Things to do in Catalunya

I must admit that for as tall as I am, today I felt incredibly small. This temple gives you an overwhelming sensation, one of insignificance in front of such a great masterpiece. This afternoon, we decided to enter after putting the visit off for 3 years since we noticed a few days ago that the constructions has progressed incredibly fast. Entering this place is like crossing the frontier between real life and dreams. The combination of natural light from the windows and the artificial light of the lamps is impossible to describe. The shapes imitating nature, mother nature, the splendor of the land, incredible hidden symbolism. To be honest, impressive, unique, divine, timeless, are not enough to describe the reality of La Sagrada Familia. The best gift we can give is to keep silent, the building leaves us completely flabbergasted. You'll have a stiff next the next day, for all the time you spent looking up. This place ennobles us as human beings, a fine example the wonderful things we can build, and without God's help ;). And suddenly, Haendel's Mesias invades the place. Really, it sent me shivers down my spine! No, I'm not going to talk about my all-time favorite Gaudí, nor about his work, I won't even give historical or architectural facts. My best advice: come, visit the Sagrada Familia and let the light, the magnificence, the warmth, the solemnity of the place invade you. Warning: the entrance fee is 12€, not 8€ as I had seen in the information (but it's worth it).

Güell Park is a great garden with grand architectural elements located in Barcelona. It was designed by Antonio Gaudí, an important Catalan architect and one of the greatest exponents of modernism. Along the whole park, Gaudí's style is displayed. Everywhere you find incredible color mosaics or columns of incredible shapes, all perfectly in line with the gardens around. Walking in the park is really incredible, and it is a great place to have the perfect panoramic view of Barcelona. The only drawback is that to get there I recommend taking a taxi, because the walk there is quite harsh due to the steep hills.

The current Mercado de la Boquería has lived through many phases. We will hereby try to give a faithful description of the facts. The initial origin of this market is not very clear. What we know for sure is that it started as an itinerant market, located in the Rambla de Barcelona, ideal place of the commercialization of goods. It was not the first time it was used as such for there had been some stands of meat and other goods since the beginning of the 12th century. La Rambla gained more importance as a walk; the Market was not convenient and many times they tried to take it off. Remembering that villages and cities in Catalunya have been founded around the markets, we found that it was originally an open air one in front of one of the gates of the old wall (Pla de la Boqueria), where the peddlers and peasants of other villages and farms would settle in order to sell their products. Currently it is of great importance in the culture of Barcelona. It is a meeting point with the goods from other countries like fish, meat, fruit or vegetables... for its cuisine which gives a great mix of gastronomical cultures. One easily gets to eat a lot inside the market during the stops and in the bars. You can't miss it.

Visiting Las Ramblas seems very common and unoriginal but, for many travelers, it is and always will be a wonderful walk. Even after many times, we keep being as fascinated as the first time we saw it. Personally I got to know Barcelona and the Ramblas in 1976. At the time, Spain was Spain and Catalunya was less Catalunya than nowadays. To be honest, as foreigners visiting Barcelona, it is a little bit hard to understand you visit a place with a double personality. Today Barcelona is the heart of Europe, the favorite place for young people who come to live a cosmopolitan experience in an old and noble city. This time I arrived in Barcelona by boat and I was amazed at the new building of the harbor, with hundreds of thousands visitors a year. I must say every time I visit the city it is more beautiful and has a better atmosphere for tourists. Yes, it's true it lost a little bit of this typical spirit you could only feel in Las Ramblas. Everything was unique, you could only see certain things there: the traditional people, the flowers, the painters and artists showing their work, the stands with fruits or other goods form the region, and, of course, the tourists throughly enjoying Spain. Now it is more of an international, open-minded, diverse, original, alternative and funny atmosphere. You can bump into the famous human statues (mimes) representing the creative magic of the young, or groups of support or protests against cause X; art, culture, shops, food; today being a foreigner is the common factor share by most of the passers-by 24 hours a day.

