min walk from Metro (L3) station ›Lesseps‹. When you get out of the station take the pedestrian bridge over the construction site on the street and then just follow the blue signs.

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Last update: Monday, 6 February 2012