Top places to visit in Barcelona
Catedral de la SeuThis magnificent building reaches a height of 305 feet. The spire in the center itself reaches a height of 230 feet. This building was completed in 1460. The building is a prime example of Catalan Gothic architecture. The cloister gardens are an impressive sight to see, surrounded by a pond, tropical gardens and 13 geese (I'll discuss the significance of these in a bit). The inside is quite dark, yet you can't help but marvel at every intricate detail of its ornate architecture.
Near the choir stalls, there are some sculptures of St Eulalia, who was a 13 year old Roman Christian Vigin who refused to recant her Christianity and eventually resulted in her martyrdom. She had to endure 13 horrifying tortures among them: cutting off her breasts, putting her into a knife with barrels and rolling her down the street, and finally decapitation. The 13 geese in the clositer garden are a depiction of the 13 tortures she had
to endure.
| Catedral de la Seu |
With huge ocatagonal towers, this magnificent cathedral is another great example of Catalan Gothic Architecture (comprised of huge bare walls, heavy columns, ornate sculptures, soaring pointed arches).
This cathedral was built to fulfill a vow made by James I to build a church to the Virgin of Sailors when he defeated the Moors in 1229. Santa Maria del Mar was built to protect Catalan fleet. The cathedral has simple beauty with soaring slender columns. There is a peculiar southwest facing rose window. Marvelous place to pray and meditate.
| Santa Maria del Mar |
Also known as La Pedrera. It has a Wavy, undulating facade and roof. The building's architecture is a marvel to see. It is completely supported by pillars and arches on the bottom. If you look at it from the outside it is very wavy looking. Some people claim it looks like a mountain with caves. The building is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the attic, there is Espai Gaudi, a museum dedicated to the famous architect Antoni Gaudí, who built this place.
| Casa Mila |
A town mansion built again by famous architect Antoni Gaudí. This mansion was built for industrialist Eusebi Güell. The stone and iron building has two parabolic arched gates with the Spanish coat of arms in between. The gates allow horse drawn carriages to enter and continue down via ramps to stables located in the basement. On the first floor, a staircase leads to the main floor of the house. The roof is where Antoni Gaudí's work shines. THere are twenty sculptures on top majestically ornated around structures such as the chimneys and ventilation covers. Look for the flying-bat weather vane in the roof. Plan your visit here, tours end around 4 pm so get there early.
| Palau Güell (Guell Palace) |
Palau Güell (Guell Palace)
Temple Exiatori de la Sagrada Familia (Expiatory Church of the Holy Family)
Another work by Gaudi, which took 40 years to make and is being continued until today. After Gaudi's death in 1926, several others have taken over the work. You really have to be here to experience all its magnificence. There are 18 spindle shaped towers
representiong the twelve apostles, the four Evangelists, the Virgin Mary and the tallest structure which is symbolized by Jesus Christ. Gaudi's intent was to evangelize to people through this work.
| Temple Exiatori de la Sagrada Familia |
You will see visitors and performers in the middle of this city. The place is filled with artists, shops, theaters, cafes and lots of people. It goes from Plaça Catalunya (the city centre) and Christopher Columbus monument. The street is about 1.2 km. long. La Rambla was once a river. After the river dried up theere were buildings erected around it. It is now a popular destination among tourists to get a sense of the city of Barcelona at its best.
| La Rambla Barcelona |
You will see specatacular view of Barcelona since this is the highest peak in the city. You will also find Sarcrat Cor church. On top of this church is a large statue of Jesus Christ. There is also an ancient amusement park, mostly built for children. "Tibi Dabo" means "I give you", which are the words the devil used to show Jesus the vast land before him and tempt Jesus to worship him in exchange for the land.
| Tibidabo |
On top of a hill overlooking Barcelona, you can find Park Guell. Commissioned and named after Eusebi Guell, Gaudi set out to create a park for commercial housing. Its attempts failed and it now belongs to the city of Barcelona. Initially 60 housing plots were designed to be built but only two homes were actually builty. The buildings and sculputres are amazing with intricate detail and beauty. The pavilions, look like gingerbread houses with wavy roofs and brightly colored tiles. Near the staircase near the entrance is a lizard which is a symbol of the park. There is also the world's largest bench, the serpentine bench, which circles around a plaza like a snake. Make sure you spend some time viewing this marvelous must-see creation and get your exercise legs ready since you will have to do some climbing to do.
| Park Güell |
Boqueria market
An outdoor market with an amazing selection and variety of food. It is the largest food market in Barcelona, you will find an enormous variety of any type of food you will ever need. It's fun going just to explore Spanish food and to get a sense of Spanish culture at its best. The market goes back as far as 1217.
| Boqueria market |
.gif)
0 comments:
Post a Comment