Casa Batllo is one of the most popular places to visit in Barcelona and the graceful curves and decorative wrought iron balconies of its facade have become something of an icon for the city of Barcelona. The palatial home was built by modernist and Catalan native son Antoni Gaudi whose able hands led to the creation of many of the city's other iconic landmarks like the Park Guell or the Sagrada Familia. Casa Batllo was built to echo the forms and colors of the Catalan seashore, a motif easily seen in the spirals of the seashell-esque chandelier in the main salon and the turquoise tiles in the interior patio. Across its four floors and rooftop terrace, visitors are taken through wave-like curved staircases, elegant sitting rooms, and whitewashed arched galleries that recall the Mediterranean fishing villages which dot the coast of Catalonia. However, is it worth it? Taking into account that the entrance fee is around 20€ (much more than the infinitely more spectacular Sagrada Familia) and the only discounts are for documented students and Catalan residents, I'd say this is one sight which travelers should probably skip. Half the charm of Casa Batllo is its exterior and unless you're an architecture connoisseur or Gaudi fanatic, the visit simply isn't worth the price. If you do decide to visit, make sure to take one of the free audio-guides as they really help add historical and artistic context to the home. If you're looking for a souvenir, you can also take a selfie on the home's trademark central balcony but, at 12€ or so for a printed copy, it's a souvenir I decided to skip.

Barceloneta beach is always packed, all year long. With tourists getting a tan with temperatures locals consider freezings, swimming, playing volley ball, tennis. There are some fishermen, musicians, groups of friends having lunch on a terrace, people passing by, jogging, etc. This neighborhood of Barceloneta is an old one in the city of Barcelona, where the sailors who worked in Port Vell used to live, as well as the people who had been expelled from their houses in order to build the Ciutadella park next to the Gothic Quarter. The narrow streets look like an Italian neighborhood, with clothes hanging out the windows, people on the sidewalk watching TV because it is too hot in their house, or because they prefer being there to talk to the neighbors. It looks like it sustains life, independently from the big city 500 meters away. There is a subway station to get there, and various bus lines, to Hospital del Mar or Barceloneta. It is one of the first neighborhoods out of the old part of town and has its own market, various shops and a dynamic life. The beach stands serve beer and sandwiches. There is also a Spar and small supermarkets. It is the ideal beach to arrive at midday and have a picnic after having visited the rest of the city and get to know people to go partying with at night.

"1899 Neix el club que porto al cor, blaugrana són els colors del Fútbol Club Barcelona." The FCB stadium is one of the biggest in the world. It's the biggest in Europe. Hans Gamper, a Swiss sports fan, founded this sporting club that became something "més que un club" (more than a club). It became the meeting point for supporters and defenders of democracy (during the Civil War and Franco's dictatorship). It is the "blaugranas' (Barcelona's" third stadium, inaugurated on September 24th 1957. If you want to know what I am talking about, have a walk on the second floor of the museum. You will find out about the nickname "culé" (meaning "of the FCB"), be dazzled by the three titles won this year or see the model of the project for the remodeling of the exterior by Norman Foster. I worked six months in the museum and in the stadium as a guide and, even though I'm not fanatic about football, I couldn't help being amazed at the colors of the building every morning. Six months of anecdotes I will one day tell my grandchildren. A must-see for the supporters, even though the best is to go to a match and experience the passion first hand.

Located in Cap de Creus National Park, Cadaqués is a small town that is protected and hidden from the rest of Alt Empordà. It has the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the Pení Mountain on the other side. It is a place that started out as a fishing town and it now survives thanks to tourism. Its beaches, its small coves, narrow streets, the old part of town, the “rastell”, the white houses with blue windows…its tranquility, the breeze, the sea…What makes Cadaqués so special? It might be the place itself, or the hotel where you decided to stay in, or the beauty of the Cap de Creus. Sublime and incomparable. Whatever it is, it’s clear that many people have known how to appreciate it. Cadaqués has been the home of many important artists, such as Pablo Picasso, Federico García Lorca, Luis Buñuel, Marcel Duchamp, Josep Pla, Magritte and, of course, Salvador Dalí, among others. They were also captured by Cadaqués. I think no one is able to resist its peace and light. You can have a great day in town. You can stroll on the historic part of town, where each street could belong to an amazing painting. You can visit the church of Santa María de Cadaqués, built in the 16th and 17th centuries. Or you can go into de Cadaqués Museum that offers temporal exhibits related to the town. Other important places: Casa Serinyana, the beach or the Sant Badliri chapel from the 18th century. When you visit Cadaqués, what will make you fall in love with it?

