Gaudi

Traced to its Greek foundations, the word architect comes from archi (chief) and tekton (builder). In the case of Barcelona’s “chief builder” Antoni Gaudí, the derivation seems prosaic. For Gaudí, the word breaks easily into the three trademarks of his architecture: arches, technical brilliance and sureness, this last quality sometimes degenerating into rudeness and arrogance. Like many artists, Gaudí began with more detractors than fans. One critic in the early 1950s described his famous facades as “tortures of the imagination, fetuses in stone, bulbous obscenities.” But today, many hail him as a genius, some are calling on the Pope to make him a saint, and more than two million people come to Barcelona each year to stare at his buildings.

Antoni Gaudí was born in Reus, not far from Barcelona, in 1852 and received his Architectural degree in 1878. From the very beginning his designs were different from those of his contemporaries. Gaudi’s work was greatly influenced by forms of nature and this is reflected by the use of curved construction stones, twisted iron sculptures, and organic-like forms which are traits of Gaudi’s Barcelona architecture. Gaudí also adorned many of his buildings with colored tiles arranged in mosaic patterns. This added another important dimension to his buildings which is so often overlooked by architects – the use of color. The combination of original design, interesting shaped stonework, and vibrant colors in Gaudi’s work give the viewer a truly breathtaking visual experience.

Although Gaudi’s work is the most well-known, there is a lot more to Barcelona’s architecture than just Gaudí and the other modernists. We can say that Barcelona may be shared in two different architecture’s section: a modern one, full of modernist works, made of boulevards and colored buildings and an ancient one, made of very narrow streets crawling through the dark and medieval part of the city. The “Ruta del Modernismo” takes you on an itinerary of 115 of Barcelona’s fascinating modernist architecture sites, shops, street lamps and the like. And not just Gaudí either, with the work of Domènech i Montaner and Puig i Cadafalch also being well-represented.

Old cityscapes

In the Gothic Quarter, the center of the old city, many of the buildings date from medieval times, some from as far back as the Roman settlement of Barcelona. The best known buildings of this district are surely Barcelona’s Cathedral, started in 1298, under King Jaume II, known as ‘the Just’ and Palau Reial Major, another building characterized by the Gothic style. The building, part of the Historical Museum of Barcelona, was the former residence of Catalonia’s royal family. Two rooms stand out amongst the others inside the building: the Saló del Tinell, built by King Pedro el Ceremonioso between 1359 and 1362 and the 14th century Chapel of Santa Agata.

L’Eixample, a large extension designed by Ildefons Cerdà for Barcelona in 1860, is a big area laid out on a grid system which contains almost all of the modernist style buildings of the city, especially in the so-called “Quadrat d’Or“. Between the 19th and 20th centuries Barcelona’s upper class gave great impetus to this artistic movement which would make architects like Gaudí famous and world renowned.

Walking in these districts you will find the most important modernist works Barcelona has to offer. La Pedrera (aka Casa Milá), one of Barcelona’s main Gaudí residential buildings and one of the most imaginative houses in architectural history, defined more as a sculpture than a building. Casa Batlò, another one of Guadi’s Barcelona creations, looks like it has been made from skulls and bones, where the “Skulls” are in fact balconies and the “bones” are supporting pillars. Nevertheless, the building image is not dark and frightening because the designer used colors and shapes found in marine life as inspiration. Gaudi’s best known work in Barcelona is the immense but still unfinished church of the Sagrada Família, which has been under construction since 1882 and is still financed by private donations. As of 2007, completion is planned for 2026.

But as we said, Barcelona is not only Gaudí! Barcelona’s Palau de la Musica Catalana, work of Lluís Domènech i Montaner, has been included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and is known as the most modernist building in the world. One of the most intriguing parts is the impressive sculpture which unites the two facades, celebrating popular Catalan music, but the most extraordinary room is the auditorium on the upper floor with its blue and gold ceiling and large sculptures.

Agbar tower

Just like Gaudi, Jean Nouvel was inspired by Monserrat‘s landscape (Montserrat is situated just outside Barcelona), where the rock formations take on a parabolic shape projecting upwards towards the heavens, to create the Agbar Business Tower: a geyser which emerges powerfully from the earth and points its glass dome skyward. This is architecture adapted to the environment, sensitive to its impact on nature and minimizing environmental contamination. It takes advantage of the surrounding climate and conditions to achieve significant reductions in energy consumption with state of the art technology.

From its imposing 142 meter height, the Agbar Tower has become part of the permanent visual dialogue that flows between Barcelona’s most representative places. An exchange of glances that traces a profile and defines a personality and makes this spectacular modern masterpiece truly Barcelona’s new icon.

