![]() In the Eixample district off the elegant boulevard of Passeig de Gràcia, the UNESCO-listed Casa Milà is Antoni Gaudí's most famous secular building. Casa Milà (La Pedrera) Casa Mila (La Pedrera) Children often play a pickup game of soccer in the Gothic Quarter's hidden corners, and local residents socialize at the sidewalk terraces of cafés that are tucked away in courtyards.ģ. Picturesque squares are enlivened by the sounds of people chatting and laughing or the strumming of Spanish classical guitar. By getting lost here, visitors become immersed in the magical ambience of a traffic-free medieval world. Tourists will enjoy wandering the narrow pedestrian lanes, and stopping to discover the neighborhood's quaint boutiques and restaurants. Surrounding the cathedral is a maze of cobblestone streets and alleyways. Mainly built between the 13th and 15th centuries, the Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia is the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Relics of ancient Roman buildings are still found here, but the Middle Ages are best represented by the historic monuments packed into this quarter. Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)įor 2,000 years, the Gothic Quarter has been the spiritual and secular center of the city. The Basilica of the Sacred Family is also known in Spanish by its official name: Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família.Īddress: 401 Carrer de Mallorca, Barcelona Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família Map (Historical)Ģ. Gaudí best captured the essence of his architectural masterpiece when he described it as "a work that is in the hands of God and the will of the people." The apse features an unusual Crucifix rendered as a canopy with lanterns. The ceiling sparkles with opulent decorative details, and colorful stained-glass windows allow ethereal light to flow in. The main nave of the sanctuary is an immense space of 90 meters long by 60 meters high. Visitors are first struck by the lavish exterior with its expressive Nativity facade depicting the birth of Jesus, and the evocative Passion facade that illustrates the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus.Įven though the Basilica is unfinished, tourists may visit the interior to admire the awe-inspiring sacred space and its dazzling artworks. In 2010, the main nave was completed, and the Basilica was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI (although construction is still ongoing and expected to be completed by 2026). Since 1926, several other architects have continued work on the Basilica based on Gaudí's plans. He had no firm ideas in mind, preferring to alter and add to the plans as work progressed.Īlthough Gaudí had originally forecast between 10 and fifteen years, the church was never completed during his lifetime. But instead of following the plans, he created a signature example of his famous surrealistic Art Nouveau architecture. The renowned Catalan architect of modern times, Antoni Gaudí was commissioned in 1883 to design this Basilica as a neo-Gothic church. One of Europe's most unconventional churches, this amazing monument is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. ![]() ![]() The Basílica de la Sagrada Família stands in the northern part of the city, dominating its surroundings with its 18 spindly towers soaring high above all the other buildings. Basílica de la Sagrada Família Basilica de la Sagrada Familia See also: Where to Stay in Barcelona: Best Areas & Hotelsġ. Learn about the best places to visit and things to do with our list of the top attractions in Barcelona. ![]() Delightful surprises abound at every turn. One of the best ways to discover Barcelona is by wandering aimlessly and stumbling upon hidden side streets with small cafés or stopping to relax at peaceful town squares, where street musicians strum melodies on Spanish guitars. Visitors will enjoy strolling down La Rambla, where the locals hang out sunbathing at the sandy beaches near the harbor and lingering over leisurely meals on outdoor terraces. Antoni Gaudí left a lasting mark on Barcelona with his avant-garde Surrealist buildings several are UNESCO listed.Īfter all the sightseeing, tourists will want to simply relax and soak up the city's joyous vibe. Of course, the balmy Mediterranean climate adds to the charm.īarcelona has an atmospheric medieval quarter, the Barri Gòtic, with an almost magical old-world ambience, but it's even more famous for its Modernist architecture. Gorgeous scenery, breathtaking architecture, and superb cultural attractions make for an alluring destination. Catalonia's vibrant capital, Barcelona is a stunning seaside city that flaunts her beauty and sunny lifestyle. ![]()
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