One of the most emblematic and representative neighborhoods of Barcelona is the Barrio Gótico, the Gothic Quarter. This area is very well located and quite accessible from any part of the city. It encompases what one could call the old part of Barcelona, there you have many monuments of great heritage and historical value, from medieval buildings and squares, to real relics of the Roman period. One of the most interesting features is that walking only a few minutes one can see buildings and squares of different time periods. The most outstanding building is the Cathedral of Barcelona, one of the lovely Gothic constructions on a central square. Also, walking in the winding and paved paths you can feel the medieval atmosphere. This sensation can be felt walking to the different squares like Felipe Neri, Plaza Nova or Plaza del Ángel. Apart from the historical richness of this neighborhood, it has recently witnessed an influx of business and consumption and there are now many fashion shops, restaurants, galleries and bars; all this under a Gothic veil after which the neighborhood is called and fundamental to feel and live Barcelona.

The Casa Mila or "La Pedrera" as this great piece of Gaudi's work is also known, is one of the most visited museums after La Sagrada Familia. As you all know, at least those who are regular visitors to Minube, this apartment house was built by Antonio Gaudi for the Mila family between 1905 and 1907. Its wrought iron balconies seem like climbing plants, as Gaudi's works mimics natural forms, due to this they're known for using biomorphism. Now it's mostly offices but the building itself is a museum, you can visit the floor that belonged to Gaudí, the terrace and a museum. Here are a few pictures to look at and enjoy. It opens at 10 am and closing depends on the season.

The spectacular character of the fountain is better observed at night, without a doubt, but at full daylight, with a clear sky, completely blue, we can enjoy the fountain from another perspective, and I think it is at least as beautiful as at night, but you should judge for yourself. On indicated days or during important events in the Montjuïc area, the fountain wears full dress, like the rest of fountains and waterfalls decorating this steep avenue, starting from the upper waterfall, right under the MNAC and finishing with the small fountains along Reina Maria Cristina avenue. A beautiful picture.

I have to admit that I’m huge fan of this place. It’s been open for more than 15 years but the facilities are still in perfect shape. I never miss a chance to go whenever the occasion arises. PortAventura is also home to Costa Caribe, a water park that’s open from mid-May to mid-September. Port Aventura isn’t just focused on little kids; in fact, the majority of the rides require a minimum height. And, you have to do everything possible to go on off-days or during the low season since the lines can be interminable and frustrating during August or on weekends. The park is made up of five different areas: Imperial China, the Wild West, Polynesia, Aztec Mexico, and the Mediterranean. Some of the shows I saw, especially those in China, were absolutely fantastic. The exotic plants in Polynesia are exuberant and the shows in the Wild West were really fun! The rides are pretty good too. The Furius Baco goes over 135hm/h in only 3 seconds. The Dragón Kahn is another favorite. Be advised though: you’re going to get wet on a lot of rides, so bring a poncho or something you don’t mind getting soaked. Throughout the park, there are fast food stalls and more formal restaurants that go along with the theme of the section. Nearby, you can also play golf and there’s a 4-star hotel complex. The Hotel Gold River in the Wild West Section was the best and, since it’s inside the park, you can come and go whenever you want.

It is not the most beautiful square in the city but, with this size, it unites the old and the modern sections of the city. Plaza de Catalunya is a symbol of the city, one of the most famous and the place where half of the city meets up. It is a very easy place to get to, many subway and suburban train arrive there, as well as bus and nitbus (night bus) lines. To go to the airport the Aerobús starts from Plaza Catalunya and there is also a Tibibus going to the Tibidabo attraction park. On Plaza Catalunya there are official monuments, bank headquarters, shops (a huge Corte Inglés, FNAC), etc. In the center of the square people get together and the ice scream parlors are packed. People buy seeds to give to the birds. It is a pity all the fountains are now turned off in order to save water. Football celebrations also take place on Plaza Catalunya, like the nomination for the 1992 Olympic Games and the Diada, the day of Catalunya on September 11th.

