Travel Guide Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona:

Funky Fact: The city has 2 official languages.

1. Parc Güell

Built by famed architect Antoni Gaudí for Eusebi Güell. Park Güell was originally intended to be a residential house project with over sixty homes. The project failed to secure investors and only two of the planned homes were built in the park. It opened to the public in 1926 as a private garden use for events and became a tourist destination. The park sits on 45 acres of elaborately designed terraced gardens woven together with wildly mosaic structures.

2. Sagrada Familia Exterior

The exterior of the Church has three main façades. Each face depicts a portion of Jesus life. They tell the story of the nativity, passion and glory. Each section is elaborately carved with references to nature and religion.

3. Sagrada Familia Ceiling

This place deserves its own post and someday I’ll link that here.

Antoni Gaudí is the most famous architect from Spain and his unique style is an unusual combination of floral Art Nouveau, mixed with Catalan Modernism and sprinkled with Late Gothic influences. The interior of the Sangria Famile is a stunning example of his work. The tall pillars are modeled after tree trunks that support a forest canopy. the ceiling is like dappled sunlight streaming through thick branches. Visiting in the late afternoon fills the cathedral with afternoon sun that feel like a kaleidoscope of color filling a room with a 200 foot tall ceiling

4. Placa Reial

This stunning square has a beautiful Mediterranean vibe lines wit palm trees and filled with busker and music in the evening this place come to life.

5. 9 Beaches

Beach life has become a part of life in Barcelona. Each beach has its own unique vibe. Theres youthful Nova Icària, and peaceful Caldetes. Every visitor is sure to find a place to enjoy the day.

6. Casa Mila by Gaudi

An unusual work by Gaudi, Casa Mila was finished in 1912. The ornamental detail on the exterior is derivative of nature and vines. The twisted metal cascades over the balconies of the apartments.

7. Casa Batllo by Gaudi

Redesigned by Gaudi in 1904. This UNESCO World Heritage site is also called the House of Bones because of its skeletal forms. The interior of the house utilizes natural light for ventilation and illumination. Gaudi had great difficulty with the cities building official when seeking approval for the architectural plans.

8. Palau de la Musica Catalana

A stunning Architectural gem by architect Lluís Domènech I Montaner. This Music hall is the only one in the world to receive World Heritage status by UNESCO.

8. Palau de la Musica Catalana

This stunning example of Catalan Art Nouveau incorporates all of the decorative arts by using sculpture, mosaic, stained glass and ironwork to make one stunning masterpiece.

9. Dine

Eating in Spain in an absolute treat. I tried Sesamo which concocts innovative vegetarian and vegan bites. Every dinner in Spain should be paired with a glass of Spanish Red Wine.  Meals in Spain are slow and filled with conversation, take your time when you’re eating. We sat next to some friendly Catalonians who we chatted with all evening.

10. Catalan Modernisme

All over the city keep your eyes peeled for examples of Catalan modernisme. Seen here at the Farmacia Laboratorio. A stunning tile mosaic from 1905 is crowned with a purple iridescent lantern dripping with floral details.

11. Los Caracoles

If your seeming the Unusual your in the right place this restaurant is called Los Caracoles, named for its signature snail dish. It happens to be the second oldest restraint in the city and has the last remaining Charcoal burning Stove.

12. Cafe

The history of Coffee shops in Spain is fascinating and there was even a point where Spain had a great coffee shortage after the Spanish Civil War. It was then that the term torrefacto was born. This process was used to  mask the flavor of poor quality coffee and alter the taste so fewer beans are needed. Doing the process sugar is added during roasting and acts a a glaze around the bean. This resulted in a lacking cup of Joe. Luckily todays cafes have blossomed into an empire of adorable foam topped cups that are a necessary part of the daily routine. Stop in at any cafe and enjoy your morning brew.

13. La Rambla

This famous street connects the heart of the city with the water and is filled with life including street performers and food stalls

14. Dick Waffle

This waffle and cake bakery stand is infamous for selling phalic cake pops shaped like a penis or vagina. You can also customize the flavors with sprinkles, chocolate coating or even tie a few together and order a bouquet penis cake. Located on La Ramblas you’re sure to get a good chuckle with a stop here.

15. Casa Amatller

If you couldn’t tell that Barcelonas history is all in its architecture here is another gem of Catalan modernism. Built in 1898 by Josep Puig Cadafalch for a rebound Chocolatier. It’s a more subtile celebration of the turn of the century. Today it functions as a museum for furniture, photography and artifacts.

16. Hunt for unique doors and knockers

Not all homes can be as elaborately decorated as a Gaudi facade. Some residents express their creativity with unique knocker or unusual doorways. keep your eyes peeled while wondering around the city.