In 1999, Barcelona won the RIBA Royal Gold Medal for its architecture, the first time that the winner has been a city, and not an individual architect. It is said that Barcelona’s buildings reflect the city’s soul: a unique mix of genius, solidity, and unrestrained creativity.

MACBA

The building itself is a stunning work of architecture by Richard Meier of the States. The white curves and rectillinear walls combine to create an interesting and beautiful space. The gallery is dedicated to works from the second half of the 20th century. There are only a few pieces that remain in the permanent collection, however there are regularly new temporary exhibitions by exciting and interesting designers and artists.

Plaça dels Angels, 1
08001 Barcelona
Tel +34 93 412 08 10
Fax +34 93 412 46 02

Winter schedule:
25th September – 23rd June
Weekdays: 11 am – 7.30 pm
Saturdays: 10 am – 8 pm
Sundays and Festivals: 10 am – 3 pm
Closed: Thursdays (except festivals), 25th December and 1st January

Summer schedule:
24th June – 24th September
Weekdays: 11 am – 8 pm
Thurs and Fri: 11 am – Midday
Saturdays: 10 am – 8 pm
Sundays and Festivals: 10 am – 3 pm
Closed: Tuesday (except festivals)

Museu d’Història de la Ciutat

If you are interested in learning about the evolution of the city of Barcelona starting from the beginning of the Roman times, passing through the Medieval times, and ending as we see the city today, then this is the place for you. In the museum you can see original parts and roman foundations of the city, and ruins of the city wall that surrounded the city. The museum spans from the ruins of the 18th century palace to other buildings such as the Palacio Real and the magnificent Salón Tinell where you can see great exhibitions. *In Summer there are guided tours available from 10pm til Midnight, ending the night with a glass of cava.

Information y reservations
Tel. 93 256 21 22
Fax. 93 268 04 54
e-mail: reserves-mhcb@bcn.cat

Opening Hours
Monday – Thursday : 10am – 2pm and 4pm – 7pm
Friday: 10am -  2pm

Fundación Antoni Tàpies

Here you will find all the works of the artist Tàpies as they evolved through different time periods. There is also a beautiful library dedicated to Modern and Asian Art. The establishment is located in the building designed by modern architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, where you can see the controversial piece by Tàpies (Núvol i cadira – Nube y Silla). The roof terrace alone makes this place worth a visit.

Aragó 255
08007 Barcelona
(t) +34 934 870 315
(f) +34 934 870 009
www.fundaciotapies.org

Opening Times
Tues – Sun: 10am – 8pm.

Note:

The Fundación Antoni Tàpies will be closed due to renovation works during the first few months of 2008. The renovation, which is being carried out by Ábalos and Herreros Arquitectos, will adapt the building to the new security and evacuation rules and regulations, to meet the requirements of those with reduced mobility. For the same reason, there are plans to remodel the museum, library and reception entrances. The work is funded mainly by the support of the Departments of Economy and Treasury of the Townhall of Barcelona.
The library will remain open to the public by appointment (the amount of time depending on the progress of the work)¨. Appointments can be made by phone or email, Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-8pm.

Museu Picasso

The museum occupies the space inside 5 medieval palaces in the hidden street Calle Montcada in the Borne neighbourhood. The museum has many of Picasso’s early works (1895-1904). Do not forget to visit the place where Picasso met with other artists and intellectuals during the years he spent in Barcelona: a cafe and restaurant which remains in place today, called Els Quatre Gats (C.Montsió, 3 – Barrio Gótico).
Carrer Montcada, 15-23
Teléfono: 93 319 6310
www.museupicasso.bcn.es
Metro: Jaume I

Opening hours
Tuesday – Saturday and Festivals: 10am – 8pm
Sundays: 10am – 3pm

Fundación Joan Miró

The building was designed by Josep Lluís Sert, and inside you will find all the works and developments from different time periods of Miró. A visit to La Fundación is an incredible experience, with stunning light shows, beautiful squares, fantastic views over the city, and temporary exhibitions by other artists.
Av. Miramar, 71 (On Montjuïc “mountain”)
Tel: 93 443 9470
Take the number 50 bus from Pl. Universitat or Plaça de Espanya, or the funicular  cable car from the Metro Parallel.

Opening Times
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 10am -7pm
Thursday: 10am – 9:30pm
Sunday: 10am -2:30pm.