Any Saturday or Sunday morning is a party in Besalú. The old capital of Cataluña wakes up early, the beautiful greenish waters have a honey-colored hue to them, as they await your visit. The tourists begin to arrive and end up falling to their knees, exhausted. The town knows that its century-old aura is as strong as a spell. Everyone that visits is cast under the spell, there is no escaping. It’s like you’ve been put under a spell as soon as you get close to the long 11th century Roman bridge. Besalú’s best medieval profile as you come from Fluviá. Once inside the town, the small, intricate, dark streets of the center or Jewish quarters seem like mysterious secrets in the shadows. But then, the sun starts to break through the towers and chases the ghosts off. Full of light, the Sant Vicent Romanesque church glistens, as well as the precious Tallaferro street and the busy Plaza Mayor. It’s worth stopping in a café there for a coffee or a drink, or any of the bars for that matter. Afterwards, head on to visit the Curia Rejal, a singular building with gothic touches, the Miqvé, the surprising subterranean baths, and the Sant Roman palace-house. Besalú is something else. You’ll be sure to find some type of festival, open market, or something special going on during the weekends.

In the lovely Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, one of the most touristic and beautiful places of the city, there is Santa María del Mar church. A building of Catalan Gothic style. It is important to keep this fact in mind, since it will define the characteristics of the works of this style. But, however it is classified, this church of Barcelona "has something". Something that leaves you flabbergasted, impressed that in the heart of the city there can be such a beautiful historical wonder. Solid and robust, the building displays magnificence, from whichever angle you look at it. The appearance from the outside is of rectilinear lines and has a rose window people take pictures of. And this is only the outside. The interior without a stone cross and with three naves is impressive. The truth is that it has many outstanding architectural aspects, but even if one doesn't have a broad knowledge of art, the church will be for sure an astonishing discovery. For sure.

Called Agbar because it belongs to the Aiguas of Barcelona, this tower revolutionized the city's skyline when it was built a few years ago. I had the opportunity to go inside, but the interior visit is usually only for shareholders and friends of employees. It is located in Plaza de les Glories Catalanes, Glories subway station, but you have to move away a little in order to better see the towering structure. It was designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel, and as they explained to us, represents the entire flow of water, since it shoots up like a geyser, red and boiling, until it arrives to the glaciers and freezes, going through the liquid state and blue color. The tower has a very intelligent construction, to use the maximum space but also minimize energy consumption. For example, if you call the lift, you are asked to which floor you want to go and the lift coming will not be the closest one but the one taking people to the same floor or the one with less stops. The heating system has detectors to know where there are people and heating or air conditioning works only in those areas. It is built on water and, since it is so close to the sea, the water poured out when the started to dig. The top of the building is empty and is hired for companies parties. It has an incredible view of the city. At night, it is illuminated with different colors and on special days like new year's eve it is beautiful to see how it changes colors like fireworks.

Near the beautiful neighborhood of El Borne and the Ciudadela park, there is a lovely monument giving the area a historical touch: the Arc de Triomf of Barcelona (Triumphal Arch). A structure built in the framework of the Universal Exposition of 1888, work of the architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas. An entire ornamental bastion you can see from far away, although it is better to come closer to take a few good pictures. It has reminiscences of the brick architecture of Arab origin. Apart from symbolizing the respect of the city towards the participating nations during the exhibition, this arch proudly displays the coat of arms of the city and refers to the forty-nine Spanish provinces. The place is easy to reach by subway, bike, or by foot. It's a long walk starting from the exit of Ciudadela Park. Therefore, I recommend taking a walk in the park and then going to the arch or the opposite side, letting you tick to sights off your list. Another way to get there is through the Paseo de San Joan or Liuís Comanys.

Montjuïc is, together with the Tibidabo, one of the mountains of the city of Barcelona where you can find an old fort (18th century) at 170 meters above sea level. Until recently it housed a military museum, closing soon after 47 years. Part of the pieces will be transferred to Sant Ferrán Castle in Figueres. The building will be adapted as the headquarters of the International Center for Peace. To get there you have different options: walking, subway, funicular, bus, car, bike... But I recommend walking. This mountain has different pathways to climb to the castle and go through a very little known part of Barcelona. The first obligatory stop is the Miramar esplanade, where there is a viewpoint on the harbor. A building that used to house the first offices of TVE (Spanish national television) dominates the area. One can walk in some very beautiful gardens. You also have sculptures like Josep Clarà's La Fertilitat and Pau Gargallo's La Pomona. You'll follow the route in the direction of the viewpoint of the Alcalde where you have a different panoramic view of the harbor of Barcelona. The ground of this viewpoint is a "collage" of ceramics and pieces of bottle glass. A few meters away you will find Montjuïc castle. The main attraction is the beautiful views it has of the city and the harbor. To enjoy them I recommend entering the castle and go up until the terraces.