Holidays to Barcelona
There has been a port in Barcelona since the Romans settled it in the 2nd century. The industrialisation of the town at the end of the 19th century began its growth into the city those on holidays to Barcelona see today.
At the heart of this lively, modern city is the finest concentrated collection of Gothic style buildings in Europe. The Barri Gotic is a maze of streets and squares that transport visitors back to medieval times.
The Church of Santa Maria del Pi was completed in 1391. It has an octagonal bell tower and beautiful stained glass windows.
At the other end of the architectural spectrum is one of the most original buildings not only in Barcelona but in the world. The Basilica La Sagrada Famillia, designed by Antoni Gaudi was commissioned in 1883. This amazing expression of Art Nouveau is still being constructed some 128 years after the commission and 85 years after the death of its architect. There are other examples of Gaudi’s work around the city including the Park Guell and La Pedrera.
La Rambla is another famous place of interest to travellers on holidays in Barcelona. Five streets laid end to end, La Rambla is a tree-lined boulevard filled with performance artists, markets and cafés. The Gran Teatre del Liceu can also be found on this vibrant and cosmopolitan street.
Pablo Picasso is strongly associated with the city and nowhere more than at the museum that bears his name. The most popular museum in Barcelona, the Museu Picasso is housed in three stone mansions and features many of his great works from his early years. His Blue Period is particularly well represented with canvasses like The Defenceless, showing the skills of one of the world’s greatest artists.
Another artist who has his own exhibition is the modern sculptor Joan Miró. The Fundació Miró was a gift to the city from the Barcelona artist. It features not only Miró but a host of other contemporary artists.
The Montjuic, a hill overlooking the city, is another place of interest to travellers on Barcelona holidays. There are a number of galleries, sculptures and museums here. The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya has an impressive collection of Romanesque art. The hill has a number of fountains, and there are music shows on summer evenings.
Barcelona Football Club has often been seen as the standard bearer for Catalonian nationalism. The rest of the world sees the club as the epitome of the beautiful game. Their stadium, the Camp Nou is one of the most popular places to visit in the city.
Barcelona could well have the same moniker as New York – the city that never sleeps. There is a thriving nightlife across many parts of the city and you will never be short of a bar, club or discotheque to visit.
Barcelona holidays offer something for everyone, whether it is art, architecture, sports or nightlife. You will fall in love with this city and want to return again and again.