Barcelona: The Sights
By Lori Tenny
 |
|
The Rambla
|
|
|
While there's no danger of running out of things to do in
Barcelona, there is a serious risk that you'll be so overwhelmed
by the number and variety of the city's attractions, that
you may miss out on the things you actually went to see. To
help, here's a list of some of the city's highlights:
Gaudi and Modernist Architecture
Barcelona’s architectural claim to fame is Modernism,
a Spanish and mainly Catalan derivative of Art Nouveau that
spanned the late 19th and early 20th Centuries.
The wild creations of several Modernist architects stud the
landscape, but Antonio Gaudi is, hands-down, the most revered.
He designed 10 buildings as well as other flights of fancy
throughout the city. His Casa Mila is the peculiar apartment
building that jumped at you from the pages of your art history
textbook. In person, its undulating facade and whimsical chimneystacks
parading across the roof will still turn your head.
The emblematic Sagrada Familia Church, Gaudi’s incomplete
masterpiece that he worked on for 40 years before he was killed
by a street tram in 1926, is perhaps one of Barcelona's most
famous and recognisable landmarks. And the city is still labouring
away at it.
 |
|
Casa
Mila
|
Then there’s Parc Guell, a lush public park oozing with
his characteristic curiosities: sinuous, snake-like benches
with intricately laid vibrant tiles, bizarre colonnades, a
mosaic pagoda and lizard sculptures.
The Rambla
Heaven for people watchers, this is arguably Spain’s
most famous street — an endless spectacle of street performers,
cafes, kiosks and artists selling their wares. Take a stroll,
smell the brilliant flowers and then grab a café chair
and watch the wacky world go by.
It’s a cacophony of musicians, jugglers, mimes, puppeteers,
Elvis-impersonators and drag queens. Even the locals love
it.
Gothic Quarter
 |
|
Placa
de la Seu
|
The oldest part of the city, this maze of crooked, narrow
streets winds through what was formerly an ancient fortified
Roman village.
These were the stomping grounds of famed artists such as
Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró, who sought inspiration
in its historic charm, and the gallery that first exhibited
their work is situated here.
You’ll stumble upon surprises at every turn: churches,
palaces, museums, art galleries, shops, antiques shops and
tapas bars.
The gorgeous cathedral at Placa de la Seu was begun in the
13th Century and finished in the 15th Century.
On Sundays, you can and should check out the traditional
Catalan Sardana dance in front of the cathedral.
The Waterfront
There’s nothing quite like dining alfresco with the
azure waters of the Mediterranean spread out before your eyes.
Pop a bottle of cava and raise your glass, 'Salut!' This is
one of the most inviting sides of the 'new' Barcelona.
 |
|
The Harbour
|
The pre- and post-Olympic redevelopment frenzy opened Barcelona
to the sea again, and its new marinas and ports brim with
yachts, pedestrian promenades, palms, beaches, restaurants,
bars and shops.
There are madcap public sculptures by artists such as Frank
Gehry and Roy Lichtenstein, and places like Port Vell with
its Maremagnum commercial complex, and the rejuvenated Barceloneta
residential district, where you can dine on the day's fresh
catch and hearty Spanish paellas.
Alternatively, amble down to Olympic Village and sip a tall,
cool cocktail on a terrace or catch a few rays on the bustling
beach.
Museums
 |
|
Roof
of the Miro Museum
|
Spanish and international art, Catalan history and culture,
Olympic sports, perfume — name the subject and Barcelona
probably has a museum dedicated to it. It’s difficult
to whittle the selection down, but here’s a rundown of
some favourites for art:
Picasso Museum: Housed in a 15th Century palace in
the Gothic Quarter, it has heaps of the master’s work,
including some childhood drawings.
Museum of Contemporary Art: You’ll see works
by Paul Klee, Joan Miró and Antonio Tapies, and experience
one of Richard Meier’s bold works of modern architecture.
Joan Miró Foundation: Set atop Montjuic peak,
the foundation offers a complete experience of art in beautiful
light and airy spaces, while the views over the city will
give you goose bumps.
National Museum of Catalan Art: Romanesque and Gothic
art are complemented by the work of masters such as El Greco
and Velazquez.
Shopping
Okay, it’s not exactly sightseeing, but as followers
of fashion will be the first to tell you, it’s nearly
impossible to take it all in without stopping at a shop or
two (or three) along the way, particularly in Barcelona.
You can’t go wrong if you head to the shops and boutiques
along Passeig de Gracia, the grand avenue in the Eixample
district, and the area around Diagonal, the avenue that cuts
through the top of the city.
You’ll find designer high fashion, funky house wares,
arts and crafts of Catalonia, artistic and playful souvenirs,
and cutting-edge art.
< Home
| Page
3 - The Bites >
|