Galería Olímpica

A celebration of the Olympic Games held in Barcelona in 1992, this is one of the few museums in Europe exclusively dedicated to sport and sports statistics. The exhibitions here include photography, sportswear, souveniers and memorabilia, with a strong emphasis on patriotism and pride about the events that brought fame to the city of Barcelona. For the interest of statisticians, civic planners, and sports fans, the gallery provides audiovisual imformation about the construction of the programs which prepared the city for the arrival of millions of people. There are also conference and lecture halls, an auditorium, and archives of video recordings from the games.
Avinguda de l’Estadi, 60
08038 Barcelona
Tel: 93 426 06 60
Fax: 93 426 92 00
Metro: Espanya

Museu Arqueológic de Catalunya

Occupying the ancient Palacio de Artes Gráficas, constructed by the Feria Mundial in 1929, the Museu Arqueológic reflects the grand history of this Mediterranean port-city with its collection of prehistoric monuments and ornaments. The collection includes historic artefacts from the ancient Greeks and Romans, and even from the Cartagine era. Some of the most interesting heirlooms were excavated in the ancient Greco-Roman city of Empúries in Catalunya. Other pieces of the collection come from the Balearic Islands.

Passeig de Santa Madrona 39
Tel: 934 232 149
Metro: Espanya

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

This museum is the main place to see Catalan Art. With massive renovations having been recently completed, the Museo Nacional de Arte de Cataluña is perhaps one of the most important centres of Romanic Art in the world. There are over 100 pieces, including sculptures and screened icons. The best thing in the museum is the collection of murals from various Roman churches. The frescos and murals are displayed in a similar way to how they were found. Each piece is layed in chronological order, taking the spectator on a trip through Roman Art starting from its primitive origins and ending at its more advanced and gothic stage.

Palau Nacional park de Montjuic
Tel: 936 22 03 60
email: mnac@mnac.es
Metro: Espanya

Museu de la Ciéncia (Museo de Ciencia)

The Science Museum of the Fundación de la Caixa is one of Barcelona’s most popular museums, attracting over 500,000 visitors per year. Its modern design and labour has made it one of the most important museums in Spain. Visitors can touch, listen, see and participate in the variety of interactive exhibitions. Weekend activities require reservations.

C/ Teodor Roviralta, 55.
Tel: 93 212 6050
Metro: (FGC) Avda. Tibidabo
www.lacaixa.es/fundacio/cat/equips/museu.htm

Opening Times
Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am to 8:00pm.
Closed on Mondays.

Museo Marítimo

It is impossible to tell the story of Barcelona without including the city’s maritime history. This museum shows many types of navegatory instruments, ship models, and maps which take you on a journey through the Marine History of Catalunya from its origins til the development of the submarine. You can also see the Real de Juan de Austria gallery, and scenes of life at sea with audiovisual effects. The museum is located in the Drassanes Reials of Barcelona. The impressive building is the biggest gothic (13th century) of the world, which may fool you into thinking that you are visiting a grand cathedral rather than a shipyard.
Av. Drassanes, 1 (next to Pl. de Colón).
Tel: 93 342 9920
Metro: Drassanes

Opening Hours:
Every day: 10am – 7pm.

MNAC (Museo de Arte Nacional de Catalunya)

Between the 10th and 13th century, Roman Art flourished in Catalunya. In this museum you can see sculptures, works in gold and silver, figures carved in wood, and paintings from the Escuela Catalana (Catalan school). There are also works from the gothic catalan period, and ancient paintings from the 14th to 18th centuries.

Mirador del Palau, 6 (Palau Nacional of Montjuïc, close to Plaça Espanya)
Tel: 93 622 0360
Metro: Espanya

Opening Times
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 10am – 7pm
Thursday: 10am – 9pm
Sundays and Festivals: 10am – 2:30pm

Museu Frederic Marès

This museum houses a fine collection of religious sculptures dating from as far back as the pre-Roman period right through to the 19th century. There is also a collection of objects from every day life, from between the 15th and 19th century time period. The patio here is the perfect place to have a relaxing break and soak in your views and surroundings, whilst enjoying a refreshing cool drink in the summer and gazing at the beautiful cathedral opposite.

Pl. Sant Iu, 5-6 (Barrio gótico).
Tel: 93 310 5800
Metro: Jaume I

Opening Times
Tuesday – Thursday: 10am – 5pm
Friday and Saturday: 10am – 7pm
Sunday and Festivals: 10am – 3pm

» ARQUEOentrada Barcelona – Ticket passes for 5 museums

Barcelona’s Forum Building was designed by the Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron. It is situated at the beginning of the Avinguda Diagonal in Barcelona and is the principal emblem of the Universal Forum of Cultures held in the year 2004.

At the Parc del Forum there is also a 6,000 sq. meter games area, open every weekend from 11 am to 2:30 pm and from 5:30 pm to 9 pm. Try the giant inflatable games, football goalposts, a new mini-golf, climbing wall, go-karts, construction toys, workshops or take the kids on a children’s train.

You can also visit Mercafòrum, a great market of cultures from around the world, with music, dance, arts and crafts, and gastronomy from different countries, as well as workshops and activities, in more than 2,000 square meters. In Plaça d’Ernest Lluch, everyday from 11 am to 8 pm the swimming area is open.

