Barcelona has always been one of my favorite tour destinations in Europe. There is an eclectic mix of culture, contemporary art, good cuisine, music and home to arguably the best soccer team in the world. Did you know that the FC Barcelona Museum is the most visited museum in Barcelona and the second most visited in Spain? It receives approximately 1.6 million visitors annually. The museum is nonetheless one of many places to set your sights on when you visit Barcelona.
Being sort of a veteran traveler myself, I will guide you through the streets of Las Ramblas to the haunted house of Casa Mila.
My tour begins with the Placa de la Seu Cathedral, the recently restored gothic masterpiece that towers over the city. The cathedral is a glimpse into the rich history of Barcelona complete with miniscule gargoyles and religious relics. The cathedral is free to visit most times of the year but I would advise that you carry some petty cash for donation.
If the cathedral does not appease your appetite for architectural designs, the e la Discordia surely will. Covering a whole block, this architectural marvel became famous because the five architects that designed the block were always at loggerheads. No wonder it was named the Island of discord. The block pays credence to the once teeming modernist era of the Catalans.
Just outside the metropolitan is a majestic wonder called the Placa Espanya, a monument testamentary to the artistic culture of the Catalans. The monument is an awe-striking marvel that animates with bright colors, jets of water, and background music. It is aptly named the Magic Fountain of Montjuic. In its environs is the National Art Museum of Catalonia housed in the breath-taking Nacional Building.
Green is always beautiful, at least with regard to nature. One of the greenest places in Barcelona is Ciutadella Park. The park has expansive green lawns, a beautiful azure boating lake, a manmade waterfall and marble sculptures. The aesthetics are completed with a gothic architectural finish with dull white buildings and a number of fountains. At the center of it all is a golden chariot water feature. The park is surrounded by a zoo and Spain’s parliament buildings. This is among the most visited destinations by Barcelona Exclusive Private Tours.
My tour would not be complete without a mention of this fun-filled destination. Park Guell is the brainchild of revered Spain’s architect Antonio Gaudi. It is stationed on a hill offering fantastic views of the Catalan city skyline. The park itself is nature’s own beck and call. There is a fantastic display of wild flowers, trees and different water features. Guell’s attraction comes from its use of curvy and contoured finishes inspired by the ladies of Spanish descent. This placid park has a reputation of reducing stress levels. I recommend that you visit Park Guell in the spring.
As I conclude, soccer fans are welcome to tour the that Camp Nou stadium located within the city, Playing host to FC Barcelona, such a tour would rejuvenate childhood dreams of becoming a soccer star.
Barcelona is a breathtaking city that inspires awe. The city is awash with architecture that is out of this world, natural scenery and man-made monuments. Lest you forget, Barcelona is a breeding ground for architects who have significantly contributed to the city’s splendor.
XOXO
Debbie
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