Magical Barcelona by guest blogger, Sandy Clinton

March 10, 2010

Great Barcelona Architecture
Great Barcelona Architecture

My husband and I often travel in September after our kids are back in college and the mayhem of our summer winds down. In 2009, in celebration of Bob’s 50th,  we decided to visit Barcelona. We spent 6 nights in Barcelona and will definitely return. From the perspective of an architect/landscape architect, which is how I view the world, Barcelona is one of the most magical and aesthetically pleasing cities I’ve visited. Like most of Europe, it is a city for walking and walking we did. There is very good public transportation (buses, subway, taxis), and bikes can be rented easily, but in order to really see the city we walked.

Barcelona Architecture

Barcelona Architecture

Upon arrival we spent a few hours strolling along the famous pedestrian boulevard, La Rambla, where colorful and creative costumed street performers model for money and notoriety, with a backdrop of vendors selling their varied wares. Heading in the direction of the Mediterranean Sea gives you at once an open view to the beautiful expanse of reflective water, and an eyeful of architectural history as you see buildings from the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.

Parks and buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi were a big draw for us so we spent many days visiting Park Guëll - a public park containing amazing structures, sculptures and water features all tiled in mosaics of fantastical designs and patterns; Sagrada Familia – the most impressive structure in all of Barcelona, is the imposing “new” cathedral still under construction after 128 years, but open for touring – be sure to take the audio tour to learn of hidden treasures and meanings; Casa Botella – a private residence designed inside and out with curvilinear windows, arched ceilings, and decorative mosaics throughout; and La Pedrera – an apartment building turned office located on the second major artery called Passeig de Gracia – audio tour a must here, too.

Other architectural gems and museums we visited include Palau de Musica. We  toured the building and saw a show – incredible to be in this beautiful space when it’s alive with sound. I nearly had my camera confiscated as I surreptitiously (I thought) snuck some snapshots of the stained glass ceiling! You’ve never seen anything like it. The Picasso Museum houses the largest collection of his works and is arranged in a timeline. Though I studied his work in college, this was the easiest way to truly see his talent and how it grew and changed over the years. The Barcelona Cathedral was under construction when we visited, though the areas we were allowed to visit were beautiful and gothic in design with exquisite wood carvings and murals on many of the walls and ceilings. If you plan to visit many of the sites I have mentioned you may wish to purchase the Art Ticket at your first stop. It will save you money and you’ll avoid the long ticket and entrance lines.

Spanish Paella

Spanish Paella

If you’re a foodie like me, then visit Mercat de Sant Josep – La Boqueria off La Rambla – the city’s major open air food market. Really a must-see, lovely, but always crowded! And speaking of food, the touristy restaurants serve tapas, tapas, tapas – small dishes of local treats such as goat cheese stuffed figs and dried tomato with melon, along with personal pizzas and tasty vegetable dishes. Potato frittatas are also a favorite, and wash down well with local beer. Tapas 24 was a wonderfully lively restaurant located just off Passeig de Gracia and near both La Pedrera and Casa Botella. The best selections and freshest food we had anywhere, and served to us by a young woman, Marie, who we met in a bar the night before! In addition, and worth the walk, are many restaurants near the water serving the delicious local specialty of seafood - Paella.

Lastly, I highly recommend treating yourself to a morning or afternoon at the Arabic Baths . You will not regret this time of pure relaxation. We had the most magical experience in this spa designed from an ancient aqueduct that runs beneath the city. It was clean, beautiful, pampering and gorgeous. In a grotto-like setting you can have a massage or just soak your weary bodies in cold, warm and hot baths all lit by candle light. Like I said, magical!

Written by guest blogger, Sandy Clinton, my amazing landscape architect and foodie friend. Do check out her portfolio!

Amazing Barcelona Architecture

Amazing Barcelona Architecture

Posted by Hike Bike Travel | Filed Under Guest Post, Hiking, backpacking and walking tips and tours, Miscellaneous travel tips, Spain | Leave a Comment 

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