The Forum Park is now established as one of the major leisure areas in Barcelona thanks to a stable and diversified program which has attracted a whole range of audiences. Relax and enjoy Barcelona’s sunny days at the Forum!

Barcelona’s beaches offer something for everyone, from access for people with disabilities to equipment rentals, to beachside bars and restaurants. Renovated and cleaned up for the 1992 Olympics and Forum 2004, Barcelona now offers a fantastic beach scene in addition to its many other incredible sights.

During the day, Barcelona’s beaches can host hundreds of people taking on many activities such as  swimming, playing sports, surfing or just relaxing in the sun. Most of the beaches in Barcelona have lifeguards and Red Cross stations during the summertime and offer a beautiful place to relax with friends and loved ones in the winter season. At Barcelona’s Port Olimpic you will find an entire beach side strip filled with clubs and music from all over the world, from Aussie bars, to salsa clubs and fullout house dance clubs right on the marina!

There are six different beaches on Barcelona’s section of the Costa Brava:

Playa de Sant Sebastiá is located next to the industrial dock and is the furthest to the left on the map.

Playa de la Barceloneta is Barcelona’s most popular, drawing crowds of both locals and tourists. Along the beach runs a walkway full of Barcelona’s best seafood bars and restaurants that are busy serving beachgoers during the day and then cater to the lounge seekers in the evening. Here, along with almost all of the other sections, people enjoy beach sports such as windsurfing, kayaking, waterskiing and sailing.

Playa de la Nova Icária is close Barcelona’s Port Olympic and also has small bars and restaurants that run along the beach. This beach is not as ideal for families or spending a day on the sand though volley ball is very popular.

Playa del Bogatell is next to the Port Olympic Marina and is less commercial.

Playa de la Mar Bella is also very popular for beach sports and also offers beachside bars and restaurants.

Playa de la Nova Mar Bella is the final beach on Barcelona’s stretch of coast and has good access for people with disabilities.

In the summer months, many of Barcelona’s beach bars and restaurants are open from morning until night. During the day you can sip sangria and munch on tapas, or take advantage of the multiple sea sports. Then as evening comes, get cleaned up in the  showers open to the public and get ready for Barcelona’s lounge scene at night. The Barcelona beaches are where beautiful people from Spain and all over the world just want to dance, drink, swim and have fun!

Now that you’ve decided to come to Barcelona, it’s time to start planning how you’ll spend your days here! It’s important to try and plan ahead as much as possible because there are so many sites to see in Barcelona. From Gaudi to Picasso, the beach to the mountains, Barcelona has it all. Below we have included some of the “must see!” sites and places around Barcelona. Check out some of our Barcelona TOURS pages if you are interested in an organized tour.

Barcelona is laid out in a very organized way and is framed by the Mediterranean to the east and the hills of Montjuïc and Tibidabo on two other sides. Most tourists spend their time in the center of the city, divided by La Rambla – Barcelona’s famous and crazy street leading from Plaza Catalunya to the Mediterranean. Barri Gòtic (Gothic Neighborhood) is off to the right of La Rambla. Plaza Catalunya divides Barcelona’s old town from the more organized grid layout constructed in the 19th century. This grid-like layout of L’Eixample is where you can find most of the Modernist architecture in Barcelona including the Sagrada Família, Gaudi’s unfinished but incredibly impressive cathedral.

Passeig de Gràcia, the “5th Avenue of Barcelona,” runs along center of L’Eixample and intersects with Avenida Diagonal, another main street of the city that separates the Zona Alta from the lower portion of the city.

Montjuïc is another main tourist destination, most of which was constructed for the  1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. The Olympic installations are open to visitors as are the museums, Fundació Joan Miró and Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. From Montjuïc you can have incredible views of the city.
Barcelona Tourist Office

Passes

Barcelona Card
The Barcelona card gives you discounts of up to 50% off at many tourist attractions including museums, entertainment and leisure venues, shops and restaurants, and free public transport. Sites include Museu Picasso, Casa-Museu Gaudí and Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA). You can buy a card for 1 day – €17, 2 days – €20, 3 days – €23, 4 days – €25 or 5 days – €27 at the Barcelona Tourist Office, Plaza Sant Jaume or Central-Sants station.

Articket
This pass gives you half-price admission to Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), Fundació Joan Miró, Fundació Antoni Tàpies, Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB), Centre Cultural Caixa de Catalunya and Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA). You can purchase this card at a box office of the gallery/museum or branches of Caixa Catalunya for €14.

Ruta Modernista
This pass gives you admission to much of the modernist architecture sites around Barcelona. It costs €3.60 and can be purchased from the Centre del Modernisme inside Casa Amatller on Passeig de Gràcia 41, Monday – Saturday from 10am – 7pm and Sundays from 10am – 2pm.

» Classic Barcelona City Tour